On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.

Colibri Mexican Bistro

4 star rating
based on 394 reviews

Category: Mexican  [Edit]

Neighborhoods: Union Square, Nob Hill, Civic Center/Tenderloin
438 Geary St
(at Mason St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 440-2737
  • Hours:
    Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
    Fri 11:30 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
    Sat 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
    Sun 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: Yes
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: Yes
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: No
  • Good for: Dinner
  • Alcohol: Full Bar
Sponsored Result You Might Also Consider

Neighborhood: Outer Richmond

"I've always wondered about this place and finally decided to go give it a try last month or so after getting so tired of the regular…" read more »

394 Reviews for Colibri Mexican Bistro

Sort by: Recent + Votes | Time | Rating
Photo of Laura L.

 

1

26

Laura L.

San Mateo, CA

4 star rating
07/24/2008

After a busy day in the office, we were too weary to venture down to the Mission for some real Latin Food.....so we settled on Colibri.  Yes, you do have to dodge the voracious homeless crew.....Dinner Entrees were from $14 to $18, but they arrive in Tapas portions.  Fortunately, that yummy FRESH quacamole that they prepare at your table is worth the trip.  We also celebrated the arrival of the Ceviche, which was a perfect compliment to the warm corn tortillas that came with the guac.

The interior is nice and cozy.  I feel comfortable bringing a client or a foodie here, and am happy to know that there is some sit-down-Mexican food near the financial district.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Brendon D.

 

80

360

Brendon D.

Santa Monica, CA

5 star rating
07/16/2008

Dodge a homeless dewd and come in!

This place has killer food and the interior is a nice respite from the grit that can come out at night on that part of Geary.  

We ate here a few times during a trip here.  It was great every time.  I think we had everything on the menu between the 4 of us and our multiple trips.  It was great...everything.

The margaritas were super tasty.  Definitely get one or six.  The bar is also a good area to grab a rita made from one of the million tequilas they have there.  

Don't half step.  This would be a great start to an evening that wanted to start off "civilized".

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Kiki I.

 

0

38

Kiki I.

San Francisco, CA

1 star rating
Updated - 07/20/2008

To Whom it may concern,

What?  Now you respond?

If your service is so excellent, then you would have responded to my written comment cards that provided you with my contact information.
 
I have to be honest, your staff, including the manager, were down right rude.  Have a little common courtesy, let alone simply advocating that your staff follow the law.

Regards,

Kiki

This is my response - please see message below - to poor poor service and management.  

On Second thought, why waste your time because it is San Francisco.  And, simply put, you can do better!  

Better food...better drinks...and, no doubt better service.

"Kiki,

I want to thank you for your review of Colibri and apologize for the poor level of service you received on your visit.  Excellent service is our standard and I hope that you will give us another opportunity in the future to improve your impression of Colibri.  As for the smoke, I am sorry for your experience and we will definitely keep a closer eye on this in the future.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback.

Best Regards,

Colibri"

1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3 star rating 07/03/2008

    I am a fan of the Guacamole.  Might go back for drinks cause the food was OK and the service SUCKED.… Read more »

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Jeanne-Louise C.

 

0

1

Jeanne-Louise C.

Sonoma, CA

3 star rating
07/24/2008

This was my second time here. The first was with a group for a birthday and we had a nice booth in the center. The second time it was two of us. We were squeezed next to some loud talking tourists and a man by himself who I swear was listening to our whole conversation in the front by the door. This place could use a better layout; I saw at least two spills because it was so squished. Not to be picky but the music was too loud and the lights could have been a lot softer. Food wise it was pretty darn good. Actually our food arrived before the drinks but they were good too. It was too bad the atmosphere brought the place down, oh not to mention it was freezing inside the restaurant. I would recommend getting a table in back if you can, which I am going to do next time.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Brandon B.

Elite '08

40

154

Brandon B.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
07/01/2008

Haiku review:

Guacamole yum
But the service was no fun
Maybe for the drinks

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of tasha s.

Elite '08

61

306

tasha s.

