Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Tanguito – San Francisco
Tanguito - San Francisco
Photo from Tanguito
Tanguito at a glance
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf
- 🥩 Argentinian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 133 of the guests
#96 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#2 Argentinian Restaurant out of 5 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
548
Reviews
91.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent food
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Ambience needs
The restaurant Tanguito, an authentic Argentinian Restaurant located in San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf, invites you to experience a taste of Argentina. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner.
With options for outdoor seating, you can enjoy the San Francisco air while savoring delicious small plates. It’s a welcoming spot for both lunch and dinner, ensuring you have a great dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Tanguito
Tanguito offers a culinary experience where the meat dishes and empanadas often receive high praise for their flavor and quality. While the food is a clear draw, some guests have noted that the overall atmosphere could benefit from a bit more attention, particularly regarding comfort and cleanliness in the outdoor seating areas.
Despite minor points for improvement in its setting, Tanguito consistently delivers on taste and value. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the welcoming owner, contributing to a generally positive dining impression that makes it a notable stop for many.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
548
Reviews
91.6%
Satisfaction
36
negative
10
neutral
502
positive
Tanguito earns a commendable overall score of 8.8, reflecting an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91.6%. This strong performance is built upon a significant volume of feedback, with 502 positive remarks outweighing 36 negative ones across 548 total customer observations.
The Food (9.1) stands out as a clear highlight, consistently impressing diners. Value (8.7) also scores very well, indicating that guests feel they receive good quality for their money.
Both Service (8.2) and Ambience (8.1) are rated as good, contributing positively to the overall experience, though with some room for minor refinements.
What people like
- Exceptional food quality
- Friendly, attentive service
- Excellent value for money
- Cozy patio area
What people don't like
- Occasional food inconsistencies
- Ambience could improve
- Some find prices steep
Tanguito presents a compelling option for those prioritizing excellent food and good value. While there are minor points for improvement, particularly regarding consistency in food preparation and the overall atmosphere, the culinary experience generally shines through.
With a strong recommendation score of 8.9, it’s certainly worth a visit if you’re in the area and seeking a satisfying meal. Just be prepared for a casual setting that might not always be perfectly polished.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tanguito
Food (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, get ready for a treat! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a fantastic customer satisfaction of 95.7%, diners are consistently raving. Many highlight the incredible burgers, flavorful empanadas, and perfectly cooked steaks, often paired with delicious garlic fries.
The freshness, quality, and generous portions are frequently celebrated across 330 positive comments. However, out of 345 total comments, a small handful of 11 negative remarks point to areas for improvement. Some found the beef empanada a bit dry or the fries under-salted.
There were also isolated comments about the burger needing more acidity or the meat being tough, with some spices lingering.
Food
345
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
330
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent burgers
- Flavorful empanadas
- Tender, quality meat
What people don't like
- Dry beef empanada
- Under-salted fries
- Tough meat
Often praised
- foodHowever, the beef empanada was a letdown; it was dry and could have used more flavor or a side of chimichurri sauce for dipping. On the positive side, the service was fast, and all the food was made to order, which is always appreciated.
- burgerThe garlic fries were truly delicious. The burger was juicy and flavorful, though it might be difficult for those who dislike a strong meaty taste. The enchilada was also packed with meat.
- empanadasThis place is a true meat lover's paradise. The combination of huge, juicy burgers, tasty empanadas, and amazing filet mignon steak definitely makes it worth a visit. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated a 5.
- meatIt was great that they put it in a microwave-safe container, making it easy to reheat leftovers! I tried the #13 Steak Salad, and the portion was generous, the cooking was just right, and the meat was chewy and delicious! The salad also had a good mix of tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and carrot slaw, which perfectly complemented the steak without making it feel greasy.
- steak sandwichThe steak sandwich was dripping with juices, and chock full of toppings and steak.
- garlic friesWe had an amazingly delicious food experience. We tried the Tanguito Burger and the Steak with garlic fries. This was the best food we had in the US during our holiday.
- FoodFood:5
- burgersThis place is a true meat lover's paradise. The combination of huge, juicy burgers, tasty empanadas, and amazing filet mignon steak definitely makes it worth a visit. The food received a perfect score of 5, and the atmosphere was also rated a 5.
- friesdifficult to finish the burger and the fries for one person
- Tanguito Burgerthe Tanguito Burger was hands down the best I’ve ever had
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was so gross and flavorless. Your food sucks. I will tell all of my friends and family to stay away from your stupid restaurant.
- friesthe fries could use some work
- beef empanadaThe beef empanada was dry and needed more flavor
- burger as a wholeMy experience at the restaurant involved enjoying the tanguito burger, where the individual components were delicious. However, the burger as a whole needed something acidic to lift the flavors. The fries were served piping hot, but they were under-salted.
- meatthe worst meat I've ever eaten
- salsa criollaserved with a lot of salsa criolla, not on the side
- skirt steakthe meat was too bad, tough, with no good flavor, and chewy
- spicesthe spices had I still the rest of the day on my tongue
- strong meaty tasteThe garlic fries were truly delicious. The burger was juicy and flavorful, though it might be difficult for those who dislike a strong meaty taste. The enchilada was also packed with meat.
