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Don Pisto's
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Canadian (New) Food Street Vendors Mexican, Canadian (New), Street Vendors [Edit]
510 Union St(between Grant Ave & Bannam Pl)
San Francisco, CA 94133
Neighbourhood: North Beach/Telegraph Hill
(415) 395-0939
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 3 pm
Tue-Sat 5:30 pm - 12:30 am
Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Melanie M. said: "This is my hangover go to place. i am tempted to take that little bowl of salsa and just drink it, it's so damn good. The staff is great. The chips are perfection. They make a mean margarita too. I love this place." read more »
604 reviews for Don Pisto's
Review Highlights
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"First time I had shrimp ceviche and carne asada tacos." In 31 reviews -
"AND amazing, home-made tasting tortilla soup." In 70 reviews -
"Fantastic chips and salsa (a unique, green chile salsa." In 77 reviews
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604 reviews in English
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Review from Sherry L.
5/25/2012
How have I not written a review for this place??
Granted, I've only been here for brunch (3 times, and counting), but the food is seriously good.
The food here is greasy, spicy, flavorful, and just all around satisfying. I recommend the breakfast burrito, taco sonora (al pastor style), and the hamburgesa. You won't be disappointed! -
Review from Sean R.
San Francisco, CA
5/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
How was this past Saturday the first time I had ever been to Don Pistos? I'm holding this one against my friends in North Beach because this was a truly amazing food experience that I can't wait to share with other city dwellers...onto the review...
Friday nights always end in two ways for me:
1) I go to a great happy hour with my co-workers and get unintentionally sh*t-faced, then party the night away.
or 2) I go home and lay on the couch with my roommate and down 2 bottles of red.
How did this past Friday night go? Door number 2. My parents gave me these wine glasses that hold an ENTIRE BOTTLE OF WINE. Yes, an entire bottle. How could we not test this one out? Since it was a science experiment of sorts, it didn't feel so shameful. Anyways...
I woke up Saturday morning with a real headache. You know the one...Too much wine, not enough water, and there's never food around, so what can you do? GET BRUNCH! Weeeeee.
The roomie suggested Don Pistos and I needed a longer walk than usual (to air out my purple stained teeth ha!), so off we go.
What. A. Great. Brunch.
We were seated rather quickly by an adorable hostess who was not only friendly, but super accommodating. She found us a great spot, immediately brought out water, as well as Don Pistos's famous chips and salsa. This stuff was the real deal. It was a great green salsa with a spicy twist. If you have read any of my other reviews, you know I love the spice, so this was a great surprise for me.
Onto the real upside of this place: bottomless mimosas, sangria, or margarita's. And they're interchangeable. Umm, what? That's amazing. I'll have it all! The mimosas are not mixed with your run-of-the-mill OJ either, but this amazing pineapple-OJ juice. So bomb.
For my main dish, I had their famous burger. This was probably the most juicy, delicious burger I have had in a longggg time. It was topped with guacamole and had a side of radishes, that really made this burger pop. I would definitely recommend this dish, hands down.
Will I be back to Don Pistos? Absolutely.
Cheers! -
Review from Tram N.
San Jose, CA
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hard to find if you don't know where you're going. It's literally a hole in the wall so just remember the building number. I really like the atmosphere here: dark, loud, crowded but still intimate and one of the few times I didn't mind having to share a table with two other people.
Never been a guacamole girl as I like my avocado sweet but Don Pisto's changed my mind! Best guac ever, even my Mexican boyfriend agrees.
Tacos are pretty expensive, to be honest ($9!!). I got the fish taco of the day and my boyfriend got the carnitas. They actually use the same sauce for both meats, and it didn't amaze us whatsoever. Granted, it's not an authentic Mexican restaurant so we will eat our tacos at Super Taq instead.
