(415) 821-6660

3091 16th St
San Francisco, CA 94110 37.7554 -122.4169

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Neighborhoods: Mission, Central East

Hours:

Tuesday thursday 10am-10pm, Friday- Sat 10am-11pm, Sunday 10am-8pm

Price:

$

Last updated 5.03.12

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Romantic Dining

Cuisine:

Latin American

What People Are Saying About Panchita's

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Upscale Mission District eatery serves Salvadoran favorites such as pupusas, seafood soups, and caramel-topped flan.

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
Try some of the Californian wines this restaurant has to offer.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/25/08

Not your papi's Salvadorean restaurant!

by drewsf77

This is one of my favorite nouveau Salvadorean restaurants. Come to think of it, probably the only one. But don't let that dissuade you from trying the restaurant out. I first came to this restaruant in 1999, so it's been around awhile. The service is great. We always get the same gal, and she's sweet. Whenever I come I always order the Pollo en Mole, which is very delicious and under $10! I have made mole at home -- a 4-hour process that is worth every second -- and Panchita's gives me the same gustatory satisfaction without the endless cooking. They do pupusas here, but it's all very haute cuisine and better as an appetizer than a meal. If ya want pupusas, El Zocalo or La Santaneca are a better value. But the attention to detail, ambiance, and delicous new takes on old Salvadorean favorites is sure to please.

  • Pros: Delicious Modern takes on Salvadorean Classics
  • Cons: Pricey Pupusas
4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/27/08

Great Food, OK Service

by gyasin

I love this place. The pupusas are authentic and the chicken vegetable soup is hearty and delicious. Service, though usually friendly, can be slow as there always seems to be few people in the kitchen. This may be why the food is consistently good, however. I always have to ask for my check, which is kind of nice because they don't rush you. If you tell them to bring your check when they bring your food, they always seem happy to comply.

  • Pros: Consistently good food, nice service, very authentic
  • Cons: Service can be slow
4 Star Rating: Recommended

09/21/07

super good neighborhood food bitches

by johnandrewjames

Hey bitches,

I live the mission and it is tragic how many of the Mexican/Salvadorian places are trash. You heard it.

However, there is a dolly yummy place, right across from the garish and wonderful Buddhish catherdral on 22nd and Capp called Panchitas #3. I know, that number thing is very beaner, but the food is super good, the atmosphere, despite the occasional visit form very untalented and loud mariachis, is funzy. Raphael, the chef is a doll and I highly recommend this place. A true mix of old school Latinos on beer (imagine that) and a dose of Bay Areaized decor and presentation. The Pupusas rule and the guac is worth every last dime.

Go bitches!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/14/06

Great place to hang out and dine with a bunch of girlfriends!

by scorpiogirl

I have been going to this place for quite sometime now and it is always a wonderful experience. You can't find a better deal, great food (the pupusas and guac are excellent), tasty drinks, great wine list and excellent service. The owner/cook Rafael is a charming host with great wait and bar staff. This place is definately worth trying and maybe it will become your favorite place, too!

  • Pros: Delicious menu, Low price $$, great ambiance
  • Cons: Only one bathroom
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/28/05

The Epic-Curion Trinity

by aziomatic

Atmosphere: An industrial-minimimalist decor hinting of Soho steeped in interesting lighting and snazzy napkins. Aside from the decor, the presentation was stunning: as aesthetic as Salvadoran food is hearty. The presentation is what you might expect an Iron Chef to conjure if the magic ingredients are papusas and plantains. Though Panchitas has the look and food of high dining, its like the other great Salvadoran restaurants in the city. You can save a lot of money at this spot without skimping on food. Eddie and I had 4 papusas, 1 order of plantains, 1 glass of wine, 2 cokes, and 1 chocolate mouse cake for under $35. And the waitress was so lovely.

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