Pacific Cafe Reviews

The food was outstanding, clam chowder, Caesar salad, sole with capers and mushrooms, and a Dungeness Crab Louie . However, the real story here is overall experience, including outstanding service. We arrived at 5:00, and my wife got in line while I looked for parking. By the time I arrived she was waiting in the lobby with wine in hand (they greet everyone with a glass of complimentary wine, whether you are on the sidewalk or inside). We were seated after a short wait, with refills on wine. It was very impressive to see one of the owners bussing tables, talking to customers, and filling glasses. A very memorable experience !

We thought we had found the restaurant from our first date 30+ years ago but as the uber driver (red hummer) drove further and further out of the city into the Sunset area we doubted it. Even tho it’s been in business over 40 years - not our first date spot. It was a great find. It’s a neighborhood fav where they serve you full glasses of white wine while you wait. Fish is the specialty and both scallops and halibut Parmesan was as hubby says “unique wine excellent”. Great spot! Highly recommend if you’d like to feel like a local.

Come on a busy night and enjoy the free wine while waiting for your table. Food, service, menu and decor are all fantastic!

Can't begin to describe how much affection I have for this place. GREAT FOOD, good prices, and the most comfortable, non-pretentious restaurant around. Its the only restaurant you will ever go to where you want to wait for a table. Why? Free booze, that's why! Enjoy a free glass of wine and prepare for a great dinner!

incrwdible cold calamaribsald. nice caesar. greeted at door with glass of wine as we waited all of 2 minutes! friendly staff!! incredible crab cakes! this place a keeper!!!

kind of pricey for a local joint, but some of the best food and service around, and that's saying a lot for san francisco

Since we first started planning our trip to San Francisco, due to the very high ratings for this restaurant and the very positive vibe from Trip Advisor ratings, was excited about this restaurant. While very good, especially my meal, the Halibut, my wife was not thrilled by hers and so cannot rate as great. The wine was good but expensive and I didnt finish the bottle I ordered but did offer to have the staff to share with other diners. It was very good but not great and so can only rate as 4 out of 5

We went in this restaurant yesterday with my wife following Trip Advisor advices. What a nice experience ! Foods, atmosphere, kindness, everything was a pleasure. We will go back...

Pleasantly surprised by the level of food quality in a setting near Golden Gate Park. The crab melt is a large sandwich and the slaw is delicious. The staff is friendly and courteous. The space is open and airy. The Brussel sprouts with lime and bacon were perfect to share and a great complimentary taste for the crab and Tilanook cheese

This local gem opened in 1974 and I have been visiting it since 1977--always excellent service and excellent fresh seafood items. Many locals go here which is always a great sign of quality. The owner still works the tables and trains his staff well, keeping his cooks going for over 24 years! This is a place dedicated to quality and family. Upon entering or simply standing in the waiting line outside you are offered a full glass of white wine--complimentary. If you are in line for a long time you may even get a second glass! Local quality and sourcing is exhibited here! Even the wine list, though not extensive, offers incredible pricing---a bottle of very good Napa Valley Chardonney for under $30! This is a place you don't want to miss if you love quality seafood at very fair prices and with excellent service. The staff shirts claim Petrale Power since 1974...we simply love this place and visit whenever we can get to the City.

My father and his significant other brought me to this little gem while visiting this past week. Quaint small place where the line is long but for good reason. Complimentary wine while waiting! I had the parmesan crusted halibut. It was fabulous!

My title says it all. We had an absolutely beautiful experience here. This food was truly wonderful - fresh, beautiful presentation and the perfect serving size.

Our visit to this local restaurant was fun. Imagine being served free wine while you wait! The fish is so fresh, delicious, and the portions are large. We would definitely recommend you visit this restaurant while in San Francisco. It is not fancy or fast, but definitely an experience you won't want to miss. This is where the locals eat and is affordable and suggest you put it on your list when you are in the area.

Rustic and friendly restaurant well worth a visit. Prices are possibly on the high side of mid range but it justifies it. I had the snapper which was about 22 dollars. Gluten free option which my wife availed of was excellent. Also a complementary glass of wine provided on arrival. Icing on the cake was to have a waitress from Cork city.

Loved this place! The food was plentiful and the complimentary glass of wine was very nice. Our servers were fantastic and very enjoyable to visit with as well. I would definitely come back if in the area.

From the lovely free glass of wine while we waited to the wonderful service and incredible fish,.. A wonderful dinner. I had oyster cocktail (soooo good, fresh shelled oysters) and grilled prawns with lemon butter. Highly recommend!

A local and tourist favorite for over 50 years, the Pacific Cafe is small , intimate, known for high quality fresh fish, wonderful service and VERY fair prices. Upon seating, or while waiting outside in line you are treated to a complementary glass of white wine. The feeling is very much family and welcoming. My serving of fresh sea scallops was wonderful and included a dozen 1"-1 1/2" scallops for about $40--you cannot buy the scallops in the store for that. Our other dish was Calamari steaks- 2 perfectly prepared, large , lightly breaded and pan seared, so tender you just needed a fork. A bottle of the house Chablis was great and about $24. Service was great, very attentive, but not intrusive. We had locally made ice cream for dessert. Great location, great value, great feeling of community....I hope they keep going for more years so people can keep experiencing this wonderful place. Highly recommended.

