Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » The Little Chihuahua – San Francisco
The Little Chihuahua - San Francisco
Photo from The Little Chihuahua
The Little Chihuahua at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 65 of the guests
#1060 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#51 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
456
Reviews
77.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Clean atmosphere
- Flavorful food
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Hidden fees
- Skimpy portions
- Order errors
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery in San Francisco’s lively Polk Gulch neighborhood, offers a delightful escape. You’ll discover a menu rich with healthy options, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
The Little Chihuahua invites you to experience its cozy and casual atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for any occasion. Whether you’re craving organic dishes or vegetarian options, this trendy establishment caters to diverse tastes, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
Overview: Introducting The Little Chihuahua
The Little Chihuahua offers a generally pleasant dining experience, with many appreciating its bright and clean atmosphere and the quick, friendly service. You’ll often find the food to be filling and well-prepared, though some opinions suggest a lack of authenticity in certain dishes.
However, some patrons have noted concerns regarding the overall value, with mentions of dishes being overpriced or having skimpy meat portions. There are also occasional reports of order inaccuracies, so it’s wise to double-check your order before you leave.
Good
7.6
out of 10
456
Reviews
77.4%
Satisfaction
84
negative
19
neutral
353
positive
The Little Chihuahua earns a solid overall score of 7.6, reflecting a generally positive experience for many diners. This is supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 77.4%, indicating that most visitors leave content.
With 353 positive remarks against 84 negative ones out of 456 total customer comments, the sentiment leans favorably. Delving deeper, the Ambience (8.1) stands out as a particular strength, often described as clean and cheerful.
Food (7.8) and Service (7.6) also perform well, consistently meeting expectations. However, the Value (4.1) score suggests that pricing and portion sizes are areas where the restaurant could improve, as some find it less appealing.
What people like
- Clean, cheerful atmosphere
- Filling, flavorful food
- Quick, friendly service
What people don't like
- Questionable value/fees
- Skimpy meat portions
- Order accuracy problems
If you’re seeking a spot with a pleasant atmosphere and reliable service for a casual meal, The Little Chihuahua is a solid choice. The food is often praised for being flavorful and substantial, making it a good option for a satisfying bite.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it a bit steep for what you receive, and double-check your order for accuracy. With a Recommendation Score of 7.8, it’s worth considering if these points align with your priorities.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Little Chihuahua
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! Overall, the grub here gets a solid 7.8 score, with customer satisfaction hitting a great 80.6%. Folks are raving about the delicious garlic shrimp and plantain burritos, fresh salsas, and the impressive range of vegan options.
With 233 positive remarks, it sounds like a flavorful experience awaits! However, not everyones taste buds were singing. Out of 289 comments, 41 pointed out some concerns.
Some found the carne asada and burritos to have skimpy meat portions, while others mentioned issues with cold tortillas or inconsistent quality. It seems there's a bit of a mixed bag on certain items.
Food
289
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
41
negative
15
neutral
233
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious fresh food
- Great vegan options
- Excellent salsa bar
What people don't like
- Small meat portions
- Cold food issues
- Inconsistent quality
Often praised
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was on the pricier side, but the food was really filling and well-prepared. My family mentioned that the salsa on the enchiladas wasn't spicy at all, describing it as even a tiny bit sweet.
- salsa barPricing was fair to slightly better than fair. Pro Tip - Order the $1 small bowl of chips and take advantage of the self serve salsa bar if you’re feeling extra hungry.
- nachosmassive portion of nachos. The nachos had a great coverage of salsa and guacamole.
- tortilla soupThe tortilla soup was like right out of grandmas kitchen and full of flavor
- Mexican foodI'm amazed the place was empty on a Thursday evening, though it was 9 pm and most of SF seemed empty. They're sleeping on some great Mexican food. Perhaps it's snobbery or racism, but I would come here again before going to any of the overpriced seafood or "European style" restaurants.
- burritosWe came here for Mexican food to take away and were incredibly impressed. We had two huge burritos and a massive portion of nachos. Considering the cost of pasta in this city, we got a damn good deal.
- chipsPricing was fair to slightly better than fair. Pro Tip - Order the $1 small bowl of chips and take advantage of the self serve salsa bar if you’re feeling extra hungry.
