Mike our server was energetic, friendly, and informative. Really excellent. The food was all delicious and the servings generous. The menu is "Latin American fusion". E.g. arepa de pollo, overflowing with fried chicken, avocado, and other goodies. One of us had the chicken ahi soup and loved it. Another was delighted with his thin sliced beef (under especiales on the menu). We had both the plantain appetizers, which were very different from each other and delicious. Tarta de Alfajores was incredible and the cheesecake also yummy. The decor was interesting and bright. Our only issues were very high noise level at times (but not the whole time) from happy customers' conversations and slightly slow service, which we attributed to the fact the place was completely full (and for which our server apologized, unprompted). We will definitely go back! It's a very small place, and we were unable to reserve online for the time we wanted, but successful in person. I wish I had taken more pictures of the food, but it looked and tasted so good I didn't think of it until dessert.
Andrea Santos
hidden gem tucked near the edge of tenderloin. unassuming entrance and interior but everything from the food to drinks were amazing. classic latin food with some modern twists. pleasantly surprised and would come back!beware when paying through QR code, the automatic tip is over 22% ?midnight in medellin: take on espresso martini, one of the best i’ve had. not too bitter or sweet.tigre blanco: refreshing, remniscent of caipirinhamariquitas: fried plantains were great but the chile mole sauce was standout. never tried something like that before. must try.steak empanadas: good but would skip next time.pork arepa: great smoky, sweet, savory flavors. plantains inside paired well with the shredded pork and loved the smoky sauce on the side.arroz con leche: really well made rice pudding. nothing super unique but
Fabio B.
Step into the vibrant world of Chao Pescao, a Latin culinary oasis nestled just around the corner from San Francisco's Civic Center. From the moment I stepped inside, I was whisked away on a sensory adventure that had me itching to explore every nook and cranny of its stylishly eclectic décor. The walls adorned with whimsical artwork and the gentle sway of oversized ceiling fans created an ambiance that was both chic and inviting. But it wasn't just the decor that had me buzzing with excitement. The air was alive with the infectious rhythms of Latin legends like Willie Rosario, Frankie Ruiz, and Hector Tricoche, setting the perfect backdrop for my culinary experience. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but let the music move me, my head bobbing and toes tapping in time with the beat. The staff at Chao Pescao were like a well-oiled machine, seamlessly working together to ensure every guest felt welcome and attended to. I wasted no time in ordering a refreshing Modelo Especial de barril and diving into their signature Cubano sandwich, a towering masterpiece of roasted pork, ham, gruyere, pickles, and mustard nestled between perfectly grilled Cuban bread. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, with the crispy fries adding the perfect crunch to every mouthful. And while some Cuban sandwiches can be a bit on the greasy side, Chao Pescao's version struck the perfect balance, leaving me satisfied but not weighed down. As I reluctantly bid farewell to this hidden gem, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure trove that I couldn't wait to share with friends. So until next time, alligator...
Rodrigo Hernández
Food is very greasy and not healthy
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Una Empanada
P T.
The food was delicious and I wish I had taken a photo, but I was so hungry and it was so yummy I forgot. The service was excellent. They really were so friendly and helpful. The decor was bright and fun. Interesting. I have been trying to decrease my meat intake, so I appreciated that the menu had vegan options. I would definitely eat here again.
Zoe H.
Really disappointed by tip situation. There were 5 of us, but the receipt was put at 7, because there were two folks a couple of us knew, doing their own thing at a table near us, who were lumped conceptually with us, even though our receipt clearly only has the food for us 5. Then a 20% tip was automatically added (because we supposedly had more than 6, which we didn't) - but yet the receipt paper at the bottom says suggested tip amounts. So if you don't notice that 20% has already been added, you're out of luck - so we ended up tipping more than twice the amount we should have. The whole meal ended up being significantly more expensive, and unfairly so. We were not on the bill with these other two people (I bet they didn't have to tip for our whole table of five!), and we shouldn't have needed to tip twice for our own meal. C'mon already. I won't be coming back.
Chezz M.
I'm honestly not the type to give bad reviews but this day I was very disappointed with the treatment I got from the manager a week ago. My coworkers and I were ready for a good afternoon after a long day in the office and as soon as we walked into Chao Pescao Ms. Lady/ the manager gave us the nastiest look up and down. Didn't really want to offer us seats at the bar so we had no other option then to sit at a regular table. When we asked if we could get drinks she said we'd have to stand at the bar for that. Not only that but she also was speaking rudely to my coworker. Bumped into her as she walked by. Honestly if someone is going to work in a restaurant/ bar the least you can do is have a small on your face as you greet people in. Not automatically look them up and down and assume whatever. My coworkers and I were really looking forward to a good time but the manager was oddly rude for no reason.