Hayward, CA

3 star rating
07/03/2008

People either LOVE it or HATE it ... I was OK with it.
Out of my party - I had the tastey food dish - something with fish. My friends on the other hand didn't like their food as much, and the chile relleno was stuffed with vegetables but mushrooms were a large part of that - so I guess mushrooms are a veggie?

The desserts were good - something with the churro & caramel ...

The drinks were good (very expensive though) ...

So for the prices came to $50/per person with tip ... I think they could give a little bit more food, and lower the prices on the drinks for goodness sake - $10 for a margarita?

Would I go back? Probably not - yes the guac. is good like most everyone says but everything else was ok.

The service was ok - others have said they had rude service - but we didn't encounter that.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Tom B.

 

103

75

Tom B.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/30/2008

I'm not certain if it was the chiles or the atmosphere, but our group of 15 seemed to agree that the atmosphere was caliente. I'm a veteran of spices so I really believe the heat was due to the proximity to the kitchen. The restaurant could greatly benefit by increasing the number of vent/exhaust units.

Queso fundida with chorizo and mushrooms was filling and tasty. Sopes were nothing memorable. The carnitas entree was tender yet crispy on the outside. Churros with caramel ice cream were fantastic. The lamb shank looked delicious, so I'll have to try it on another visit. Overall, it's a great venue for birthday events, but if you're in need of basic mexican food you're better off at one of the local taquerias. People will favor Las Ramblas for tapas, but check out Colibri for a decent change.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Katie T.

 

10

30

Katie T.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
06/30/2008

Such a cool small plates joint. I had the blackberry margarita which was as delicious as it was strong. All the food was amazing, but it is definitely SMALL plates. we had to order more. Would be really good for a birthday celebration. My new favorite place in Union Square.

People thought this was:

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Tiberius J.T. A.

 

6

75

Tiberius J.T. A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
07/05/2008

I think this place is a hidden secret.  

Their menu is extensive and I just wanted to order everything on it.

I can't wait to dine there again.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Mark H.

 

2

3

Mark H.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
07/09/2008

I was really amazed to find this bistro lurking practically around the corner from Union Square. The dishes are small and almost tapas style, but the quality is amazing. I had the Pechanga Ranchero and Mexican rice, with a few other appetizers that were passed around my party.

The drinks were fresh and I wasn't disappointed at all when it came to everything.

I think the service could have been a bit more responsive, but to be honest at a place like this I don't intend on going in, quickly eating and leaving. I would rather sit and chill for a while with a group of friends and ruminate for a while over some very tasty food.

If you go in with a mindset like that, then the restaurant will be a much better experience.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of John C.

 

3

5

John C.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
07/06/2008

This place was surprising. I tend to stick to the cheap mexican food - the taqueria stuff. I've tried fancy mexican before (Tres Agaves) and was not thrilled. Thus, this was a gamble. I had queso fundido at the request of my friend as an appy on corn tortillas - two misnomers for me - cheese and corn tortillas. I LOVED it. Then, I had a chili poblano for dinner, also amazing. And a margarita of course. The price tag shocks you - for me and him it was $50 a piece, but it was definitely worth it, again, unlike Tres Agaves.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Oren F.

 

1

15

Oren F.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/26/2008

This is an amazing place that tends to be a little busy.
It is heavy on the Mole dishes.

Here's my video review:
http://www.kyte.tv/cha...

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Janice L.

 

2

14

Janice L.

Fullerton, CA

4 star rating
06/04/2008

This place is fabulous. I ate here once when I took a trip to SF with my friends and we stayed in the hotel right next door. It was really busy that Sunday night but we managed to get a table after waiting for 20 minutes. I ordered the posole sopa and the cactus with mushrooms side. Both were awesome, our waitress was super nice, and my two friends also loved their food (filet mignon and white fish). I would definitely go there again the next time i'm up north!

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of JENNIFER N.

 

2

44

JENNIFER N.

Huntington Beach, CA

5 star rating
07/01/2008

delicious place.  everything was great from the warm tortillas to the drinks to the dessert.  i went there over 2 years ago, and i still crave the "Negro y Blanco" - dark chocolate mousse & white chocolate confection.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Eddie H.

Elite '08

164

402

Eddie H.

