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Velvet Cantina
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 12 am
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
824 reviews for Velvet Cantina
Review Highlights
"The chicken avocado enchiladas were great too."
(in 84 reviews)
"This place has deeeelicious margaritas."
(in 413 reviews)
"first off, chips/salsa get 2 very big thumbs up."
(in 124 reviews)
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824 reviews in English
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Review from Will A.
San Francisco, CA
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Two words: velvet nachos.
They are absolutely incredible. First, the chips are really good (homemade, I think) - you will notice this right away when you start eating your chips and salsa. Second, the nachos are covered in homemade queso...WOW. On top of that, guacamole, crema, etc. etc. They are unstoppable. There hasn't been a time that I didn't get these nachos. I dream of these nachos. They are the best.
The margaritas are great as well, and can be strong at times (somewhat inconsistent in my experience). I've only actually eaten a main course there twice (I usually stick with only margaritas and nachos), and wasn't particularly impressed either time.
The first time was some steak dish, which was decent, but the more recent dish I tried was the chicken mole...fairly unpleasant.
BUT, the nachos and margaritas are so good that I can overlook the lack of quality entrees. And I still haven't mentioned the ultimate topper: the s'more nachos. The same great chips, covered in crushed graham crackers, cinnamon sugar, mexican chocolate, and topped with flaming marshmallows. It is amazing.
I highly recommend checking out Velvet Cantina for the lively (yet darker) atmosphere, margaritas, and nachos (x2). -
Review from Christine F.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
This review is only for the bar as I had heard the margaritas were really good. How in the world on a Friday night is this place heavily packed as a can of sardines at 6 in the evening?! All I was asking for were a few drinks, not to be seated to eat.
It was awkward because you come in and the place is a tad small for a restaurant. Pretty dark in there too, though Velvet Cantina stays true to it's name, it was dark and velvet-y. The lights were dim and had a red glow or gloom? 3 of us girls waited for a spot to clear, but apparently everyone had just started to drink so we were awkwardly standing in a random place almost near the bathroom just waiting not being acknowledged yet until someone said "uh, yea we're full. sorry."
Left, ate somewhere else (many options sine we're in El Mission here!) came back around 8 and wow! It has cleared up! Was ready for the margaritas! Bartender recommended what was good, blueberry or pomegranate? Hm, mixed? ...Bad idea. Tho, at least he was nice enough to remake a new one, one fruit choice this time. These margaritas were strong!
Overall experience, meh it was ok...at least most of the staff and bartenders were nice young gentlemen - nice eye candy for all the ladies out there *wink. -
Review from Emily E.
Oakland, CA
1/26/2012
Super accommodating and nice...we walked in with a party of 16 without a reservation after being turned down at Lolo's, and they got us in no problem.
Good margaritas, and good Mexican bar food. -
Review from Trace H.
Carmichael, CA
2/5/2012
Yummy nachos and great margaritas!! I went last night and was definitely a fan! The chips are wonderful and on the nachos they actually give you a good amount of guacamole! I always had the naked chile relleno and it was so tasty! Our service was awesome and we had a wonderful server! Everyone seemed to check on us thoughout dinner which was also nice. The staff was very knowledgable about the menu and just so friendly! Great atmosphere and a great time! My friends I went with said they typically had to wait a while because its always so busy but we barely had time to finish drinks at the bar before being seated which was a pleasant surprise!
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Review from Travis B.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a good solid cali-mex place. I've been here several times and the food never disappoints. They do good fish tacos and the drinks are excellent. However, given the plethora of good mexican food in the mission, and the occasionally indifferent service, I can't go higher than 3 stars. Don't get me wrong, I'll come back, but only every once in a while.
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Review from Patrick P.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012
damn good margarita's and fresh tortilla chips. cool atmosphere. This is the real deal bar.
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Review from Sabina M.
