Enjoyed a very good lunch here, shrimp tacos and chicken mole enchiladas. The mole was maybe slightly too sweet, but the pollo was delicious. Good chips & salsa. Service was good to start, less attentive later. Cash only and you pay at the cashier, which isn't obvious if you're new here. (We kept waiting for a check to be brought to our table.) We first went to the nearby La Taqueria, which is maybe too legendary for its own good. We were turned off by the long line, crowded seating, noise and limited menu. Chava's was more relaxing and has a big menu of authentic Mexican food. Prices were very reasonable, especially for SF. We'll be back. read more

Decent enough Mexican restaurant, most notable for the friendly but businesslike service: they take care of you without fawning. I felt very comfortable there. Ordered the chicken mole. The sauce was very thin and rather bland. The chicken was a small thigh and leg and two chunks of breast meat (both a bit dry, both with bone). Rice, beans, thick tortillas. Food was OK. read more

Chavas is a very lovely place to eat. The food is delicious, the prices were great and the service was excellent. I especially like the artwork on the walls. If you have a chance, give them a try, you won't regret it read more

Decided to try this place again after years..... food is definitely not what it used to be. I asked for the birria de chivo, first taste of consomé was horrible. Tasted like they had mixed the soups and it tasted like 7 mares soup! Different flavors in 1, I couldn't eat it. The tortillas were not freshly made as they were stale. If you are looking for true authentic Mexican flavors then this is not the place for you. I won't be returning. read more

Chava's Restaurant - Birria with a whole lot of cilantro and onions to give it flavor but wasn't successful. - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Bad food. Regular service. Do not recommend it El mole tasted bad and the chicken was old. I will never return again. Emptie and dark place.

Sorry to say that it's gone downhill. The once hot handmade tortillas seem to be pre cooked and reheated, cheap bagged chips( usta be homemade), friendly male server forgot coffee order, forgot rice order, food not up to former standards, Disappointing, after being a favorite for years. Will no longer recommend this place. read more

I'm afraid Jamie W. and I are creatures of habit when it comes to eating cheap Mexican in the Mission. With the endless choices, we always seem to come down to the same four places - El Farolito, La Corneta, Taqueria Cancun and El Zocalo. That's why it was a bit of a stretch for us psychologically to consider going to Chava's on the next block from El Farolito. We came here early Sunday afternoon, and it was quite packed with families feasting after going to church services. We were about to leave until the zaftig hostess cleared a side table just for us. Chips and salsa immediately came to our table (see photo), and we could tell they were freshly made in the kitchen. Always a good sign. There was a lot on the menu, although it looked from the other tables that the most popular menu items were big bowls of soup. But as usual, we didn't follow the norm. Jamie went into his comfort zone and ordered the $7 Super Nachos with Beef, which were fine but really didn't stand out on their own (see photo). I decided to take advantage of the weekend-only availability of goat. Yes, goat... so I ordered the $10.75 Birria al Horno con Arroz y Frijoles (Goat with Rice and Beans). Accompanied by their steaming hot, housemade flour tortillas, the goat was quite savory with a consistency similar to pot roast. Before I finished my second self-service soft goat taco, the waitress delighted me with a huge bowl of Birria (see photo). What a treat. I immediately put all the remaining goat and rice in the hearty broth. Really delicious. The soup is definitely worth a return visit. FOOD - 4 stars...the birria is definitely the standout here - and get the goat if you're here on the weekend AMBIANCE - 2.5 stars...looks like pretty much like every other formica-dominated Mexican Mission eatery SERVICE - 3.5 stars...bonus points for giving me the complimentary soup TOTAL - 4 stars...best to eat here on a brisk day, livestock optional read more