- garlic shrimp burritoeat their garlic shrimp burrito EVERYDAY if I could
- horchataI also had the horchata, and an order of chips. All were 5/5 quality!
- portionsthe portions are filling
Frequently criticized
- Mexican foodI should have expected mediocrity from a chain restaurant. California typically has the best Mexican food in the country, and this place let me down big time. The food was disappointing, and to add to the experience, it was overpriced and the staff seemed unhappy.
- carne asadacarne asada was sparse and overcooked on my nachos
- meatRidiculously skimpy on the meat
- tacossorry as tacos, those aren’t real Mexican tacos, bad taste
- 1/2 Chicken & 1/2 vegetable burrito1/2 Chicken & 1/2 vegetable burrito was extremely unappetizing
- Al pastor burritoI got an Al pastor burrito. There was a few pieces of meat, but basically all rice and beans.
- Carnitas burritoordered a Carnitas burrito but got a rice and bean burrito
- Super carne asada burritopurchased a Super carne asada burrito - $ 14.58
- al pastor burritossomething off with our al pastor burritos
- authentic Mexican foodIt didn't taste like authentic Mexican food to me
So, should you go? If you're looking for fresh, flavorful Mexican with great vegan choices and a killer salsa bar, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention smaller meat portions or occasional inconsistencies, so choose your dish wisely!
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
Overall, the service here is quite impressive, earning a solid 7.6 score and a 76.2% customer satisfaction rate. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, quick and easy service, and excellent hosts, with specific shout-outs to individuals like Veronica and Asucena. Its clear from the 64 positive remarks that the team often goes above and beyond to make your experience pleasant.
However, its not always perfect, as 19 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Issues like missing items in to-go orders, mislabeled orders, and occasional long waiting times have caused frustration. Some customers also noted a lack of attention or careless preparation, suggesting inconsistencies in the overall customer service experience.
Service
84
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
19
negative
1
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, efficient staff
- Quick service
- Excellent hosts
What people don't like
- Missing order items
- Mislabeled orders
- Careless order prep
Often praised
- serviceI eat here once every couple of weeks. My orders are always accurate, and the service is fast. I especially love the cilantro salad dressing on everything!
- staffThe place is nice and clean, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The staff is friendly, contributing to a welcoming service. I found the food to be good, and the prices were also good, offering great value.
- VeronicaThey have the BEST tortilla soup I have ever had in my life, and that’s my favorite soup! 🥣 The service was also exceptional; Veronica is so kind and loves her job!
- ServiceService is very quick, friendly, and efficient
- cashierThe cashier was also super sweet.
- customer servicegood customer service she was so nice
- experienceThe food and salsa are always fresh and delicious. I've never had a bad experience here; everyone is always nice and efficient. They offer a good variety of veggie options, including mixed veg, tofu, and mushroom combo.
- Asucenaespecially Asucena good customer service she was so nice
- Wait timeNo wait
- deliveryeven via delivery
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceUnfortunately, the common denominator across all our experiences was bad attention. No matter how good or exotic the menu, customers won't return if they have bad experiences with your customer service.
- orderCHECK YOUR ORDER. This place loves to send you out the door with half your order.
- allergy safetyWhen I called to inquire, the staff suggested I either bring them back (which wasn't feasible due to the distance and it being a work lunch order) or unwrap each burrito to identify the correct tortilla. This is absolutely unacceptable treatment for gluten-free individuals and incredibly unsafe for those with allergies. I strongly recommend improving your labeling system.
- bad attentioncommon denominator is bad attention
- chips offereddidn’t get chips offered til food served tho so ask upfront
- employeesemployees that could have been cleaning the place were standing around doing nothing
- labelingThey only labeled 1 as gluten free
- managementThis place needs management
- missing itemswe were missing 3 items
- mistakesThey always make mistakes
If youre looking for generally friendly and efficient service, this place is often a great bet, especially with their attentive staff. Just be sure to double-check your to-go orders, as some guests have experienced missing items or mislabeling. Overall, its worth a visit, but a quick check before you leave could save you a minor hassle.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
The ambience here is definitely a highlight, scoring a strong 8.1 and leaving 87% of customers satisfied! With 47 positive remarks out of 54 total, guests frequently praise the spots overall cleanliness, fun atmosphere, and great vibes. Many found it to be a hidden gem with beautiful interior design, where lighting and candles create a wonderful mood for a relaxed food spot.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 4 negative comments noted. While generally positive, a few experiences mentioned the place being filthy or the salsa bar being a mess, which can certainly detract from the overall atmosphere. One specific incident also involved a fire alarm going off, though this seems to be an isolated event.