Bianca E.
OMG, you guys! I stumbled upon the cutest little Cuban gem in San Fran, and it's an absolute must-try! The vibe is so fun and festive with vibrant decor that transports you straight to Havana. From the moment we walked in, the incredibly warm staff made us feel right at home. First up, the tostones - insanely crispy and flavorful with the most delicious green sauce for dipping. To die for! I had the ropa vieja, and that generous portion of melt-in-your-mouth beef was devoured in seconds. But the true stars? The arepa de bistec (an explosion of flavors!) and the lechón cubano. That crispy pork paired with sweet plantains was straight-up heaven on a plate! Even my friend's shrimp caesar salad blew our minds - hands down the best caesar ever. We washed it all down with refreshing mojitos that complemented the meal perfectly. The attentive service only added to the delightful experience. In short, this place has it all - amazing food, a lively atmosphere, and service that'll make you feel like family. I'm already craving a return visit! Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me!
Gina L.
Delicious! Super friendly staff. I had the ropa vieja and it was soooo good. It's a large serving but I literally cleaned my plate. The mojito was very good also!
Jennifer Lew-Munoz
Super cute inside & great food! Chao Pescao was awesome, and big shoutout to the manager for making it extra special! She really went out of their way to make sure we had a great time. Definitely coming back for more!
The food is great but the service is excellent. The closing manager was super accommodating of my group, she took the time to explain our menu options and answer all our questions. Will be back
stephanie r.
This restaurant is great! The service is amazing. Good food. The entire staff is super kind. Special shout out to the employee named Anabella. She is super professional and went above and beyond to make our table feel comfortable. She recommended the Copa, Copa Havana and the Camarones Empanizados. All of them were excellent and we expect to come back and try more of the menu. Thank you Chao Pescao!
Reyna H.
My boyfriend & I came here last weekend to celebrate our anniversary. This was my first time trying Chao Pesco and they made it such a memorable experience for both me and my boyfriend! The staff was incredibly kind and very attentive to us. 10/10 customer service! The ambiance was also relaxing and the decor was beautiful! We will definitely be returning.
Nicole S.
The manager I think her name is Bella was so kind and accommodating. I asked for recommendations and ended up ordering the empanadas de res and a cocktail called beso de angel . Everything was super yummy. I can't wait to go back!
Isaac Henry
Went for happy hour. I had coffee and tried some appetizers. They were all good.
Mike our server was energetic, friendly, and informative. Really excellent. The food was all delicious and the servings generous. The menu is "Latin American fusion". E.g. arepa de pollo, overflowing with fried chicken, avocado, and other goodies. One of us had the chicken ahi soup and loved it. Another was delighted with his thin sliced beef (under especiales on the menu). We had both the plantain appetizers, which were very different from each other and delicious. Tarta de Alfajores was incredible and the cheesecake also yummy. The decor was interesting and bright. Our only issues were very high noise level at times (but not the whole time) from happy customers' conversations and slightly slow service, which we attributed to the fact the place was completely full (and for which our server apologized, unprompted). We will definitely go back! It's a very small place, and we were unable to reserve online for the time we wanted, but successful in person. I wish I had taken more pictures of the food, but it looked and tasted so good I didn't think of it until dessert.
hidden gem tucked near the edge of tenderloin. unassuming entrance and interior but everything from the food to drinks were amazing. classic latin food with some modern twists. pleasantly surprised and would come back!beware when paying through QR code, the automatic tip is over 22% ?midnight in medellin: take on espresso martini, one of the best i’ve had. not too bitter or sweet.tigre blanco: refreshing, remniscent of caipirinhamariquitas: fried plantains were great but the chile mole sauce was standout. never tried something like that before. must try.steak empanadas: good but would skip next time.pork arepa: great smoky, sweet, savory flavors. plantains inside paired well with the shredded pork and loved the smoky sauce on the side.arroz con leche: really well made rice pudding. nothing super unique but
Step into the vibrant world of Chao Pescao, a Latin culinary oasis nestled just around the corner from San Francisco's Civic Center. From the moment I stepped inside, I was whisked away on a sensory adventure that had me itching to explore every nook and cranny of its stylishly eclectic décor. The walls adorned with whimsical artwork and the gentle sway of oversized ceiling fans created an ambiance that was both chic and inviting. But it wasn't just the decor that had me buzzing with excitement. The air was alive with the infectious rhythms of Latin legends like Willie Rosario, Frankie Ruiz, and Hector Tricoche, setting the perfect backdrop for my culinary experience. As I settled into my seat, I couldn't help but let the music move me, my head bobbing and toes tapping in time with the beat. The staff at Chao Pescao were like a well-oiled machine, seamlessly working together to ensure every guest felt welcome and attended to. I wasted no time in ordering a refreshing Modelo Especial de barril and diving into their signature Cubano sandwich, a towering masterpiece of roasted pork, ham, gruyere, pickles, and mustard nestled between perfectly grilled Cuban bread. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, with the crispy fries adding the perfect crunch to every mouthful. And while some Cuban sandwiches can be a bit on the greasy side, Chao Pescao's version struck the perfect balance, leaving me satisfied but not weighed down. As I reluctantly bid farewell to this hidden gem, I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure trove that I couldn't wait to share with friends. So until next time, alligator...