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This meal was honestly only okay for me. My friend who hails from Honduras swears it's the best. I respectfully disagree with her, although I must confess that I've not tasted tortillas any fresher or more delicious than here, save Mexico itself. Wonderfully fluffy and slapped-happy-to-perfection, they were... at least 1-2 mm thicker than anywhere else you'd order, I would wager! =) One order of mole con pollo, and one order of enchiladas con mole..a cafe, and a jugo de zanahoria, and we ended up waddling outa there, and myself sporting one of those infamous doggy bags. Flavor of the mole fell really flat for me. First, it took a LOONG time to be served. Secondly, the mole was only lukewarm when it reached me, which was a bit annoying. Thirdly, I've had much richer, deeper tasting mole whose flavor really goes deep. Not so for this place. Oh well... I'm sorta with Jason B... 2.5 would be more accurate rating, but I was bowled over by the tortillas... bien hecho, Chavas! The humungous glass of juice was also very fresh and I looked carefully in the mirror in days following for any signs of orange undertones.. Phew! In the heart of the Mission, just a few doors up from Diandas, same side of the street. PS Think i snagged photo of the Cortina Romantica singer as well read more

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Right in the heart of the mission, this place stands out as a good Mexican comfort food place. For all the years eating here the only thing that has changed are the prices -- its still a bargain for the portions but the price has creeped north. Weekends are all about their caldos -- great on a cold day or to recover from a long night of drinking. The chicken soup is good, could use more veggies, broth is tasty and add a little chile to spice it up and you are set. My go to dish is the chile colorado, nice cubes of beef simmered in red chili served with rice and beans and enjoyed with thick hand made cord tortillas. So go and eat up. read more

This was the worst Mexican food I have ever had. The chips were from a bag and cold and they charged extra for them. The Macacha was awful and again everything was cold. The tortillas was warm when they arrived but after a few minutes they became hard. The only thing positive was the nice gentleman who was my waiter. read more

I was pleasantly surprised that I stumbled upon this place while walking through the mission looking for lunch. I ordered a shrimp quesadilla with a side of rice and beans. All of the veggies and shrimp were cooked fresh on the stove, and seasoned to perfection. It tasted super yummy, had just the right amount of cheese and spicy. I was really surprised I didn't need to add anything to it, the cook did a great job! Even though the prices are steep, and they are CASH ONLY, I'd still give this place 5 stars. If they got a better POS system that accepted credit card, and didn't charge you a $3 ATM with your bank charging you $2.5 on top of that, this place would get 6 stars. Be warned, bring cash! read more

Chava's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

2 stars because their salsa was good and service was decent. I went in there with my boyfriend for a late lunch and we asked the server if they had vegan options which he said they did. I ordered a veggie tostada and Michelada and my boyfriend ordered veggie tacos. The tostada was a very sad excuse of a tostada that had maybe 10 beans total on it. There were also large chunks of beef mixed into the beans and vegetables on the tostada. Sadly the veggie tostada was anything but and came with a unwanted side of beef pieces. I would recommend taqueria San Jose across the street. Their veggie have never disappointed. read more

Had bad experience here. They never said cash only. I only found out when I paid the bill. Then they were hostile as if I was trying to cheat them. I had to give them ID and go all the way back and get cash. It is obvious to me that they only take cash to cheat on tax. So low. read more

It is just as we remembered! Good is still delicious! We used to come in for breakfast every weekend with my husband and son. It was our weekend family breakfast spot. It was our time to get out, give me a break from cooking and spending quality time discussing what we did during the week and just enjoying each other's company type of place. We would always sit in the back in the corner for a more intimate feel. I would always order the menudo or chilaquiles and they would order either chorizo con huevos or chilaquiles. This time my son and I visited and I ordered the menudo and my son ordered chorizo con huevos. I had my coffee and my son had horchata. They gave us a basket of chips and some salsa. The salsa was perfect and spicy! My fave! We enjoyed our food very much and reminisced. We had a great time and service was awesome! You are able to watch the cook make the food. If you want authentic Mexican food then this is the place to go! Enjoy! read more