The best seafood I've ever had! It's worth the wait. I eat here often where the owners know who we are. We've been coming here for twenty-eight years. Our daughter grew up at this restaurant and it's one of her favorites!!

As others have commented, very good food in long-standing neighborhood restaurant. Went late on a Monday and had 10 minute wait; just enough time to drink the complimentary glass of wine. What a great idea to offer free wine to guests while waiting?! Why don't more restaurants do this?! Anyway, had the crab cakes, which they have won local awards for. They were good to very good, but did not have much crab flavor. Perhaps it's the difference between the dungeness (Pacific Coast) vice blue (East coast) crabs that I'm used to. Fish dishes looked good and a lot of locals chatting with staff. Notwithstanding, as a non-local, was warmly welcomed. I'd readily go back, but would try something off the fresh fish board, which seemed pricey, with most fish $30 or more (But that also includes salad/soup and that "free" glass of wine!)

Always fantastic! Love the spirits of the servers as well as the owner who are often serving table side! Get there ~5p. They'll hand you a glass of wine while you visit w others waiting for a table. If you come in later you'll still get a glass of wine and you can sign up on the board on the wall while you wait your turn. Offerings for the night are posted over the kitchen on the chalk board on on white boards at your table. Great sourdough, fantastically fresh fish veggies and a shrimp Louis or Cesar to start as part of your entree. We've loved the Pacific Cafe since the late 70's. Great food, great value and great service!!!

We recently ate at the Pacific Café on Geary and had a satisfyingly good (maybe not great by SF standards, but local, healthy and tasty) meal. It had been nearly a couple decades since we last ate there (we used to go somewhat often when we were younger and also when we had young children). Though we arrived around 5:40 pm on a Saturday, we still had about a 45 minute wait for a table (no reservations accepted). But waiting for a table is part of the fun of the place because whether you wait indoors or outside (usually in the fog), the restaurant generously provides you with a very full glass of drinkable white wine and someone periodically comes by to refill your wine glass. Its a seafood restaurant (there is a steak on the menu) and the customary standards are there (including Sanddabs), as well as nightly specials. Entrees include a generous bread basket, choice of Pacific clam chowder (its okay but not great) or a salad, as well as choice of starch and a cooked vegetable with the entrée. Its a lot of good food for generally $20-$34 per entrée, and chances are you may not need to order any additional wine because by the time you're seated your glass is likely close to full from the top offs while waiting for a table. After a large dinner, you may not have room for dessert (we didn't), but there are familiar desert choices on the menu. Our waitperson was efficient, skilled and helpful. Its a relaxed, comfortable, old timey SF atmosphere, good for a first date, or a local dining out experience with friends/family, as well as an anniversary or birthday dinner. Some things just are perfect (or close enough) just the way they are--and Pacific Cafe is one of them.

Three friends had excellent seafood and a nice talk in a quiet, friendly restaurant. No background music + fresh, simple food makes it a wonderful place to hang out. Great sourdough, with butter, to start, clam chowder or green salad as sides, it was all delicious. They have quite a wine selection, too...

Urban neighborhood, frequented by locals. This is a small but well done cafe devoted to a fun approach and great fish. We had the halibut and sole and both were great. Sides are basic, not too much flourish but overall a nice evening.

I did not have a good experience. The food was terrible. I had th crab cakes, which tasted like canned shredded crab with mayo and some green onion. I couldn't finish my dinner. What a waste of time and money. Even the wine I ordered came in a can. The only positive was the staff. I do NOT recommend this place.

A great local place since the mid-70"s--you are always greeted with a free glass of white wine! The menu features daily fresh fish options and a great selection of other fish options. A favorite among locals! There is often a wait, which can mean outside--where they still give you wine, you can visit with others and remember to dress warm---San Francisco near the coast in the summer is foggy and cold. I never miss going to this place when I am near the City.

Tuesday night, 45 minute wait, but the waitress kept us in wine. We were entertained by the happy, well fed people leaving. We asked what they would recommend and everyone would just gush about each dish. Finally, when our name was called and we were seated, nothing disappointed. The bread was amazing, the soup delicious, and the main course, very good. Would go back.

The Pacific cafe is better than wonderful. A small, local community restaurant that has been serving up the same excellent seafood for years. There is always a line out the door and they serve you free wine while you wait for a table. The Fish is fresh, and cooked to perfection. This is a "must do" for anyone visiting The City.

Excellent dinner starting with the best Calamari I've ever had. Fresh Halibut and Ahi Tuna for entrees paired with a wonderful bottle of wine. Great, friendly service ~ I would definitely recommend dinner here!

The owners offer folks a free glass of wine while they wait - which definitely got me to linger my first night living in San Francisco! Located far out towards Ocean Beach around 38th and Geary, parking can become iffy in the evening so if you want to make the trek either take the 38 line or catch a Lyft. The food is amazing, and the restaurant does change its offerings seasonally. A lot of the dishes are very spicy, so if that's a concern be sure to ask. Tables can be a little cramped, just an fyi.

this rest has been around over 40 years with good reason Great Food Great service and always consistently good. My wife and I frequent this fine establishment once or twice a month. The scallop are some of the best, fresh fish good sides, great bread and butter The service is always Personel and friendly, with lots of locales. Get there at five, no reservations ( except for parties of six or more) the small wait is worth it , but a nice glass of wine passes the time (complimentary wine) definite recommend PS. THEY ALSO HAVE AGOOD STEAK FOR NON-FISH LOVERS ENJOY RELAX AND LEAVE FULL

I never mind waiting because they always keep my wine glass filled until I'm seated. I never order from a printed menu, because the best fresh choices are on the chalkboard. I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered here. I always send my friends here because I know they will be impressed and leave happy and satisfied.

