Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Manitas – San Francisco
Manitas - San Francisco
Photo from Manitas
Manitas at a glance
San Francisco Panhandle
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#1408 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#98 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
374
Reviews
74.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Pleasant Ambience
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Service Inconsistencies
- Cleanliness Concerns
The cafe Manitas Cafe in San Francisco’s vibrant Panhandle neighborhood offers a truly inviting experience. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
Known for its great beer selection, this trendy spot also provides a wide array of coffee, wine, and delicious small plates, including excellent vegetarian options. From breakfast to dinner, Manitas Cafe has you covered.
Overview: Introducting Manitas
Manitas offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its inviting atmosphere and the quality of its dishes. Many guests find the staff to be quite friendly and efficient, contributing to a comfortable visit.
However, some visitors have noted concerns regarding the perceived value for money, with certain items feeling a bit pricey. There have also been occasional remarks about minor inconsistencies in service, which can sometimes detract from an otherwise enjoyable meal.
Good
7.3
out of 10
374
Reviews
74.9%
Satisfaction
77
negative
17
neutral
280
positive
Manitas achieves a solid overall 7.3 score, reflecting a generally good experience for diners. Customer satisfaction stands at a respectable 74.9%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 374 customer observations, with a clear majority of 280 positive remarks against 77 negative ones. Digging deeper, the Ambience (8) truly shines, creating a welcoming backdrop, while the Food (7.7) consistently earns high marks for its quality.
Service (6) is considered average, often described as friendly but with room for improvement in certain areas. The Value (4) is where opinions diverge most, suggesting it’s a mixed bag for many.
What people like
- Delicious Food Options
- Pleasant Ambience
- Friendly Staff
What people don't like
- Perceived High Prices
- Inconsistent Service
- Cleanliness Concerns
If you’re seeking a spot with a great vibe and reliably good food, Manitas is certainly worth considering. The 7.5 recommendation score suggests it’s a place many would happily revisit, especially for its inviting atmosphere and well-prepared dishes.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep for what you get, and service can occasionally be a touch inconsistent. Go for the pleasant setting and tasty fare, but manage expectations regarding value and occasional service hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Manitas
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.7 score and a 77% customer satisfaction rate, indicating a good experience for many. With 174 positive remarks out of 226 total, diners frequently rave about the generous portions, freshness, and authentic flavors. Dont miss out on their rotating specials menu, which often features standout dishes.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied. Some 38 comments point to issues like disappointing breakfast burritos and chilaquiles that can be soggy or taste like canned sauce. A few guests also felt the portions were small, especially considering the price, and some spicy dishes didnt deliver the expected heat.
Food
226
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
38
negative
14
neutral
174
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Generous portions
- Authentic flavors
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Soggy chilaquiles
- Canned sauce taste
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. It's an incredible gem of the city where everything is thoughtfully prepared and delicious, no matter what you choose from the menu. The black bean and cheese pupusas are a personal favorite.
- breakfast burritoMy experience was great! I had a very filling breakfast burrito and a great iced coffee. It was an ideal combination before a day's biking.
- chilaquilesThe calabazas and chilaquiles are especially good
- portionsAnd the portions are pretty good!
- coffeeGet a coffee and a breakfast burrito
- horchataI had a great breakfast with very chill vibes and friendly people. The horchata was really good, and I appreciated that it was less sweet than I’ve had elsewhere. They offer outdoor seating, heaters for colder weather, and even a bowl of water for dogs, which is a nice touch.
- horchata lattehorchata latte that I thought was really yummy
- huevos rancherosThe huevos rancheros was well balanced
- menuMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. It's an incredible gem of the city where everything is thoughtfully prepared and delicious, no matter what you choose from the menu. The black bean and cheese pupusas are a personal favorite.
- ChilaquilesI'm piling onto the positive reviews because the coffee is great, and the service is always great. I've enjoyed both the Mole and regular "Hella Spicy" Chilaquiles, which I found to have the right balance of zip and flavor, making them the best I've had in years! My friends have also all enjoyed their food.
Frequently criticized
- breakfast burritoMy experience at this restaurant was quite forgettable. I ordered a low quality, small breakfast burrito for $18, and it took over 20 minutes to arrive, even though there were only two other tables occupied. The long wait was likely due to numerous online orders.
- chilaquilesThe pupusas were solid, meeting expectations. However, the chilaquiles were a letdown; they were not made with fresh tortilla chips and quickly became soggy. Additionally, despite being advertised as 'Hella Spicy, ' they lacked the expected heat, barely being spicy at all to my taste.
- foodI visited with my fiance, drawn in by the great reviews. Unfortunately, the food felt like a Taco Bell version of Salvadorean/Mexican food. I was particularly disappointed with their Pupusas.
- salsadismayed to find that there was no salsa included
- FoodFood:2
- Pupusasdisappointed at their Pupusas
- authentic foodDo not come here if you're looking for authentic food
- baconWhile there were squeeze bottles of red salsa available, there were no to-go containers. When I finally made it to my destination and took my first bite, I was shocked to find breakfast sausage links, a tiny amount of avocado, and hardly a trace of bacon. That's right, no chorizo to be found.