Burlingame, CA

4 star rating
05/12/2008

If you were to tell me I could go to a Mexican restaurant, eat an entire meal without any rice, chips or beans and tell me I'd leave satisfied, I'd say your full of _ _ _ _. Nonetheless, I did happen to enjoy my meal here, but there's still a void left inside of me several days after my dining experience.

After I've had plenty of time to reflect - I can't help but feel somewat cheated. It's like if you took your kids to Chuck E. Cheese's and told them they don't serve pizza at that particular location. Better yet, let me paint a better picture; it's like if you were to go to Mas Sake and have a guy serve you; not just any guy, a guy wearing a pit-stained, belly shirt with a plumber's crack showing. What I'm getting at is that when reality does not match your perception, it kind of throws you off balance.

Anyways, aside from the order of carnitas (extremely good, moist and right touch of spices; chile de arbol that came with it was the perfect touch) and the order of guacamole, everything else I sampled was for the most part items not found in your local typical taqueria. Then again, I specifically set out to find an upscale Mexican establishment and after many failed attempts, this was my last hope.

The guacamole was good - made at the table, but it's something I could do without next time (nothing special). The queso fundido was excellent - it's such a simple dish (two ingredients - chorizo & cheese -  yet so many places mess it up). Only complaint about the dish was that it needed more chorizo. Also, be prepared to chase down your server every so often as the small serving of fresh tortillas is clearly not enough for any appetite.

Since the items on the menu are served a la carte, I perused the menu several times trying to find the perfect sides for my meal. After some battling back and forth I went with the torta de elote (savory corn bread, chile pasilla, onions and bacon, with a poblano pepper cream sauce) & papas al gratin (potatoes au gratin with poblano chile cream). I'd definitely order both sides again without giving a second thought to trying the other items (which I would normally do upon my 2nd visit to a restaurant as I like to sample a lot of items).

The portions are on the small side (but they make it up with plenty of flavor). If that still is not enough, order some sides and appetizers to round out your meal. If you can't get pass the fact that you will be dropping more than $30+ for some Mexican food, then I would not come here. However, if you've eaten more burritos, tacos, and tortas than you'd care to admit (either on the street or in a run down joint) and want to try something unique and flavorful (as opposed to being served food by the quantity), then definitely check this place out.

On a final note, my experience here is bittersweet as I've come to the tragic realization that there is no such thing as a 5-star, upscale Mexican restaurant anywhere - PERIOD

People thought this was:

Useful  (3)

Cool  (3)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Steve W.

 

3

42

Steve W.

Foster City, CA

5 star rating
06/09/2008

Wow!

The food was just unbelievable.  The lamb shank was so tender, that the meat just came off the bone.  Their duck mole and torta were also delicious.

They make their margaritas the way I like them, with tequila, fresh lime juice, and sugar, with a wide array of tequila choices.  I like to taste good tequila in a margarita, not sweet and sour.  I will admit I didn't care for the waitress's recommendation, the Magarita Tezon, as the grapefruit taste was too strong, but loved the Margarita Partida.

Their guacamole and fresh corn tortillas are also very good.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Susan C.

 

21

29

Susan C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
06/08/2008

Colibri is one of those restaurants that is worth the price of its food.  I've probably tried or tasted almost all the dishes on the dinner menu and I gotta say all of them are worth trying.

Currently my favorite dishes are the smothered chicken, which has a sauce I could drink like soup, the stuffed chicken, which has the crispiest skin ever, and the catch of the day never disappoints.

The guacamole is fresh and made to order and spread on their homemade hot tortillas is absolutely divine.  The jicama salad was very spicy the last time I tried it, but I still ate the whole thing.

You won't be disappointed.  I guess the only gripe I'd have is that it can get loud and crowded.  But the service is good.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Elaine R.

 

14

33

Elaine R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
05/20/2008

If you like maximum crowdedness, paired with mouth-watering tapas, you will pee yourself over Colibri.

First of all, the guacamole is amazing. I hate avocado and guacamole in general (looks like snot to me), but Colibri's gooey green goodness is too amazing not to smear all over a tortilla.

The portions are small (duh, tapas), but I like that because everything is so good that you can eat multiple starches and animals without looking like an overeater. The chili chicken, spanish rice, potatoes, and filet minion are our ultimate favorites.

