Esperpento

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NicoleG

Joined 4 years ago

Needless to say, we were very happy campers.. A little on the shabby side. The location is a little on the crappy side. Parking, thank God, there's a garage across the street so that the dog I left in the car doesn't get harassed by bums. But who cares about all this really. The reason I went here is for the food!

My friend even got a nasty ticket from a motorcycle cop since he was talking on the phone. Like the minute he picked up the phone coz it rang, the blue lights came on. Thanks a lot! Add another $200 to our dinner price tag, thank you very much!

Buy hey, we are here last night, 3 people. We totally pigged-out and ordered Almejas A La Marinera (clams in spanish " marinara " sauce, with sauteed onions, garlic, parsley and white wine), Calamares Fritos (fried calamari), Brocheta De Vieiras (scallops brochette), Boquerones Fritos (deep fried anchovies), Expensive Jamon ($11, but oh so heavenly), Tortilla De Patata (potato and onion omelet, one of the most popular spanish tapas), Pisto De Calabacin (stew of zucchini, onions and tomatoes with tomato sauce), Ensalada Mixta (butter lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives, tuna and hard-boiled egg in a salad dressed with vinaigrette), Albondigas (meat-balls stew with saffron), Rabo Toro (Ox-Tail Stew, hands down the very best item in the restaurant), Gazpacho (cold vegetable soup), 1 Flan, 1 Chocolate Mousse, 1 "Arroz Con Leche", and 3 sangrias.

Needless to say, we were very happy campers. It was a little slow getting menus, but the glorious food excused any problems whatsoever.

I still have the stew in my fridge, oooh!

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

A lively crowd and affordable tapas highlight this popular Mission hangout.. Boisterous patrons sit at hand-painted tables tucked in various nooks and crannies of this open, bi-level restaurant. The menu focuses on tapas with over 40 to choose from. Standouts include the creamy chicken croquettes, spicy garlic shrimp, squid cooked in its own ink, and moist and savory potato-onion tortilla.

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oahu2sf

Joined 5 years ago

Simply good tapas in San Francisco's Mission district. simply good tapas in San Francisco without the fancy decor. The food is important and ambiance. Huge parties are not favorable but the staff tends to accommodate everyone in stride.

Doesn't Recommend

fairfood

Joined 6 years ago

unfair labor practices. okay, the food is pretty good, and this may not be what your looking for in a review (but i for one believe in voting with my dollar and wouldn't want to support this restaurant). i worked there for a few weeks and to avoid having to pay the cooks and the rest of the staff, the owner takes their wages out of the server's tips. this is an illegal practice and will be reported. if you don't want to support this kind of unfair business, don't eat here! there are better restaurants.

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tf2001

Joined 7 years ago

Good Casual Tapas Spot. The atmosphere is casual and inside of the resaurant looks a bit rundown, so I was surprised with how good the sangria and tapas were. We tried the paella on another visit and was also really tasty. The food here is a great value for the prices. It's loud and crowded and can get a bit hot in the summer but I have no complaints about the food or service.

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newguysfo

Joined 7 years ago

My favorite lunch spot on 22nd Street. I work on 24th and Mission and come to Esperpento for lunch quite often. Take a look at the photo in the City Search listing and you'll see the little "nook" under the stairway. That's my favorite spot when I'm alone or with one other person.

The staff has always been friendly, and since there's not much turnover they know the regulars and it probably means their boss treats them well too.. I'd like to support that.

For under $10 there is a wonderful lunch special. I'm not sure if I could do justice with a few words, but my favorite is the grilled snapper with potatoes and spinach bechamel. My employees like the fried calamari. The bread with real butter is outstanding and they include a unique soup of the day with lunch.

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pepermintmocha

Joined 7 years ago

Great Restaurant!. This was my first time here...and everything was great the food (Great tapas), excellent Sangria's and great service!!! I wiill definitaly be back!!

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Misterol

Joined 8 years ago

YUMMO!. We showed up with 15 people and no reservations on a Saturday night. Okay, not a wise move on our part, but they were so friendly and got us in in less than 45 minutes. The service is fantastic (doesn't hurt that the waiter was really cute and charming)! The food and sangria was also great. I highly recommend this place for an intimate time with few close friends or a large group. You want to keep the numbers up because they have so many tasty treats you will want to try them all!

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diehardwarriorsfan

Joined 7 years ago

Esperpento is great!. I have been to Esperpento a few times and it is fun, friendly, warm, and the food is delicious! I love the fried Anchovies, but everything I've had (small plates) is really good. There is a wait sometimes, but it's usually fairly quick seating. It's a fun place to bring visitors.

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shanemonroe

Joined 7 years ago

Standard Tapas. I have been patronizing Esperpento for more than 10 years and I have to say it remains consistent - if not spectacular. You can't beat the prices either. Order some Sangria and try the garlic shrimp, spicy potatoes and mushrooms. They are consistently good.