If you're looking for a place with overwhelmingly delicious Argentinian-inspired food, especially burgers, steaks, and empanadas, this spot is definitely worth a try. While a few minor issues like dry empanadas or under-salted fries occasionally pop up, the vast majority of diners leave extremely satisfied with the quality and flavor.
Service (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! Many folks rave about the fantastic owner and staff, highlighting their incredible hospitality and friendly approach. With a solid score of 8.2 and an impressive 83.5% customer satisfaction, it's clear that guests feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, based on 96 positive remarks.
However, not every experience has been perfect. A smaller number of comments, 18 to be exact, point to concerns like extended waiting time for orders and, in some rare instances, reports of rude language or even shouting from the owner, creating a dismissive attitude. While these are isolated incidents, they are worth noting for potential visitors.
Service
115
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
18
negative
1
neutral
96
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind owner
- Welcoming staff
- Excellent hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude owner behavior
- Dismissive attitude
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceI visited this restaurant because it was near my hotel, had good Google Maps ratings, and had Korean reviews. Even though I don't speak English well and they must have been frustrated, they kindly guided me, so I'm really thankful! The packaging was also neat and well done^^!
- ownerOn my first day in San Francisco, I stumbled upon this little corner of Argentina. The owner is truly a kind and helpful person, and the food is great. Let yourself be advised and enjoy.
- ServiceService:5
- staffI had the amazing empanadas and delicious short ribs, which were both outstanding. The staff was also very kind. I could not recommend Tanguito enough!
- customer serviceThe empanadas were also delicious. The owner and staff provided great customer service, and the food was superb. It's a great place with affordable prices.
- peoplethe people are as well
- proprietorThe proprietor is a hoot and very willing to discuss the food
- Argentinian bossThe argentinian boss is really great!
- Ownersuper netter Besitzer
- Steve and Jamiegreeted by Steve and Jamie. Two really kind humans
Frequently criticized
- ownerI would give this place a 0 if I could. I personally never ate here, but the owner is beyond rude. My friend and I were on a ride around the city and left our e-bikes on the sidewalk, not blocking anything, while we went to get our car parked beside the restaurant.
- servicethe guy who attended us was quite rude
- arguing with customersA brash old man arguing with customers is a disaster
- blocking me inthe owner is blocking me in
- called us fatMy friend had to get out to prevent further damage to my car and guide me out so the owner wouldn't put the scooters in front of my car again. As we drove off, he shouted at us, called us fat, and mimicked our appearance. RUDE HORRIBLE PERSON!
- disrespectedhe disrespected me, using rude language
- mimicking the way we lookedmimicking the way we looked
- owner starts shoutingthe owner starts shouting at me
- preventing me from leavingpreventing me from leaving my parking space
- promisesMy experience at this restaurant was marked by unmet promises and a dismissive attitude. I was expecting my food within 10 minutes as promised, but the wait stretched to over 30 minutes, which tested my patience.
Overall, the service here is a major highlight, with most guests praising the warm and attentive staff. While there are a few isolated reports of long waits or less-than-friendly interactions, the overwhelming sentiment suggests you'll likely have a very positive and welcoming experience.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, earning a 8.1 score and a fantastic 85.5% customer satisfaction! Based on 47 positive remarks out of 55 total, guests frequently rave about the cozy patio and outdoor dining options. Many describe it as a hidden gem with a great atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.
However, a few of the 5 negative comments suggest theres some room for improvement. Some found the "place" could be better, mentioning issues with "cleanliness" and "comfort, " and a couple felt the "atmosphere" wasnt always up to par. It seems these are minor points compared to the overall positive experience.
Ambience
55
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy outdoor patio
- Hidden gem vibe
- Great atmosphere
What people don't like
- Lacking comfort
- Cleanliness issues
- Atmosphere inconsistent
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereUne terrasse derrière le food-truck permet de se poser à l'abri du vent.
- placeGood place to have excellent moments
- patio areaThey have a patio on right behind the truck with tables
- seating areaseating area was super comfortable and beautifully set up
- Fisherman's Wharf areain the Fisherman's wharf area
- area to eatA nice area to eat on site.
- covered patioThe food is worth the wait because everything is cooked fresh. It's the best stationary food truck in San Francisco, and they even have a covered patio built off the truck. Love, love, love that place!
- cozy patioloved the cozy patio out back
- eating areasmall private eating area behind the truck that’s out of the wind
Frequently criticized
- placePlace could be a little bit improve
- atmospherethe atmosphere isn't that great either
- cleanlinessThe owner, who resembles a movie actor, was very friendly. However, as it's a food truck with outdoor seating, it wasn't particularly clean or comfortable.
- comfortwasn't particularly comfortable
If youre seeking a charming, often outdoor, and cozy spot, especially a hidden gem with a great vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out. While a few minor concerns about comfort or cleanliness popped up, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely have a delightful experience.