Service was great, our server was very attentive and kept checking up on us. I was being very reluctant to try the michelada here because I'm VERY picky about it and he actually brought me one on the house when we were about to leave. However, I was right to be reluctant; I would definitely never order it here. There were more tapatio and clamato than lime and salt. I like my mix the other way around. -
Review from Marshall P.
Eugene, OR
5/24/2012
My daughter and I shared a terrific dinner here last Saturday night. The Poc Chuc was hands down the best pork chop I've ever had. No competition. Not to be missed. The ceviche was also superb. The Carnitas tacos were good and Diabla Prawns adequate but unremarkable. Had we to do it over again we'd have skipped the tacos and prawns and gone with the Wild Monterey Calamari which looked wonderful on other tables.We took food home. Great, fun-loving atmosphere and very good service from Nicole. Would be a terrific place to have a dinner party. Opened and filled quickly at 5:30 so get there early or wait until the first group turns over which could be quite a while.
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Review from Jasmine S.
San Francisco, CA
5/24/2012
I love everything about this place! The margaritas were delicious, the tortilla soup was prob the best I've had, and the atmosphere is great. If you're looking for something quiet this is definitely not the place, but if you are looking for something lively and fun with great food and drinks come here! Great first date because if things get quiet awkward you can ppl watch and listen to everyone else talk.
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Review from Rick G.
Fremont, CA
4/25/2012
Let me start by saying, I guess it depends upon what you are looking for. It is small, loud, and if you sit too close to the kitchen you are blasted with a wave of smoke which comes off the grill. Apparently the fan needs an upgrade. The tables are packed in and the ceiling is low, hence the noise.
The menu is very small and limited for those whom have never been, you have been warned. This is not a place to get a traditional plate. It is "Chic" Mexican. So Chic in fact they do not even have a sign, just a street number on front. You park hoping it is the spot, walk up and say, "OoooooooK, I guess this is the place?" A little presumptuous if you ask me but so be it. Maybe the sign is on order??
1 J. Mandarin: $2.50
1 Guac & Chips: $6.00
1 Rice: $3.00
1 Pinto Beans: $3.00
1 Tacos Al Pastor (2) small tacos (Ala carte): $9.00 (!)
1 Sashimi (Salmon): $13.00
1 Corona Light: $5.00
Subtotal: $41.50
Tax: $3.53
Total: $45.03
Pros:
* Chips were better than average and fresh. Salsa good.
* Sashimi dish was out of place here but delicious and stole show
* Service initially very friendly, faded quickly as server became overwhelmed.
Cons:
* Environment, way too loud unless you are looking for a clubby dinner spot and we arrived soon after they opened.
* Parking a serious challenge in this part of North Beach
* $9.00 for 2 small taco truck tacos!!! I have had better from trucks that were larger, as well I prob would get 4 at this price. The difference is what you pay is definitely not evident in the taste.
* Guac boring, weak.
* $45 in Mexican? You shud not walk away hungry. Servings small.
Heard as walking away: Don't believe the hype. This place is not worth the salt of 4.5 stars, unless you are looking for bottomless alcohol. It seems as though alot of reviews place serious value on this alone. Not a problem, I understand, but for this reviewer, no Senor. Will not be back. -
Review from jocelyn l.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2012
I thought the food was a solid 3*, not the amazing food experience that everyone seemed to have enjoyed.
The hamburguesa was good. The bottomless sangria was good, albeit pricy at $17.
The service was spot on. They kept checking on our sangria refills and brought out fresh glasses before we even finished the previous glasses.
It got really busy after noon on a Sunday, later than most brunch places in SF. -
Review from Clay H.
Danville, CA
5/18/2012
The hamburguesa I had at least ties the BEST hamburger I've ever had. wow! I HIGHLY recommend this place. 5-star food at a 3-star price ;)
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Review from Stephanie W.
Chicago, IL
4/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
I can't say enough good things about Don Pisto's. A friend and I stopped in for a bite on a crowded Thursday evening after being told there was a two-hour wait at Tony's down the street. Though the restaurant was packed to the gills, we were able to snag two seats at the bar.