San Francisco, CA
1/25/2012
Went with my friend looking for a place with nice small eats and drinks. She's vegetarian--got the guacamole, queso con chile, and mushroom empanadas, and for drinks their fruit margaritas--one raspberry one pineapple. all for sharing all SO YUMMY. love the red and wonderful ambiance, had great conversation, waiter was splendid and food/drink scrumptious. miraculously free tequila shots were a plus! definitely going back.
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Review from Cindy L.
San Jose, CA
1/31/2012
Yum, the guacamole is fresh and delish with chopped cilantro on top. Had the naked Relleno, original, tasty and almost felt good for me!
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Review from Jade W.
11/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Solid nor-cal style mex food.
Salsa and chips were good, although, I personally prefer a spicer salsa. I ordered the verde chicken enchiladas with avacados. Again good but not mind blowing. Rice and black beans were tasty.
Overall nice dark atmosphere. The food was good and the service was too. I'm not sure if I would go back with so many Mexican joints in the area that serve equal or better food. -
Review from tar ..
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2011
This is my favorite mexican place in SF. super tasty food, attentive help, and killer margs.
Only thing is, beware your timing... could be a wait. -
Review from Ty T.
10/5/2011
Asides from the very tasty queso, this place is marginally between below descent to mediocre.
I guess you could qualify the experience of dining here as atmospheric, if you prefer not to be able to hear yourself think.
The watermelon margarita tasted like a pitcher of backwash.
And holy mole, the chicken mole is beyond pathetic.
Basically someone plated a very dry and un-flavorful chicken breast on my plate and slapped a very strange tasting mole on it.
Nothing like some true mole sauces I've had, the flavor had none of the rich, complex tastes and was very over salted.
Simply inedible.
Simply not coming back.Listed in: Never Again
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Review from Holly B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/5/2011
3 strikes, and Velvet Cantina is officially off our list of SF restaurants. We attempted to call their restaurant for take out tonight, and after six attempts with no answer, we gave up and called Papito instead.
Sorry, Velvet Cantina. You have lost our business for good. Shame.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/26/2007
I really wanted to like this place - I ordered take-out, and was heavily ogling all the beautiful… Read more »
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Review from douglas B.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2011
I was about to give this place 4 stars until i read some of the negative reviews. So to balance out the people that like taco bell more than they like taco trucks I will give a 5. This place feels fun. Loud, frantic, exciting. I was ready to drink margaritas from the second I walked in, and they have VERY good margaritas. We tried about 3 different kinds, you can't go wrong.
The food was fantastic. Chips and salsa are so easy to mess up, here they were wonderful. Get the Queso its fantastic. Steak tacos are some of ...neigh they best steak tacos I have had. Great food, good vibe and wonderful service. Look forward to going back again. -
Review from Marc S.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
Best place for late night nachos and jugs of margaritas!
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Review from Annalise F.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2011
Fact: Velvet Cantina is my first dining experience in the Mission since I've lived in San Francisco. (Apparently, I don't get out much.) It's been on my list of places to try- so I was super excited when the boyfriend said "Forget the gym today! Let's go to VC!"
We Had:
- A Pitcher of the House Margaritas, which were by far the most memorable part of our meal...and probably why I don't remember a whole lot of it.
- Chips & Salsa (Loved the greasy, thick chips...salsa didn't "wow" me.)
- He had the steak tacos...he liked them, but didn't love them.
- I had the Tacos Valentinas (sp?). These were delicious. I'd absolutely order them again, but there are so many others things I'd like to try!
The place is gritty and grimy, and the wait staff are friendly and fun. I'd certainly come back for the Margaritas alone! (They're my favorite in the city to date!)
However, with so many other options in the Mission, I've got a lot to try before I establish an absolute winner. -
Review from Mandy H.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2011
They have so much tequila here. And a cute Filipino bartender who shimmies behind the bar.