We were at Ocean Beach Park and Googled, "seafood restaurants nearby". This one came up (although it wasn't that "nearby" - but we had Muni Passes, so it was easy to take the bus). It's a very cute, neighborhood restaurant (more of a neighborhood institution, I gather). They do not take reservations and the lines are usually long. However, the good thing is that they give out free wine (yes, you read that correctly - free wine) to everyone waiting. The result is that everyone chats to everyone else and the waiting is part of the experience. We met and had interesting conversations with several very nice people while we were waiting. The sign over the door says the restaurant opened July 4, 1974 and I don't think it has changed much since then. The decor is definitely mid-70's (lots of dark wood paneling) and the menu is probably pretty much the same as it has always been. The menu is more fish than seafood; however everything was fresh, fresh, fresh and the staff were very helpful and friendly.

We were visiting the city for a long weekend and our cousins picked us up from our Hotel in Fisherman's Wharf, so we could enjoy an affordable local favorite. We came for an early dinner on the last Sunday in February and they served free wine during the short wait to set up our table. All the dishes we tried were fantastic, and the service was exceptional. Small, cozy and I would highly recommend this little gem to anyone. (Near Golden Gate Park on Geary Blvd).

Great evening spent with family. Started queuing before doors opened at 5 and we were welcomed by the owner with a glass of wine. Long wait but was worth it to eat such fresh fish. Huge portions meant good value for money (ask for a doggy bag though).

Great tasty food and kind staff, one of the best meals I’ve had in sf. My table had the parmesan halibut, calamari, crab cake, trout and a cheesecake for 3- all was made flawlessly and the 3 of us were very full. Just a must go place.

Obviously the wine is a great perk but the food and the staff were equally amazing. The chefs were kind (sat near them and chatted while they cooked), the staff is seasoned and clearly enjoy their job and each other. The crab cakes were great. Glad we were recommended to stop by. Free street parking was also relatively easy to find.

The one nice thing is that they are always busy after they open so they give you a glass of wine while you wait. The waiting area is small and a few chairs outside. Parking can be a challenge. The salmon was good but not for the price they charge. The fish was too cooked for me because I like it moist. The service was good.

Love. this place. Starting with the free and extremely large wine pours while you wait for a seat! White wine very tasty. JBJ Mypppphhjjjparpphalibet with Parmesan halibutnwithnoarmea

This unassuming place known for its great seafood also serves wine while you wait. We met many kind people some of whom have been coming since the 70's as we drank some very good white wine and waited patiently to be called. The wait was worth it! We had Crab Cakes Main dish and Halibut parmesan baked. Both incredible! The service was friendly despite the long lines, lots of people and the food was simply superb! A true gem!

Long tradition of friendly satisfying service. open only for dinner after 5 pm. no reservations and people line up. you will however get complimentary wine while waiting after 5. if you're there a little before 5 you will probably get in for the initial seating.15 min early is almost a guarantee. "second seating , as people finish, is usually around 6pm. there is an ala carte menu with standards, but the action is at the specials menu which has several fish, shrimp, scallop, crab, abalone items which include a nice Caesar or shrimp louie salad or soup of the day, and a potato or vegetable side. crab diablo is current and 'crack your own', but delicious. limited wines but you can bring your own for $10 corkage. highly recommend the ever light Zanzie cheesecake for dessert. been going here for years and love it. always good. homey and casual. I highly recommend it.

Pacific Cafe has been around since the 1970s, with a consistently outstanding seafood menu. Their crabcakes are among the best I've ever had. Their salmon and halibut entrees are very fresh and epic, and their clam chowder is excellent. The restaurant opens at 5pm every day, and does not take reservations. If you are waiting to be seated, complimentary wine is offered. Service is quite personable and knowledgable. The seating and decor is clean, comfortable and welcoming. My wife and I have been to Pacific Cafe dozens of times, and always look forward to taking neighbors, friends and family also.

Eat here at least 1 time per week. Consistently good, decent portion, and quick. Try the Bibimbap, or the salmon special.

Charming little spot in an *off-the-track* neighborhood. Complete meals start with a cordial greeting and *comp* glasses of decent SauvB. The menu features a solid lineup of seafood classics, but I came for one thing. ABALONE. (50% $$$ over other items) But abalone is like *truffle of the sea*; and it was superb. Wife had Petrale Sole w/ mushroom/caper wine sauce. We chose small Shrimp Louie and Caesar salad + pilaf and broccoli as sides from several options. They even threw in a scoop of Oreo ice cream. Figuring in an extra glass of red wine and tip, our tab was still less than an average lunch at the Wharf. They've been doing things right since 1974 and have earned their kudos. Make the trek out to Sunset; you won't be disappointed.

Fresh trout stuffed with crab? Salmon bisque? Homemade brothy clam chowder? All here! Plus fee wine on line while waiting for your table. This friendly family-owned seafood restaurant is pleasantly far from the pretentious places downtown both in spirit and geography. But it is only two short blocks from the fabulous Legion of Honor Museum and a great way to end a day of exploring the museum its adjacent glorious Land's End Trail.

