Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Tropisueno – San Francisco
Tropisueno - San Francisco
Photo from Tropisueno
Tropisueno at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 144 of the guests
#2036 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#115 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
732
Reviews
61.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Friendly service
- Happy hour deals
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Loud environment
- Inconsistent food
The Mexican restaurant Tropisueno in San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square neighborhood invites you to discover a truly great beer selection. This casual and trendy spot offers a delightful escape, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience.
You’ll find yourself immersed in a lively atmosphere, perfect for any occasion, from a relaxed lunch to an engaging dinner.
Overview: Introducting Tropisueno
Tropisueno offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often highlighted by its vibrant atmosphere and appealing decor. Many guests appreciate the overall setting, finding it a beautiful and comfortable place to enjoy a meal.
However, some aspects might detract from the experience. While the food receives many positive remarks, there are occasional concerns about inconsistent quality.
Additionally, the environment can sometimes be quite loud, which might not suit everyone looking for a quiet dinner.
Good
6.4
out of 10
732
Reviews
61.1%
Satisfaction
243
negative
42
neutral
447
positive
Tropisueno holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4, placing it squarely in the average category. This is reflected in a Customer Satisfaction rate of 61.1%, indicating a mixed reception among diners.
With 732 total opinions, including 447 positive and 243 negative remarks, there’s a clear balance of experiences. Looking closer, the Food (6.5) and Service (6.2) both land in the average range, suggesting they meet expectations without consistently exceeding them.
The Ambience (7.5) stands out as a strong point, often praised for its inviting setting. However, Value (3.9) is a notable area for improvement, frequently cited as a concern by many patrons.
What people like
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Friendly service
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- High prices
- Loud environment
- Inconsistent food quality
Tropisueno presents a mixed experience, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 6.5. If you’re seeking a lively spot with a good vibe and don’t mind potentially higher costs, it could be a suitable choice, especially during happy hour.
However, if consistent food quality and a quiet, budget-friendly meal are your top priorities, you might find Tropisueno a bit hit-or-miss. It’s a place that shines in certain aspects but has clear areas where it could improve for a more universally satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Tropisueno
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, many diners have found plenty to love, with 254 positive remarks out of 415 total. Guests frequently praise the delicious food, authentic Mexican food, and flavorful salsas, often highlighting the margaritas as a standout. The overall score for food sits at an average 6.5, reflecting a generally positive experience.
However, a notable 136 negative comments point to some inconsistencies. Some experiences describe bland food, soggy textures, or dry meat, with a few mentioning dishes being greasy or tasteless. This contributes to a mixed 61.2% customer satisfaction, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Food
415
Reviews
61%
Satisfaction
136
negative
25
neutral
254
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic, delicious food
- Excellent margaritas
- Flavorful salsas
What people don't like
- Food lacks flavor
- Dishes can be soggy
- Meat can be dry
Often praised
- foodThis is a very cute, small, and unassuming place that offers great food, a nice ambiance, and good service. The prices are also very reasonable.
- tacosWe also enjoy their great happy hour. It's our go-to spot for Mexican food, margaritas, nachos, and tacos.
- margaritasWe also enjoy their great happy hour. It's our go-to spot for Mexican food, margaritas, nachos, and tacos.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be a great place for Mexican food. The Super Tacos were really tasty, and the Quesadillas were delicious.
- drinksThe drinks were amazing (11/10 recommend the Duende)
- salsasthree salsas to ensure there's one for everyone's spicy preference
- Foodthey were absolutely delicious!
- cocktailsenjoy a fantastic experience of delicious food and cocktails
- nachosWe also enjoy their great happy hour. It's our go-to spot for Mexican food, margaritas, nachos, and tacos.
- enchiladasEveryone in our group was able to find something they liked - enchiladas
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the folks working were nice and the service was good, the food had no flavor at all. The picadillo was especially disappointing.
- Mexican foodenjoyable Mexican food, this restaurant's food is too pricey and mediocre
- fish tacosordered the fish tacos and chile verde, and it was one of the worst meals
- vegetarian optionsIf you're looking for a good Mexican dining experience, stay away from here. It started when I asked about vegetarian options, as indicated on the menu, and the waiter couldn't really tell me what they were. When I ordered the only vegetarian taco alternative, they arrived completely soggy and far too spicy to eat.