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Review from Genevra H.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2011
If it were all about atmosphere and convenience, this place would get 4 stars. It's nice inside - great music, flattering lighting, and real nice workers. I'd also give the margaritas 4 stars... plenty to choose from, nice portions, and if you don't like it for some reason, they'll gladly fix it for you. Unfortunately, the food would get 1 star... It's hard to mess up salsa, but they find some way to do it.
With all the wonderful Mexican food in San Francisco, I'm not sure why you'd go here... unless, of course, you're just there for the margaritas and ambiance. If you want real food, walk down the street to a taqueria... but if you're out for drinks and fun, stop in here and check it out. -
Review from Bryan B.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 8/15/2011
I continue to go to Velvet Cantina for their great food and sweet margaritas-- and it has become a regular spot for me to take out-of-towners who want decent Mexican food outside of a tacqueria.
Yet, on my most recent trip, I was impressed even further. Not by a new menu item or a change in decor or even the level of service (which remains great!) But instead by the EXTREMELY attractive staff. Allow me to flex my gay rights here, but I was thrilled to see the entire waitstaff was male and HOT. My crew (of gay boys, so take it with a grain of rainbow salt) all took notice. If this is the usual dinner crew on a Friday night, call me a regular.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/30/2009
Velvet Cantina is not the best Mexican food in the Mission. There are taquerias and restaurants… Read more »
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Review from Peter H.
San Francisco, CA
9/28/2011
A self-proclaimed "modern" restaurant needs to know that in order to me modern, they must provide superior and competitive foods and drinks. I feel as though I got half of that, and half standard mediocrity.
This is the restaurant of poor pairings. The tortilla chips are crisp and fresh, not too salty, but paired with the thinnest, most lackluster salsa I've ever had. It's like pico de gallo, but with all the tomato removed, leaving some measly juice and tomato pulp behind. So sad. My chile verde had the perfect sauce, but the corn tortillas it was served with were bland and cold. The rice was disappointingly mediocre.
The margaritas, on the other hand, are so lovely. Upon ordering a pitcher, it came with a stirrer and two glasses with salted rims. The waiter even poured our drinks. And so next time, I'll just hang out at the bar with my $25 pitcher of margarita.
The music is also too loud, there are many drunken women (who my boyfriend speculated don't get out too much), but the paintings on the wall are fantastic. Everything just can't be right. -
Review from Lisa W.
San Francisco, CA
8/6/2011
It's a dive bar! It's a mexican restaurant! It's...Velvet Cantina!
I was in here for 15 minutes before realizing I'd actually be here before, and not because of the tequila shots we took the first time. Confusion stemmed from the fact that while the front area looks like a run-of-the-mill restaurant, there's a full bar in the back room.
Okay, maybe a little bit because of the tequila.
The bar/restaurant intersection makes for an interesting vibe - they blast top 40 music, loud, which you're eating, and while I really enjoyed myself at my roommate's birthday dinner, this definitely isn't a place I'd take my family. With friends though, I can see a leisurely meal turning into drinks, and more drinks, late into the night.
Thumbs up to the chicken enchiladas as everyone else has said. I might have to disagree on the magaritas, though - we tried the fresh fruit one, as watermelon was the choice of the day, and they were a little too strong.
They let you call ahead to put your name on the list, which is a huge plus in my book.Listed in: Mission Rat
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Review from Ashley J.
8/15/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I have absolutely NO complaints about this place. I arrived with my friend to eat some dinner on a Friday night around 8pm. The wait was about 20 minutes so we sat at the bar and ordered a pitcher of their watermelon margaritas. The pitchers are huge, and they don't skimp on the tequila or fresh watermelon puree. The bartenders were funny, and enjoyed conversing with everyone at the bar counter. We were served chips and salsa at the bar while we were waiting for our table which was nice. I must say (and I'm not even close to exaggerating) these were the BEST chips and salsa I've had not only in the city, but ANYWHERE. A fresh tomatoey taste, and the chips were light, salted perfectly, and warm. I crave their chips and salsa just about every day.