The food was all delicious - we split guacamole, to-die-for tacos, and one other entree - but the main highlight of the evening was our bartender. He was entertaining and kept us belly laughing all night long. I'd literally go back just to sit at the bar again. Top it off with some delicious sangria, and I'm sold. -
Review from David H.
4/26/2012 3 photos
One the best Mexican places I have tried. The guac is fresh and tasty, try it with an Anchor Steam beer. My table split the beef , pork, and shrimp tacos (each is an order of two). All three were excellent but try the pork if you are only going to try one. All had lots of flavor without being too spicy and each had a unique flavor.
This place is a walk from the Wharf but worth the wait. -
Review from Michelle L.
Los Angeles, CA
4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hamburguesa. Enough said.
This little burger might be one of the best burgers I've ever had. Seriously. It was that good. The bread was perfection, and the patty was fluffy and filled with bacon. The layer of guac between the bread and patty was the perfect consistency and went amazingly with the patty. YUM.
The chips and salsa are bomb dot com as well. However, they will ruin your appetite, because you will eat ton of them, and be extremely happy about it.
Also, for $17 you can get bottomless mimosas, sangria, margaritas. Unfortunately, my stomach was unable to handle liquor that morning, but my friends loved their drinks.
Finally the venue is adorable, and the service is IMPECCABLE. Though there is a slight wait, if you have a party of 6 or more you can make reservations! Score! -
Review from Isabel N.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2012
This is a go to spot for my girls and I because of the unlimited margaritas/sangria.
SERVICE: although its always like a 20-30 minute wait...I think its worth it. The host guy was too funny and really perky. Obviously he enjoys working there. He told us to grab a drink at the bar while we wait and he found us right away to seat us right away.Our waitress and bus boys were very prompt. They refilled the water and our chips and salsa right away. I didn't feel like I was hounded with "Is everything okay" every 5 mins. Thank you for that. Our waitress even had a little humor to her.
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Tried their agave shots. I'm not a fan of shots but this was easy to take. Very smooth. Very sweet. I felt like I was taking a shot of tea to be honest. Next came the meal: Carne Asada tacos. Meat is perfectly tender. A lil bit of spice. Complimented with a dash of onion and cilantro. These tacos were very juicy and tasteful. To wash it down, my friend and I ordered their sangria. It was okay. I think it needs to be a little bit sweeter or stronger.
PRICING: price is reasonable. Drinks and Food for two came out to be like $45 overall.
OVERALL: definitely will come back again and bring more of my friends. Although, to those with cars...parking is scarce. Bus it. Cab it. Walk it. Unless you do not mind paying the garage fees. Or if you're like me...pretend your car does "fit" in that spot....haha lol -
Review from Grant L.
San Francisco, CA
5/16/2012
This is one of my favorite restaurants in SF. I have not had one bad thing here. Some of my favorite items include the hamberguesa, al pastor tacos (most flavorful al pastor ever), pork chop (amazing flavor), carne asada tacos, chicken tortilla soup and the guacamole. The food is great, the restaurant has a fun atmosphere, and the staff are real friendly. Do yourself a favor and check it out !
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Review from Stephanie T.
San Francisco, CA
Stopped by here for dinner with some friends one night. We ordered the guacamole to share, I ordered the carne asada tacos and a margarita.
The guacamole was some of the best I have ever had. It was very simply and had a strong citrus flavor but was perfectly balanced with salt.
The margarita was also quite delicious. You could tell there was tequilla in it, but it wasn't strong tasting.
The tacos were incredible. Very simply, just meat and tortillas, served with a wedge of lime and some radishes.
I would highly recommend this place to anyone who loves guacamole! Also, I would recommend coming early, they get very busy and the wait can be long. -
Review from Albert L.
DON PISTO IS THE BAOSS!
After some evening debotury with friends, my girlfriend and I landed in Don Pistos just in time to cast in the last orders of the night (12:30AM weekdays).
Carne Asada Tacos $9 - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
You know me, and if you don't, I'll tell you how much I hate overpaying for Mexican food, especially for something as simple as a taco. I've done it, and you've probably have yourself, and sometimes, it ends up in disappointment. However, the Carne Asada tacos at Don Pisto's is well worth it!
A warm tortilla topped with nicely seasoned beef, chili verde salsa, and pico de gio. Simplicity at it's finest (and deliciousness!) Grilled jalapenos do come with the tacos, and more can be requested upon, but one set back is that the peppers have already been de-seeded.. bummer.
Lobster M/P ($36 at the time) - http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Lobster after midnight? That's how I cure my midnight munchies!
A whole 2-pound Maine Lobster (see picture!), bathed and poached in pig lard, with homemade tortillas, beans, rice, arbol salsa, and delicious cilantro butter. My only regret is that I ate dinner already so I couldn't gorge on ALL THIS FOOD! (This serves 2 btw!) The homemade tortillas were amazing; very light and fluffy, you could really taste the time and effort put in them. The Lobster dipped in the arbol salsa and the cilantro butter was the true meaning of calorie careless glutton!
The complimentary chips and salsa were also bomb! The chili verde salsa was incredibly addicting. Best of all, it's made fresh! That's what I like to see from other restaurants. Keep in mind that it was almost 1AM and the Don still delivered!
With so much win, do I even need to write about the service? Hell ya! Our server, Daniel, was the man! Hospitality skills off the roof. Our chips and salsa were replenished 3x without having to ask (that's how good the salsa was!), our drinks were never half empty, and was simply just a great friendly host that wasn't trying to rush our meal. Much kudos to him!
It's tough finding a good eatery pass midnight that doesn't invoke more alcohol consumption (even though the Don Pisto's does is also a small bar), but also serves damn good food. The menu is small but wild with many interesting and mouthwatering Latino fusions, like their signature Guacamole Hamburger, Raw Oysters, or even Mexican Sashimi (you heard right).
The hype is TRUE, and hands down, my new favorite Mexican joint. They also serve Brunch too!Listed in: True Neighborhood Gems
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Review from Krystle S.
San Francisco, CA
4/15/2012
Make reservations!
I've been here a handful of times, and each meal was fun and enjoyable, but it's not necessarily a place that I crave. I have yet to try the burger and tacos though, so that may be a factor. Here's a rundown of what I remember enjoying on my past visits:
-sangria: deliciously sweet and so easy to drink
-tortilla soup: large portion, fairly tasty, definitely on the light side as I recall
-mussels: very yummy
-breakfast burrito: I wasn't able to discern what was inside but nice presentation
-huevos rancheros: not very filling, but quite tasty
-chips and salsa: I don't care for the chips but the salsa's flavor is good, wish it were thicker though
-agua fresca mimosas (pineapple): a nice change-up to the standard sunday funday drink -
Review from Colleen C.
Chicago, IL
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ah, Don Pisto's...you did us right, sir. You did us right.
For a group dining experience in San Francisco, I've had none finer. This is the honest to God fearing truth, my friends. I've dined with many large groups in SF as it turns out, so though I am not an expert in all things Bay Area, I've probably taken out more ravenous people in large quantities than the average Joe.
But we aren't talking about Joe. We're talking about Don. Stay focused, Colleen!
My illustrious colleague booked our group of 14 for the large communal table running down the middle and it was comfortable. Elbow room. Not crammed. Perfect. The restaurant is lively and tables turned over quickly, but our wonderful server didn't seem to care that we all wanted to sit and chat for a bit over multiple pitchers of MORE sangria.
Oh, the service. Please, let me tell you. By far some of the best I've had this year, maybe covering back to 2011. Sweet, sane, accommodating. Awesome. I wish I remembered her name! She was so great. Petite brunette with glasses. Also the hosts, owners, bussers, food runners...everyone we met was just so kind, really what you want to feel when you're dining and having a good time. I can' say enough things about it, but I think you get my point.
