Pacific Cafe
(415) 387-7091
7000 Geary Blvd
San Francisco,
CA
94121
37.7798
-122.4946
Neighborhoods: Northwest, Outer Richmond
What People Are Saying About Pacific Cafe
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Open since 1974, the Pacific Cafe's decor is unselfconsciously retro, with brown poly-blend tablecloths, burnt-sienna walls and simple wood booths. It's also supremely comfortable and always crowded with neighborhood folks. Free white wine makes the wait for a table a happy one.
The Food
Even the food is unabashedly retro, and with bargain prices that include soup or salad and a side, it's hard to complain. Most items on the menu are simple seafood staples, like a soothing chowder-and-salmon bisque. Salads are pure throwbacks, like an iceberg-based shrimp Louie with Thousand Island dressing. The calamari appetizer is laden with a strong vinaigrette, while shrimp, oyster and crab cocktails are generous and super fresh. For entrees, follow the locals' lead and feast on one of a half-dozen nightly fish specials, like expertly grilled, flaky-light halibut, or greaseless, masterfully fried shrimp, and you won't be disappointed.
User Reviews
MTam86
April 25, 2009
I could not put a con- if you show up at opening or after 9pm then no real wait. If you show up at 6 and expect to be seated in 15 to 20mins go down the street- this place is hoping, grab the pad, put your name down, get a free glass of wine and be nice. Talk to the locals, but not bring your bad energy there it will be felt. This is a very authentic san francisco gem. It is small and quaint. It is in a nice quiet neighborhood but on a main street geary. It is far enough away from the hussle and bustle of San Fran. You go to Pac Cafe only if you want to have a relaxing non-abtrusive, no -upselling, eat what is described in the menu and want to pay about 40-50/person. Yes a bit pricey but worth it- I recommend sharing the appetizers _ especially the crab cocktail. The spicey snapper rocked the house so did the clam chowder and cheese cake. The pinot available was tasty with the snapper. This place has yet to disappoint. Again this is a neighborhood restaurant, not gumps, cliff house or some other touristy fish restaurant- you will wait, you will have a comp glass of white wine and you will enjoy a piece of old san fran.
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guythwaitefan
March 17, 2009
Why, oh why do people like this place? Last I went with a group of friends, we had to wait in the freezing cold outside for over 2 hours, and that's for a group of 4! The decor is very '70s, and the cheap swill-filled glass of wine they give you while waiting isn't worth all the hassle. Moreover, the server was rude and decided to lecture us because we had asked about our salad. A couple of people ordered soup, 2 salads and several appetizers. Well, the 2 soups were served first, 30 minutes passes by and no appetizers, no soups. When we asked the server because everyone were starving by this time and our guests didn't want to eat ahead of us, even though clearly starving too, the server said that this is just how he does things. Absolutely ridiculous. The food was terrible too. Supposed to a seafood restaurant, with really spoiled fish. Yuck!
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charmingkati
November 12, 2008
My expectations were high and met! The cheap wine is just the thing to make an hour and a half wait ok (we got there at opening and the line was already long enough to fill every table), and my mom (who is very impatient) was fine with waiting since we had a nice little seat and a nice little glass. The food! Amazing, prawns with nothing on them and they are just perfect, no need to dip in the butter they bring you. Everything is simple and fresh and cooked perfectly...
read full reviewThe Details on Pacific Cafe
Look Good:
The freshest dishes depend on which fish is in season, so ask your waiter for guidance.
Know Before You Go:
Seating is on a first come, first served basis, no reservations.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard
