Papito

1457 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(802 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Papito, a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of San Francisco's eclectic 18th Street! This captivating Mexican restaurant seamlessly blends authentic flavors with a modern twist, making it the perfect spot for a family gathering, a lively date night, or a casual meal with friends.

From the moment you step inside Papito, you're greeted by a colorful and lively atmosphere that exudes warmth and charm. The decor is an inviting mix of traditional and contemporary elements, creating a layout that encourages both relaxation and revelry. You can’t help but feel the spirited energy as the laughter of patrons and the aromatic scents waft from the kitchen come together to create an inviting ambiance.

The menu at Papito is a delicious exploration of Mexican cuisine, boasting an impressive array of dishes that are as satisfying to the palate as they are to the eye. Start your culinary journey with the Calamari, expertly seasoned and paired with a tangy red sauce that has received rave reviews from patrons. If you're in the mood for something hearty, dive into the Churrasco Con Chimichurri, where tender grilled skirt steak is drizzled with a house-made chimichurri sauce, served alongside crisp asparagus and yuca frita for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Priced at $31, this dish is a must-try for meat lovers.

Don't overlook the Al Pastor Torta, bursting with marinated pork shoulder and topped with fresh guacamole and a crunch of red cabbage slaw. Patrons like Brendan praise the restaurant's emphasis on organic ingredients and the delightful presentation that adds an upscale touch to the joyful dining experience.

For taco aficionados, Papito offers a selection that will ignite your taste buds. The Tempura Shrimp Tacos with chipotle remoulade and vibrant green cabbage slaw are simply divine, while the Papa Con Chorizo Tacos delivers a flavorful punch with house-made chorizo and zesty pico de gallo. Priced at $15-$18, each taco is a canvas of creativity that celebrates the essence of Mexican street food.

Customers rave about the friendly service and welcoming vibe that Papito maintains, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Lucy Gonzalez described Papito as her top choice among Mexican restaurants, emphasizing how every dish impressed her and her companions during multiple visits. The restaurant’s commitment to flavor and authenticity shines through every plate, ensuring that whether you’re indulging in Fajitas or diving into a flavor-rich taco, you'll be satisfied.

With its convenient location and ample parking, Papito doesn’t just offer great food, it provides a truly special dining experience that embodies the spirit of San Francisco! Gather your friends or family, grab a seat, and savor everything Papito has to offer—you won’t be disappointed!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 9:30 PM

802 Reviews
Marc Arcibal

24 Aug 2025

Great place to bring friends, family or even a date. Most of the food and drinks my friends and I ordered were delicious. The only entree that I didn't enjoy was their fajitas, they were under seasoned and lacked flavor. Definitely have to order the calamari, that red sauce is soo good . The Al Pastor torta was packed with flavor and the fried chicken nachos were different in a good and delicious way. Service was good, but keep in mind that the restaurant is on the small side so there may be a bit of a wait for larger parties. Definitely coming back again!

Brendan

23 Aug 2025

This is a colorful and vibrant Mexican Cantina with Subtle French influence and an emphasis on well presented, organic Mexican dishes. Recommended if you're looking for a sit down Mexican fare that tastes upscale but has more of a local authentic vibe. A huge plus here is the friendly service, the abundant and safe parking, and the amazing food. Free chips and 3 salsas is also a bonus! I highly recommend their margaritas as well as the short rib tacos. We were blown away by the braised short rib tacos as they were absolutely perfect. It also appears that the fajitas here are worth ordering. The servers were passing these out left and right and the smell of fire grilled steak and vegetables filled the restaurant. It was really a great experience. Highly recommended if you want a casual vibe and amazing food but want something a little more inviting and healthy than your typical Bay Area taqueria.

Paulina Brambila

21 Aug 2025

Super delicious. The food tasted amazing and the place had a great vibe. Usually I want to add more hot sauce or salsa to taco salads, but this was perfect as is. Super affordable for a sit-down place. 10/10

Pat Bro

16 Aug 2025

Chicken Fajitas (white meat) are outstanding!! And trust me on this one , I’ve been too hundreds of placing in search for good fajitas , and this one is definitely in my top 2 , try it try it. You will love it. Restaurant is located in a little funky neighbourhood, go and explore it.

Lucy Gonzalez

10 Aug 2025

I cannot recommend this place enough! I live for Mexican food so I've tried many Mexican restaurants and this one takes the cake. The food was delicious, it was so rich in flavor. Everything we tried was really good, we were all impressed. We ate here twice during our 3-day stay in San Francisco. The staff was also very kind! We will be returning!

Abhijeet srivastava

05 Jun 2025

Papito in San Francisco is a cozy, welcoming spot with a menu that balances flavor, freshness, and creativity. The overall service was attentive and friendly, making the dining experience smooth from start to finish. The staff checked in often enough to make sure everything was good, but without being overbearing, which always makes a difference. When it comes to the food, everything we tried was impressive. I had the Vegetariano, which was hearty, flavorful, and satisfying without being too heavy — a great choice for anyone looking for a tasty meat-free option. The chicken tacos were another favorite, perfectly seasoned and well-portioned, not greasy or overloaded with toppings. Their quesadillas stood out as well: they had the right amount of cheese and filling, balanced and not overly stuffed, which kept them delicious without feeling overwhelming. The drinks complemented the food perfectly. The spicy mango drink had just the right kick of heat to balance the sweetness, making it super refreshing and unique. Along with a few beers, the overall mix kept the meal fun and flavorful. Papito does a great job of keeping things authentic yet approachable, offering a dining experience that feels both elevated and casual. Between the good service, satisfying food, and unique drink options, it’s definitely a spot worth revisiting when craving Mexican food in the city

Omar Navarro

04 Jun 2025

Had a team lunch here Cool hole in the wall type, neighborhood restaurant Limited street parking Good size dining room Full bar Attentive staff Great decor Good menu to look thru When you walk in, you this hang out vibe...then you look left and see this large bar and you're like, time to hang out. Lol Foodwise, mite not be what you really want to eat as compared to where you usually go for mexican food but at the same time there is a lot to choose from their menu....and their presentation and food portions will totally make you a fan...and to top it off, it tastes good!

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