THE FOOD! Great down home Mexican with a bit of an upscale twist, but no so far so that you feel like "WTF, I came to eat Mexican!" This is Mexican. Tons of taco options (I really enjoyed the fish tacos the best), up to a Mexican-inspired burger (which was excellent), seafood, lobster, I saw a pork chop arrive, a burrito bowl option. I mean really...something for everyone, including our two veggie diners who were quite satisfied with the options as well.
SANGRIA. enough said. I liked it.
And the icing on the cake? They let my sweller then hell team bring a cake for my last dinner with them. How sweet is this!? How many puns can I cram into this paragraph? Through the grapevine I also heard that not only did they accommodate said cake (they do NOT currently offer dessert), but they arranged to pick up the cake for my co-workers, light the candles, bring it out at exactly the right time, take it back to cut it all up and serve everyone slices. I mean really? This is above and beyond, even for a place that doesn't serve dessert. Magical. It really was so nice.
So, cheers to Don Pisto's...I'd add you to my team any day sir, any day. Bring me another burger someone!
*def make a reservation, this place was swingin' on a Wednesday night! -
Review from Candice G.
Naperville, IL
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Never have I ever... Don Pisto's edish
Never have I ever had a better group-dining experience.
Never have I ever had customized VIP menus for said group
Never have I ever seen one person eat so much guacamole so fast
Never have I ever drank so much sangria
Never have I ever been heard of lobster cooked in pork fat
Never have I ever had such exceptional casual dining service
All in all, a shining dining experience. The service was exceptional and the servers were some of the most pleasant I've ever encountered. If I had to semi-dig at anything, it's that I wish there were at least one veggie option that wasn't just tacos consisting of a tortilla, rice, beans, cheese and guac. A little more for the veggies, por favor?
If you ever have a location for a fun group dining experience, a rezo at Don Pisto's will have your menage a multiples covered. -
Review from Ryan W.
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Hamburguesas marinated in bacon drippings. Whole lobsters, cooked in pork fat, drizzled with cilantro butter and wrapped in fresh tortillas. Poc choc (pork chops) grilled to perfection. Mussels steamed with spicy sausage. This is not your typical Mexican joint.
And yet, everything tastes fresh and delicious, as if it came straight from a seaside hacienda in Mexico. One where they make excellent, chilled margaritas (served in a pitcher, with salted glasses if you like).
To top it off, the staff are all muy simpatico, providing excellent service. Our drinks were always full, our vegetarians were aptly tended to, and our large group was encouraged to stay long after the plates had been cleared. Muchos gracias in particular to Christina Alarcon: when we told her we'd be celebrating a special occasion in the restaurant, she suggested a nearby bakery for dessert, and even picked up our cake for us! Muy excellente!Listed in: San Francisco Treats, Latin Loves
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Review from Benjamin B.
3/25/2012 1 photo
I walked into Don Pisto's a sniveling little noob, a whiny young whelp ignorant to the ways of the world and hyperbolic Mexican food.
I walked out transformed. I was a foot taller, with bronzed skin, broad shoulders and a jaw like a bloody lantern. My teeth were whiter, my brain was bigger and my sexual prowess had increased a hundredfold.
Such tacos I have never before encountered. The real holy grail here, though, is the Mussels With Home-Made Chorizo, a powerful scarlet sausage skinned and crumbled over a steaming broth brimming with what I can only assume is testosterone.
Don Pisto made me into a colossus. The earth trembles with my passage.
I am Andre the Giant.
I am Charles Atlas.
I am Galactus, Devourer of Worlds.Listed in: San Francisco Stunners, Real Mexican. For Truesies.
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Review from Don G.
San Francisco, CA
4/14/2012
Delicioso! Great lobster and reasonably priced. Three of us shared the lobster with the fresh tortillas. It was just as good as being in Puerto Nuevo without the line around the block.