Halloween 2009 @ 1PM Before the cute little fairies and mini-Mike Myers come knocking on our door tonight, BF and I decided to hangout in the City to watch people in cool costumes and grab a Cubana Torta from "That's It" (as featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations.) This was put away for BF's dinner tonight after he saw the dishes at Chava's. As tempting as the Cubana Torta was, I didn't want to tempt fate since I value my life. :) BF and I stopped by at Chavas so I could eat something less artery clogging. We started drooling when we saw other diners' platter of yummy Mexican food and we decided to stay for lunch. DRINKS: MIMOSA: (3 Stars) Check out how ginormous this thing was!!! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hkqph_Rn9-_4TzGNJLIpzw?select=eoxhM4yI2ypeAF-NSa2NMg It's okay for a mimosa, It was strong enough that it got me tipsy plus I can't complain. This giant was only $4!http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hkqph_Rn9-_4TzGNJLIpzw?select=NE-iRfSMaoC9zSz_-wOUFg FOOD: QUESO FUNDIDO W/ CHORIZO: (5 Stars) Super-hot in a heavy-cast skillet. Gooey, oily, cheezy and delish! This load of melted cheese was bad enough but with chorizo--it's double bad but sooo good! I had to take bites with Lactaid but I wish I could have more. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hkqph_Rn9-_4TzGNJLIpzw?select=YK_0PzTyWlm9Gq_71qlPuw Me: FRIED TILAPIA W/ MEXICAN RICE: (2.5 Stars) A disappointment! The whole platter was flavorless. Just salty and nothing else! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hkqph_Rn9-_4TzGNJLIpzw?select=4KlVHJGeNXc4ivKWJYJiXg http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hkqph_Rn9-_4TzGNJLIpzw?select=EUNiXZ25ZGXcuTHR5Za6iA BF: CHILE RELLENO W/ RICE & BEANS: (4.5 Stars) YUMM-O!!!! Eventhough I didn't order this this time, I've had Chile Relleno at Chava's before and it was delicous! BF reported that he could feel the tang and kick in his chile which complimented the rice and beans. BF was happy with his meal. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hkqph_Rn9-_4TzGNJLIpzw?select=kYq2drD6271FcfcIVq54jQ FREE HOT FRESH CORN TORTILLA: (6 Stars) We enjoyed watching the woman at the counter flattening fresh balls of masa in the wooden tortilla maker then grilling them. The result: DELICIOUS, PIPING-HOT, FRESH CORN TORTILLAS. BF and I were like circus performers juggling the hot tortillas and made a meal out of them! FREE CHIPS AND SALSA: (4.5 Stars) Fried chip and fresh spicy salsa. Addicting! OVERALL: (4.5 Stars) Chavas is a great place to experience the authentic Mexican food and what the Mission has to offer. The staff were friendly in this hole in the wall. We had fun watching them dance to Latin music in their cat outfit during Halloween. FINAL TAB: $38 including 2 Diet Cokes, Mimosa, tax before tip. I am a big fan of the Mish and so fortunate that I'm just a BART-ride away from this food heaven! read more

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After such a good experience at Gallardos, I wanted to return there but had to make it through my list of birria places in SF.. so we ventured to the next one on our list. It was further into the Mission district near Bernal Heights. This time no line up... i did expect that since reviews mentioned it's not very busy... but busy enough we were seated right away. Ordered our birria and huevos con chorizo since we were having chorizo cravings. The huevos con chorizo was a joke, never again. Bad chorizo with scrambled eggs... now onto the main Birria. This time there was no choice to have the meat separated from the broth so we ordered it as a soup. It was a big bowl and the broth was much better than Gallardos. However it stops there the meat was rather chewy and gamey... not my favourite, I was so disappointed and will not be returning here.. Off the list. Value 2.5/5 pricey for what you get Atmosphere 3/5 Service 4/5 fast service Quality 3/5 overall 12.5/20 read more

