Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » La Playa – San Francisco
La Playa - San Francisco
Photo from La Playa
La Playa at a glance
San Francisco Sunset District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 31 of the guests
#2219 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#126 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Average
5.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
334
Reviews
50.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Friendly service
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Pricing concerns
- Service lapses
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery in San Francisco’s lively Sunset District, invites you to experience authentic flavors. At La Playa, you’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite, whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or even breakfast.
This spot offers a taste of Mexico right in your neighborhood, making it an ideal choice for delicious and convenient dining.
Overview: Introducting La Playa
La Playa offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating its food, particularly the tacos and burritos, and the generally friendly service. The atmosphere is often noted for being clean and pleasant, contributing to a comfortable dining setting.
However, some visitors have found the food to be inconsistent or bland, and there are recurring concerns about price and additional charges. While service can be fast, there are instances of less positive interactions, suggesting a varied customer journey.
Average
5.7
out of 10
334
Reviews
50.9%
Satisfaction
132
negative
32
neutral
170
positive
La Playa holds an overall score of 5.7, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 50.9%. This indicates that while many patrons have a decent experience, a significant portion leaves feeling less than satisfied.
These insights are drawn from 334 customer opinions, with 170 positive remarks against 132 negative ones. Looking closer at the specifics, Ambience (6.7) stands out as a strong point, often described as clean and comfortable.
Service (6) also performs reasonably well, frequently noted for its speed and friendliness. However, Food (5.6), despite being a primary draw, receives an average score, reflecting varied opinions on taste and quality.
Value (5.1) is the lowest-scoring aspect, with many expressing concerns over pricing and additional fees.
What people like
- Delicious tacos, burritos
- Fast, friendly service
- Clean, pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Pricing and surcharges
- Occasional service issues
With a recommendation score of 6.1, La Playa presents itself as a place with potential, particularly if you’re seeking a quick and casual meal. It might be worth a visit for its well-regarded tacos and burritos, and the generally pleasant environment.
However, it’s wise to manage expectations regarding overall consistency in food quality and be aware of potential pricing concerns. If you prioritize a clean setting and fast service for specific menu items, it could be a suitable choice, but prepare for a potentially mixed experience.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Mexican Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
689
97.5%
- $$
- Bernal Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
292
90.8%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
306
93.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
68
98.5%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
99
90.9%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
115
84.3%
- $$
- South of Market
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on La Playa
Food (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many customers have found some real gems! With 108 positive comments out of 219 total, folks often rave about delicious items like the super burrito, carne asada, and fish tacos. The horchata also gets a special shout-out for being exceptionally good, contributing to a generally pleasant dining experience.
However, the food experience isnt always consistent, leading to a 49.3% customer satisfaction and an average score of 5.6. Some of the 91 negative remarks point to issues like small portions, gristle/fatty meat, and a frustrating zero flavor' in certain dishes, suggesting a mixed bag for culinary quality.
Food
219
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
91
negative
20
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious Burritos
- Incredible Fish Tacos
- Amazing Horchata
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Skimpy Portions
- Poor Ingredient Quality
Often praised
- foodthe food is always as requested
- burritoMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a good place for a burrito in the outer sunset. I always receive fast service, and the food is pretty good.
- fish tacoshands down my favorite place to get fish tacos
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive, offering what I believe to be the best Mexican food in the area. I particularly enjoyed the outstanding shrimp burritos and the chicken quesadilla.
- burritosThe service was quick and friendly. I enjoyed the big and tasty burritos. It's definitely worth visiting if you're looking for a quick bite.
- nachosBig cheesy plate of nachos are a good deal
- FoodFood:5
- chips and salsathe chips and salsa are really well made
- egg burritosegg burritos that are all lovely and Super tasty
- tacosMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best and most delicious tacos in San Francisco 👌. The atmosphere was very good, with very clean facilities and very friendly staff!
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was nothing to write home about
- meatmeat had a strange texture and tasted bad
- burritosburrito that was lettuce, sour cream, beans and pico de gallo all of which had zero flavor
- chipsno chips or salsa or even hot sauce
- super burritoMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I ordered the super burrito and found it to be the worst super burrito ever. There was barely any Carne asada, avocado, and sour cream.
- Mexican foodlooking for fresh authentic Mexican food
- Super Veggie BurritoSuper Veggie Burritos to go. The menu stated they contained rice, beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, lettuce and salsa.
- avocadono avocado nor guacamole despite paying $2.50 extra
- carne asadaThe taste of the carne asada was a bit salty for me
- food qualityFood quality has been getting worse.
If youre looking for a quick bite, the food here can be a hit or miss. While some dishes like the burritos and fish tacos are highly praised, be aware that consistency and portion sizes might vary. Its worth a try for specific items, but manage your expectations for a uniformly great meal.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6 with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 58.3%. Many customers rave about the friendly and welcoming staff, often highlighting their speed and efficiency. With 42 positive remarks out of 72 total comments, its clear that many appreciate the quick service and the polite, hardworking team.