The margaritas were so-so. Next time, I'll stick to the real good food and a chilled Pacifico. -
Review from jim t.
St Petersburg, FL
5/15/2012
Amazing. Guac and chips to start were great and we are very particular about that. We tried the tortilla soup that everyone raves about and it was good, but not my favorite. The tacos and tostada were the beat We had a relatively new and I
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Review from Steffi L.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2012
Get the hamburguesa--it's one of the best burgers I've ever had. Delicious tender beef marinated in bacon fat with a thick layer of guacamole slathered on it. So good. Combine with a pitcher or two of sangria for a great meal.
The only thing that sucks about Don Pisto's is getting a table on a Friday or Saturday night. The wait is long, but you can always put in your name and go hop into one of the bars around the corner. -
Review from Spring L.
3/26/2012
OMG.
Bottomless fresh pineapple mimosas and margaritas.
Don Pisto caused us to go Ghosting at the local park afterwards.
Please refer to:
http://youtu.be/fdTSBa... -
Review from Burger W.
Brooklyn, NY
4/27/2012
I left Don Pisto's feeling that I made the right call in choosing it for my dining needs (I'd been tempted to go a place nearby called Burgermeisters just because of their awesome name). I was very happy and would be willing to believe it was one of the best hamburgers in San Francisco. San Franciscans should take note.
for more: http://www.burgerweekl... -
Review from Lani P.
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
My affection for Don Pisto's is marred by the fact that I'm a big girl's blouse when it comes to spices and spicy food. I'm building my resistance but it is a slow, and often futile, process. I know, I know. "Why go to a mexican restaurant then, Lani?" I hear you.
Up for giving most things a try I went along to Don Pisto's and spice wars aside, it is nothing short of amazing. My dining companions confessed pure and unadulterated love for the Mussels and Chorizo.
While I can't truly tell you about the food what I can tell you is their staff are hands down awesome-sauce. After giving a dish a red-hot go my searing mouth couldn't hack even the mildest of their dishes. At this point I would have fairly copped the staff reminding me where I was and telling me to "suck it up!"
Instead our lovely waitress went out of her way to have the chef prepare me a shrimp taco without any chilli or spice whatsoever. For this I am eternally grateful. While I didn't get to experience the true Don Pisto's menu, I enjoyed everything about our dinner there. -
Review from Brian L.
San Francisco, CA
3/25/2012
CHORIZO. MUSSELS.
This combination was amazing and something I would have never thought of. The best part of the dish is not only the pork and seafood marinaded together in chorizo sauce, but also that you can use the shells of the mussels as tiny spoons to scoop chorizo! Definitely order this anytime you come with a group as it is great to share.
I thought the tacos were decent, but nothing close to tacos in the Mission. Also, almost $10 for two tacos? Hefty price tag for ridiculously small portions! I've also heard good things about the burger, but haven't tried it myself. -
Review from Anayo A.
Los Angeles, CA
5/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Never had mussels before in my life. My friend told me this was the place to have it first. THEY DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! AMAZING! My brother had the pork chops and gave me a piece. Melts in your mouth! I WILL BE BACK... and quite often!
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Review from Phil L.
Corona Del Mar, CA
4/16/2012
YES! Food, drinks, the scene!
Took my gf here for our 4-year anniversary dinner. We put our name down and they said it would be an hour wait. No problem, we grabbed a drink at Maggie's down the street and came back. This place was packed and the spot to be on a Saturday night. Sangria's are a must.
We finally sat down and ordered the Mexican sashimi, carne and fish tacos, and guac. Everything was spot-on. Guac was fresh and chunky with a little kick. Mexican sashimi was very tasty and the fish was fresh. No stringy-ness at all.
The tacos were great. Very filling, but the salsa on both were a little too spicy for us. We'll take note of that and ask for it on the side next time.
Reservations for 6+ people, and I would recommend this route if you're looking to come on a Fri/Sat night. Otherwise, plan ahead and get here early.
Looking forward to coming back here! -
Review from Kelly B.
3/30/2012
I came here for my birthday last weekend and we were placed in the room downstairs for a group of 15!
The service was great and the food was even better!
I had initially set up to have a set menu with Christina, who was extremely helpful in picking the menu and getting the night squared away in advance. It ended up we could order from the menu and good thing, becuase the food was delicious!
First, the chips and guac are that of HEAVEN! I am a HUUUUUUGE fan of Mexican food and this guac was a hearty serving and was absolutely perfect! Not to mention, I am a frequent "double saucer," so the tomatillo sauce with the guac is def the way to go!
We had one of every taco on the menu I think, all we fabulous and I could have eaten them all night if I could have eaten another it. Fortunately for me, it was time for shots!
I'll be back without a doubt! -
Review from Jenna T.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2012
I heart this place. First time was last week for my bday. Second time was tonight. I think I'm addicted.
Their chips are amazing, mussels and chorizo are to-die-for, hamburguese is out of this world. Everything here is unique and made with love. -
Review from Meghan L.
San Francisco, CA
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
My beloved has been driving past this place for a long time, but had no idea what it was. Our date night consisted of a spontaneous moment where i jumped out of the car in the pouring rain to put our name on the wait list of this unknown location. The signage was very limited so, up until they called to tell me our table was ready, we had no idea the name or what to expect!
We were seated within 45 minutes of putting our name down. The table we were at was COLD. They had the door open (it got very smoky in the dining room and they opened the door to vent the place out) if you are coming on a cold night be SURE to wear something that can keep you warm if needed.
The Sangria was unfortunate, very watery, no fruit and had what I think might be soda water in it. If you are looking for a bold tasting sangria, this isn't the place for that. We switched over to a margarita and that my friends, was well worth it.
We shared the Chirizo and Mussels, what a brilliant combination! I'm a huge huge fan of mussels these were wonderful, the meat adds a good spicy to the mussel without overpowering it which impressed me, I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to taste the delicate sweetness through the intense heavy flavor but boy was I wrong.. thank goodness!
J and I also shared the pork chop and when they say pork chop, I think they mean a whole side of pork.. it was HUGE, I had never seen a pork chop that large before.. It was easily enough for two of us and then for a decent meal taken home with us as leftovers. The chop was served with a very light lime/cucumber/chili salad and in my opinion that was the best compliment to the meal as a whole. it added this soft refreshing bit that cleansed the palate.
The menu is small, so be aware of that.
Music was strange, we walked in enjoying salsa music and it switched to pop/rap and all sorts of other things, an eclectic mix that is for sure
Minus two starts for the seating/ smoke/cold and sangria. -
Review from Liz T.
3/4/2012
This is one of my favorite brunch spots. It's casual, fun, delicious, and reasonable. Everyone knows I love Brenda's French Soul Food, but sometimes I just want a California take on Mexican food... with bottomless cocktails. Bottomless is pricey at $15-17, but if you come at 11am and stay until 3pm, imagine how cheap each mimosa, sangria, or margarita would be.
I adore the chips and guacamole. It's rare for me to order something I can whip up, but I make an exception here because the guac is creamy and thick, yet light and zesty. I could very well be the best guac I've eaten in SF. I also like the tacos, which are small but scrumptious. The carnitas (braised pork) are so flavorful and juicy. The camarones (sauteed shrimp) are intensely garlicky but perfectly cooked.
Today I had the carnitas torta. It was like a pulled pork burger with beans and fresh cheese. How balanced and delicious! The grilled jalapeno lent it fire! DF had the heuvros rancheros. It was beautifully plated and a joy to eat, but it would've benefited from some chorizo, carne asada, or other meat.
This is the kind of place I never complain about returning to. Beginning March 20th, Don Pisto's will open for brunch Tuesday through Sunday. We don't have to wait until the weekend anymore. Yay! -
Review from Jackie M.