30 years ago I lived in San Francisco and used to be a regular at this little neighborhood restaurant. Always outstanding food and great service. Last week I had a chance to visit it again - and thank goodness - it was STILL just as good as always. Opens at 5 pm, and you can rest assured that by 5:30, there will be a nice long line waiting for a table. Note: food is worth the wait! In my opinion - they offer the best Dungeness crab cocktail in the city. As others have mentioned, they offer you a free glass of white wine as you are waiting. Highly, highly recommend!

What a great seafood venue!. Every dish is sourced and prepared as though this was the Tour D'argent.in Paris. I had the swordfish. Far too many line chefs cook swordfish until it is tough. Not at Pacific Cafe. The wine list is modest, but they've made good choices. The place is often packed. On a weekend night youmay have to wait a half hour or more for a table. They don't take reservations. The wait is pleasant because they serve you a healthy pour of decent white wine while you wait

I have visited this restaurant for years. It is a small family owned restaurant that has been in business for a long time. Over time the management has acquired great recipes for food and service. Be prepared for at least an hour wait on the weekends but it is absolutely worth it. In fact, you are offered FREE wine while you wait for your table. The menu mostly consists of fresh seafood. I have narrowed down my usual favorite. Starter: Oysters Soup: Lobster or salmon bisque Entree: Parmesan crusted halibut (fantastic) Enjoy!

This place is so old-school. I love it. Free white wine while you wait... (it's not fancy, more like a Chablis from a jug) but nonetheless... A great way to get you to relax while you wait. Only about 20 tables, so you may have to wait. Service is good. Again, old school and friendly. The staff knows most of the local patrons, so there will be conversations happening, still you won't be ignored. Large portions, not cheap. Just great fresh fish, with lemon and parsley. Like when my grandparents took me out when I was a kid. Rice, potato or potato. Wasn't crazy about the sand dabs. Love the Louis. Don't go there but once a year, still... it's a great alternative when you are in the mood for fish. Also one meat dish for you carnivores. Enjoy~

Really great customer service here. Complimentary white wine while you wait for your table. Fresh seafood served old fashioned way. Definitely a favored local restaurant.

This place is comfortable and service oriented. Seafood is very good. Good selection and the free wine while you wait is tasty and a great idea. Daughter had rainbow trout, excellent, husband had filet of sole, excellent, I had Parmesan halibut very good. Bread tasty didn't have dessert very full. :) Will be back!

I've probably eaten here more than 200 times, it's that good. No reservations, come as you are from a hike on the nearby bluffs, and enjoy a free glass or two of wine while you wait for your table. Skip the menu and order what's fresh off the board. Salad and yummy sides included. Personable and efficient service. The 70's vibe is fun for those out of town visitors who fancy a revisit to the summer of love. I've seen the gm of the giants here, to an elderly couple that walked from their nearby home, to some young Swedish visitors. Super casual, enjoy!

Needed just a little something to eat and found this perfect place worth all homemade items. All fresh and a lot of gluten free breads. Family recipe on the fresh salmon. WOW a must try. Avocado and salmon on wheat. To die for.

We visited on a Monday night but the restaurant is still very crowed, mostly filled with locals but we were served with free flow of white/red wine while waiting. The entrees are quite big with soup / salad and side dishes. The salad is very fresh and the clam chowder is great. We had salmon, sole fillet, crab cakes and shrimps which all of us think is very delicious. This is indeed a value for money restaurant although you do expect to wait a bit especially with a party more than four.

After searching for the perfect seafood restaurant in SF, we decided on the Pacific Cafe. With raving reviews we couldn't go wrong. And we didn't. It was everything we expected! We arrived about 4:45 and were greeting with a glass of white wine and asked " how many?" A short 15 minutes later we were asked to come inside and seated in a cozy booth. The restaurant is indeed small but thats what makes it so charming. Sourdough bread and butter were waiting for us on the table. YUM! We ordered the crab cakes and the snapper in parchment. Both were EXCELLENT! A simple meal with simple sides makes for a delightfully simple satisfaction in your tummy. For dessert we treated ourselves to the toasted almond Mitchell's Ice Cream. Definitely a must have! So creamy and delicious and a HUGE portion! Order this is to split between you for sure! All in all we had a great evening and would absolutely come back to this little secret in the city.

We’ve been coming here for 50 years. The food always has the same high quality consistency. The complimentary white wine is always festive. And the prices are very affordable. The staff treats you like family. A SF favorite!

I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who just wants to have great food and spend a quality time with their loved ones. The Service was standard and i just loved the ambiance of this Cafe.

Absolutely delicious Clam Chowder with Crab!!! Great service, pleasant view, and marvelous ambiance. OH and if you are looking for a fruity, sweet, yet strong adult beverage try the Alcatraz Escape!

My wife and I chose to eat dinner at Pacific Cafe on the evening of August 28 after reading favorable reviews on TripAdvisor. The restaurant has a nice way of putting people in line for tables (you sign yourself in) and serves complimentary wine during the wait; however, the wine was so undistinguished and flavorless that it was hardly worth it. After a 45 minute wait we were seated in a booth. The restaurant was rather loud, and conversation was difficult. I ordered the trout, my wife the salmon. The trout was strongly seasoned but not outstanding. The piece of salmon was large; again the flavor was more of the seasoning than of the fish. The sourdough bread was absolutely outstanding, the highlight of the meal.