- birria tacossettle for 20 dollar birria tacos
- burritothe burrito was basic
If you're seeking fresh, authentic flavors and generous portions, especially from their specials, this spot is generally a good bet. However, be aware that some specific items, like certain breakfast burritos or chilaquiles, might not always live up to expectations.
Service (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% 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 a customer satisfaction of 58.1%, which is squarely in the mixed territory. Many customers rave about the friendly service, with 36 positive remarks highlighting the kind owners, professional staff, and quick service. It sounds like a place where regulars feel right at home!
However, not everyone has had such a smooth experience. With 23 negative comments, some folks encountered issues like an unprofessional attitude from the owner, a lack of acknowledgment from staff, and frustrating waiting times. It appears there's some room for improvement in consistent customer service and employee training.
Service
62
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
23
negative
3
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Kind owners/staff
- Professionalism noted
What people don't like
- Unprofessional attitude
- Lack of acknowledgment
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceIncredibly friendly and very fast service
- staffpatient and gracious the staff was
- ServiceService struck me as friendly but efficient
- everyoneeveryone is really friendly.
- Friendly serviceFriendly service.
- bowl of water for dogsThe horchata was really good, and I appreciated that it was less sweet than I’ve had elsewhere. They offer outdoor seating, heaters for colder weather, and even a bowl of water for dogs, which is a nice touch.
- catering servicesAND, they also cater! They’re professional
- family who runs this placeRarely do I feel the need to review a restaurant, but this place blew me away. The chicken mole plate was so mind-blowing that I had to walk up to the counter and compliment the family who runs this place. A truly exceptional experience!
- localsNeighborhood locals like to go here and everyone is really friendly.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely delightful. The food was delicious, and the owner was so kind to us. I also loved the beautiful mugs and wished I could buy one.
Frequently criticized
- staffThinking it might have been an oversight, I waited in line again, hoping to rectify the situation. To my surprise, the staff informed me that they didn't have any salsa available, even for purchase. This was particularly frustrating, as I had noticed on their Yelp page numerous photos showcasing dishes accompanied by--you guessed it--fresh salsa.
- allergy informationI had an allergy to sesame and tree nuts. ... was told that there wasn’t. ... confirmed both dishes have sesame in the sauce
- bagI've ordered food for pickup two days in a row, and both times the ladies in the kitchen just stared at me until I spoke up. They also don't proactively ask if you need anything, like condiments or a bag. While the food is amazing, the customer service and greetings are horrible.
- basic expectationsAs much as I wanted to enjoy Manitas Cafe, this incident rubbed me the wrong way. It's disappointing when a restaurant fails to meet even the most basic expectations. Also the burrito was basic, and not worth the almost $20 I paid for it.
- condimentsdon’t ask if you need anything I.e. Condiments
- customer acknowledgementI walked in ready to order, but stood at the counter for several minutes while the entire staff just stared and ignored me. Eventually, I just walked out due to nobody acknowledging me as a customer. This was my first and last time here.
- customer serviceI absolutely LOVE the Torta Rica! However, I am very disappointed with the customer service. I've ordered food for pickup two days in a row, and both times the ladies in the kitchen just stared at me until I spoke up.
- embarrassing showmaking placing the item and my cup of water an embarrassing show
- employee trainingThey need to have proper training for their employees.
- greetingsThey also don't proactively ask if you need anything, like condiments or a bag. While the food is amazing, the customer service and greetings are horrible.
If you're looking for a place with potentially warm, friendly service and quick turnaround, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences have been less than stellar, particularly concerning staff attentiveness and owner interactions, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner, scoring a good 8 with an excellent 91.8% customer satisfaction! Many of the 67 positive opinions rave about the dog friendly and outdoor seating options, creating a chill atmosphere with colorful art and decor that feels just right for a relaxed meal. However, out of 73 total comments, a few of the 6 negative remarks did point out some minor issues like flies inside and uncomfortable seats.
There were also mentions of it not the cleanest place and that outdoor spots can get cold sometimes.
Ambience
73
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
67
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Dog-friendly patio
- Chill, vibrant atmosphere
- Ample outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Flies can appear
- Cleanliness concerns
- Uncomfortable seating
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile it wasn't a mind-blowing culinary experience, the overall quality was good. The place itself is nice and relaxing, contributing to a comfortable dining atmosphere. They offer a good variety of food, which is a plus.
- outdoor seatingSome indoor seating and outdoor seating
- dog friendlyvery dog friendly with outdoor sitting
- ambianceservice and ambiance are great
- placeGreat place for a quick lunch
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- DecorDecor is your typical no frills tacqueria with brightly colored throw pillows, paintings of natives doing everyday things, but a nice touch is the counter set up to look like the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Sitting outdoorsMy experience was great, especially with the lavender lattes and Chilaquiles Chicken Mole. Sitting outdoors is usually very nice, but it can get a little cold.
- ambiencebeautiful ambience and interior
- art and decorSmall Latino cafe with 🔥art and decor.
