Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Mr. Pollo – San Francisco
Mr. Pollo - San Francisco
Photo from Mr. Pollo
Mr. Pollo at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 62 of the guests
#194 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#36 Restaurant out of 254 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
616
Reviews
86.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Value
- Food
- Service
Frequently criticized
- Reservations
- Space
- Diet
The restaurant Mr. Pollo in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District offers a casual dining experience perfect for your next meal. You’ll find a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy dinner with table service.
Whether you’re planning a special evening or just looking for a relaxed spot, this San Francisco restaurant provides comfortable seating for you and your companions.
Overview: Introducting Mr. Pollo
Mr. Pollo offers a distinctive dining experience, often described as an intimate affair with a focus on a creative, ever-changing seasonal menu. Guests frequently praise the exceptional value provided by their multi-course offerings, making it a notable spot for those seeking a unique meal without breaking the bank.
However, its popularity means securing a reservation can be a challenge, and the small, often cramped setting might not suit everyone. Despite these minor points, the personal touch from the staff and the innovative dishes generally leave a strong positive impression.
Excellent
8.6
out of 10
616
Reviews
86.9%
Satisfaction
37
negative
44
neutral
535
positive
Mr. Pollo garners an impressive overall score of 8.6, indicating a consistently high-quality experience for most diners. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 86.9%, reflecting that the majority of guests leave pleased.
With 535 positive remarks against only 37 negative ones across 616 total pieces of feedback, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The culinary offerings stand out with an excellent Food score (8.8), highlighting the well-executed and creative dishes.
Guests also appreciate the attentive Service (8.5) and the remarkable Value (9.1) for the multi-course meals. While the Ambience (7.8) is generally good, some find the small, intimate setting a bit restrictive, which is a minor point in an otherwise highly rated establishment.
What people like
- Exceptional meal value
- Innovative seasonal food
- Personalized attentive service
What people don't like
- Difficult reservations
- Very small space
- Limited dietary options
If you appreciate an intimate, chef-driven dining experience with a focus on creative, seasonal dishes and exceptional value, Mr. Pollo is certainly worth considering. The 9.1 recommendation score reflects a strong endorsement for its unique approach to dining.
However, be prepared for a small setting and plan well in advance for reservations. If you’re seeking a lively, spacious venue or have strict dietary needs, it might not be the ideal fit.
For those open to its specific charm, it promises a memorable meal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Mr. Pollo
Food (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners are consistently impressed, with an excellent score of 8.8 and a stellar 92.2% customer satisfaction. Based on 296 positive remarks out of 321 total, guests rave about the innovative 4-course tasting menu, delicious food, and unique Venezuelan flavors, especially the famous arepas. It's a truly creative and high-quality culinary experience.
However, a small number of 10 negative comments noted some minor issues. A few found the dessert too sweet or wished for more bread, while others mentioned challenges with dietary restrictions. Despite these few points, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive.
Food
321
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
10
negative
15
neutral
296
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Innovative tasting menu
- Delicious Venezuelan flavors
- High-quality ingredients
What people don't like
- Dietary restrictions concern
Often praised
- foodIt's a secretest and bestest degustation in San Francisco, run by two guys in a tiny shop. They serve whatever they feel like that night, and whatever it is, it's always good. I wouldn't recommend it if you're a picky eater, but if you're looking for an amazing food trip for $20 a head, this is the place to go!
- menuPollo is less like going to a restaurant and more like being invited into someone’s home—someone who just happens to be a wildly talented chef. What sets this gem apart is its ever-changing, seasonally inspired menu, thoughtfully curated by the chef and owner, who are both as hands-on as they are warm and welcoming. The menu is reinvented regularly, built around what’s fresh, local, and in season.
- tasting menuThe tasting menu ($20, 4 entrees) + an arepa is about the right amount
- arepaThe drinks are conveniently located in a fridge within the small restaurant. They always serve an arepa, a nod to the Peruvian owners who previously ran a shop in the same location. I highly recommend trying it out; it's a gem.
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was a 10/10. The menu rotates, featuring local, seasonal ingredients, and every single dish was perfect. The octopus was a standout, incredibly tender and flavorful – I didn't know octopus could be so good!
