La Barca Restaurant (Reported Closed)

Recommends

partygirlsf

Joined 5 years ago

this place rocks. la barca is the best place in the town to see all aspects of city life. you'll see preps, gangsters, scene-sters, sports fans, surfers, hot chicks, douch-bags, etc. it's down to earth and you don't really feel like you are in the marina at all. the people who work there are super nice, and most of them are freakishly good looking and cool. i would try a "freshie" if i were you but know that they are strong. the beef fajitas are the best thing on the menu. go there to have a great time in a traditional old school bar with a great juke box.

Doesn't Recommend

braedyn

Joined 6 years ago

Worst food EVER. First off, the building itself is incredibly moldy (you get a stuffy nose just looking at it), damp, dank, and reeks of dust. We ordered margaritas - strawberry and regular. We found green chunk that looked like rocks that fell off a mosaic on the wall in our drinks!!!! My dinner companion almost broke her tooth. The waiter was really nice as we showed him the EIGHT pieces from our margaritas (which tasted like bananas...worst margarita in the world!) and traded them for two glasses of wine. Which must have been from a 7-11 box of wine. When we finally got our food (steak asado cooked with herbs and fajitas), we were further disappointed. The steak tasted like frozen food and was too tough to chew. The fajitas weren't sizziling on the plate, but half cold. It was absolutely abysmal. DISGUSTING. Instead, go a few doors down to Alegrias Spanish restaurant where you will find an amazing array of delicious foods.

Recommends

blountm1

Joined 6 years ago

Frank Sinatra & Jimmy Benardo. I Grew up in the La Barca Room, with, Dini, Burns, Doyle , etc; We listened to Frank , Everynight & Consumed Margaritta's & Enchillada's until we Exploded. Jhimme Bernardo is the "Man " The Staff was Awesome .I have'nt Been to the Labarca Room, for Over 20 Years & I Still Miss It. Vio Condios !!!!!!!

Recommends

rachheart

Joined 7 years ago

fun drinking spot - average restaurant. the mexican is blah but it's a huge restaurant with a lively crowd. The margaritas were ok but not anything to brag about. I'd return but more for fun than for the actual restaurant experience.

Recommends

audreyjl

Joined 7 years ago

not too special but worth a try. We went here at 10 on a saturday for dinner, not the smartest plan since by that time it seems to be a much better bar scene than restaurant atmosphere. There was no hostess to take us to the dining room because she was too busy having drinks at the bar and flirting with guys but we were able to track down a waiter to ask for some menus. Besides the lack of service in the beginning the rest was fine. Good chips and nice spicy salsa. The margaritas were good, not the best but ok. The good was also good. Our waiter, though exhausted and overworked did his best to accomodate us and was friendly. I'd go back here, but I'd choose a better time frame if it's food I'm coming for instead of the bar.

Recommends

lisadhop

Joined 7 years ago

Go early. I think the food here is pretty good. I don't think it's very authentic, but it was tasty. I also liked the chips and salsa. And if you are looking for a stiff drink, this place is for you. It turns into a night spot on Fri and Sat nights. Not sure what that is all about, but I do like the enchaladas!

Service can be a challange.

Recommends

candyisprecious

Joined 7 years ago

Packed on Saturday nights. I went on a Saturday night for my birthday. My reservation was for 8 and my group was not seated until about 8:45. The hostess said that she did not have my reservation. That was annoying to have to wait so long to be seated WITH a reservation. The place is loud, so one of my guests had to wait by the hostess station to hear my name called. The food was good, margaritas were good, and service was good. We told the waitstaff it was my birthday, and they brought a sombrero for me to wear and sang to me. I'm not easily embarrassed, so I loved that! Bottom line is this: I would eat there again, but I'm not in a hurry to go back.

Recommends

calbrklychica

Joined 8 years ago

Great Mexican food in the Marina. Besides being a great place to meet up with friends for Margaritas and Tequila on a Saturday night, La Barca is an awesome place to chow down on your Mexican favs. I have been to La Barca several times and have always had a great experience. Whether celebrating the weekend or a special occasion, the staff is always accomodating and friendly, plus the service is speedy (along with the food). The bands are entertaining and keep the crowd dancing. I enjoy both aspects of La Barca, the bar and the restaurant, and those are what make your experiences unique each visit. Definitely recommend their margaritas and salsa for all city residents (not just Marina folk). The prices are average.

Doesn't Recommend

korirenee

Joined 9 years ago

Popular is as popular does. People go to La Barca just because they are told that "people go to La Barca". We had the worst service there! We ordered our pitcher of margaritas while we waited in the overcrowded bar. The pitcher did not arrive until after we had been seated at the table and even then it was disgusting! The waiter was inattentive and rude... and how many times can "Happy Birthday" be sung over the period of one hour? Although the food was decent, you're much better off in the de-gentrified areas of the Mission where the family owned restaurants make strong drinks and authentic grub: minus the shrieking 21 year olds.

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Traditional Mexican dishes, punchy margaritas and festive ambience draw the Marina crowd to this cantina.. In Short
With its makeshift awnings, wrought-iron fixtures and stone fountain, the large dining room has the feel of an old Mexican movie set. Marina singles dominate the crowd, especially in the bar area. Starters include the traditional chips and salsa, and the combination appetizer--a huge medley of beef taquitos, cheesy quesadillas and nachos. House specials, such as roasted chicken with tomato puree or traditional chocolate-based mole sauce, are amply portioned.