Hello dear
Welcome To Chao Pescao
Chao Pescao is a vibrant Caribbean eatery nestled in the heart of San Francisco, blending Cuban and Colombian flavors in a casual yet trendy atmosphere. This Latinx-owned restaurant celebrates community and inclusivity, welcoming all with gender-neutral restrooms and outdoor seating. Guests can indulge in a variety of delicious dishes, such as crispy empanadas, savory Arepas, and refreshing salads, making it perfect for sharing. The thoughtful cocktail menu and attentive service enhance the experience, ensuring every visit is memorable. With its diverse offerings, including vegan options, Chao Pescao invites you to savor the spirit of Caribbean cuisine in every bite.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Empanadas
Butcher's Filet
Tajin Fried Chicken
Ropa Vieja
About
Chao Pescao
Welcome to Chao Pescao, a vibrant culinary gem located at 272 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA. Nestled in the heart of the city, this Caribbean restaurant beautifully blends Cuban and Colombian flavors, transporting your taste buds to the tropics with each dish. With its hip, casual atmosphere and modern flair, it's a perfect spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner—ideal for food lovers of all ages.
Open to all, Chao Pescao is a Latinx-owned establishment that takes pride in offering a diverse menu, featuring mouth-watering sandwiches and fresh salads. Guests have raved about the delightful Empanada de Cerdo, crispy yet not overly greasy, and the flavorful Arepa de Bistec, a true taste of steak done right. For a touch of warmth, don’t miss the Pan de Bono, which are delicious, warm tapioca rolls that complement any meal.
Beyond the food, Chao Pescao stands out with its excellent service and welcoming ambiance. Patrons consistently report that their glasses are never empty, thanks to the attentive staff who ensure your dining experience is seamless. If you’re dining before catching a show at the nearby Orpheum, this spot makes for a perfectly convenient dinner option.
- ???? Vegan Options: A variety of vegan dishes make it inclusive for all diets.
- ???? Impressive Drink Menu: From cocktails to mocktails, there’s something for everyone.
- ???? Delivery and Takeout: For those on the go, Chao Pescao offers delivery and takeout services.
- ???? Pet-Friendly: Bring your furry companions on the outdoor patio!
Chao Pescao embraces sustainability by allowing customers to bring their own containers, offering compostable options, and using reusable tableware. This commitment to eco-friendliness enhances their overall charm and appeal.
The overall vibe is lively yet relaxed—perfect for enjoying your meal while catching up with friends or family. The moderate noise level keeps the atmosphere vibrant without detracting from conversation. As one guest mentioned, if you want to truly enjoy the experience, bring friends who are open to sharing various dishes. This way, you can explore the delicious menu together!
Ultimately, dining at Chao Pescao is a delightful journey through Caribbean flavors and a warm cultural experience. With hearty portions, exceptional service, and an inviting ambiance, there’s no doubt you’ll want to return. So why not make your next meal an adventure? Give Chao Pescao a try; you won't be disappointed!
For inquiries or reservations, feel free to call (415) 621-2200. We can’t wait to see you there!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Fabulous! Love the happy hour available until 6! Great dinner option before a show at the Orpheum. Loved the salad with pork added on the happy hour menu. (Great keto option). And we also loved the fried pork belly on the HH menu! (Another great keto option!) Super good! Only thing was we wished they had another dipping sauce that was a little sweet to counter the salty pork. The hot sauce was delicious, but it was craving a slight bit of sweet. And I suppose the pickled onions offered that, but we wanted an additional sauce to dip. We are big dippers. We are like the constellation only more hungry. Lol ”
“ We have traveled to both Cuba and Colombia, both of which we loved for many reasons, including the food. So when my honey found this Cuban-Colombian restaurant, it felt like fate. We have since had dinner here three times, each time before seeing a show at the Orpheum or other local venue. Easily walkable. My biggest piece of advice is to go with people who are good at sharing because the best way to make the most of Chao Pescao is by ordering dishes to share. Everything we've eaten has been thoroughly enjoyed. My favorites have been the Empanada de Cerdo (pork), Pan de Bono (warm tapioca rolls), Ensalada Havana (sin cerdo), and Arepa de Bistec (steak). They also boast an interesting cocktail/mocktail menu and your water is unlikely to ever be empty. The welcoming and bright environment just adds to the already great experience. We'll be back! ”
“ Everything was sooo good! Drinks were awesome! We went to dinner here before we went to a concert. It was our first time trying Cuban/Caribbean food and I'm glad we decided to go to ¡Chao. Definitely coming back to this spot! ”
“ Service on point. Water never empty. Dishes taken and checked table for any other wishes. Hamburgers were very tasty! Salad on side had jicama cubes that really went well with viniera and cheese taste! Quality sandwich that had tiny crunchy rock salt crystals that added flavor and pop to the meal. ”
“ Ambiance 5/5 - lively, bright, not super noisy even thought it was filled up for a Saturday supper Service 5/5 - they were all so nice and attentive! Food 5/5 - explanation being I'd want to come back here over and over. Some of our favorites were - empanadas (gotta try em all! Crispy but not overly greasy with well balanced filling. The sauce, too, so good), De Cemita (their version of fried chicken with rice, beans, and masa pockets. The batter was crispy with chicken so juicy on the inside. Just wow!), their shortbread cookies (highly recommend), and ALL of their cocktails! So yummy you'll WANT to be back! ”
“ Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Overall: Definitely one of the better places to eat at in the neighborhood. I'd go back if I'm in the area. The extended review... Food: Ropa Vieja - 4/5 - I've found it somewhat difficult to find this dish in the city and this is one of the few that has it. It's a very tasty dish with some good accompaniments. Service: 4/5 - Friendly and attentive service. Ambiance: 4/5 - A very festive and vibrant ambiance. ”
“ I don't know if I've ever had Caribbean food before, so when I was invited to try out Chao Pescao, I was down to go. Really good food, along with bright, welcoming decor. I really enjoy the unique wall decors with mirrors, and unexpected items such as phones and instruments. The empanadas are solid! Definitely recommend that as an appetizer. The papusas are also very good. Nice spot right in the Civic Center area, super-close walking distance from Civic Center Bart and City Hall. ”
“ Good spot but I wasn't wowed by the food. The service was great, they were kind and helpful. It's beautiful inside, I love the decor and how colorful it is. This place is near the Civic Center so it closes early and is in a low key neighborhood with not a lot of other restaurants or bars in the area. I came in for a birthday dinner with a group of 8 people on a Wednesday night. I would say this spot is good for groups. Yelp said they close at 8:30pm but it seemed like they stayed open a little longer due to how many people were still there. We ordered some apps- Chicharonn, Tostones and Maduros. They were all good but I didn't love anything and thought the portions were pretty small for what you pay for. I ordered the Cubano Sandwich, it was pretty good but again didn't wow me. ”