We were seated at a table right around 20 minutes later and were handed more chips and salsa and some menus. I ordered the naked relleno with rice and beans. It didn't take long to get the food out to us and our server was outstanding. Not only did I experience the best chips and salsa ever, but this was seriously the best chile relleno I've ever had as well. Be forewarned... the relleno is SPICY. It was almost too spicy to eat (ALMOST). But I ate every single bite. The refried beans were thick, not soupy, and the rice was perfectly cooked (and you could tell it hadn't been sitting in a serving pan for hours as some restaurants tend to serve crispy spanish rice).
I had a wonderful experience here, and can honestly say that this may be one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I'll probably be back every week. -
Review from Michael L.
San Francisco, CA
"This is Beauuutiful". "What is that? Velvet?".
http://www.youtube.com...
Actually that was a lion. In my case Velvet is a Cantina. Coming here with my friend who just got out of AA, who is afraid of anything with the word Bar, Pub, Saloon or Cantina, It took a little convincing that we can actually go to a Cantina and just order food, believe it or not.
I never would have noticed Velvet Cantina in this part of the Mission. I've passed by this area on many occasions and I only would notice the Walgreens and produce store. Walking in, there is a nice level of music and intimate atmosphere. A great place to come with friends and chop it up.
The menu was a list of usual Mexican food. However, I thought it was weird the menu didn't have beef enchiladas. Here is what I ordered:
First off, the salsa with chips at Velvet is great. I could eat the chips and salsa all day.
Chicken & Avocado enchiladas:
I came hungry, so I asked for an extra enchilada. The food was good, nice sized portion of food.
My server was friendly, and cool. My friend complained that the salsa was too mild so he brought out some habanero extract. Hell has no fury as this habanero. I dare you to eat about a spoon full. I'll give you $50 just to see your facial expression change as your eyes well up and tears begin to roll down your cheeks.. (Really is there anything more hilarious than seeing your friends in agony from hot food?)
So what is Velvet? It's a Cantina that serves pretty good food, friendly service, and believe it or not,(I know..what's the fun in this?) food without having to order alcohol.Listed in: I'm Mexican at Heart
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Review from TVAT T.
San Francisco, CA
11/28/2011
Too many dudes, bad music & tasteless food.
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Review from Danny C.
San Francisco, CA
11/24/2011
Kind of a non-chain Chevy's.
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Review from Merland S.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2011
There is Subway sandwich people and there Is Quiznos people. Both think that they have good taste, when in earth's reality they both have bad taste.
U could also say there are Chevy's tex mex people and Velvet Cantina fresh mex people. Both might think that they love authentic refried beans and sour cream, but both are wrong. Velvet Cantina was mediocre at best, but I suppose it was better than Taco Bell.
Actuallys, I would rather have beef supreme Chalupa than enchiladas at Velvet (no velvet in sight) cantina. I know my latin food (see my cHIpotle review!!!) but COME ON. At least my date finished her margarita and came back to my house :) -
Review from Elaine T.
8/16/2011
Impression upon first stepping in? Looks like something straight out of the Orient...(not that I've been or anything).
The place was dimly lit and all I noticed were the completely red walls. Couples were seated in a few booths and small groups of friends were socializing with dinner and pitchers of margaritas at the smaller tables.
Apparently the Velvet Cantina is known for their margaritas. I personally had never heard of this place prior to coming here with some friends.
The margaritas were a bit stronger than I prefer.
This bar is great for grabbing drinks before heading out for a night of dancing at the Make-Out Room! -
Review from Melody T.
7/26/2011
Friendly Staff.
Food comes out quickly and is flavorful.
Chips and Salsa = good, order the queso, yum!
Chicken avocado enchiladas very tasty, $13.
Sort of an interesting atmosphere, sort of feels like you're eating in an old dive bar? Either way, would definitely recommend for a "under $20" dinner if you're in the area. We went after drinks and apps at Beretta. -
Review from Aneliese R.