- chipschips were pretty brittle and kept breaking
- enchiladasDie Enchiladas teilweise so trocken, dass sie einfach ungenießbar sind.
- fishIt was by far the worst Mexican food I've had in San Francisco. The fish in my Baja tacos was dry and lacked salt and flavor. What's unacceptable is being charged an extra $4 for spicy sauce that I had to request to make it more flavorful, which, unsurprisingly, wasn't spicy at all.
- burritoburrito that was basically cold
- dishesthe dishes we had initially ordered were brought our cold
- main courseHauptgericht sehr gewöhnungsbedürftig im Vergleich zu Europa mit mexikanischen Essen.
If youre seeking authentic Mexican flavors and great margaritas, this spot might hit the mark. Just be aware that while many find the food delicious, some experiences point to occasional blandness or inconsistency in preparation. Its a bit of a mixed bag, so go in with balanced expectations.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
Alright, lets talk service! This spot gets an average score of 6.2, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 55.5%. Based on 164 comments, with 91 leaning positive and 63 negative, its clear there's a bit of a split experience.
Many guests rave about the friendly staff, prompt seating, and excellent service, often highlighting quick food delivery and accommodating requests like allergy info. Specific shout-outs go to personable bartenders and attentive waiters who make the experience seamless. However, not everyone has had such a smooth ride.
Some folks encountered slow service, apathetic or even rude staff, and a surprising lack of basic amenities like silverware or water. There were also instances of long wait times and issues with ordering or getting attention, suggesting that consistency can be a challenge here.
Service
164
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
63
negative
10
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, prompt staff
- Quick food delivery
- Accommodating requests
What people don't like
- Rude, apathetic staff
- Slow service times
- Missing basic amenities
Often praised
- serviceI absolutely loved the well decorated interior, which created a wonderful atmosphere. The food was delicious and served promptly out of the kitchen. I had the shrimp and steak burrito, and it was generously filled from top to bottom.
- staffeveryone from the ladies taking the order, to the cashier, and the bartender all very friendly and sweet
- ServiceCarlos made our first time experience memorable and enjoyable. We definitely recommend this restaurant and will always make it a point to return!
- excellent serviceThe tres leches cake was particularly noteworthy. The best thing of all was the excellent service; Martin was fantastic, and I highly recommend asking for him. If I return to San Francisco, I would definitely stop by here again.
- serversthe servers are the sweetest
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- experiencethe experience was seamless and delicious
- JoseJose Can is the best! Jose is kind, thoughtful, and hard working.
- MartinThe tres leches cake was particularly noteworthy. The best thing of all was the excellent service; Martin was fantastic, and I highly recommend asking for him. If I return to San Francisco, I would definitely stop by here again.
- allergy info on menubig plus for their allergy info on menu
Frequently criticized
- serviceZERO service. Stupid me. Never again. Nobody has come to my table, not even to clear my plate.
- staffThe food was absolutely great, earning a perfect score. However, the service was lacking; the staff never returned to check on us until it was time to pay. The atmosphere was also excellent, rated a 5 out of 5.
- 2 top tablesonly 2 2 top tables that were not near each other
- 4 top tablestold that they had no 4 top tables available
- Servicedid not find the 1)Service
- StaffStaff not very engaging in their service
- ask us for a tipask us for a tip right before we eat our food
- available tablesseveral 4 top tables available throughout the restaurant and patio
- basicsHad to hunt for basics
- commentsmade various comments that made me and my friends very uncomfortable
If youre looking for a place with potentially friendly and prompt service, its worth a try. Just be aware that some guests have experienced slower service or less attentive staff, so manage your expectations, especially during peak hours.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
The vibe here is generally a hit, with many guests loving the atmosphere! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at a good 80.4%, its clear most people enjoy their surroundings. Out of 112 opinions, 90 were positive, highlighting the "ambience, " "decor, " "vibe, " and "outdoor seating" as real standouts, making it a beautiful and cozy spot for many.
