Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Rinconcito Nicaragüense – San Francisco
Rinconcito Nicaragüense - San Francisco
Photo from Rinconcito Nicaragüense
Rinconcito Nicaragüense at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌽 Nicaraguan Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 37 of the guests
#2207 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Nicaraguan Restaurant out of 3 in San Francisco
Average
5.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
221
Reviews
52.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic cuisine
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Poor service
The restaurant Rinconcito Nicaragüense invites you to discover the vibrant flavors of Nicaragua right in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Mission District. This cozy Nicaraguan restaurant offers a genuine taste of Central American culinary traditions.
You’ll find yourself in a casual and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delightful meal. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely dinner, this spot promises an authentic experience.
Overview: Introducting Rinconcito Nicaragüense
Rinconcito Nicaragüense offers a taste of home for many, with patrons often praising its authentic Nicaraguan food and the generally cordial and friendly staff. The atmosphere can be quite inviting, making it a suitable spot for family gatherings.
However, experiences can vary, with some finding the food quality inconsistent and the prices occasionally very expensive. There are also mentions of excessively loud music and cleanliness issues, suggesting a mixed experience for visitors.
Average
5.8
out of 10
221
Reviews
52.9%
Satisfaction
93
negative
11
neutral
117
positive
Rinconcito Nicaragüense holds an overall restaurant score of 5.8, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction stands at 52.9%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
This feedback comes from a substantial 221 customer observations, with 117 positive remarks balanced against 93 negative ones, painting a picture of varied experiences. Diving deeper, the Food (6.2) generally receives an average rating, though some dishes are more celebrated than others.
Ambience (5.7) also lands in the average range, with positive notes on its family-friendly nature often contrasted by concerns about noise or upkeep. Service (5.3) is perceived as average, while Value (4.7) is the lowest-scoring aspect, often cited as a point of contention for some guests.
What people like
- Authentic Nicaraguan dishes
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Lively, cultural ambiance
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Poor staff conduct
- Cleanliness and noise issues
Rinconcito Nicaragüense presents a mixed offering, reflected in its 5.8 recommendation score. If you’re seeking a taste of authentic Nicaraguan flavors and appreciate a vibrant, family-friendly setting, it might be worth a visit.
Be prepared for a potentially lively atmosphere, especially with live music. However, be mindful that experiences can vary, particularly regarding food consistency and service.
If you prioritize impeccable service and consistent quality above all else, you might find aspects disappointing. It’s a place with character, but perhaps not for every diner.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Nicaraguan Restaurant
5.9
out of 10
out of 10
201
52.2%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Nicaraguan Restaurant
4.5
out of 10
out of 10
457
34.8%
- $$
- Bernal Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Rinconcito Nicaragüense
Food (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
When it comes to the food, many diners have found plenty to rave about, with 78 positive remarks out of 129 total. Guests frequently praise the authentic Nicaraguan food, highlighting its flavorful taste and generous portion size. Dishes like gallo pinto, juicy chancho, and delicious carne asada often receive high marks, making for a satisfying meal.
However, the experience isn't always consistent, contributing to an average score of 6.2 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 60.5%. Some of the 46 negative comments point to issues like overly salty food, cold dishes, or even sour beans. There are also concerns about food quality, dry meat, and a perceived lack of authenticity in certain items, suggesting some room for improvement.
Food
129
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
46
negative
5
neutral
78
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Nica food
- Flavorful dishes
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Overly salty food
- Cold/sour dishes
Often praised
- foodthe friendliness, the attention and the food is what makes of this place unique
- carne asadathe carne asada or carne a la plancha plate was great
- authentic Nicaraguan foodloved the authentic Nicaraguan food
- gallo pintoI do not recommend this place. The only thing that was tasty was the gallo pinto my partner ordered. I ordered a churrasco, and it was nothing like the food shown in the photos.
- cacaothe cacao tasted just like back in Nicaragua
- fried cheesethe plantains and fried cheese were awesome
- Chancho AsadoThe service was fast and friendly, and the food was both ample and tasty. We tried the Filete a la Jalapeño and the Chancho Asado, and there's a lot more on the menu we're eager to try on our next visit.
- Filete a la Jalapeñohad the Filete a la Jalapeño
- FoodFood ... were all rated a perfect 5
- Gallo pinto with platano maduro plateGallo pinto with platano maduro plate... It’s soooo good
Frequently criticized
- meatThe food is horrible. The beans were sour and the meat was burnt. The sauces were also unpleasant and too acidic.
- beansMy experience at this restaurant was very poor. The food quality was bad; I was served a cold dish and the beans were sour. I experienced stomach pain after trying their food.
- carne asadamy carne asada was as salty as the San Francisco bay
- NacatamalMy experience at this restaurant was unfortunately marred by food poisoning from a Nacatamal. I suspect it was not cooked thoroughly.
- chiaMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, especially considering we spent $100. We ordered caballo bayo, two nacatamales, baho, cacao, and chia. The only item that was truly great was the cacao.
- foodthe food is horrible
- ricethe rice tasted too oily
- MonchitoMonchito Brilla por su ausencia
- authenticityNot as authentic like it should be.
- bahoI couldn't with the flavor of the meat on the baho
If you're craving authentic Nicaraguan flavors and generous portions, you might find some real gems here. Just be aware that consistency can be a bit of a mixed bag, so some dishes might hit differently than others.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot seems to have a bit of a split personality! Many customers rave about the excellent quality and taste, highlighting the friendly owner, attentive waiters, and welcoming staff. With 24 positive remarks out of 56 total, theres definitely a bright side, showcasing genuine hospitality and quick, friendly interactions.
However, the service experience isnt consistently stellar, with a score of 5.3 and customer satisfaction at 42.9%, placing it in the average to mixed category. A significant 30 negative comments point to issues like slow service, waitresses with poor attitudes, and even some concerning behavior from the owner. It seems the attention and friendliness can be quite hit-or-miss.
Service
56
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
30
negative
2
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly owner
- Attentive staff
- Welcoming hospitality
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff attitude
- Inconsistent attention
Often praised
- serviceservice was good. Waiter was very attentive
- attentionIt's a simply beautiful place, spectacular for a good family time. The attention is very cordial and friendly, the staff is focused on good service. You can bring your children and keep them under your care at all times, excellent for spending family time.
- ownerthe owner of the resturant is totally diferent he is very nice and cheerful and a kind person
- Servicecomo le sirvo a Dios Entonces el ambiente le di 3 estrellas
- dueñoel dueño se despidio de nosotros amablemente y le dio gusto vernos ahi el si tiene modales y es amable con los clientes
- friendlinessthe friendliness, the attention and the food is what makes of this place unique
- hospitable and welcomingeveryone is extremely hospitable and welcoming!
- owner and staffOwner & works very friendly
- staffIt's a simply beautiful place, spectacular for a good family time. The attention is very cordial and friendly, the staff is focused on good service. You can bring your children and keep them under your care at all times, excellent for spending family time.
- staff who cookThe food was fresh and cooked to order. I want to congratulate the staff who cook. The service was very good, and the young women who served us were very friendly and attentive.
Frequently criticized
- serviceAdditionally, it is very expensive. I told the staff member that chimichurri is served separately, and she replied that they serve it that way because the owner prepares the meat like that and serves it together. Normally, chimichurri sauce is served on the side.
- attitudeit felt like the sun doesn't shine where they are
- cook eating while cookingone cook was eating while cooking
- mask wearingthe other's were not wearing their mask correctly
- meserala mesera es chocante y no tiene modales para atender
- new customersI don’t think he likes new customers…
- ownerowner is a vulgar and common person
- owner's attentionhorrible than the owner's attention
- personalsu personal es terrible
- platesnos tiro los platos de mala gana
If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely enjoy very friendly and attentive service, especially if the owner is around. But be prepared for a potentially slow or less-than-cordial experience, as the service quality seems quite inconsistent.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many guests found the place to be very lively with a good atmosphere, even calling it a beautiful spot for family time. The presence of a live DJ music and a distinct Nicaraguan mood really resonated with some, contributing to a generally upbeat experience. Out of 24 customer comments, 10 were positive, highlighting these aspects.
However, the overall experience for ambience is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.7 and customer satisfaction at 41.7%. Some found the place cleanliness lacking, noting a bad smell and issues with the bathroom. The music was sometimes excessively loud, and the general atmosphere was not always pleasant, with 10 negative comments pointing to these concerns.
Ambience
24
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Live DJ music
- Great for families
What people don't like
- Place cleanliness issues
- Unpleasant smell
- Excessively loud music
Often praised
- placeSimply beautiful place, spectacular for a good family time
- atmosphereatmosphere ... were all rated a perfect 5
- childrenThe attention is very cordial and friendly, the staff is focused on good service. You can bring your children and keep them under your care at all times, excellent for spending family time.
- live DJ musicMusical live DJ
- moodthe mood was most definitely nicaragüense
- restaurantrestaurant very clean
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking space:Somewhat difficult to find parking
- atmosphereatmosphere was also not pleasant at all
- bathroomThe bathroom needed attention
- musicthe music was excessively loud
- part of townNot in the best part of town
- placeel lugar no está bien cuidado
- place cleanlinessthe place was all dirty
- smellit smelled like anything but food
- worst placeWhat was your experience at the restaurant? It was the worst place to eat because the owner is a vulgar and common person. Don't expect to have a good place to eat; it's worse than the lowest places in Nicaragua.
The ambience here is a bit of a gamble; you might find a lively, family-friendly spot with good music, or you could encounter cleanliness issues and an unpleasant atmosphere. If you're looking for a vibrant, casual scene and can overlook some potential drawbacks, it might be worth a visit, but be prepared for a mixed experience.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
Lets talk value! Many guests were pleasantly surprised, finding the prices to be quite good and even economical for the pocket. Out of 12 total comments, 5 highlighted how affordable things were, especially for delicious dishes.