Santa Rosa, CA
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Had a great Friday night! From the moment my friend and I walked in we could tell it was going to be a good night. The atmosphere of this place is great- young and trendy. A good group of young professionals and not sketchy people given the area. The BEST chips and salsa! I mean I have had chips and salsa at many many many Mexican places and I would give them the award! AMAZING. I woke up the next morning wanting Valvet Cantina's chips and salsa.
I got the chicken tacos and they were good. The service was great and I would come back in a heartbeat!
4.5 stars! -
Review from Ms. G.
San Francisco, CA
12/1/2011
I've been here once or twice before and the food was ok but last night the food and service were extremely unexceptional. First of all we were seated rather fast which was nice but then we waited 15 minutes at our table with no drink menu and no acknowledgement from our server. When our server arrived he rushed us to order cause the kitchen was closing and then disappeared for another 15 minutes. So we waited no drinks or water. I could see our drinks sitting on the empty bar and multiple employs standing around dancing and screaming to each other over the loud club music totally oblivious of the customers.
When our drinks and food came everything was cold and bland. My boyfriend is a chef and the best thing he had to say about the food is that the cook has good knife skills. The veggie sopes had the exact same cold cactus potato filling as the naked relleno and the beans tasted out of a can, zero flavor.
Also the guacamole is just plain avocado with some lime juice, no onions or cilantro or anything. The dish they served it in was severally cracked and kind of disturbing.
The service got a little more attentive towards the end of our meal but the server walked by multiple times and never even noticed the stack of dirty plates that we had pushed to the end if the table.
When the check came, I ended up leaving over 20% tip because I didn't have the patience to wait for our server another 15 minutes to get change.
Right before we left the guy made a comment about things being crazy in there tonight but if you have a busy restaurant you should hire people who can handle it. This guy couldn't and the food was not worth the wait. -
Review from Ellen K.
San Francisco, CA
11/20/2011
I love this place. Its my go to Mission spot when I want to sit down and have an extended meal over tacos, chips and margaritas. The people who work here are always friendly (if at times a little slow, but who cares, have another margarita). Be prepared for loud music and a pretty packed house past 7:30. We always hit this place up on the early side which serves us well.
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Review from Jackson Q.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2011
I don't spend too much time in The Mission, in fact- I don't even have a list for it (that's how little I come here) so when I schlep out- it's gotta be worth it.
Is Velvet Cantina worth it? Not exactly.
Full disclaimer: I didn't have any entrees. I was more or less muscled down the street by my friend, who was following his insatiable craving for s'more nachos. We sit down and he says "they have pitchers of margarita!"
Ugh- here we go.
We got a pitcher, but I really was only doing it to be polite. For the record I HATE margaritas, so obviously I hated this one too. I got drunk enough to down them quickly though.
The s'more nachos were yummy- I mean, I was drunk so- obviously anything doused in chocolate and smothered with melted marshmallows is good. Cinnamon crispy tortilla chips were a decent base to the whole shebang as well.
All in all though, this place is pretty skip-able when crawling around The Mission- which I don't enjoy to begin with. -
Review from Megan G.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011
I love this place, I recommend it to everyone, if you like great Mexican food and bold margaritas you should go there as soon as you can fit it into your schedule.
- Takes reservations
- Cozy corner booth for 5 where you can see all the action
- Chicken and avacado enchiladas
- Margaritas by the pitcher (not frozen, just rocks)
- Can accommodate larger groups
- Enticing vegetarian options
- Great salsa and chips
- Is also, literally, a cantina, so gets boisterous on drinking nights
If you need it to be quiet, go somewhere else so as not to ruin it for yourself, but if you are gearing up to go out this place has the perfect spirt and some of my favorite food in SF. -
Review from Mark M.
San Francisco, CA
7/1/2011
Love this place! Great Margarita's...(do I need to write anything else?).
This little place serves the best chips/salsa. The guacamole, if you buy it, is amazing. The food is not your standard Mexican 'fare' and is so wonderfully fresh.. We keep going back for more and more and more...