However, there are definitely areas for improvement, as indicated by 26 negative comments. Some experiences point to issues with customer service, including staff with a bad attitude, inconsistent order preparation, and long waiting times. There have also been mentions of wrong orders and difficulties with phone availability, suggesting that while the service can be great, its not always reliable.
Service
72
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
26
negative
4
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Efficient team
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Inconsistent service
- Order errors
Often praised
- serviceThe burritos are well wrapped and not soggy, with a nicely toasted tortilla. The service was quick and very friendly. I'm definitely coming back.
- staffMy experience at this taqueria was surprisingly great. The staff were very friendly and incredibly fast. I was impressed by how quickly the guys at the taqueria worked.
- ServiceService is fast
- peoplethe people friendly
- Quick serviceQuick service
- RUN A BUSINESShow you RUN A BUSINESS
- acknowledgementAt Gordo's Taqueria on Clement, customers are acknowledged and politely asked what they would like. The burrito tastes good.
- convenientmakes it convenient
- employeesthe employees nice.
- fast madeIts fast made
Frequently criticized
- customer servicethe customer service was terrible
- staffI feel like I have to inspect what's inside the box each time I pick up an order. I am sorry to write this because you are nice people, but some of your staff need a little training. We experienced missing items and incredibly small portions.
- add salsatried to charge me a dollar to add salsa
- bad attitudeThe staff had a bad attitude
- bad experienceit was a bad experience
- closing hoursclos half an hour early
- custom ordersdon't do custom orders
- female employeepoint of contact with the female employee
- greetingyou might not be greeted well
- guys working at kitchenguys working at kitchen never open business
If youre looking for a quick bite and generally friendly faces, youll likely be pleased. Just be aware that service can be a bit inconsistent, so be prepared for potential minor hiccups with your order or a less-than-stellar interaction on occasion.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 6.7, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 58.8%. Many guests appreciate the overall atmosphere, often describing it as having a cozy, family-owned restaurant feel. You'll find the facilities are often praised for their cleanliness, and parking is reportedly super easy.
The amazing black and white photographs of Mexico also add a unique touch. However, not everyone has had a perfect experience, as reflected in the 58.8% customer satisfaction. Some visitors have noted issues with the AC blowing cold on chilly days, and a few found the seating uncomfortable.
There were also conflicting reports about the cleanliness of the place, with one opinion mentioning it was pretty dirty, which stands out among the 17 opinions, including 10 positive remarks.
Ambience
17
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
3
negative
4
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Clean facilities
- Easy parking
What people don't like
- Cold AC
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereI had the best and most delicious tacos in San Francisco 👌. The atmosphere was very good, with very clean facilities and very friendly staff! I recommend it 100% 💯.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- RestaurantResturaunt is a A+
- cleanlinessoverall decent cleanliness
- facilitiesI had the best and most delicious tacos in San Francisco 👌. The atmosphere was very good, with very clean facilities and very friendly staff! I recommend it 100% 💯.
- family owned restaurantfeels like a family owned restaurant
- parkingParking is super easy
- photographs of MexicoI enjoyed the great food for a good price. The atmosphere was enhanced by the amazing black and white photographs of Mexico in the 50's and 60's, which looked like they were by "Randolph".
- placethe place is super clean
Frequently criticized
- ACthe AC was blowing cold on a cold day
- placethe place was pretty dirty
- seatingUncomfortable seating
If a pleasant, clean atmosphere with easy parking and a touch of cultural decor sounds appealing, you'll likely enjoy your visit. Just be aware that some comfort aspects, like the AC or seating, might be a bit hit-or-miss, so manage your expectations there.
Value (5.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed picture, with a score of 5.1 placing it squarely in the average range. Many customers appreciate the reasonable price and good value for certain dishes, often finding them cheaper than competitors. Its also a big plus that they now accept cards again, making transactions smoother.
This positive sentiment is reflected in 10 positive opinions out of 26 total. However, customer satisfaction for value is quite low at 38.5%, indicating a poor experience for many. Concerns about rising food prices and the overall value for money are common.
The credit cards surcharge and fee for all credit card transactions are definite pain points, making the final bill feel higher than expected. These issues are highlighted in 12 negative opinions, suggesting there's room for improvement.
Value
26
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
- Accepts cards now
What people don't like
- Credit card surcharge
- Rising food prices
- Poor value perception
Often praised
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed the great food for a good price. The atmosphere was enhanced by the amazing black and white photographs of Mexico in the 50's and 60's, which looked like they were by "Randolph".