Their tequila bar is pretty impressive too. One of my friends is a tequila nerd and he tried to show up the bar tender, failing completely. This thoroughly amused the rest of us.

Lunch selection is a little sucky, but if you're looking to stuff yourself with tapas and tequila mid-day, it's time for you to spend your afternoons in AA.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Ted R.

Elite '08

230

149

Ted R.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
05/01/2008

Can a theater-lovin' brotha get a good meal?!  Si, claro que si!

Colibri delivers.  No, not literally.  This Mexican slice of heaven is directly across the street from ACT, and is my number one place to meet-n-eat in the theater district. And that's not just because the food is excellent.  The tequila list is topnotch, and like so few places in the world, they make a great margarita.  If you only eat burritos and never check to see what kind of tequila you're being poured, then I can also warn you that you probably have no interest in this place.  Owned by one of the founders of World Wrapps, this place couldn't be further from it, or my favorite Mission burritos shacks and Mexican Taco Carts...

Food deets:
The table-made guacamole es muy excelente.

Great ceviche, ole!

The mole poblano is to die for, oh so tender.

Almost anything they do with duck or squab is worth ordering.

Beyond that, the ambiance is excellent, with decor a step beyond Ameri-Mex to Spanish Colonial.  The service never falters.  But let them know your curtain time.  For what it's worth, they seem to specialize in friendly, sexy, young waiters and waitresses with international accents...yeah, you so hate that, stay away. Ha ha ha!  It's not cheap, so if you're on a budget, just hit the bar, or drop by for dessert after your show.  It's oh so worth it, totalmente!

People thought this was:

Useful  (5)

Funny  (4)

Cool  (4)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Peggy H.

 

1

6

Peggy H.

Fort Bragg, CA

5 star rating
06/25/2008

What a treat! Friendly service and great food.Don't miss the guacamole and the warm,fresh,tiny tortillas.  The caipirinha was perfect, as were the chicken mole and fantastic corn cakes.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Jeff B.

 

2

11

Jeff B.

Fremont, CA

4 star rating
06/05/2008

I have been here several times, and I have enjoyed it every single time. This place is always consistent, unlike a similar restaurant at Santana Row in San Jose.

If you come here, be prepared to share with everyone at your table. This is a tapas restaurant that features Mexico bistro food. They also offer a full bar with some really good drinks. Try a mojito if you go, or even better a coconut mojito.  

Some of my favorites when coming here are the 3 dipping sauces that come at the beginning of the meal with fresh homemade tortillas, the made at your table guacamole, the ceviche, the carnitas, and the queso fundido. They also have larger dishes which include traditional Mexican dishes such as chicken mole, but I usually stick to the smaller ones.

This place has become the default restaurant when we are hungry and in the downtown SF area, and can't think of anywhere else we want to go. Check it out!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Christina A.

 

27

101

Christina A.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
05/27/2008

The guacamole is FANTASTIC.  Prepared fresh at your table, the guac is delicious.  They serve it with small tortillas instead of chips.  If you want chips, they cost extra.  We got one bowl...don't get them...they tasted stale.

The entrees sucked.  I had the fish of the day which was drowned in this way too cheesy sauce.  Was too heavy.  My other friends had the tortilla soup, quesidillas, and stuffed chile which were all not great.

But they did like the mojitos.  So maybe this place would be good for drinks and guacolmole, but I wouldn't recommend it for dinner.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Kathleen A.

 

0

2

Kathleen A.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
07/09/2008

The food was great and the drinks were amazing. I had a party of 20 and although it was discussed during the time of reservation, they failed to seat us all at one table, which was highly disappointing.... but despite this, it was great.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Soham K.

 

8

25

Soham K.

New York, NY

4 star rating
05/14/2008

Colibri is one of the best mexican/spanish restaurants I have ever eaten at.

I was there with a friend again today and as he likes spicy food we ordered the spicy dishes... the guacamole was great, the chicken was falling apart with little prodding, the Jicama salad was perfect with a hint of lemon-mint dressing.

