Highlights
- Live music
- Live performances
oChef » Radio Habana Social Club – San Francisco
Radio Habana Social Club - San Francisco
Photo from Radio Habana Social Club
Radio Habana Social Club at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- ☕ Café
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 14 of the guests
#508 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#49 Café out of 162 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
261
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Unique atmosphere
- Friendly staff
- Delicious sangria
Frequently criticized
- Mediocre food
- Limited space
- Long waits
The cafe Radio Habana Social Club in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District invites you to step into a world where live music fills the air. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for an evening out, offering a unique blend of live performances and a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s a place where you can unwind and enjoy the local scene.
Overview: Introducting Radio Habana Social Club
Radio Habana Social Club offers a distinct experience, often praised for its vibrant atmosphere and unique decor. Guests frequently enjoy the live music and the overall artistic vibe.
While the setting is a clear draw, some find the space a bit constrained, particularly with small tables. The friendly staff, especially the owner, contributes positively to the visit, making many feel welcome.
However, the food receives mixed feedback; while some appreciate the simple Cuban fare and delicious sangria, others find certain dishes underwhelming or note longer waiting times.
Excellent
8.1
out of 10
261
Reviews
84.3%
Satisfaction
22
negative
19
neutral
220
positive
Radio Habana Social Club generally leaves a positive impression, reflected in its solid Restaurant Score of 8.1 and a strong Customer Satisfaction of 84.3%. This indicates that most visitors have a good experience.
The Ambience (8.3) stands out as a particular strength, often setting the stage for an enjoyable visit. Service (8.2) also performs well, suggesting a generally attentive and welcoming team.
The Food (7.8), while not reaching the same heights as the atmosphere or service, still holds its own, though some dishes receive less enthusiastic feedback. Value (7.3) is considered fair, offering an affordable option for many.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 261 customer opinions, with 220 positive remarks outweighing 22 negative ones, providing a credible overview of the establishment.
What people like
- Unique Atmosphere
- Friendly Staff
- Delicious Sangria
What people don't like
- Mediocre Food Quality
- Limited Seating Space
- Extended Waiting Times
With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.2, Radio Habana Social Club is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize a distinctive and lively setting. It’s a place that excels in creating a memorable atmosphere, often supported by genuinely friendly service.
If you’re seeking a unique social experience with good drinks and don’t mind potentially inconsistent food or a cozy, sometimes cramped, environment, this spot could be a good fit. However, those focused solely on culinary excellence might find it a mixed bag.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Radio Habana Social Club
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre looking at a pretty solid experience! With a strong score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a good 82.4%, many diners rave about the "delicious menu, " "Sangria, " and "authentic Cuban cuisine. " Out of 85 total comments, 70 were positive, highlighting "homemade food" and "great food" that often hits a "home run.
" However, its not all perfect, as 9 opinions expressed some disappointment. Some found the food mediocre at best, with mentions of reheated frozen food and a lack of culinary skills. Specific items like a dry empanada also drew criticism, suggesting some dishes might not live up to expectations.
Food
85
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
9
negative
6
neutral
70
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious menu
- Excellent Sangria
- Authentic Cuban food
What people don't like
- Mediocre food quality
- Lacking culinary skills
- Dry empanadas
Often praised
- foodThe sangria was delicious, so much so that we ended up splitting three pitchers among three people after an unexpected spill from another table. The food was simple but tasty; my favorite main was the meatballs and my favorite starter was the jambalaya. However, the empanada was very dry and not as pastry-like as I'm accustomed to.
- sangriaThe menu is limited, but this also means that it's not very busy. They are famous for their delicious sangria.
- SangriaSangria seems to be the most popular drink here
- Cuban fareThe atmosphere was filled with odd chotchkies adorning every surface. The food offered was simple yet tasty Cuban fare, primarily consisting of plain rice, black beans, a lettuce salad, and some kind of meat stew. For vegetarians, they also provided samosas as an option.
- Cuban foodComida típica cubana very well-presented, and gostosa
- FoodFood:5
- TamalesRecommended dishes:Tamales
- authentic Cuban cuisineAuthentic Cuban cuisine
- beerstop by one time for a beer
- cup of teaThis is a really interesting place. At the very least, you should stop by one time for a cup of tea or beer!
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food however was mediocre at best and that's me being generous.
- Cuban dishOn top of that, there was a constant group of drunk people disrespecting all the women. To make matters worse, they never served me a single Cuban dish! They clearly have no culinary skills.
- Cuban foodHowever, the food was mediocre at best, and I'm being generous. I've had Cuban food at other restaurants that were light years better than what I was served here. I genuinely wanted to like this place, but the food just wasn't any good.