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I was impressed by the great menu selection and great prices. I tried the mahi mahi and the Baja fish tacos, and both were incredible.
- cardsnow they take cards again
- valueThe value for these can't be beat anywhere else
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food was nothing to write home about; it was very bland tasting and not hot all the way through. To make matters worse, it was not worth the price.
- $17.50paying $17.50 (ridiculous!!!)
- $80 for 4 people$80 for 4 people, food was subpar
- charge me a dollartried to charge me a dollar to add salsa
- credit cards surchargeCredit cards are subject to a surcharge
- fee for all credit card transactionshave a fee for all credit card transactions which is very silly
- food pricesfood prices went up so you can expect to get a super burrito now for over $10
- paying $2.50 extracharging me $2.50 extra for when other taquerias will just change without a fee
- value for moneyToo pricey for what is
If you're looking for a good deal, you might find some reasonable prices here, especially if you pay with cash. However, be prepared for potential credit card surcharges and some customers feel the overall value for money has declined, so choose wisely to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at La Playa?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 31 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners are comfortably spending in this $11–$20 range, showing a pretty consistent mid-range experience rather than a mix of super cheap and high-end dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 31 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican restaurant offering a solid mid-range experience. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Playa
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Fajitas, Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The fajita platter was a highlight, featuring a generous amount of chicken, which was appreciated. The accompanying sauce was tasty and had just the right amount of spice.
I would definitely go here again.
- fajita platter9
- chicken9
- sauce8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Excellent Chile Relleno Burrito!
My experience was centered around the Chile relleno burrito with pinto beans, which I found to be excellent. I highly recommend it. I enjoyed it while sitting on a log at the beach.
Unfortunately, the log stained my pants, but the burrito itself was a 5-star performer.
- Chile relleno burrito10
- pinto beans10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Disappointing Burrito Experience
There was a time that the burritos here were consistently well flavored and filling. I moved away and came back and every time I go it’s a gamble. There are times where it’s flavorful, but last night I was so disappointed I had to write in and say something.
I ordered a super veggie with avocado instead of guacamole - which they charged me $2. 50 extra for when other taquerias will just change without a fee as I’m not requesting anything extra. I came home after paying $17.
50 (ridiculous!) to bite into a burrito that was lettuce, sour cream, beans and pico de gallo, all of which had zero flavor. There was no cheese, no avocado nor guacamole despite paying $2. 50 extra.
The women working there are always so nice and friendly, I don’t understand what happened over the last few years but I can’t justify paying for food that lacks flavor and paying extra for ingredients I don’t even receive. Guess EBX is the sunset go to for burritos from now on.
- women working there8
- burritos2
- avocado2
- zero flavor1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Takeout
3
Inconsistent Orders and Small Portions
What has happened to you? We come here often (at least once a week), but the last 3 or 4 times our orders have been incomplete or incredibly small. Last Friday, an entire platter was missing, and there was no shrimp in my shrimp tacos, even after the checkout girl read the order back to us!
Last night, my chicken taco had maybe one tablespoon of chicken, and my friend got a tiny bit of fish in his fish taco. By the time I get home and take a bite, I'm not in the mood to go back and start all over. I feel like I have to inspect what's inside the box each time I pick up an order.
I am sorry to write this because you are nice people, but some of your staff need a little training. We experienced missing items and incredibly small portions.
- orders2
- missing items1
- small portions2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Couple
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Awful Burrito Experience
My friend and I visited this restaurant a few days ago and ordered burritos. Unfortunately, our experience was very disappointing. The burritos tasted awful and were constructed very poorly.
The flavors were all off, and the way the toppings were layered made no sense, which detracted from the experience of an already terrible burrito.
- burritos1
- burritos construction1
- flavors1
What La Playa offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and service options does La Playa Taqueria provide?
La Playa Taqueria provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. You can enjoy your meal through dine-in service, convenient takeout, or delivery right to your door. These flexible service options ensure you can enjoy their Mexican cuisine however you prefer.
Is La Playa Taqueria accessible for all guests and suitable for families?
Absolutely, La Playa Taqueria is wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a welcoming and convenient spot for families to enjoy a delicious Mexican meal together. You’ll find it accommodating.
How does La Playa rate overall, and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
La Playa has an overall score of 5.7, indicating an average experience. Its Ambience (6.7) and Service (6) are generally well-regarded, while Food (5.6) receives mixed reviews, and Value (5.1) is often a point of concern due to pricing.
What can I expect from the food at La Playa?
Many customers enjoy the tacos and burritos, with some calling them delicious. However, opinions vary, and some find the food to be bland, inconsistent, or lacking in certain ingredients, particularly in dishes like the super burrito.
Is La Playa considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are divided. While some find the prices reasonable for the quality, others express concerns about the cost, noting price increases and additional surcharges for credit card transactions or extra salsa.