After eating all of that I had to sit back and remember the flavors my mouth had just experienced. The creamy yet crunchiness of the guacamole with bits of spice that popped up whenever you bit into pepper bits... the taste of chicken smothered in a tangy tomato sauce with a light sprinkling of cheese... Pineapple and jicama chunks dribbled with the tangy-sweet dressing with spiced avocado slices and romaine... delicious!

All the boys I am looking out for... please take a date you want to impress here. If she isnt that into you, order a bunch of the yummy liberally doused tequila Mojitos or Margaritas.... if nothing else I guarantee she will at the end of the meal think you look studly!! :)

People thought this was:

Funny  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Nikki H.

Elite '08

115

519

Nikki H.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
05/15/2008

I was excited to try this place as several of my friends like it and made reservations for us all to go before a play at ACT. I was especially excited  after the hype from my sis-in-law (see novel..aka "review" from Alita M).

Per her review, she had a great bartender (Adrian), and being the social-butterfly yelper i am, I promptly located him. He made some great reccos for my friends who opted for the Tequila flights. He even let us work some substitutions. He really is in tune with his customers. I stuck with a house margarita which was quite tasty. One thing I also loved about him was that he was FAST! So refreshing after patronizing a slew of trendy spots with fancy drinks (see Alembic). I brought up yelp somehow in conversation and he mentioned how how had just checked the site and gotten a good review. He seemed really excited about that! So here ya go, dude, another one! You rocked it.

Naturally I made the suggestion that we should try those jalapeno margarita's mentioned that he made special. He was happy to oblige and we joined him at the bar for the show. Setting drinks on fire sure is cool, but the general concensus was that the drink was more gimmicky than drinkable. I appreciated the effort tho.

After this we took our seats. I sat on the wrong side of the table (the side that got the plates last, damn!) so I only had a tiny bit of food, but it meant I was able to try everything! The Queso Fundido was amazing, as was the Filet Mignon. Second runners up were the Mole and the Cauliflower. People were pushing the corn bread, but it was too dry for me and way too covered in the sauce.

For dessert we seriously tried them all but everyone raved about the Churros being the best they'd ever had.

People thought this was:

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Reina M.

Elite '08

36

134

Reina M.

West Sacramento, CA

4 star rating
06/18/2008

i'm not mexican, but i really don't think that this is "authentic" mexican food.  but whatevs, it's still really good for my taste.  they have a great tequila menu, and the margaritas are tasty and fresh.  no mixed cocktails here, just good 'ole tequila and fresh lime juice.  their meat dishes are great; tender, juicy and tasty.  the made at the table guacamole, although not a novelty, is still fun to watch and tasty.  plus, you can make it as hot as you want.  great place to go before a show.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of warren m.

 

1

7

warren m.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
06/03/2008

I really like this place.  I've been about four times so far.  I usually meet friends there before going to the theater.  My favorite is the cornbread.  I also love the pork dish.  They make the guacamole right at the table, serve it with house made tortillas, and it's D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Amber W.

 

0

7

Amber W.

Fairfield, CA

3 star rating
06/02/2008

I have mixed feelings about this place. The drinks were awesome. I highly recommend the Mojito's. The food was great. We ordered a bunch of dishes and shared everything. The service was pretty lousy with the exception of the busser who was the only one who asked if we enjoyed our meal. I might go again.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Shawn S.

 

9

34

Shawn S.

Hayward, CA

3 star rating
05/19/2008

We went to Colibri this past Saturday with a couple friends.  Overall, I thought the quality of the food, ambiance and service was good.  However, it is really tough to be a Mexican food restaurant in SF with so many wonderful places to eat.  Colibri's distinguishing characteristic is its upscale, trendy environment.  The place has a good vibe and the crowd is very mixed.  

I was pleased with the food, but was not blown out of the water.  In many respects, I've had Mexican food in the Mission that was as good if not better.  Still, what they lack on the entree-side, they more than made up for in drinks.  The margaritas were excellent!  

Given its location and fun atmosphere, I'd definitely go back.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Alyssa W.

Elite '08

22

101

Alyssa W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/21/2008

I've been here probably half a dozen times and it's been great every time except the last time I came to Colibri.  They have amazing drinks, a beautiful space, and great mole sauce.  They also do amazing things with cauliflower (never would have guessed...)!  I recommend it but probably won't be back for a while because I was disappointed in my last experience.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Ella c.