- House winePerhaps the worst house wine I've ever had
- culinary skillsNo saben de artes culinarias
- empanadaThe empanada was very dry
- reheated frozen foodVenden comida recalentada congelada q asco
If you're looking for a spot with generally good food and excellent Sangria, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that while many find it delicious and authentic, a few experiences suggest some dishes might be hit-or-miss.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
Service here generally shines, with a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 78%. Many of the 32 positive remarks out of 41 total praise the friendly and welcoming owners and staff, often highlighting the warm welcome and genuine people like Leyla and Víctor. Guests frequently mention the friendly and affectionate treatment and very good attention received.
However, not all experiences are perfect, with 6 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement. Some mentioned waiting time for food, while others felt the staff or server could be abrupt. There were also concerns about perceived inconsistent service, suggesting that while generally excellent, there can be occasional hiccups.
Service
41
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming owners
- Attentive, genuine staff
- Warm, personal welcome
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Abrupt server
- Inconsistent service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by its super quirky and creepily decorated atmosphere. The tiny restaurant and bar offered very friendly mom and pop style service, making it feel like a San Francisco original. Although I didn't try the food, it smelled great.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and very friendly staff. However, the tables are super small, which was a drawback.
- ownerMy experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. Leila, the owner, was one of the nicest people I met in Mission, and the entire staff was so inviting. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a lively night on the weekends or a fun, calm, musical night during the week to destress.
- ServiceHowever, the empanada was very dry and not as pastry-like as I'm accustomed to. Service was good, possibly due to my attempts at speaking Spanish. We visited on a Monday night and there was no line.
- LaylaLayla is the best!
- Layla & VictorLayla & Victor are amazing
- Leyla and Víctorme gusta la humildad de Leyla y Víctor y como trata sus clientes
- ManuelManuel the guy who attended us today was super friendly and helpful
- attentionvery good attention
- bar tenderDon´t loose the oportunity to have a chat with the bar tender
Frequently criticized
- North American customersNorth American customers the atendían primero
- ownerslos dueños se pelean con los clientes constantemente
- serverserver was also a bit abrupt
- serviceMy experience at Radio Habana was the most racist I have ever encountered. I went for years, and the service was always bad. They would serve North American customers first, even if I arrived earlier.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The staff seemed too old to manage the establishment and were quick to judge without getting to know me. I will not be supporting this establishment ever again.
- waiting timeHowever, I would warn against getting the food. It took a very long time to come out (about an hour for four people), and was very so-so. The sangria was great, however.
Overall, the service here is a major draw, largely thanks to the incredibly welcoming owners and attentive staff who make you feel right at home. While a few guests experienced longer waits or abruptness, the overwhelming sentiment is positive. If you value a personal touch and a friendly atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, boasting a good score of 8.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.3%. Guests consistently rave about the unique decor, live music, and artistic vibe, describing it as a cozy place with huge character. With 112 positive remarks compared to just 7 negative out of 124 total opinions, its clear most guests are charmed by its inspiring and funky atmosphere.
However, a few patrons noted some drawbacks, primarily concerning the "limited space" and "small tables, " which can make it feel a bit cramped. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, those looking for expansive dining areas might find the establishments intimate setting a slight challenge.
Ambience
124
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
7
negative
5
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique decor
- Live music
- Artistic vibe
What people don't like
- Limited space
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere with some of the other guests dancing and enjoying their evenings and drinks made up for so much more
- live musicIt's truly the most under-rated place in SF. This establishment is perfect for those who appreciate art, politics, poetry, intellectual discussions, and live music. The atmosphere was rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
- decorMy experience at this restaurant was marked by its really cool decor, filled with trinkets and random stuff on the walls and ceiling. The sangria was delicious, so much so that we ended up splitting three pitchers among three people after an unexpected spill from another table.
- musicgreat djs playing vinyl records with an amazing taste of music
- placeThe sangria is also tasty. If you're looking for a fun place to go for dinner, I highly recommend this place. It may be a little small if you have a big group, but they might help you make it work.
- artLots of great art made my the owners of the bar.
- ambiancethe great food, music, and ambiance
- cozy placeLoved this cozy place
- decorationsso many decorations that it's impossible to see more than 1 minute each
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- Jazz musicstill blasting Jazz music—30min past when they should have finished
- drunk peoplea traca lada de borrachos q le faltaban el respeto a todas las mujeres
- establishmenttoo old to keep this place
- parkingLayla provided the best service! Parking is limited, so give yourself some extra time.
- racistMy experience at Radio Habana was the most racist I have ever encountered. I went for years, and the service was always bad.
- spaceonly enough space for about 15 people
- tablesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and very friendly staff. However, the tables are super small, which was a drawback. Despite the table size issue, it's still worth visiting!