- ingredientsAll the ingredients are sourced from local farmers market and made from scratch
- prix fixe menuMy experience at this restaurant was an awesome option for a prix fixe menu dinner at a very acceptable price point. Everything I had here was great, although I wish the portions were slightly larger; they were almost there.
- chickenThe chicken was moist and delicious, and that sauce.
- coursesOnce you arrive, you'll find it's one of the best deals in the city. For $35 plus drinks, you get four courses. The drinks are conveniently located in a fridge within the small restaurant.
- mealMy experience at Mr Pollo was outstanding! Chef Graham and Host Will are a dynamic duo, providing an outstanding meal with outstanding service. The ambience of the restaurant truly adds to the experience.
Frequently criticized
- foodHowever, honestly, the food was not great. A lot of care was put into its preparation, but it was just not tasty.
- Colombian restaurantnot a Colombian restaurant ( fraud )
- acidThe only thing the dish was wanting for was acid
- authentic Colombian Mr. Pollofind the actual authentic Colombian Mr. Pollo restaurant
- breadHe is down to earth and loves what he is doing. My only wish on the food side is to have some bread to accompany the dishes. Regardless, this is a place where you can enjoy the food and feel the care of the staff in his craft.
- dessertI was not a huge fan of our dessert which a bit too sweet
- dietary restrictionsfood allergies, or other dietary restrictions, this place may not be the best choice
- picturesdidn't have anything closed to the pictures posted
- wine optionsWould love to see more options for wine on their list
If you're looking for an innovative and delicious culinary adventure with a fantastic tasting menu, this place is definitely worth trying. Be aware that specific dietary restrictions might require a heads-up, but the food quality and creativity are consistently praised.
Service (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 83.1%. Guests rave about the friendly, attentive staff and owners, often highlighting the impeccable service and personal touch. Many appreciate the friendly service and attentive nature of the team, making for a great experience.
However, a few guests did encounter some hurdles, primarily around the challenge of securing reservations and a single mention of slow service. While only 10 negative remarks were noted among 118 total, the difficulty in booking a table is a consistent point, so planning ahead is definitely key.
Service
118
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
10
negative
10
neutral
98
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Impeccable service
- Owner's personal touch
What people don't like
- Hard to get reservations
- Slow service (rare)
Often praised
- serviceI particularly enjoyed meeting Will and Johnny. Will provided awesome service, and Johnny cooked some awesome food. I loved the beet and goat cheese appetizer, and the main course of the tuna and corn was also a hit.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was incredibly intimate, thanks to the excellent food and the attentive and friendly staff. The overall experience was truly special, and it offered great value for the quality.
- ownersThe owners, John and Will are encredibly cool and humble guys.
- chefWe were fortunate to sit at the bar and watched all the food being made. I enjoyed talking to the chef about his different restaurant experiences. The meal started off with clams in the broth and a slice of bread that was just out of the oven and piping hot; we watched him slice it as steam came off.
- hospitalityThe dishes were definitely well executed with care and consideration. What I enjoyed the most was the hospitality of the chef Graham. He personally handled my call to arrange a dish for my friend with a shellfish allergy.
- reservationThey offer a four-course fixed menu for $30-40. I'd recommend making a reservation a week in advance since it's usually booked.
- reservationsreservations available through Resy
- ServiceThe four-course prix fixe menu was solid, and the price was incredibly reasonable. Service was friendly, and I’m excited to go back and try new things.
- experiencea great experience
- guys running the placethe guys running the place are fantastic
Frequently criticized
- reservationhad to book a reservation ~1 month in advance
- cashI heard about the arepas here and just had to try them. Upon arriving, I noticed the place is quite small and they don't accept cash. With only four tables, I definitely wouldn't recommend it for groups larger than four.
- getting intoI highly recommend the pre-fix menu; you absolutely won't regret it. Service: While the service is efficient with a small staff, it's advisable to visit on a 'slow night' early in the week, as it can be pretty crazy to get into any other day.
- name onlineIt has been a year since we tried to find the actual authentic Colombian Mr. Pollo restaurant in Daly City, and they still haven’t changed the name online. The people here seem incompetent and lazy.