Elite '08

34

94

Ella c.

Oakland, CA

5 star rating
04/15/2008

Meranda B has restored her credibility! This place is truly, truly, truly delicious.

They started us off with three lovely homemade sauces with warm homemade tortillas. We ramped that up with warm tortilla chips that tasted like they were made out of croissants. And eff it, we got guacamole in the mix too. It was in my top 3 guacamoles, and I keep a strict running list.

The tapas were all really wonderful - we had the potato gratin and the cauliflower gratin. Both were kind of redundant but I sliiiightly preferred the potato only because the cauliflower was corrupted by mushrooms. I am not really sure how authentically Mexican potatoes au gratin are. Maybe in the Belfast region of Mexico this is a popular dish. But it was goddamn delicious, and that is what matters. The jicama salad with avocado and grapefruit was refreshing and the black beans were simply prepared and flavorful. I really could have eaten my way through a few more tapas but I think this is the kind of place that's better with at least four people so you can order many dishes and try everything.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (3)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Char C.

 

18

20

Char C.

Hayward, CA

3 star rating
04/16/2008

I came here with a friend for margarita's and chips/tortilla's and salsa..I was impressed by the fresh tortillas ...the drinks were alright.  I did not order any food off the menu, and may try it out in the future due to the great reviews I've read, but I never have paid $12 for a margarita in my life...and don't ever plan to again any time soon.  I came here for just a few drinks...and chips and salsa.  And ended up spending way more than I intended.  The ambiance is great, the service was wonderful....maybe just alittle over priced.  Seating was not a problem, no wait at all just as most of the other reviews pointed out, and I honestly think that is due to their overpriced drinks.

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (2)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Ed U.

Elite '08

620

924

Ed U.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/03/2008

"Upscale Mexican" kinda strikes me as a contradiction in terms like "partially pregnant" or "Bush intelligence". Maybe that's why I've been to Maya only once and still haven't been to Tres Agaves. Creature of habit that I am, I guess I prefer the bargain home-style Mexican dishes in the Mission overall, but ah, Colibri may just change my mind, at least as a once-in-a-while dining destination.

My friend Maggie and I ended up here quite by accident since we were browsing photos of the Rolling Stones at the San Francisco Art Exchange a few doors down. Remembering how a few Yelpers raved about this place, I thought it would be worthwhile to set ourselves up at a bar table and give it a go. We were sitting next to the sunny guy who ground the fresh avocados into their house specialty guacamole. Granted it costs $10, but it is awfully creamy-tasty, and there was plenty of it. Odd, at least to me, they serve it with small homemade tortillas instead of chips - which is an extra charge.

We then tried the $9 Tamales Oaxaquenos. Luckily, there were two, and the mole sauce was velvety perfection over a nice, little pillows of chicken obviously made from scratch and not picked up in the freezer at Trader Joe's. Next up were the $14 Carnitas, chunks of fallen-off-the-bone pork served with a special chile salsa. I'm a complete sucker for good carnitas, and these were genuinely yummy.

The last thing we ordered was a wedge of savory cornbread, the $7 Torta de Elote, filled with bacon and onion bits and ladled with a thick poblano pepper cream sauce. It might as well have been dessert for all its rich flavor. The relatively compact place was packed with people staring at our dishes as they streamed in and out. It's obviously targeted to the dressy theater crowd, but I certainly liked it enough to consider coming back with a reservation and everything.

FOOD - 4.5 stars...really tasty dishes, just a tad pricey to me when the Mission is just a Muni ride away
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...nice hacienda decor, damn crowded though
SERVICE - 4 stars...cordial and responsive
TOTAL - 4 stars...upscale Mexican...OK, I can dig it

People thought this was:

Useful  (18)

Funny  (16)

Cool  (15)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of evgenia v.

 

0

2

evgenia v.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
04/10/2008

I love this place their handmade guacamole and margaritas are to die for! I would highly recommend it!

People thought this was:

Useful  (2)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Victoria N.

 

2

7

Victoria N.