Los Angeles, CA
4/1/2012
Being a mere visitor to SF, I felt guilty eating Mexican food outside of the Mission. Holy crap, this is a guilt I can live with!!
Being Sunday, they extend their brunch menu all day, meaning there were a lot more huevos, a lot fewer tostadas. We weren't expecting this, and almost left. SO glad we stayed!
I ended up with the taco sonora with carnitas. It's served on a large, homemade flour tortilla, topped with beans, pico de gallo and crema. The tortilla was what all other tortillas wish they were: fluffy, chewy, substantial enough to encompass the mass of toppings. The carnitas also pulled their weight ("pulled"...get it???), being obscenely juicy and crisped a bit for extra flavor. Eating that burrito/taco was the messiest undertaking I've experienced since letting my students experiment with finger paints.
The only addition was a healthy drizzle of their AMAZING salsa verde. I would come to Don Pistos to eat only that salsa and their ridiculously tasty chips.
The busser said their menu was on the smaller side because they get their ingredients fresh. You can absolutely taste that freshness, which makes Don Pistos a necessary indulgence. -
Review from Carlos S.
San Jose, CA
5/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Really good food in a funky, cool place. Try the Sonora Taco, but only order one. the portions are very generous.
-
Review from Beth K.
San Francisco, CA
3/2/2012
I've been to Don Pisto's many times and it used to be a favorite of mine. Their burger is fantastic, probably the most delicious burger I have ever had in my life. Not anymore.
Last night, I attempted to have dinner there and order my favorite burger. I'm anaphylactically allergic to avocados (meaning when I eat them my entire face swells up and I can't breathe). Usually, I just tell the wait staff to not put the guacamole on my burger, they do that, and I'm able to eat the delicious burger and live to tell about it. Worked out for everyone.
HOWEVER, last night I was made aware of a new policy: They no longer will take guacamole off of food - as it would change the "vision of the burger." Even in cases of food allergy. Chef's orders. Seriously.
Thank you, Don Pisto's, for discriminating against a person with food allergies. You've just lost a customer for life. -
Review from Dani S.
Los Angeles, CA
2/18/2012
Sorry peeps, I just wasn't impressed. The food is just ok.
1. This place is cute and very small, so be prepared to wait at least an hr to be seated
2. Pricey Mexican food - I can get better tacos at the roach truck around the corner from my house. $9 for 2 tacos? meh.
3. Mexican sashimi $13 - fish was not a quality cut, I'm a sushi Connoisseur so maybe my standards are too high.
4. Parking is a B-I-T-C-H
Things I did really like about this place:
- really friendly service
- great ambience
- good-looking patrons - always important in my books
- awesome bartender - Nick, you rock!
- open kitchen that is very clean
I'd probably go back for drinks but definitely not for the food. -
Review from Kyle K.
San Francisco, CA
3/6/2012
Quality is in the house.
Pork Chop- Amazing (fat juicy meat)
Burger - Gives me instant wood
Good service but crowded.
Brunch is ehhh (worth skipping). -
Review from Bailey M.
San Francisco, CA
4/1/2012
Hard to find but easy to LOVE. Went here for the first time for a company dinner, and I was finally able to find it again (it's seriously a challenge).
Tacos are delicious, guac is to die for, civiche is...sorry I'm drooling.
Definitely a must-eat North Beach restaurant! -
Review from Abel L.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
The pride and gem of North Beach. I dare anyone else to recommend something else. Mama's? TOURISTY AND DAT LINE. Park Tavern? Yeah, Marlowe's. Anyways.
TAKE AWAYS:
- They have the coolest take on the "hamburgeusa." It's a must-try from Don Pistos.
- There's no restaurant sign, so be cool and see the three red lanterns.
- The organic consistency of their kitchen is worth a slow clap.
If you never ate in the Beach, please make sure this is on one of your food stops.
