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¡Chao Pescao!

¡Chao Pescao!, 272 McAllister Street, San Francisco

4.4
RESTAURANT RATING: 
EXCELLENT
4.4 out of 5 (98 Ratings)
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0.4 miles Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
About ¡Chao Pescao!
The Spotlight on ¡Chao Pescao!

Latin American Flavors Just Steps From the Stage

Located in San Francisco’s Civic Center neighborhood, ¡Chao Pescao! is a vibrant, casual Latin American restaurant just a short walk from major music venues and theaters. With a colorful, relaxed atmosphere and flavors inspired by Colombia, Peru, and beyond, it’s a go-to spot for bold food, craft cocktails, and good times before or after the show.

This neighborhood gem offers a fun, friendly vibe with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it ideal for a pre-concert meal or quick drink. The casual dress code and approachable menu make it easy to unwind without missing a beat.

Why Concert-goers love it

Concert fans appreciate ¡Chao Pescao! for its prime location—just blocks from the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and other major venues. Service is quick and attentive, which is perfect if you're on a tight pre-show schedule. The energetic ambiance and flavorful Latin dishes set the tone for a fun night out, and the cocktails are crowd-pleasers. Bonus: it’s typically not too noisy, so you can still chat before the music starts.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for shareable plates and strong drinks
  • Solo travelers grabbing a quick bite before a show
  • Couples on a romantic city weekend
  • Fans wanting a lively space to kick off the night
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who want good food at fair prices

What People Say

Reviewers rave about the fresh ceviche, arepas, and plantain dishes, along with the warm, welcoming staff. Many praise the fun, colorful decor and the well-balanced cocktails, especially the mojitos and caipirinhas. Guests also mention the fast service and convenient location as key reasons they keep coming back.

Areas for Improvement

Some guests note that the menu is somewhat small, so options can feel limited if you're a picky eater. A few reviewers mentioned that it can get a bit busy on event nights, so making a reservation is a smart move. Parking nearby can also be tricky—rideshare may be your best bet.

The Bottom Line

If you're heading to a show nearby and want bold Latin flavors, fast service, and festive vibes, ¡Chao Pescao! hits all the right notes.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
Latin American
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Opening Hours
Dinner
Tue-Sat 11:30 am-8:00 pm

¡Chao Pescao! Customer Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Chao Pescao is #1289 of 5740 things to do in San Francisco

3 of 5 stars3 out of 5
By: itsmatty, Oakland, California
Fri 20 Dec, 2024
l Bright colors and fresh flavors sing, but slow service and food consistency leave some things to be desired. Positives: plantain chips are a MUST. Delicious tomatillo-based dipping sauce pairs...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: opusfan, Santa Clara, California
Thu 19 Dec, 2024
l Our family was looking for non-traditional timing to dine before a Nutcracker ballet performance and found a gem across the street from the Civic Center Parking complex. Chao Pescao hit high marks...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: Robyn R, Sacramento, California
Mon 10 Jun, 2024
l Really delightful. Food was fantastic. Lovely decor. Service was kind but kind of overwhelmed. Look forward to returning! Get the yuca fries! Order 2!

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¡Chao Pescao! 272 McAllister Street, San Francisco