- people hereIncompetent lazy people here
- reservationsIt's hard to get reservations here
- slow serviceand slow
- wait to get seatedskip the wait to get seated
If youre looking for a truly personal and attentive dining experience, this place delivers in spades. Just be sure to plan well in advance, as securing a reservation can be quite the challenge, but its often worth the effort for the friendly service.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 69% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a solid 7.8, and customers are quite pleased, with satisfaction at 71.2%. Many of the 84 positive comments praise the intimate atmosphere, calling it a hidden gem and a cozy place with great vibes. Guests love the small, welcoming setting, often enjoying the open kitchen and the special, personal feel.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed, with 16 negative comments noting some downsides. Terms like cramped, place very hot, and black curtains pop up, suggesting that while intimate, the small size can sometimes feel a bit tight. Some also found the decor choices, like the small dinky place feel, less appealing.
Ambience
118
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
16
negative
18
neutral
84
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate, cozy atmosphere
- Hidden gem experience
- Engaging open kitchen
What people don't like
- Can feel cramped
- Temperature issues
- Unappealing decor
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was incredible! From the moment I walked in, I was captivated by the super cozy and intimate atmosphere. Every dish was not only beautifully presented but also incredibly flavorful.
- experienceThe food was delicious, and it felt like eating in my own kitchen. The two guys running the place work seamlessly: one cooks and the other manages the floor, creating a truly great experience. So much fun.
- hidden gemSuch a hidden gem, this place is amazing
- dining experienceMy experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. The cuisine was fantastic, and the intimate dining experience made every table feel like a chef's table, with each plate being a true expression of culinary art. They offer a good selection of wine, beer, and sake.
- placeMy experience at Mr Pollo was intimate and more casual than I was expecting, but extremely well-done. The whole place only seats ten or twelve, and the two (!) Mr Pollo employees are lovely to chat with.
- vibeThe food, service and vibe of chef and server well make up for it
- vibesservice, vibes; very intimate
- ambiencethe ambience of the restaurant adds to the experience
- kitchenthe kitchen is right there so you can see the chef work
- settingsuper intimate setting can't be beat
Frequently criticized
- 12 seatsFor those with a hearty appetite, I'd recommend adding an arepa to your order, though be aware they take about 15-20 minutes to prepare. To avoid a wait, it's best to go early and on a weekday, as the restaurant only has 12 seats and fills up quickly.
- ambiancethe ambiance of the place doesn't suit Latinos
- black curtainsthe black curtains are so ugly
- conversationsridiculously open conversations
- crampedBut cramped
- decorationneed a new decoration
- four tablesThere are only four tables
- new decorationthe new decoration is really bad
- placeThe place is a bit cramped
- place very hotwhich made the place very hot, nearly too hot!
If you're seeking a unique, intimate, and cozy dining experience, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for a very small space, which some find charmingly personal and others might find a bit cramped or warm.
Value (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 43% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 96.6%, guests are consistently thrilled. Many rave about the great value and ridiculously affordable prix fixe and tasting menus, calling it a bang-for-your-buck dining experience.
Out of 59 comments, a whopping 57 highlight the incredible affordability. However, its worth noting that one minor point came up regarding the BYOB policy. While some appreciated the past no corkage option, a single comment mentioned that its not BYOB anymore.
This is a very small point amidst the overwhelmingly positive feedback on pricing and overall affordability.
Value
59
Reviews
96%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional overall value
- Affordable tasting menus
- Drinks are reasonable
What people don't like
- No BYOB option
Often praised
- priceThe kitchen is right there, allowing you to see the chef at work, which adds to the experience. The four-course prix fixe menu was solid, and the price was incredibly reasonable. Service was friendly, and I’m excited to go back and try new things.
- valuefor $40 per person it's excellent value
- dealTo make a reservation, you need to text the number listed on their Google or Facebook page. Once you arrive, you'll find it's one of the best deals in the city. For $35 plus drinks, you get four courses.
- great valuePollo is back and good as ever. I had an amazing food experience for a great value. The service was impeccable, and there were just plain good vibes all around.