However, not everyone was completely charmed, with 18 negative opinions pointing out some potential snags. Some found the "atmosphere" a bit "loud" or "dark" inside, and a few mentioned "parking" difficulties. While these issues are noted, they dont overshadow the overall positive impression, but it's good to be aware if you prefer a quieter, brighter setting.
Ambience
112
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
18
negative
4
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful decor and vibe
- Great outdoor seating
- Cozy, good atmosphere
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Parking is difficult
- Dimmed lights
Often praised
- atmospherevibrant atmosphere and colorful decor added to the overall ambiance
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was great! I had solid Mexican food and enjoyed the cool ambiance. The mole enchiladas were a particular highlight, and the chips and guac were awesome.
- Atmosphere3)Atmosphere but it is a great location
- locationThe Super Tacos were really tasty, and the Quesadillas were delicious. I also appreciated that the location of the place is really nice. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5, with no wait time.
- ambienceGreat ambience
- placethe place itself is beautiful
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- decorcolorful decor added to the overall ambiance
- environmentThe environment is very nice
- interiorloved the well decorated interior
Frequently criticized
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- ambianceThe ambiance didn’t help either — loud, chaotic
- areaat night there aren’t a lot of people walking in this area
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- crowdsdue to the crowds
- darka little dark
- dimmed lightsthe lights so dimmed we had to use our flashlights to see the menu
- loudIt was pretty loud though
- loud insideit is pretty loud inside
- outdoor tablesfilthy outdoor tables. Pigeons land and eat on their tables
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere and a lively vibe, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that it can get a bit noisy or dark, and parking might require a little extra effort.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, some folks really appreciate the deals, especially during happy hour. Many found the prices surprisingly low for certain items, making it an ok place for a happy hour or a spot for a great lunch and a beer that offers culinary value. These positive sentiments, accounting for 12 remarks out of 41, highlight that good deals can be found if you know where to look.
However, the overall sentiment for value is quite low, with a score of just 3.9 and customer satisfaction at a mere 29.3%. A significant 26 comments point to issues like things being expensive, overpriced, or having inflated prices, with some even questioning the price-performance ratio. Many felt the food wasnt worth the cost, leading to an expensive meal that was not edible or garbage food for 5x the price.
'
Value
41
Reviews
29%
Satisfaction
26
negative
3
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable prices
- Good culinary value
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Overpriced food
- Poor price ratio
Often praised
- happy hourThe food is consistently great, and the service is always friendly. We also enjoy their great happy hour. It's our go-to spot for Mexican food, margaritas, nachos, and tacos.
- pricesThe prices are reasonable for their happy hour items.
- Happy HourHappy Hour has a pared down menu but you can have a good time for cheap
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- culinary valueTropisueño brings culinary value
- daily happy hoursespecially during their daily happy hours
- lunch and a beerI was impressed by the great food and the excellent happy hour. It's hard to find a place in the city where you can get a great lunch and a beer for under $20. Everything was very tasty.
- priceI had a quick burrito with some friends. The experience was tasty, quick, and reasonably priced. The ambiance was nice, and they had cold Jarritos.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe tacos were very substandard, with grease pouring out of a tiny portion on a very small tortilla. I felt it was garbage food for 5x the price Mexican should be. I would advise others not to eat here.
- expensiveFor how expensive it was, the experience was completely disappointing
- pricesthe prices were completely outrageous
- Mexican coke-cola$7.00 for a Mexican coke-cola
- charged uscharged us an additional $30.00 for my sons Tacos
- checkthe incorrect items that were brought out to us were included on the check
- chipsWant some chips? You are going to pay for them!
- expensive mealThat was a very expensive meal that was not edible
- food valueSeveral people at our table left their plates unfinished. It's a shame because the place itself is beautiful, but the food just isn't worth it, especially considering it's very expensive. This was our first and last visit.
- inflated pricesThe ambiance was also a letdown, being loud, chaotic, and lacking any pleasant atmosphere. In summary, it was a combination of poor service, bad food, and inflated prices – a true waste of time, money, and patience. I absolutely do not recommend this place and wouldn't return even if it were free.
If you're looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour, this place might be worth checking out. However, be prepared that outside of those specific times, many find the regular prices to be quite high for what you get, potentially leading to disappointment.
How are the prices at Tropisueno?