It seems some items truly offer great bang for your buck, making your wallet happy. However, the overall picture for value is a bit mixed, with a score of 4.7 (average) and customer satisfaction at 41.7% (mixed). A significant 7 opinions out of 12 expressed concerns, frequently mentioning items were expensive or not worth the cost.
Some even noted an extra charge for card payments, which certainly doesnt help the perception of value.
Value
12
Reviews
41%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable delicious food
- Economical for pocket
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
- Extra charge for card
- Not worth price
Often praised
- pricesPrices are not expensive
- economical for the pocketI enjoyed delicious Nicaraguan dishes with my family and friends 😋😋. The food was very good and also economical for the pocket.
- pricebarato carne azada tacos burritos enchiladas sopa de res y pollo pescado frito cervezas y muy rico y barato
Frequently criticized
- priceThe food was served cold, and it made me feel sick; I got food poisoning. Additionally, it is very expensive. I told the staff member that chimichurri is served separately, and she replied that they serve it that way because the owner prepares the meat like that and serves it together.
- $10Not worth the $10
- expensiveit is also very expensive
- extra chargecharge importe extra por pagar con tarjeta
- five of themcame to almost $40
When it comes to value, its a bit of a gamble. While some find the prices quite reasonable, a good number of diners felt things were expensive or not worth the cost, especially with potential extra charges. If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, you might find some gems, but be prepared for the possibility of higher-than-expected costs.
How are the prices at Rinconcito Nicaragüense?
You’re looking at roughly 37 per person – reported by 37 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Nicaraguan Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 37, it’s interesting to see that many diners actually spend less, with a good number falling into the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets. This suggests a nice mix, from quick bites to more indulgent meals, pulling the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 37 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering the average spend and the range of options available, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Nicaraguan spot in San Francisco. There are options for different budgets, which is always a plus!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Rinconcito Nicaragüense
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Food poisoning from Nacatamal
My experience at this restaurant was unfortunately marred by food poisoning from a Nacatamal. I suspect it was not cooked thoroughly. Additionally, the portions of pork were very small.
Considering the cost of $10, I found it to be not worth the price.
- Nacatamal1
- cooked thoroughly1
- portions of pork2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Nicaraguan Delights!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the authentic Nicaraguan food. I enjoyed a refreshing Toña beer 🍺 and finished with a delicious Pio Quinto for dessert.
The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- authentic Nicaraguan food10
- Toña beer9
- Pio Quinto10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Regular Food, Extra Card Fee
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. The food was just okay, nothing special. What stood out negatively was the extra charge for paying with a card, which felt unfair.
Additionally, the place itself is not well-maintained, impacting the overall atmosphere.
- food5
- extra charge2
- place2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Delicious Food, Terrible Service
My experience at the restaurant was a mix of great food and poor service. The food was absolutely delicious, truly rich and flavorful. However, the server was terrible at serving food and had no manners.
She simply brought the food and left without saying anything, not even 'enjoy your meal. ' In stark contrast, the owner was very nice, cheerful, and kind. He bid us farewell kindly and seemed genuinely pleased to see us, demonstrating excellent manners and kindness towards customers.
- food9
- owner10
- dueño10
- server2
- mesera2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
9
Delicious Gallopinto with Authentic Nicaraguan Beans!
I ordered a small tray of gallopinto for 10 people. It was really good, they used Nicaraguan beans which made me happy! I had some leftovers and reheated them on a cast iron pan today 😋 I will try the rest of the menu soon!
- small tray of gallopinto9
- Nicaraguan beans10
What Rinconcito Nicaragüense offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining and service options are available at Rinconcito Nicaragüense?
At Rinconcito Nicaragüense, you have several convenient choices. You can enjoy a relaxing dine-in experience with table service for brunch, lunch, or dinner. If you’re on the go, takeout is also available. They also accept reservations, making planning your visit easy.
Is Rinconcito Nicaragüense accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, Rinconcito Nicaragüense is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. It’s also a great spot for kids, offering high chairs to accommodate younger diners, making it a family-friendly choice.
How does Rinconcito Nicaragüense generally perform?
The restaurant holds an average score of 5.8 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 52.9%. While Food (6.2) and Ambience (5.7) are rated average, Service (5.3) and Value (4.7) tend to be lower.
What kind of dining experience can I expect at Rinconcito Nicaragüense?
Many guests appreciate the authentic Nicaraguan food and the beautiful place that often features live DJ music, creating a vibrant and family time atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns visitors have about Rinconcito Nicaragüense?
Some patrons have noted issues with inconsistent food quality, including sour beans or salty carne asada. There are also occasional complaints about poor staff conduct and the perception that prices can be very expensive.