I had a Carnitas burrito and a horchatta. The burrito wasn't huge or even "regularly' sized. It would almost say that it was a little small. But when I was done, I didn't feel hungry. The carnitas was OK, maybe just ever so slightly dry. The fresh avocado was great, and a nice touch. Must've gotten really lucky, as I found parking right out front, and walked in and had maybe a 3 minute wait. I was told that the line can get pretty crazy here. read more

Worst of the worst... This "mexican restaurant" is a jock we saw it packed of people, so we decided to go inside, first mistake. The waiter was so so so so busy that took him a lot of time to take our order. Then he brought two plates and the third one was late. i ordered a "chille Relleno" plate I was imagining to get a real chille relleno but oh surprise. The chile had just a little tiny small piece of cheese, the beans were tasteless and i dont wanna say anything about the rice. This was a total mistake. Never come back again. I am sure there are some more real mexican places. read more

Chava's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Food that will make you nostalgic for a home you may have never had. Chavas is set up like many of the taquerias on Mission and in the surrounding area. An open air kitchen, decent amount of seating, and some music playing in the background. Unlike many of the the other taquerias, Chavas put in the extra effort when it comes to decor, cleanliness, and an overall atmosphere that's more inviting. Well worth it for a premium of .75 cents to $1 in comparison to their competitors. For lunch I ordered the retailer chicken burrito. Side wise it was almost exactly the same as the other restaurants, but the flavor had much more depth than the other chicken burritos I tried. Their chicken is stewed in a red sauce for hours until it has taken in all of the spices in the pot, no matter how subtle. It's then mixed with a very soft white rice and refried beans, then rolled tightly into a burrito. Served alongside a handful of chips and a semi-spicy green jalapeño salsa. It's the kind of meal that can only be perfectly complimented by a Mexican sangria soda or an imported glass bottle of Coke. While not a connoisseur, I was able to try a few Mission taquerias and this was hands down the best overall experience. read more

Chava's Restaurant - empty tables and chairs - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Scrumptious food and awesome service! My husband and I came in today at 10:00 am. It was pretty much empty, so we were seated right away! My husband ordered chorizo with egg, and I ordered the chilaquiles. Our waitress was very friendly and made sure we were doing well. Just keep in mind that they only take cash, which luckily we had some on us. We will come back read more

Chava's Restaurant - Chilaquiles Chilaquiles - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've been coming here since I was little, and before they switched locations. I've been a big fan of their Birra and quesadillas for a long time. There is nothing better then a rolled up homemade tortilla and a big 'ol heaping bowl of birra or menudo. They both have great flavor. And the quesadilla is just cheesy goodness. Their plates are pretty big, so you can share if you really want to. They only take cash, which kinda sucks if you only bring your debit card everywhere you go, but there are the big banks around within walking distance. read more

I've been here quite a bit and was there yesterday morning for breakfast. I'd have to say that the chilaquiles was not as good as it used to be. The salsa and chips are still my favorite here. Their stews and soups are good but they only take cash and the service is a bit slow. read more

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I've been coming here for so many years, I honestly can't remember how many ! I guess I should finally tell how good this place is. I have eaten at MANY taquerias and Mexican restaurants throughout SF, most upon recommendations of other friends and co-workers, but this is the only place I recommend for Mexican food in the Mission district. Years ago this place would be crowded for lunch, and as another reviewer noted, the lunch crowds of late number well under a dozen diners at any one moment. I recall this downturn after that last economy crash, and perhaps it was unrelated (other restaurants opening up nearby?), but the quality and service is as great as ever. I forever have had the lluevos rancheros, and without disappointment, but because they finally added burritos (which they originally did not have - not inexcusable as burritos, as we know, are an American invention!), and now I am hooked on the vegetarian burrito. I get it "mojado" (red source on outside, with some cheese and other goodness added) and for just $8 I can eat my fill! Chips and a little salsa (less amount than in years past, though . . . ) on the side for free. Good selection of drinks, refrescas and such to help the meal go well. The ambiance is great, and reminds me of many places I've eaten in Mexico itself. Nice wall paintings (large!) also make this place a little unique from other places. They still make tortillas by hand (they used to crank them out for the crowds so had an almost full-time lady working that station), and service staff are delightful, accommodating and friendly as can be, even to any first-timers. So do yourself a favor and give it a shot . . . I think you'll enjoy it as much as I do !! (It is cash only, though, but they have an ATM nearby if you don't notice that announcement) read more