Boston, MA

2 star rating
05/18/2008

If you want to have a serious night of tequila-drinking, by all means go to Colibri. If you're in it for the food, however, think twice.

When my parents and I arrived it was very crowded, especially at the bar, which seemed like a good sign. Our waiter brought us menus and drinks. Then came sign number one that something was horribly wrong: there was no free chips and salsa. Instead there were corn tortillas and some thin, liquidy sauces that seemed to belong at an Indian restaurant. I still don't get it.

So we scanned the menu, decided on guacamole, ceviche, a Caesar salad, and carnitas (de puerco). The guacamole was listed as "made tableside". It's not. A man comes to ask you how spicy you want it, and then it's brought to you in a glass bowl perched in a molcajete, which is the closest you'll get to authentic the entire meal. The guacamole does not come with tortilla chips. According to our waiter, Colibri doesn't HAVE tortilla chips... Sign number two: in the guacamole, my father found a hair.

Soon after, the entrees arrived. My father had the carnitas, which were not carnitas by any Spanish definition of the word. It came as four large chunks of pork which were practically unseasoned. My mother and I split the ceviche and salad. The ceviche might have been the high point of the meal, but we've made better at home. It was a bit sad looking, floating in tomato juice, and there was almost no onion or avocado. The ceviche comes with... get this... tortilla chips! They were also corn, which masks the flavor of the ceviche. The salad was fine, not exciting, but it comes as whole hearts that you have to cut up. I was serious about getting tortilla chips for the guac, so I pulled a different waiter aside and asked for some more chips. He seemed baffled, but soon came back. Sign number three: he came bearing a plate with 7 tortilla chips on it.

So I'm confused. I'm thinking the four stars must be for the tequila.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Spartacus U.

 

16

95

Spartacus U.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
05/02/2008

I've bartended at a tequila bar, and hell - this bar BLEW my old one out of the water.  

Dish of the night: queso... screw it that I'm lactose.

People thought this was:

Funny  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Ashley H.

 

3

70

Ashley H.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
06/15/2008

they make your guacamole right there in front of you so its really good. i remember i went here on a date once. i really enjoyed it but i cantremmeber who my date was. so that just shows u how good the food is.

People thought this was:

Funny  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Tu L.

 

9

63

Tu L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/26/2008

About 7 on a Tue night, my friend and I walked in.  We were greeted a few minutes later and stuck in a small table way in the back.  The table was a bit on the small size, but it seems not to be a place for a party of 2 and geared to larger parties.  

First the drinks, I order the Sangria which was ok, the chunks of fruit was diced into very small pieces, some a bit indistinguishable.    Now to the food, we didn't get appetizers because  my friend is diabetic and couldn't eat most of the items.  We both got Pescado del Dia minus the chorizo from the sauce and a side of Hongos Chileajo (mushrooms) and Nopales Asados (grilled cactus).  I didn't care for the mushrooms there was too much of a tang, but loved the grilled cactus.  The main course dishes were served with a side of corn tortilla which was so delicious and was the main reason I was filled up.  The main courses are "small plates" and the side dishes is a good idea if you're really hungry.  The food had great flavor, really light and ingredients complemented each other well.  Only down side was the 3 different types of salsa that was served with our meal had no heat.

Yes I would go again, because there are more items I would like to try.  The special looked great and something I would like to try in the future.  The noise level of this place is very loud regardless of where you sit, this place was packed with several large groups.  There's a bar area in the front and is a great place to meet up with friends.

People thought this was:

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Carson H.

Elite '08

9

349

Carson H.

Woodside, CA

4 star rating
04/23/2008

Great guacamole! I've been here a number of times, and the food is really good. The jicama salad is sooo good.

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

Photo of Heather L.

Elite '08

40

249

Heather L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/24/2008

Love this place. Only Mexican restaurant where I don't feel like a fat pig afterwards. The dishes are on the smaller side and aren't super heavy. The drinks are yummy yummy. One star off for spotty service but still a place worth going to over and over. Not expensive but definitely not cheap.

People thought this was:

Useful  (1)

Funny  (1)

Cool  (1)

Bookmark   Send to a Friend Link to This Review

1 to 40 of 394 |  
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ...
Write a review