The Pacific Cafe is an incredible treat that is easy to get to but not in a place that you would normally visit if in San Francisco. The food was outstanding; especially the crab cakes, crab stuffed sole and the prawns. The service was the best including that glass of house Chablis (tasty indeed) served as we waited for our table at first seating and served without asking. They don’t take reservations, but give it a shot if you are not in a hurry. It is a perfect neighborhood go to restaurant.

The free wine while waiting on the sidewalk was a terrific conversation starter. We enjoyed chatting with others during our long wait for a table. Once seated, we were treated like long lost friends. No rush, clear explanations, no dependence on a single waiter -- the staff works together. They loved the 8-month-old we brought along. The food was spectacular. We'd been in Yosemite for several days where the restaurants are awful. Pacific Cafe was our last stop before leaving California, and it was the best meal.

We rate Pacific Cafe a 10, 5+stars! I ordered the parmesan encrusted halibut, perfect with veggies and the salad Louie. My husband ordered snapper also perfect with their salad Louie. Dessert was an intense, dense dark chocolate flourless cake, yum. We arrived about 5:30, put our name in the list and was quickly offered two glasses that were kindly filled with complimentary Chablis, quite drinkable too. Went outside to chill while waiting fir tables to turn over and be called. While waiting we met. Lovely family of three waiting to eat who have come before. Thus time celebrating her birthday. We enjoyed talking so much we all hardly wanted to head in for our seats. They came and visited while we eat too. Before the check came we arranged with the waitress to get them a birthday dessert treat. Highly recommend going but fear lines will grow even longer.

Went hear with some friends while we were touring the city. Arrived just after 5, they do not take reservations, and were seated within 10 minutes. They offer complimentary wine while you wait. We had 6 and our table was tight, as it is not a large place,but the food was worth the slight discomfort. As a group we had Salmon, Fried Shrimp and Crabcakes. I had salad with a Shrimp Louie dressing (Thousand Islands with bay shrimp). Customary sourdough bread and butter were served. I also shared a great cheesecake. It was light and creamy.

Ate here with an old friend, service was very good and the food was excellent. Portions were substantial and we enjoyed a leisurely meal.

Visited midweek around 7pm and had at most a 10 minute wait to be seated. Service was outstanding, food was delicious, with generous portions cooked to perfection. Declined dessert but they brought a us a sample anyway to encourage us next time!

They take no reservations, but when you show up to put your name on the list you are greeted with a nice glass of wine to ease the wait. Menu is not huge but the selections are always fresh and delicious. Service was spot on and we never felt rushed even though we knew there were folks waiting for our spot. A real gem if you are looking for fresh seafood in the Richmond district of SF.

We waited two hours for a table (Sat. night). They pour a lot of free wine to help pass the time in line, but honestly I don't know of any place that is worth that long a wait even with the generous pours. That said, the abalone was just scrumptious. The service was very good and once we were seated the food came out quickly and everyone was happy. I would recommend this for adults but only on a week night when the wait will be short.

Upon walking into the cozy dining room, you're greeted with a glass of wine. A limited menu of fresh entrees is carefully prepared by talented staff, and presented by a friendly and efficient waitstaff. For a relaxing night out, special occasion, or trip to the city, this is then place to come for great food, excellent service, and reasonable prices. I am glad we visited!

Delicious and worth any wait. Pick a day when the fog is rolling in - so effen romantic and lovely. Of course the food and staff are fab...

Looks can be deceiving! But this small, family owned restaurant makes the top of the list. No reservations— but a free glass of wine while you wait. Food was excellent! And the service was friendly and quick! I would definitely eat here again.

A perfect neighbourhood restaurant with amazing food and super friendly service. The crab cakes and halibut were amazing and incredible value too

Best halibut I have ever eaten and I have eaten fresh halibut off the boat in Alaska. They don't accept reservations, but provided a free glass of yummy chablis while we waited; a red was also available. This is a small restaurant and you must find parking on the street.

Okay this is a one of San Francisco's lesser known Sea Food restaurants, and a Zagat rated one too. The food is very well prepared and the portions very good value. I had the Calamari Steak which was lightly breaded and pan sautéed. My wife had the grilled scallops cooked to perfection. Their cream-less Clam Chowder is very flavorful and lot of tender pieces of Clams, not the tough rubbery ones you get elsewhere. If you looking for good food , good value, look no further. Enjoy a glass of wine "on the house" as you wait for your table.

It is unexpected to find this restaurant ranked high amongst SF restaurants. It has very, very little to recommend it. The food is unacceptable (I actually threw up my food an hour later) - the three of us all got inedible food. The restaurant is in a second rate premises with second rates tables, second rate chairs and second rate everything else. Frankly, to be avoided.

Pacific Cafe is a busy place and you may have to wait for a table. However, they hand you a glass of wine as soon as you enter (gratis) so it's pleasant to wait! We walked right in on a Tuesday evening around six, although the entire restaurant was almost full. You can select a delicious shrimp salad which comes with your entree. It was fresh and yummy. I ordered sand dabs; they were good but full of bones. Our waitress warned us and she was willing to do the de-boning. I guess I wouldn't order them again but would definitely go back to the restaurant. It's a bit of a bus ride from downtown but is straight down Geary so easy to navigate. Entrees including the salad and wonderful bread are around $25 on up.