- price pointMy experience at this restaurant was an awesome option for a prix fixe menu dinner at a very acceptable price point. Everything I had here was great, although I wish the portions were slightly larger; they were almost there.
- pricesalso as amazing prices.
- $20all for $20
- $20 (cash)4 (small) course menu for $20 (cash)
- 4 courses for $304 courses for $30
- 4-course mealYou really can't go wrong here with a 4-course meal at $25
Frequently criticized
- BYOBits not BYOB anymore
If youre looking for an incredible dining experience that wont break the bank, this restaurant is an absolute must-try. Guests consistently praise its exceptional affordability and fantastic deals, making it a top choice for value-conscious diners.
How are the prices at Mr. Pollo?
You’re looking at roughly 48 per person – reported by 62 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 48, the pricing shows a good spread; many guests spend in the $31–$40 range, but a significant number also choose more premium options, pulling the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 62 reviews.
A comparison of this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering it’s a Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, allowing for both more casual and slightly more indulgent dining experiences.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Mr. Pollo
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Perfect Cozy Comfort Food Experience
Mr. Pollo offers a small, intimate, cozy dining experience. The food is proper comfort food. Every table has a view of the chef's kitchen, and the small space makes everyone engaged.
It was exactly perfect as it was. The food impressed me; I thought I knew what I was getting based on the ingredients, but the flavor would be quite different from what I was expecting, and that was so fun.
- dining experience10
- comfort food10
- small space9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Incredible Food and Atmosphere!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely incredible. The food was outstanding, and the atmosphere was equally impressive. I wholeheartedly give it a 10/10 recommendation.
I almost wanted to keep this gem a secret, but it's too good not to share.
- food10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Great Vibe, Service, But Food Lacks Taste
My experience at this restaurant was marked by a great vibe and super friendly service. However, honestly, the food was not great. A lot of care was put into its preparation, but it was just not tasty.
- vibe9
- service9
- food3
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Hidden Gem with Immaculate Vibes
What an experience! This place is a true hidden gem. The food was absolutely amazing, featuring top-tier ingredients and perfectly balanced flavors.
Beyond the incredible food, the atmosphere was immaculate, creating a wonderful dining environment. It's a place where the vibes are immaculate.
- food10
- flavors10
- vibes10
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Exceptional Food and Warm Hospitality
My experience at this restaurant was a small, intimate dining experience. I was impressed by how the food is getting better and better with every dish we tried. A highlight was not having to think about choices; I could simply enjoy the food in front of me.
The dishes were definitely well executed with care and consideration. What I enjoyed the most was the hospitality of the chef Graham. He personally handled my call to arrange a dish for my friend with a shellfish allergy.
Post-meal, he was gracious, not rushing us out, and engaged in conversation about Thailand, our cravings for good bakery, and his culinary approach. He is down to earth and loves what he is doing. My only wish on the food side is to have some bread to accompany the dishes.
Regardless, this is a place where you can enjoy the food and feel the care of the staff in his craft. I will definitely return for more, echoing that critic from Ratatouille, 'Surprise me! '
- food9
- food execution9
- chef Graham10
- bread4
What Mr. Pollo offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Wine
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Mr. Pollo in San Francisco?
Yes, reservations are required to dine at Mr. Pollo. It is highly recommended to make dinner reservations in advance to secure your table and ensure a smooth dining experience in the Mission District.
What service options and accessibility features does Mr. Pollo offer?
Mr. Pollo provides convenient dine-in, takeout, and delivery service options. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.
How does Mr. Pollo generally perform?
Mr. Pollo achieves an excellent overall score of **8.6**. Its **Food** (8.8) and **Value** (9.1) are particularly strong, complemented by good **Service** (8.5) and a pleasant **Ambience** (7.8).
Is it difficult to get a reservation at Mr. Pollo?
Yes, many guests note that securing a reservation can be challenging and often requires booking well in advance due to the restaurant’s popularity and small size.
What kind of dining experience can I expect at Mr. Pollo?
Expect a very intimate and cozy dining experience, often described as feeling like a chef’s table. The space is small, with an open kitchen, offering a personal and engaging atmosphere.