(415) 826-9287

2323 Mission St between 19th and 20th (19th Street)
San Francisco, CA 94110 37.7599 -122.4192

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Neighborhoods: Mission, Central East

BISSAPBAOBAB.COM

Hours:

Mon-Wed, Sun 6pm-10pm

Thu-Sat 6pm-close

Last updated 9.27.11

Category:

Restaurants

What People Are Saying About Bissap

Featured Review

Kim Cooper

Contributor

In Short – Offering unique tropical cocktails and dishes from Senegal, this dim, funky spot is a choice stop for Mission-dwellers seeking lively atmosphere and world-beat tunes. Drinks flavored with hibiscus juice, ginger and tamarind go down like punch, but also pack one. Prices are low on fried plantains, marinated lemon-mustard chicken with couscous and stewed red snapper. Most dishes consist of generously proportioned stews redolent with cumin, chilies and ginger served with rice or couscous.

Editor's Tips

The Extras:
Step around the corner to the Little Baobab for more cocktails and dancing to Afro-Cuban and reggae beats spun by local DJs.
Save Time:
Bissap Baobab can get very crowded on weekends, so reservations are advised.
4 Star Rating: Recommended

05/06/07

Delicious African Experience

by lgreen7777 at Citysearch

I was visiting San Fran recently, and wanted to check out an authentic African restaurant in the city. I came across menu pages, and found Bissap Baobab (a restaurant of Senegalese cuisine in the Mission district). I took the subway over from my hotel on a Thursday evening early last month (April 2007) and was greeted by a cool and relaxed atmosphere with a very personable host. I decided to order my food to go and sat at the bar, where I was greeted by a equally pleasant bartender (who even helped me with selecting my order). I settled on the Seafood Coconut dish (w/ tilapia & w/ couscous as my options, as I could have also chosen chicken or rice, etc.). It came with veggies in a wonderful tamarind paprika coconut sauce. I also decided to order a dessert to go, and I chose the Thiakry (a milk & yogurt blend with raisins, strawberries, nutmeg, and vanilla--a yummy and light, but perfectly sweet way to end the meal!

Two more things I liked about Bissap Baobab--on the very night that I visited them, a portion of everyone's meal price was going towards an organization of awareness re: women's sexual assault. I was pleased about that. And lastly, if I had more time, I would have gone out the door and just turned the corner to the restaurant's dance club--Little Baobab--where they invited all their patrons to come over for dancing to world music after their meals at Bissap Baobab. Next time Little Baobab, next time! :)

  • Pros: Tasty food, great vibe, best when going early evening
3 Star Rating: Average

11/16/06

Inconsistent service

by tf2001 at Citysearch

I adore the drinks at this place but I've had a couple of bad experiences here with the service. However, I liked the lanb stew so much that I'm going to give it another shot and chalk it up to a couple of off nights....

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/16/06

Fun Dining Experience

by lkcoops at Citysearch

This is a hidden gem. Fantastic food, interesting drinks, relaxed atmospher - all in all a great evening. The lamb dishes are out of this world, especially JOALIENNE -(Senegalese Paella). This dish made my mouth very happy. The PASTELLES appetizers were a treat as well. I would recommend everyone try this place.

  • Pros: Food and drinks and atmopher
  • Cons: A bit crowded
4 Star Rating: Recommended

11/05/06

good unique food

by kda_gg at Citysearch

You have to read these reviews carefully. This is a smallish restaurant. If you come with a party of 8 on a Saturday night, you aren't going to have a good experience. It's also a scene later on and can get very crowded. Go early or on a week night and you will have great food and good service. The fried plantains were amazing and I loved my seafood entree. The drinks were tasty, but small and I thought a little pricey. The food was relatively inexpensive so I guess it all came out even in the end.

  • Pros: tasty unique food
  • Cons: gets crowded later
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/20/06

Delicious food and drinks, cool and fun atmosphere

by loveangel8 at Citysearch

We just tried out Bissap Baobab last night and it was very yummy! There was absolutely no wait, the servers were very friendly and the food was delicious! Also, the food came out from the kitchen very quickly. Try the chicken mafe and the chocolate souffle--very recommended. And the ginger hibiscus beverage is amazingly original and tasty. Also, the prices are very reasonable according to city standards. The international vibe is so accepting and friendly and there is a very warm feeling about the place. It sounds like some people have had to wait on Satuday nights for a table, but in case they haven't noticed, that is true with every good restaurant in the City on Saturday nights. If so many people are trying to eat there, the restaurant must be doing something right, yes? Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant.

  • Pros: Delicious food, nice waitstaff, great vibe
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