Loved the atmosphere, the free wine during the wait and the great seafood. Main bummer was that there were not any vegetarian entrees. Not a single one. The “entree” ended up being a huge broccoli stalk. I know this is a well known and well regarded neighborhood restaurant for seafood but usually there is at least one entree for vegetarians. Would go back but without the vegetarian.

For years I've been going to the Pacific Cafe. It's a hidden gem located not too far from the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco's Richmond District. Their fish is fresh and usually quite good, but it does depend on what you order. You won't go wrong with any of their grilled selections, but the Louisiana Shrimp Cajun style which I had the other night, did tend to be under spiced and overly greasy. I hope the restaurant is not losing it's touch. Aside from several dishes which may not be to my taste, for an excellent seafood meal, in a small restaurant frequented by locals, Pacific Cafe is definitely one of the better places to eat in San Francisco. They don't take reservations and frequently the line to get in is quite extensive. But, the wait is well worth it. For those waiting in line, they pass out FREE WINE!

This is my all time favorite seafood restaurant in SF. Have been coming here for years and I have never been disappointed. The service and the daily fresh seafood options are fantastic. The atmosphere is open and friendly, with cozy booths & tables. Try the Pacific Clam Chowder along with your fresh seafood entree; you will not be disappointed. Can't wait to return to this neighborhood gem on Geary Blvd.

If you want experience the other side of the city, away from the tourist traps, and want to have a great time, then you need to be at the Pacific Cafe. The staff, the crowd, and the food are all the best. Having a glass of wine while you wait doesn't hurt either. I try to get here when I am in the city.

This is a small place with 30+ seats, so show up slightly after 5 pm for dinner. Signed up on the wait list and sit inside or wait outside, the free wine will start flowing. This is to celebrate their 40th anniversary, don't know how long it will last. Pacific Cafe is mainly a sea food restaurant located in a low-key location. We waited about half an hour after a couple of glasses of free white wine. Some bigger parties waited over an hour. From talking with people waiting, the words got around on the free wine. They have a large, friendly and efficient serve crew. Food came in a leisurely unhurried pace. We had grilled salmon and sole Newberg cooked to tasty perfection. The sole was a bit fishy for me. The clam chowder however was light and sparkly and salad was fresh. The bread was crisp and tastily doughy. A deliciously delightful evening.

Great neighborhood gem. They have a limited menu, but so what!. What they do do they do it well! Starts off with a free glass of wine at the door. They are very friendly and do not rush you to turn the table. We will go back time and time again!

Good food...free wine while you wait. Warm staff. I've been going to this place for 35+ years. My favorite was the Louisiana Shrimp (unfortunately it's not on the menu that often anymore), Go with their specials, like, Spicy Snapper.

Definitely one of the best meals we had in SF. We went there for dinner. There was quite a queue, but the wine was on the house and made the wait worthwhile. The place is old and authentic, and the food was amazing. I had the carb cakes, my husband had the steak and both were delicious and the service was great.

Visited this restaurant for the first time last night and had a wonderful meal. Wine while you wait, fresh warm sourdough bread and butter as soon as you are seated. Our party enjoyed plump shrimp cocktails, Caesar salad, salmon, and bisque. We had two baked entrees and one grilled. All were delicious, with fish and shellfish in prime condition. Coffee and desserts were sublime. Service was warm, attentive, and highly courteous. You are paying for high quality and generous portions in a charming old-school setting. Enjoy.

This is actually the second time we have eaten at this restaurant with the first time being about 5 years ago. They don't take reservations but they do have quite a few tables and are set up to treat you well if you have to wait for a table. We waited about 10 or so minutes for a table on a Wednesday evening and were served a glass of very good white wine. They offer specials each day as well as a regular menu. Each dinner includes soup or salad, side of rice, potato, or vegetable and a complimentary glass of wine (and it's a pretty full glass, too.) I ordered the Cajun snapper and my husband ordered the crab cakes. We both chose the steamed red potatoes and Crab Louie salads. We also ordered the side of broccoli. The food was perfectly cooked and, unlike most cajun foods elsewhere, it was very spicy and flavorful but NOT salty. Yummy. The portion was actually large enough for two people so I ended up having to take at least half of my fish "to go" since I had stuffed in as much as possible but there was still so much left on my plate. The service was perfect and the server and hostess friendly. The only weak area in this restaurant is they serve few vegetables. The menu is pretty protein heavy which might be perfect for some people. We do recommend this restaurant.

We have eaten here a couple of times when we visit from Colorado. Some of the best seafood in San Francisco. The Crab Cakes are my favorite.

Pacific Cafe has simply the BEST Seafood in town! If you miss the opening seating, complementary wine is offered while you wait. The food is worth the WAIT! Service is FAST! The staff is incredible! Cozy booths, great decor, just a great place to have a quiet dinner with your significant other! We come here from the East Bay at least once a month.

The receptionist at our downtown hotel told about this little restaurant. He knew it as h lived in the nieghborhood. People queue up at dinner time (you cannot reserve). You write yourself on a piece fo paper at the entrance (see photo) - and in the waiting time you will get a free glas of wine. The restaurant has been running for 41 years - and at least one of the waiters have been there for 40 years - and 2 others of the staff for 35 years. Most of the dishes are the original ones - and the decor in the restaurant is the same. This is the place to eat in San Francisco! Nice seafood you get - very reasonably prices - and the story and the atmosphere on top of it.