Frequently criticized
- business meetingsNot a suitable place for business meetings
- cleanlinessNot the cleanest place
- coldMy experience was great, especially with the lavender lattes and Chilaquiles Chicken Mole. Sitting outdoors is usually very nice, but it can get a little cold.
- flies insideand flies inside
- pile of platesThere was a pile of plates
- seatsThe seats weren't super comfortable
If youre looking for a relaxed, vibrant spot with great outdoor options and dont mind a few minor imperfections, this place is definitely worth checking out. It's perfect for a casual meet-up, especially if you have a furry friend or prefer dining al fresco.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few guests (3 out of 13 comments) have shared positive experiences, feeling they got a great meal for their money and appreciating the quality and quantity for the pricing. They even noted the overall price felt reasonable. While these positive sentiments exist, the overall score for value is an average 4, and customer satisfaction is quite low at 23.1%, suggesting a mixed bag.
On the flip side, a significant number of diners (10 out of 13 comments) found the value to be a major sticking point. Many felt the food was relatively expensive and pretty pricey for the size, leading some to feel quite disappointed or even robbed. They often expected more for the price, suggesting portions should be larger given the cost.
Value
13
Reviews
23%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great meal value
- Good quality, quantity
What people don't like
- Food is expensive
- Pricey for size
- Feeling robbed
Often praised
- priceTab came to about 20$ including tip
- pricingquality and quantity to be well worth the pricing
- valuegot a great meal for great value
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's disappointing when a restaurant fails to meet even the most basic expectations. Also the burrito was basic, and not worth the almost $20 I paid for it. Despite potentially delicious offerings, I'm hesitant to return given this experience.
- expensivefood is relatively expensive
- feeling robbedwe left the place feeling robbed
- priceyPretty pricey for the size
- valueOnly complaint is the value
If you're really watching your wallet, this spot might not be your best bet, as many found it quite expensive for what you get. While a few found good value, be prepared that the overall experience might feel overpriced for the portion sizes.
How are the prices at Manitas?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Cafe, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average hits 21, most folks (42 out of 79) actually spend a bit less, typically in the $11–$20 range. There’s also a good chunk (30 people) in the $21–$30 bracket, with just a couple of high rollers pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Cafe in San Francisco, a 21 average feels a little on the higher side for just a coffee and a pastry. However, if theyre serving up substantial meals or specialty items, it could be perfectly fair. We’d recommend ensuring the value matches the price, especially since many guests are spending less than the average.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Manitas
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Good Location, Unique Huevos Rancheros
My experience at this restaurant was positive, largely due to its great location. I visited for a quick bite and ordered the Huevos Rancheros. While they have their own unique spin on the dish, which isn't typically my preference, I still found it to be good.
The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated at a 5.
- location9
- Huevos Rancheros6
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Worst Iced Latte Ever
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, particularly regarding the food. I found the iced latte to be the worst I've had in the city, to the point where I honestly think I prefer McDonald's coffee. While the service and atmosphere received a rating of 4, the food quality, rated at 1, significantly impacted my overall experience.
- service4
- atmosphere4
- iced latte1
- food1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Cubano and Friendly Service
My experience at this cafe was fantastic! I had the Cubano sandwich, which was one of the best I've ever tasted, with a pleasant spiciness. The service was incredibly friendly, and I enjoyed dining at the sidewalk tables.
- Cubano sandwich10
- spiciness8
- service9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
7
Decent Food, Relaxing Atmosphere, Worth Another Try
My experience at this restaurant was quite pleasant. The food was decent and edible, with great presentation. While it wasn't a mind-blowing culinary experience, the overall quality was good.
The place itself is nice and relaxing, contributing to a comfortable dining atmosphere. They offer a good variety of food, which is a plus. Given the positive aspects, I will give it another try.
- food6
- presentation8
- variety of food7
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Ignored and Left Without Service
I walked in ready to order, but stood at the counter for several minutes while the entire staff just stared and ignored me. Eventually, I just walked out due to nobody acknowledging me as a customer. This was my first and last time here.
- staff1
- customer acknowledgement1
What Manitas offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What service options are available at Manitas Cafe?
Manitas Cafe offers a variety of convenient service options, including no-contact delivery, takeout, and dine-in. You can also enjoy your meal outdoors with their available outdoor seating, making it a versatile choice for your dining needs.
Is Manitas Cafe suitable for families and what amenities does it offer?
Yes, Manitas Cafe is good for kids and provides high chairs for younger guests. For your convenience, you’ll find a gender-neutral restroom and free Wi-Fi available, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Manitas rate overall?
Manitas holds a 7.3 overall score, indicating a good dining experience. Its Ambience (8) and Food (7.7) are particularly strong, while Service (6) is average and Value (4) could improve.
What do customers enjoy most about Manitas?
Many appreciate the friendly service and the relaxing ambiance , often highlighting the dog friendly outdoor seating. The horchata and chilaquiles are frequently praised for their taste.
Are there any common complaints about Manitas?
Some customers find the price to be high for the portions received, leading to concerns about Value. There have also been occasional remarks about customer acknowledgement and cleanliness .