Chava's Restaurant - Vegetarian burrito - mojado !! (for lunch, December 16, 2014) - it was deeeeeelish !! - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

This restaurant was exactly what my Midwestern living/California born heart wanted. I got the cheese enchilada plate, which came with 2 enchiladas, rice, and beans. Perfectly cheesy, and saucy! I enjoyed the freshly grated cheese which added such a great punch of flavor. The chips, salsa, and pico came on interesting little plates but they were quick to refill as necessary. The chips were more of the healthy variety, which were good, though I was craving the more fried tasting variety. Bring your cash! read more

Use to go to this place before Carnaval and it was on 18th and Shotwell Missed going to Carnaval for a few years and was dismayed when I went and it was gone. Thanks to the internet I founded and it was just as good. Now if only the twins show up again it will be read more

Ate here last week, and will most likely never come here again. Ordered breakfast specials and orchata drinks. We were all sipping our drinks, when my daughter started to freak out, and pretty much got me frazzled as I couldn't understand what was going on until we looked on the wall next to our seating and there were cockroaches. We called over the waitress to let her know to cancel our food orders and that we would be leaving. She just laughed at us about the cockroach situation. Like WTF!!!! Are you kidding me. Do you honestly think I would sit at this table while large cockroaches with baby sacs night encroach upon my food, purse, or body. Oh hell no! Food may be good, but I'm not eating in a cockroach infested establishment!!! read more

I've stopped in here a few times for a veggie burrito to-go and it's very good; everything tastes fresh. Nice, warm, comfort food and very nice employees. Also, no line. read more

I hate writing bad reviews but man this one is especially painful. I am a Bay Area native. And every time I want a really good caldo, I always go to Chava's. But lately, IDK. Usually their caldos are on point but I ordered a caldo de pollo and was totally disgusted. The chicken leg had its skin still and little hairs (from the feathers?) were sticking out still and the color of the skin was usually yellow. It was not appetizing at all. It was the first time I ordered it. I ordered caldo de res today and the flavor was off. Whatever is going on, please go back to the way it was!! read more

Some of the best Mexican food we've ever eaten. My husband had a combination platter consisting of a beef enchilada and a Chile relleno. I had Milanesa chicken. Both dishes were excellent! And we didn't have to stand in a long line to get in. The service was as good as the food--friendly and accommodating. We highly recommend this restaurant. Also the murals were so fine! read more

Lucked out on this place, because BART was down for hours. Stopped here to avoid the rain storm for a bit. Beef tongue (I want more!) Grilled chicken quesadilla Kids plate - rice, beans, carne asada (delicious steak) Best flan ever!!! Jello (for my son) read more

Legit Mexican food. I asked for a non spicy salsa, they gave me a warm one that could have been my meal, alone. Enchiladas were on point, all well. read more

Chava's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Awesome food. Friendly staff. Not crowded. Chilaquiles are on point. Birria al horno is yummy. Tacos de camarones (super) are to die for.

The actual prices are nearly 50% over the ones listed here. The pozole is way too salty. read more

So I bought a flask. Yeah, yeah, big whoop. Everyone has a flask. But does everyone have an 18 oz flask? No, everyone does not. That's not even a flask - that's a party. Until the next day, anyway, because no one is meant to drink 18 ounces of vodka in four hours. And then: punishment. Headaches upon headaches. Nauseated stomach. What to do? Grub down on some chilaquiles and horchata, por supuesto. Gooey cheese, eggs, salsa, onions, peppers, chiles, tortilla chips, with some beans and crema on the side? Uh, hello, hangover. Wait no, I meant goodbye, hangover. Seriously, no hangover can withstand the mighty power of the chilaquiles. Or the ferocious hydrating justice of Chava's excellent horchata. Once restored I also snarfed a bite of the birria del horno, which was glorious. Some people swear by burritos to cure their nighttime sins. Me? I swear by Chava's chilaquiles. read more