It starts with the free wine while you wait for your table. When you arrive, if there is no one to take your name, just write it down on the hanging clipboard. This is one place that you don't mind to wait. Just pace yourself though… You'll want to leave room for all the extras that come with your meal like the amazing salmon bisque or shrimp Louie salad and delicious sourdough bread. Stick with the classics and make sure to mention if you have any allergies (i.e. gluten, lactose, etc). They are very willing to accommodate.

Just down the street from the Lincoln golf course, this neighborhood joint is worth the search. I had the Parmesan halibut and my friend had the wild salmon - both fantastic. It's a casual spot where you sign your name to a list when you arrive. However, I'm not sure they go straight down the list. We just happened to be waiting inside, and we got seated quickly (and before others waiting outside). Bonus: complementary glass of wine as you wait!

This was our best meal in San Francisco, hands down!!We came here after reading a few reviews, and it was unbelievably amazing. They give you wine while you’re waiting, and their service was outstanding. I had Parmesan halibut which was the best I’ve ever had. My husband had the abalone which was to die for. Extremely reasonably priced too! Must eat here!!

I am sorry, but I cannot perpetuate the myth. Who started the thread that this place is so good? First, if you are coming from downtown, it is a haul. Second, if a free glass of cheap wine is what gets you going while standing in line, well...... But let's talk about the food. This place is average at best. Boiled potatoes? bland Just steamed broccoli? bland. I do Ahi at home better than this place. Surly, uninterested service. I emailed requesting help for a vegetarian plate, no response. To many other choices, I would not go back.

Great spot. Basic but real and good place to get out of the pace of SF tourist rush. Good food and a nice selection of drinks. Band playing and just relaxing. Drop in. It’s worthy of a visit.

After a 10 day west coast ride on our motorcycles.(Thanks Paul) Paul walked me up the street to Pacific Cafe. After several glasses of free wine was finally seated. Ordered the Sword Fish special of the night. It was one of the best meals I have every had the pleasure to eat. This a MUST stop for a great seafood meal.

We live few blocks from Pacific Cafe (Geary & 34th Ave.) and have been there many times. Never a bad meal. Excellent service. The free wine makes the wait pleasant (no reservations) and there are always people to chat with. They open at 5:00 and the line starts forming around 4:30. They usually fill when the doors open so I recommend arriving at least a little before 5:00 or you will have to wait for the first diners to get through their whole meal. All entrees include chowder or salad, rice or potatoes, vegetables, sourdough bread. Generous portions. Prices range from low $20's to mid-30's. Dessert is extra. Not far from Golden Gate Park, Palace of Legion of Honor, Cliff House, but you need a car. Not near usual tourist areas (but it is a small city). Highly recommended.

We found this hidden gem while on vacation! The food was delicious and so was the wine! Everyone was very friendly. There was a long line but it didn’t take very long to get seated. It was worth the wait!

My husband and I used to eat at Pacific Cafe once a month when we lived in The City 30 years ago....ahhhhh those were the days. Pleased to report one thing hasn't changed from those many years ago - dinner at the Pacific Cafe! We showed up on a Sunday night at 6:00 pm and there is always a line. No Fear!!! You have a wonderful glass of house white or red wine waiting for you. Squish in with the others in the tiny waiting room (because it's SF after all and probably cold and foggy outside in the Richmond). We shared a couple glasses of wine and then our table was ready. We started with the crab cake - best I've ever had!!! Why you ask? Because of the delicious home made tartar sauce - YUM!!!! Spread it thick over the crab cake and you'll be in Heaven!! I had the special sole with capers and mushrooms - huge piece of fish - with rice and vegetables. Don't fill up on the sourdough bread or you won't be able to finish your meal :( This place is cozy and small but it is a San Francisco GEM! I shouldn't have waited so long to go back.

Great selection of fish that’s very well prepared. The cozy, very casual spot doesn’t take reservations and the line is out the door before 5 pm opening. But while you wait once inside, they serve you free wine. A great little place that’s been in San Francisco a long time.

Wonderful owner and staff with great service and great fish dishes that are true and tried! Not trendy but is trendsetting!

Friends have been raving about this place for years. After 32 years here in SF, I'm with my friends. As one reader said it's a time warp of nostalgia. Do take the time to take it all in, even in the golden blow of the dining room. Whether you have to wait or not they start you off with a glass of Red or White wine, your choice (and a generous pour). The seating area is no large but very cozy in old fashioned booths. Love the simplistic menu, fresh fish and generous portions. Starting off with some mighty fine sour dough bread & no skimping on the butter. Bottles of wine are also very reasonable and decent selection. My friend had the salmon and house salad (with shrimp on top, no less) - $30 I had the Petrale Soul Neuberg and the cup of chowder - $31.95. Both were piping hot and mouth wateringly delicious. I couldn't believe I ate the whole thing, but it probably would have lost a bit if I had to reheat it the next day. We finished with a HUGE scoop of Mitchell's Ice Cream and coffee. The coffee was not weak either. Had a lovely chat with our server Ruth, who was also wonderful at her job. So if you are thinking about trying the place, don't wait, you won't be disappointed. I will be back.

We enjoy coming once a month when in town for over 30 years; we look forward to the fresh seafood, delicious fresh sourdough and meals come with soup or salad. Although lines are long the complimentary glass of wine makes the wait more comfortable. Hint: get there before 5PM for guaranteed first seating on weekends.