Love it! -
Review from josh m.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2011
Damn, I ate so much here. The nacho cheese sause was kind of nasty (but what do I expect). The margaritas are bomb.
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Review from Linda L.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2011
I was expecting a dimly lit lushy velvety sexy food experience, in part because their awning is painted with allusions to such. I was a tad disappointed though. There was a surprising lack of velvet in the decor, and the atmosphere was much more "WOOHOO TEQUILA" than "oh baby, let me lick the salt from your rim".
Observation #1, IT'S LOUD IN HERE! WOOHOO!
Observation #2, bar tenders are hot
Observation #3, where's the velvet?
They have you enter through the bar side which sets you up for an awkward moment of trying to find someone to help you. There doesn't appear to be a host, so I guess you just shout over to the bar tender that you want a table. The initial seating process is a bit clumsy.
Once we were seated in our not velvet booth, service was pretty good. The chips were fresh but a little greasy, and the salsa was weird tasting. My enchiladas were yummy, but nothing to write home about.
I dunno, I'm not sure this place is quite alluring enough to seduce me away from the sea of taquerias calling my name all around. -
Review from Emily T.
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place just makes me happy. Everything from the location, decor and the damn cute waiters/bartenders.
We ordered a pitcher of watermelon margarita to start off. It's $28 for about 6 glasses. It's a great deal if you are with some people, or an alcoholic.
Food was pretty good, but I've had better. Chicken tacos: very well marinated chicken with just the right amount of everything else. My friend got the ceviche and nachos, but I didn't get to try it. They looked delicious and the plates were empty at the end. The chips were on the greasy side, not a huge fan.
Overall, a cool place to get your tequila/mexican food fix. -
Review from Kristin S.
Palo Alto, CA
10/22/2011
There are sooo many great Mexican restaurants in the Mission that I'd be hard pressed to come here. The best part about the Velvet Cantina is that it's pretty big and not as popular as some other places so I find the wait to be reasonable which I cannot say of various other places I have tried to get seating at on a Friday or Saturday night. The coolest thing here is the s'mores nachos thing they do for dessert. It's quite a show and pretty tasty too. Drinks are good, chips are good, entrees are totally skippable.
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Review from allegra f.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 7/24/2011
This place is still solid! It's been a while since we've been and I was a little bummed to see that my all time favorite salad in the world is no longer on the menu. However, it forced me to spread my wings and I loved their take on the relleno I had instead.
Tasty drinks, tasty food and what really stood out is the service. It's chill, they don't get all up in your business. What I really appreciated was on my error, I ordered a flavor of margarita I didn't like. I should have known better, it wasn't my favorite fruit flavor so naturally it wasn't going down smooth for me. I hate sending things back so I simply ordered another - they asked why I apologized for not liking it and whattddaya know, they comped the drink I didn't like.
A nice touch, and I'll continue to pop in now and then.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/13/2009
Manzanita salad and cilantro gimlet.
Best meal ever. Had it two times now and both times I left… Read more »
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Review from BOSHIKA T.
San Francisco, CA
8/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
The only reason I would go to this place again; one word: Tequila. They have some really good Tequilas. I noticed people were downing buckets(more like jugs) of the sweet stuff called margarita, NO...try the the good stuff, tequila, straight.
Here are the three that I had
Casa Noble's Crystal
Corralejo Reposado
Cazadores Reposado
My man drank Micheladas all night( beer, with hot sauce, lime and some tomato juice), if you have never tried this highly recommend...at the VC, you can pick your beer and then they will make a Michelada, my suggestion would be a light beer like pacifico or corona.
As for the food, this was my second time, and the first time I dont remember, so that means food is probably average. We did have the gucamole with the tortilla chips, naaah...plus if I want to eat good Mexican food there are zillion other places here...but do go for the tequila, it is quite an experience. -
Review from Stacy W.
San Francisco, CA
11/22/2011
Went for the queso and sad to say it was only thing I liked.