If you're seeking a place with a truly unique and artistic personality, complete with live music and a cozy, inspiring vibe, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for an intimate setting, as space can be a bit limited.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
The value here seems to hit the mark for many! Guests frequently praise it as an affordable place to enjoy comfort food, with many noting the great prices on items like sangria and even cheap beer. Based on 6 positive remarks out of 11 total comments, its clear that the pricing is a definite plus for visitors.
While the value itself scores a good 7.3, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 54.5%. Interestingly, there are no negative comments about pricing, suggesting that while the affordability is appreciated, other factors might influence overall satisfaction. This means youll likely find the prices quite reasonable, even if the overall experience isn't universally glowing.
Value
11
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
0
negative
5
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable comfort food
- Cheap beer
- Great sangria prices
What people don't like
Often praised
- affordable placeAffordable place to grab some comfort food
- cheap beerWe visited this place many times during our stay in SF. My experience was positive, particularly with the cool interior and the cheap beer.
- pricesangria that are a great price
- price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- pricesGreat Prices
- pricing on sangriaGood pricing on sangria
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a spot where your wallet wont take a hit, this place is definitely worth checking out. The pricing is consistently highlighted as a major plus, making it a great option for affordable comfort food and drinks. Just keep in mind that while the value is strong, the overall experience might be a mixed bag for some.
How are the prices at Radio Habana Social Club?
On average, you’ll spend around 23 $ per person – from 14 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Cafe, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits here, it’s interesting to note that most guests actually spend a bit less, typically in the $11–$20 range. A few higher-spending visits pull that average up, suggesting a nice mix of options for different budgets.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 14 reviews.
How this Cafe’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Cafe in San Francisco. It offers good value with options for those looking for a quick, affordable bite, as well as choices for a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Radio Habana Social Club
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Superb Weekend Tasting Menu!
I experienced the weekend tasting menu and found the prices to be great. Everything was superb! I highly recommend going.
The food and the atmosphere are fantastic.
- weekend tasting menu9
- prices9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Interesting Decor, Great Service, Delicious Food
This was my first time visiting, and it was super interesting! The restaurant has so many decorations that it's impossible to look at each one for more than a minute. The service was very good; Manuel, the person who attended us today, was super friendly and helpful.
Seriously, it was a great experience. The menu was a bit short, but the food was delicious.
- decorations8
- attention9
- Manuel10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Surrealist Cuban Rock N Roll Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! It's the coolest place in SF, offering a pure surrealist Mission District Cuban vibe with a touch of Rock N Roll. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5 out of 5, making for an unforgettable visit.
- service10
- atmosphere10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Delicious Plant-Based Pupusas and Nachos!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the food and the super friendly vibe. We had pupusas and nachos, and everything was plant-based and delicious.
The service and atmosphere were both rated a perfect 5, and the food also received a 5-star rating.
- food10
- vibe10
- pupusas10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Incredible Art, Inviting Atmosphere, and Best Sangria!
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. Leila, the owner, was one of the nicest people I met in Mission, and the entire staff was so inviting. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a lively night on the weekends or a fun, calm, musical night during the week to destress.
The artwork is incredible, all handmade by a local sculptor and painter, and you could spend hours admiring the walls. They also offer games and sometimes even a movie playing. Lastly, if you're a fan of Sangria, I promise you, this will be the best Sangria you've tasted in San Francisco!
- owner10
- people9
- artwork10
What Radio Habana Social Club offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Payments
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and entertainment can you find at Radio Habana Social Club?
Radio Habana Social Club in San Francisco’s Mission District offers a cozy and casual atmosphere. You can enjoy live music and other live performances, making it a vibrant spot for an evening out where you can relax and soak in the ambiance.
What are the dining and drink options available at Radio Habana Social Club?
At Radio Habana Social Club, you can enjoy dinner with table service, and don’t forget to save room for dessert. The cafe also offers a selection of beverages including alcohol, wine, coffee, and beer, alongside small plates and quick bites for your enjoyment.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Radio Habana Social Club?
Customers generally have a good impression, with a Restaurant Score of 8.1. The Ambience (8.3) and Service (8.2) are particularly well-regarded, while Food (7.8) and Value (7.3) also contribute positively.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at Radio Habana Social Club?
You can expect a unique and vibrant atmosphere, often featuring live music, distinctive decor, and a cozy, artistic vibe. However, be aware that seating space can be limited.
Is the food at Radio Habana Social Club recommended?
While the delicious sangria is a highlight, opinions on the food are mixed. Some appreciate the simple Cuban fare, but others describe certain dishes as mediocre or note issues like dry empanadas.