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oChef » Tio Chilo’s Grill – San Francisco
Tio Chilo's Grill - San Francisco
Photo from Tio Chilo’s Grill
Tio Chilo's Grill at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#64 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#3 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
306
Reviews
93.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great Service
- Warm Ambiance
- Tasty Food
Frequently criticized
- Slow Kitchen
- Chicken Bones
- Guacamole Filler
The restaurant Tio Chilo’s Grill in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District is your go-to Mexican spot, especially if you love sports. You’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Enjoy delicious small plates and a wide selection of beverages, from coffee to cocktails, in a welcoming setting. It’s a place where you can unwind and savor authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting Tio Chilo's Grill
Tio Chilo’s Grill offers a genuinely warm and inviting experience, often described as having a true family feel. Guests frequently praise the welcoming atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
It’s a place where the overall vibe contributes significantly to a pleasant dining outing. However, it’s worth noting that some diners have experienced a somewhat slow kitchen, which can impact meal timing.
While the food is generally well-received, there have been occasional concerns regarding specific dishes, such as unexpected bones in chicken or certain items lacking their full potential.
Excellent
8.9
out of 10
306
Reviews
93.1%
Satisfaction
13
negative
8
neutral
285
positive
Tio Chilo’s Grill earns an excellent overall 8.9 score, with an impressive 93.1% customer satisfaction rate, reflecting a largely positive dining experience. These strong figures are drawn from 306 customer observations, with 285 positive remarks outweighing just 13 negative ones, indicating a consistent level of quality and enjoyment among patrons.
Delving into specifics, Service shines with an excellent 9.3, closely followed by Ambience at 9.2, both contributing significantly to the restaurant’s appeal. The Food also performs well with a good 8.7, and Value is considered good at 8.2. These individual scores collectively paint a picture of a well-regarded establishment where hospitality and environment are particularly strong.
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming service
- Authentic family atmosphere
- Delicious Mexican food
What people don't like
- Slow kitchen service
- Bones in chicken
- Guacamole lacks avocado
If you’re seeking a restaurant with a strong sense of hospitality and a pleasant environment, Tio Chilo’s Grill is a solid choice. With a high recommendation score of 9.1, it generally delivers on its promise of a satisfying experience, particularly for those who appreciate attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere.
While the kitchen can sometimes be a bit slow, and a few food items might occasionally fall short, the overall positive feedback suggests these are minor points. It’s a place worth considering for its consistent quality and the genuine care shown to its customers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tio Chilo's Grill
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot truly shines! With an excellent score of 8.7 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 91.9%, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Based on 170 positive comments out of 185 total, diners rave about the "delicious food, " "authentic Mexican food, " and "generous portions.
" Dont miss their killer drinks and margarita flights either! However, it's not entirely without its quirks, with 11 negative comments noted. A few guests mentioned finding bones in chicken enchiladas, while others felt some dishes like quezabirrias lack flavor or had small portions.
There was also a comment about the salsa too hot for some palates.
Food
185
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
170
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious authentic food
- Excellent margaritas
- Generous food portions
What people don't like
- Bones in chicken
- Some dishes lack flavor
- Salsa too hot
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a family-run spot that offers the best food in the area, which is quite a statement. The value is excellent, and they truly have everything you could want.
- drinksThe food, drinks, ambiance and service is always top notch
- FoodIt was all very delicious
- Mexican foodIt’s tough to find a place that does delicious Mexican food, let alone birria dishes, and killer drinks too. Do yourself a favor and put this on your list.
- margaritasThe margaritas are nicely priced and made from home made natural juices.
- birriaenjoyed the birria
- portionsThe portions are great for sharing.
- salsaMy experience was fantastic. The chile relleno burrito was delicious, and the salsa was perfectly spicy. Everyone that works there is incredibly kind.
- shrimp cocktailThe shrimp cocktail is a generous portion
- authentic Mexican foodTerrific place for authentic Mexican food
Frequently criticized
- portion sizeportions were small for the Milanesa
- bones in chickenBONES in the chicken but a FEW end of the bone
- brothbroth that needed to be a bit hotter
- chicken breast enchiladadangerous to have this in a chicken order
- chicken enchiladaschicken enchiladas order had not only BONES
- dinner experiencenot a pleasant delicious dinner experience
- guacamoleit had more filler ingredients than avocado
- quezabirriastheir quezabirrias lack flavor
- riceI would definitely come back to try some of the margaritas. I also really enjoyed the lamb shank; the lamb was tender with a good amount of sauce, though I wish it came with a little more rice.
- salsaThe salsa was too hot
If youre craving delicious, authentic Mexican food with generous portions and fantastic margaritas, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of the occasional feedback regarding chicken bones or specific dishes lacking flavor, but overall, its a strong recommendation.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines with an excellent score of 9.3 and an equally impressive 95.8% customer satisfaction! Based on 69 positive remarks out of 72 total, guests consistently rave about the amazing customer service, genuine hospitality, and attentive service. The staffs friendliness often makes diners feel like family, highlighting a truly welcoming, family-run spot.
However, a couple of guests did mention some minor hiccups. With only 2 negative comments, the main concerns revolved around the waiting time and the kitchen being a bit slow. While these instances seem rare, its something to keep in mind if you're in a rush, but generally, the service is top-notch.
Service
72
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
69
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing customer service
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Attentive service
What people don't like
- Long waiting time
- Slow kitchen
Often praised
- serviceWhile the decor isn't particularly noteworthy, the food is quite good. The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food and service offered. If you find yourself in this part of town, it's definitely worth a look.