Ooohhhhh - YUM! I didn't want a big lunch - so I had a chicken enchilada (home made tortilla and shredded chicken breast), refried beans, Spanish rice and salad. It was sooo good, I ate the whole thing and nearly licked the plate clean. Oh yes, I was a little piggy and I'll do it again. read more

I left a review here & somehow it got deleted. Hmm. Isn't that funny. This place served me salsa with dead bugs in it. This place needs to be inspected ASAP. this is disgusting!!! read more

Chava's Restaurant - DISGUSTING! This place needs to be inspected. Dead bugs thoroughly mixed in with the salsa. - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Monday my heart was in El Paso. I so badly wanted to be there so much that I spent the morning feeling sad and felt like crying. I'm just going to say it. With sincere apologies to San Diego, Chicago and LA El Paso is home to the very best Mexican food in the United States of America. Certainly it's proximity to Juarez is a huge help (which by the way, is worth checking out for yet another culinary adventure). But I can't be in two (in this case 3) places at once. But with El Paso on my mind and up early on NYE I craved Mexican. The Mission is not El Paso, but in my most humble of opinions, it's very close and there are some dishes that you can find here that are almost equally as good. One example of this are the chilaquiles at Chava's. This dish is the most comforting breakfast food you can find in the entire neighborhood. Soft warm corn tortillas made by the hands of angels, tossed and pan fried with a deep rojo (or verde) sauce with eggs and your choice of meat, pork or chicken (veggies too!). This dish will wipe out that you hunger for quality Mexican food that you so covet. Chilaquiles will warm your soul and will make you feel like you have found yourself in a small friendly village in central Mexico surrounded by some of the friendliest people who open their hearts and treat you like family. For those of us living in the 'burbs, it's worth the drive. And given that Monday is a semi-holiday, the drive was a breeze and finding parking at 8:00 could not have been easier. The service was so fast that I was back home in plenty of time to catch the opening kickoff (which again was only another heartbreaker). Happy New Year. read more

RIP the old Chava's. I have only returned to the new location several times, but the food even just isn't the same. So much of the charm of Chava's was the seediness of the place and how when you went in hungover on Sunday mornings (well, for me sober since I was a kid tagging along with my hungover parents), the whole place felt like family. That all disappeared in the fire :( Fortunately we've found a new home in Los Jarritos. read more

I come from Texas - San Antonio to be exact - where Tex-Mex is pretty much a staple. So of course, it's not too long after I move to San Francisco that my craving for Tex-Mex starts kicking in and I find myself literally spending hours searching for a good place. Disclaimer: I've been told that there's a pretty big difference between real Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine so I'm going to specify that I'm writing about Tex-Mex. I searched high and low for a place that serves fajitas and finally found Chava's. Here are my thoughts about my experience in order of occurrence. It's located in a semi sketchy part of Mission. Don't think I'm going to get hurt or anything, but definitely not the cleanest. That's Mission district for ya I guess. Cash only sign - good thing I had some paper on me. Usually not a super big fan of places that only take cash. Come on, it's 2015, time to upgrade. HOLY MOLY FREE GUACAMOLE! Normally, places charge $1 for guac, but it came with the complementary chips and salsa. Easily earned some major points for this place. Salsa was pretty good too! The fajitas didn't come on a sizzling plate like I'm used to in Texas, but they were pretty good none the less. I ordered charro beans instead of refried - mistake. The charro beans were incredibly bland, sticking with the fried fat next time. Overall, I'm a fan. They don't make em like they do in Texas, but it'll satisfy my Tex-Mex craving well enough. read more

Super cheap, super bomb Mexican food, great service, right next to Bart. How can you go wrong? Also, those tortillas are the shizzzzzz! read more