On average, you’ll spend around 36 per person – from 144 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, that’s comfortably mid-range, perhaps a bit on the higher side for a casual spot.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While many diners spend less, in the $21–$30 range, there are also plenty who opt for dishes in the $41–$50 bracket and even higher. So, it offers options for different budgets, but the average lands squarely in that mid-tier.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 144 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels fair. It offers a range of options, allowing guests to choose their experience, from a more casual meal to something a bit more indulgent.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Tropisueno
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Average food, nice ambiance and drinks
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. While the environment and the drink were enjoyable, the food was unfortunately average to low in quality. There was no wait time.
- environment7
- drink7
- Wait time9
- food3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Phenomenal Food, Shoddy Service
I really wanted to love this place due to its location, price, and existing positive reviews. However, the shoddy service unfortunately outweighed the food. Upon entering, I was immediately asked if I wanted a table for one, to which I replied yes.
After a brief wait, a man with dark curly hair pulled back in a ponytail and thick dark glasses approached and asked, "What are you waiting on? " I explained I was waiting for a table. He stated he didn't know who I spoke with, but only had a table or a seat at the bar available, with the bar seat being next to the trash.
I opted for the table, as previously indicated. He then raised his voice, exclaiming, "I DON’T KNOW WHO YOU SPOKE WITH. ALL I HAVE IS A TABLE AND SEAT AY THE BAR.
" This was quite startling, and I almost left. I nervously proceeded to my assigned table. My server was initially polite but seemed more focused on wrapping up tables and collecting tips.
On the other hand, the food was PHENOMENAL! I ordered the tampiqueño and empanadas. Everything was incredibly flavorful, colorful, and cooked to perfection.
Each bite was a delightful "cacophony of flavors and kaleidoscope of plating. " They even offer pinto or black beans for those who don't prefer refried beans, and their pinto beans and rice were fantastic – I was part of the clean plate club! Despite the lackluster service, the food was absolutely top-notch.
- food10
- tampiqueño10
- empanadas10
- shoddy service2
- lackluster service3
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible service, uncomfortable seating
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the rude staff and poor service. We asked for a table and had to wait too long. When we were finally given a table by the supervisor, it was very uncomfortable.
Our request to move to another table was denied. We then asked to speak to the manager and were made to wait for 30 minutes. Overall, it was a really bad service experience.
- staff1
- table1
- manager1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Sooo Good - Returned Twice!
My experience at this restaurant was sooo good. We had dinner here and enjoyed it so much that we had to come back for lunch the next day. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was also a highlight.
- food10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
3
Confusing Tacos and Greasy Chips
My experience at this restaurant was a bit confusing and disappointing regarding the food. I was told they don’t have soft tacos, which was strange because all of the pictures displayed were of soft tacos. The chips were also super greasy and all broken up.
The salad cups were tiny, and it seemed like they served crumbs for the tiny plastic cups of salsa. On a positive note, the service was friendly, and the atmosphere was rated highly.
- service9
- soft tacos2
- chips3
- salad cups3
What Tropisueno offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Tropisueno?
At Tropisueno, you’ll find a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for dine-in or outdoor seating. You can enjoy table service, counter service, or even grab a quick bite. They offer lunch, dinner, and dessert, with options for private dining if you’re planning a special event. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Does Tropisueno offer options for specific dietary needs or families?
Yes, Tropisueno caters to various preferences, providing both vegan and vegetarian options on their menu, alongside small plates. If you’re dining with little ones, you’ll appreciate their kids’ menu and available high chairs, making it a good choice for families. Dogs are also allowed outside.
What is the overall rating for Tropisueno?
Tropisueno has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4 out of 10, indicating an average experience. Its Ambience (7.5) is a strong point, while Food (6.5) and Service (6.2) are average, and Value (3.9) is a concern.
What do customers enjoy most about Tropisueno?
Many customers appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the friendly, attentive service. The happy hour deals are also frequently mentioned as a positive highlight, offering reasonable prices on select items.
What are the main drawbacks mentioned by diners at Tropisueno?
Diners often point to the high prices as a significant drawback, particularly concerning the overall value. The restaurant can also be quite loud, and some guests have experienced inconsistent food quality or inattentive service.