Ambience
54
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
4
negative
3
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean dining space
- Fun atmosphere
- Mood lighting
What people don't like
- Unclean conditions
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this wonderful little Mexican casual bistro was fantastic. The place is spotlessly clean and airy, with a bright and cheerful atmosphere. I had the best shrimp burrito I've ever eaten, which makes me eager to explore more of their menu.
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a very nice, small place that serves tacos and similar items. I particularly enjoyed the excellent garlic shrimp tacos.
- spotThe spot so super clean and cute
- cleanlinessMy experience at this wonderful little Mexican casual bistro was fantastic. The place is spotlessly clean and airy, with a bright and cheerful atmosphere. I had the best shrimp burrito I've ever eaten, which makes me eager to explore more of their menu.
- restaurantthe restaurant is beautiful inside
- Atmospheretheir vibes were great
- artworkartwork and lively music
- candlesAt one point, the manager lowered the lights and placed gentle flame candles on each table, which really set the mood. After a week of being wired due to graduation, the candles definitely balanced me out. It was a wonderful finish after a long semester and graduation.
- casual atmosphereCasual atmosphere perfect for quick bites.
- clean dining spacewith a clean dining space
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe nachos had a great coverage of salsa and guacamole. I'm amazed the place was empty on a Thursday evening, though it was 9 pm and most of SF seemed empty. They're sleeping on some great Mexican food.
- fire alarmthe fire alarm went off
- placeThe place was filthy
- salsa barthe salsa bar was a mess and empty
This spot generally offers a fantastic atmosphere, with most guests loving its clean, fun vibes and thoughtful lighting. It's a solid choice if you prioritize an inviting setting for a relaxed meal. Just be mindful that a few isolated reports mention cleanliness issues.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners have found reasons to cheer, with many praising the good prices and fantastic deals available, especially during happy hour or for special events like a free meal for Dads. Based on 9 positive remarks, it seems there are moments where the pricing feels fair, offering decent portions for the cost, making it a worthwhile stop for those in the know. However, the overall picture is a bit more challenging, with a score of 4.1 placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at a poor 31%.
A significant 20 negative comments highlight concerns about the food being overpriced and not matching quality or size. Many also point to frustrating junk fees and hidden fees, like an unexpected 6% fee, making the final bill much higher than anticipated.
Value
29
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
20
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Stellar happy hour
- Great special deals
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Hidden junk fees
- Small portions
Often praised
- priceSo, what's stopping you? Do you not like good flavour at a decent price, or do you think you're too good for Mexican food? !
- pricesGood prices
- PricingPricing was fair to slightly better than fair.
- burrito & michelada$25 for burrito & michelada
- dealwe got a damn good deal
- free meal for Dadsa free meal for Dads on Father’s Day this year is a huge +
- happy hourTry happy hour from 3-6pm for a stellar deal
Frequently criticized
- priceprice doesn’t match the quality/size of the food
- overpricedCalifornia typically has the best Mexican food in the country, and this place let me down big time. The food was disappointing, and to add to the experience, it was overpriced and the staff seemed unhappy. The fire alarm even went off, which, while not affecting the star rating, certainly added to the complete lack of enjoyment.
- $15 (with tip inc)I ordered a 1/2 Chicken & 1/2 vegetable burrito, which turned out to be extremely unappetizing. It felt like a complete $15 (with tip inc) down the drain.
- $18My experience with the salad bowl from this restaurant was subpar. For $18, I received what amounted to only about 5 bites. It consisted of a few leaves, some rice, and beans thrown into a bowl.