Food is very greasy and not healthy
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Una Empanada
The food was delicious and I wish I had taken a photo, but I was so hungry and it was so yummy I forgot. The service was excellent. They really were so friendly and helpful. The decor was bright and fun. Interesting. I have been trying to decrease my meat intake, so I appreciated that the menu had vegan options. I would definitely eat here again.
Really disappointed by tip situation. There were 5 of us, but the receipt was put at 7, because there were two folks a couple of us knew, doing their own thing at a table near us, who were lumped conceptually with us, even though our receipt clearly only has the food for us 5. Then a 20% tip was automatically added (because we supposedly had more than 6, which we didn't) - but yet the receipt paper at the bottom says suggested tip amounts. So if you don't notice that 20% has already been added, you're out of luck - so we ended up tipping more than twice the amount we should have. The whole meal ended up being significantly more expensive, and unfairly so. We were not on the bill with these other two people (I bet they didn't have to tip for our whole table of five!), and we shouldn't have needed to tip twice for our own meal. C'mon already. I won't be coming back.
I'm honestly not the type to give bad reviews but this day I was very disappointed with the treatment I got from the manager a week ago. My coworkers and I were ready for a good afternoon after a long day in the office and as soon as we walked into Chao Pescao Ms. Lady/ the manager gave us the nastiest look up and down. Didn't really want to offer us seats at the bar so we had no other option then to sit at a regular table. When we asked if we could get drinks she said we'd have to stand at the bar for that. Not only that but she also was speaking rudely to my coworker. Bumped into her as she walked by. Honestly if someone is going to work in a restaurant/ bar the least you can do is have a small on your face as you greet people in. Not automatically look them up and down and assume whatever. My coworkers and I were really looking forward to a good time but the manager was oddly rude for no reason.
OMG, you guys! I stumbled upon the cutest little Cuban gem in San Fran, and it's an absolute must-try! The vibe is so fun and festive with vibrant decor that transports you straight to Havana. From the moment we walked in, the incredibly warm staff made us feel right at home. First up, the tostones - insanely crispy and flavorful with the most delicious green sauce for dipping. To die for! I had the ropa vieja, and that generous portion of melt-in-your-mouth beef was devoured in seconds. But the true stars? The arepa de bistec (an explosion of flavors!) and the lechón cubano. That crispy pork paired with sweet plantains was straight-up heaven on a plate! Even my friend's shrimp caesar salad blew our minds - hands down the best caesar ever. We washed it all down with refreshing mojitos that complemented the meal perfectly. The attentive service only added to the delightful experience. In short, this place has it all - amazing food, a lively atmosphere, and service that'll make you feel like family. I'm already craving a return visit! Two enthusiastic thumbs up from me!
Delicious! Super friendly staff. I had the ropa vieja and it was soooo good. It's a large serving but I literally cleaned my plate. The mojito was very good also!
Super cute inside & great food! Chao Pescao was awesome, and big shoutout to the manager for making it extra special! She really went out of their way to make sure we had a great time. Definitely coming back for more!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Empanadas
Restaurantji Recommends
The food is great but the service is excellent. The closing manager was super accommodating of my group, she took the time to explain our menu options and answer all our questions. Will be back
This restaurant is great! The service is amazing. Good food. The entire staff is super kind. Special shout out to the employee named Anabella. She is super professional and went above and beyond to make our table feel comfortable. She recommended the Copa, Copa Havana and the Camarones Empanizados. All of them were excellent and we expect to come back and try more of the menu. Thank you Chao Pescao!
My boyfriend & I came here last weekend to celebrate our anniversary. This was my first time trying Chao Pesco and they made it such a memorable experience for both me and my boyfriend! The staff was incredibly kind and very attentive to us. 10/10 customer service! The ambiance was also relaxing and the decor was beautiful! We will definitely be returning.
The manager I think her name is Bella was so kind and accommodating. I asked for recommendations and ended up ordering the empanadas de res and a cocktail called beso de angel . Everything was super yummy. I can't wait to go back!
Went for happy hour. I had coffee and tried some appetizers. They were all good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5