Value (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to getting your moneys worth, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 87.9%, its clear guests are thrilled. Out of 33 remarks, a whopping 29 rave about the affordable and great prices, consistently highlighting the value for money and calling it one of the reasonable places to eat.
Many found the quality-price ratio exceptional, often noting it as a phenomenal deal. However, a couple of voices (just 2 out of 33) did mention prices being steep or a little expensive. While these opinions are few, they suggest that a small minority might find certain items on the menu a bit higher than expected.
Value
33
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Excellent value
- Great quality-price
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceThe food was excellent, the atmosphere was great, and the service was top-notch. All of this was offered at a very good price.
- pricesThe owner and staff provided great customer service, and the food was superb. It's a great place with affordable prices.
- valueAt $14 it was a phenomenal value.
- quality-price ratioOn top of that, the service was exceptional, delivered with a smile and great attention to the customers. I highly recommend this place for a great meal at an excellent quality-price ratio. They also have a few tables nearby!
- PriceFür 35$ 2 Essen und Trinken, einfach mega!
- affordableI had a beef empanada as I was walking by. The food was delicious, affordable, and was made quickly at lunch time. I may swing by again while here.
- cheap pricecheap price for something nice
- great pricesThere's a small, private eating area behind the truck that offers shelter from the wind. The quality products, great prices, and most importantly, the deliciousness made this a fantastic visit.
- mealThen, I discovered this food truck, and I was completely sold after the first bite. The secret is that they are making food with love, and it's totally under $15 for a meal. It's my favorite restaurant in all of San Francisco.
- quality/priceMejor calidad/precio que encontrarás en la zona
Frequently criticized
- expensiveA little expensive
- pricesThe prices are quite steep
If youre looking for a place where your wallet will be as happy as your taste buds, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. With overwhelmingly positive feedback on its affordability and quality, youre likely to find a great meal without breaking the bank.
How are the prices at Tanguito?
You’re looking at roughly 20 per person – reported by 133 diners. That puts it squarely in the $11–$20 category. For an Argentinian Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests are right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, with a good chunk also opting for the $21–$30 range. So, while there are a few higher spenders, the vibe is definitely centered around a good, accessible meal.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 133 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for an Argentinian spot in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range experience without breaking the bank, which is always a win!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tanguito
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fantastic Food Truck Experience!
My experience at this food truck was fantastic! The food was great and filling, offering excellent value. I particularly enjoyed the burger, which was amazing, and the steak milanesa Napolitano style was also really good.
We also got one of each empanada to go, and after reheating them in the oven for dinner, they were amazing and really well filled! It's a great food truck with open-aired seating available.
- food9
- value9
- burger10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Milanesa Neapolitan Style
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, especially with the milanesa plate served Neapolitan style. Adding the ham, cheese, and tomato to the milanesa gave it a wonderful flavor. The food quality was excellent, rated 5/5, and the atmosphere was also rated 5/5.
The service was top-notch, receiving a 5/5 rating. The meal was for lunch, and the price per person was between $10–20. We were a group of 2 people.
- milanesa plate9
- wonderful flavor10
- Food10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Excellent Burger and Empanadas!
I was looking for a real nice burger and I found it here! The owner is very nice and ensures you have a good experience. There's a nice area to eat on site, and it's clear many locals frequent this place for their very good meat.
I tried the beef empanadas, which were very good – the best I've ever eaten. This is definitely the place to go and eat!
- burger9
- owner9
- area to eat8
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Fantastic Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the owner provided very good customer service. We had a great time here.
The owner even gave us free fries while we were waiting, which was a very generous gesture. The portions were very good, and you will definitely not leave here hungry.
- food9
- customer service9
- owner10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Best Burger Ever, No Tip Option!
This place is a hidden gem in a tourist trap area. I had one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. The restaurant doesn't even give you the option for a tip.
It was amazing!
- burgers10
- tip option9
What Tanguito offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What parking options are available when you visit Tanguito in Fisherman's Wharf?
When you plan your visit to Tanguito, you’ll find several convenient parking solutions. You can utilize the paid parking lot nearby, which usually offers plenty of spaces. Additionally, paid street parking is available in the surrounding area, providing flexibility for your dining experience.
Is Tanguito accessible for all guests and a suitable place for families with children?
Yes, Tanguito is designed to be welcoming for everyone. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. Furthermore, it’s considered good for kids, making it an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy an Argentinian meal together in San Francisco.
What is Tanguito's overall customer rating?
Tanguito holds a strong overall score of **8.8** with an excellent customer satisfaction rate of **91.6%**. Customers particularly praise the **Food** (9.1) and **Value** (8.7), while **Service** (8.2) and **Ambience** (8.1) also receive good marks.
What do customers appreciate most about Tanguito's dining experience?
Customers frequently highlight the exceptional quality of the **meat** dishes and **empanadas**, often describing them as delicious and well-prepared. Many also commend the friendly **staff** and the excellent **value** for the price.
Are there any common criticisms regarding Tanguito?
Some customers have noted occasional inconsistencies in food preparation, such as dry empanadas or tough meat. Additionally, the **atmosphere** and **cleanliness** of the outdoor seating area have been mentioned as areas that could be improved.