- 6% feeadds a 6% fee to their menu prices
- hidden feealmost a 9% hidden junk fee
- junk feesWhile the food was actually pretty decent, the pricing was a major issue. They charge ridiculous junk fees, turning a $13 dish into $15. 24 before tips.
- menu prices6% fee to their menu prices
- pricesThe prices seemed a little high
- pricingthey charge ridiculous junk fees
If youre looking for a great deal, definitely check out their happy hour or special promotions, as these can offer good value. However, be wary of potential hidden fees and menu prices that some find dont quite match the food's quality or portion size, which could lead to disappointment.
How are the prices at The Little Chihuahua?
On average, you’ll spend around 20 per person – from 65 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, most prices cluster around the $11–$20 bracket, with a good number also landing in the $21–$30 range. So, while its comfortably mid-range, theres a clear lean towards slightly higher spending too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 65 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Mexican spot in San Francisco, especially given the range of what people are spending.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Little Chihuahua
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Service from Veronica!
My experience at the restaurant was perfect for what I wanted. I'm a demanding customer, but Veronica, who served me, was incredibly accommodating and super friendly. She was so good, I think she should be the boss (jefa) and definitely deserves a raise.
- service10
- Veronica10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Fantastic Veggie Tacos & Delightful Owner!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I had the veggie and soyrizo tacos, and the food was absolutely delicious. The owner is an absolute delight, and this is the kind of place that gives me a great impression of the city.
If you're in this part of town, definitely give it a try!
- veggie and soyrizo tacos10
- food10
- owner10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Incredible Mexican Food, Great Value!
We came here for Mexican food to take away and were incredibly impressed. We had two huge burritos and a massive portion of nachos. Considering the cost of pasta in this city, we got a damn good deal.
The food was incredible, so flavourful and well-layered. The nachos had a great coverage of salsa and guacamole. I'm amazed the place was empty on a Thursday evening, though it was 9 pm and most of SF seemed empty.
They're sleeping on some great Mexican food. Perhaps it's snobbery or racism, but I would come here again before going to any of the overpriced seafood or "European style" restaurants. So, what's stopping you?
Do you not like good flavour at a decent price, or do you think you're too good for Mexican food? !
- burritos9
- nachos9
- deal9
- atmosphere2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
10
Excellent Hosts, Delicious Food, Great Vibes!
My experience at this restaurant was excellent! We brought our team of 27 people on a Friday evening of Labor Day weekend and returned again on Sunday for brunch. Veronica and her staff were excellent hosts, making us feel like we were in her home.
The food was delicious and the vibes were great. They were also super accommodating with dietary restrictions and highly recommended for vegetarians. The wait time was non-existent, and while the noise level was loud, conversation was still possible.
- excellent hosts10
- food10
- vibes9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Fantastic GF Options and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful, especially as someone with a wheat allergy. Their fryer is GF, which is fantastic! Veronica provided excellent service, making our order process a pleasure.
I was particularly impressed with the GF tortillas; they held together perfectly and were wrapped well, which is rare. I also enjoyed the horchata and chips, rating everything a 5/5 quality. I feel fortunate to have dined here today.
- fryer10
- Veronica10
- GF tortillas10
What The Little Chihuahua offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does The Little Chihuahua offer?
The Little Chihuahua provides a range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating available. You’ll find the restaurant is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
What kind of atmosphere and special offerings can I expect at The Little Chihuahua?
You’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere at The Little Chihuahua. The menu features healthy options, organic dishes, and vegetarian choices. Enjoy happy hour drinks and food, small plates, wine, beer, and cocktails. It’s also good for kids, providing a kids’ menu and high chairs.
How does The Little Chihuahua rate overall?
The restaurant holds a good overall score of 7.6, with strong points in Ambience (8.1), Food (7.8), and Service (7.6). However, Value (4.1) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about The Little Chihuahua?
Many appreciate the clean and cheerful atmosphere, the filling and well-prepared food like nachos and burritos, and the quick, friendly service from staff members.
What are common concerns at The Little Chihuahua?
Some customers express concerns about the pricing, citing it as overpriced with hidden fees. Others mention skimpy meat portions in dishes and occasional issues with order accuracy.