- staffone of the staff had seen us struggling with our toddler and handed over toys
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicecustomer service was very good
- familymy family and I go there alot
- peopleThe food tasted great and the quantity was more than adequate. The people here are wonderful and really nice. You should definitely go here if you like authentic Mexican food!
- LizLiz is amazing so loving and welcoming
- hospitalityShe always shows hospitality
- ElizabethElizabeth was very helpful and attentive
- Friendly serviceFriendly service
Frequently criticized
- Kitchen slowthe kitchen was a bit slow
- waiting timetook forever to come out
If you value exceptional service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there might be an occasional wait, the overwhelmingly positive interactions with the staff make it a standout choice for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (9.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! The ambience here is truly something special, scoring an impressive 9.2 and boasting an excellent customer satisfaction of 94.9%. Based on 37 glowing remarks out of 39 total, guests consistently rave about the homey, authentic, and family-oriented feel.
Expect good vibes and a spotless clean environment, often highlighted by lovely murals inside. Whats even more remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the atmosphere. With zero negative opinions, it's clear that this place consistently delivers a welcoming and comfortable setting for everyone who walks through its doors, leaving no room for disappointment in the ambience department.
Ambience
39
Reviews
94%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
37
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Family-oriented feel
- Spotless clean
- Great atmosphere
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was amazing
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- familyIt's my favorite local spot for the best Mexican food. Every time I walk in, it truly feels like family. The food, service, and atmosphere all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- 24th St.24th St. is a gem
- ambianceThe food, drinks, ambiance and service is always top notch
- authenticAll of their food I've had thus far has been delicious, but the Birria Torta is a game changer. The environment and people are lovely, very homey and authentic. I cannot recommend enough!
- bathroom is spotlessthe bathroom is spotless
- environmentLovely environment
- family feeltruly a family feel
- family oriented restaurantbest family oriented restaurant
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with an incredibly welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, this spot is absolutely worth trying. The overwhelmingly positive feedback on its ambience, from its family-oriented feel to its spotless cleanliness, makes it a definite highlight of the dining experience.
Value (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 14% of the guests
Value
10
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricethe price is economically satisfied
- inexpensiveare very inexpensive
- not expensiveThe service is good, and the people are nice. It's also not expensive, making it a great value. 👍
- pricesthe prices are very reasonable
- valueGood value
- value for moneyI also felt the portion size for the Milanesa was small. However, the burrito was huge and very reasonably priced, offering great value for money.
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
How are the prices at Tio Chilo's Grill?
You’re looking at roughly 24 per person – reported by 45 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
What’s interesting is that while the average is 24$, most guests actually spend less, often in the 11-20$ range. This suggests a great mix, offering both budget-friendly options and more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, especially with the variety of price points available. It seems like you can tailor your meal to your budget.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tio Chilo's Grill
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Great Neighborhood Family Restaurant
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a great neighborhood spot with a true family feel. The selection of staples is wide, and the sit-down service offers a good alternative to other burrito shops nearby.
The food, atmosphere, and service were all excellent.
- family feel10
- selection of staples9
- sit-down service8
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
1
Dangerous bones in enchiladas
We ordered takeout for dinner. While the burrito was fine, our chicken enchiladas order was problematic. The chicken contained not only bones but also the end of the bone (large nerves), which is very dangerous, especially in a chicken breast enchilada.
Due to this unpleasant and unsafe experience, we will not be returning to eat or order from this place, nor will we recommend it.
- burrito7
- chicken enchiladas1
- bones in chicken1
- chicken breast enchilada1
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Family-Oriented Place with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. It's a very family-oriented place, and the service was exceptional. Liz, in particular, was so loving and welcoming.
You can't go wrong with the food and drink here.
- family-oriented9
- Liz10
- food and drink9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Great Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I absolutely loved the service and the genuine love they have for the community. The food was great, and it's definitely worth stopping by.
The atmosphere and food both received a perfect 5/5 rating, and the service was also rated a 5/5. There was no wait time, plenty of parking, and it's suitable for all group sizes.
- service10
- love for community10
- food10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
A Neighborhood Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. The food is consistently delicious, and the staff is incredibly welcoming and generous. I find myself returning here time and time again.
It truly is a neighborhood gem!
- food10
- staff10
What Tio Chilo's Grill offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
Does Tio Chilo's Grill offer options for families with children?
Yes, Tio Chilo’s Grill is good for kids, providing a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience for your family. You’ll find it’s a welcoming place for all ages.
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can I expect at Tio Chilo's Grill?
You’ll discover a cozy, casual, and quiet atmosphere at Tio Chilo’s Grill. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner with table service, and even catering options are available, making it versatile for your dining needs.
How does Tio Chilo's Grill rate overall?
Tio Chilo’s Grill holds an excellent overall score of 8.9, with customer satisfaction at 93.1%. Its Service (9.3) and Ambience (9.2) are particularly strong, while Food (8.7) and Value (8.2) also receive good marks.
What makes the atmosphere at Tio Chilo's Grill stand out?
Customers frequently praise the atmosphere for its authentic and homey feel, often describing it as having a ‘family feel’ and a ‘lovely environment’. The ambiance contributes significantly to a welcoming dining experience.
Are there any common issues with the food at Tio Chilo's Grill?
While generally well-received, some diners have noted issues such as ‘bones in chicken’ in certain dishes, ‘quezabirrias lack flavor’, or ‘guacamole’ containing more filler than avocado. Portions for some items, like the Milanesa, have also been described as small.