A couple important things to know: 1) They don't take reservations and the line can get long; *but* 2) They serve complimentary wine (or soft drinks) while your waiting. The menu is not huge, but it changes frequently. Fresh local seafood, well prepared. They do some very interesting dishes - parchment wrapped fish, Pacific Clam Chowder (like New England, but the potatoes are creamed in, creating a lighter white broth). Used to eat there regularly when I lived in SF in the '80s - it hasn't changed much since then.

Amazing seafood restaraunt. People wait in line outside for a while to be able to get a table. I love great seafood places and every dish I had at this restaraunt was amazing.

Nice place with great seafood. Nice atmosphere, and service was top class. Will be back for sure once again!

This restaurant reminds me of places my grandfather took me in the 60's. The food is terrific and a favorite of the locals. A couple of things to know: if you want to eat around 6pm, you need to get there at 4:30 to get seated at 5; the restaurant is a classic "hole in the wall" place, cozy inside but prepare to wait if you get there after 4:30pm; the bread is almost too good so pace yourself; they DO give you free wine while you are waiting! Our party had the Parmesan-encrusted sea bass, fried sand dabs, calamari dinner and scallops prepared Scampi-style. All were top notch. Sea bass was moist and flavorful, sand dabs were great (but you need to remove the bones), the calamari steak one of the best I had ever tasted and the scallops perfectly prepared. We all had soup before the entree; I found the salmon bisque more to my liking than the clam chowder but that could just be me. Portions are quite generous and prices moderate if you avoid the abalone. We will be back.

Attended Fleet Week and was taken to this seafood restaurant by a friend that has been coming to this place since the first day it opened in 1974! We got there for the first seating which starts at 5PM...that means we got there a little after 4PM. Within a few minutes, there were a half dozen others now waiting. By the time they started seating everyone, there were at least 20 people waiting to be seated. Visit their web page at www.pacificcafesf.com to see a picture of people waiting outside for the first seating. This is a small place with only 15 or 16 tables (some tables only for two). About 15 minutes before you're seated, they indeed serve you free wine while you wait. They provide sourdough bread while you wait for your meal. I ordered the Petrale Sole with rice. My meal was very, very tasty. My friends ordered the Parmesan crusted Halibut...who gave me a taste...bingo, another great tasting prep. They also tried a shrimp louie...I didn't taste it, but it looked good. The serving sizes were generous and commensurate with the price you're going to pay. That being said, even though you're on the outskirts of the downtown San Francisco area, you're still in SanFran...so prices are moderate. But again, the portion size is large and hearty. For me, it was too good not to finish my plate...however, a couple of my friends took some of their dinner home - doggie style! I like eating seafood and my meal was definitely one of the best I've ever had. Next time I'm in this area, I'll definitely return. If anyone is just visiting from somewhere far away...and don't think they'll be back in a very long time, I strongly suggest you have one of your dinner nights here. You'll be glad you did. Yeah, I'm just a random reviewer...don't believe me, then consider this...they were considered one of the "2013 Best of San Francisco" restaurants. Sorry, they only do dinner and don't take reservations.

Step back I'm in the seventies! This SF neighborhood restaurant will take you back to a time when friends brought you delicious food from the kitchen and you had a great conversation with someone close to you. Good seafood, close to the ocean in a relaxed aatmosphere - what more could you need?

Before I begin I would like to let you know that they give you free wine while you wait! Who does that? I think they also give you a free glass of wine even if you don't wait. That was the case last night anyway. And now my review: (although I might've had you at free wine.) My sister and her husband were in town from Portland Oregon and they always like to go to the Pacific Café when they're here. You don't have to twist my arm to come to this restaurant! I don't know when they opened but I've been coming here since the late 1970s. The food is amazing here and it always has been. It's not on the beaten path for most tourists but they should make the effort to get here. It's out in the avenues on Geary Street so it's on the way to the ocean and the Cliffhouse so you could kill two birds with one stone. For locals it's an absolute must. They open at 5 PM and we try to get there for the first seating. There is often a line and it is first come first served, but you meet interesting people and again the free wine! It's cozy and comfortable. Not fancy at all and it hasn't changed in all the years I've been coming here. It's also not cheap but the food is worth it. I always get the halibut Parmesan. It is so delicious. Their clam chowder and salmon bisque are the best I've ever had. The staff is wonderful as well, and always welcome us with open arms. There is a man named Frank who is as nice as they come. He's been there for a very long time as have most of the staff. I think this speaks volumes as to the way the restaurant is run and maintained. I'm sure they would not stay that long if they weren't happy. We know him the best but they're all wonderful. The Pacific Café is no longer just a restaurant to us. They make us feel like family and we are most appreciative of the welcoming atmosphere there.

The Pacific Café is always a great place to eat. We were here just a few weeks ago but the food was so good, we had to come back. Do not expect to get seated immediately as there are only 17 tables in the restaurant. We arrived at 4:30pm and waited until they opened at 5. Everybody gets a glass of wine while waiting so you barely notice the time passing. We opened with a dinner salad and both chose the Shrimp Louie over the Ceasar. The salad was a real blast from the past as it tasted like ones I ate down at the Wharf back in the 60's and 70's. Was very impressed by my wife's calamari steak last time, so that is what I ordered. Generous piece, done with a light egg wash and grilled...excellent. My wife tried the shrimp-stuffed white fish which was very rich and decadent. Please note: the waiting area is small, so bring a jacket as people have to wait outside when the 10 seats are taken.

another no reservation neighborhood place-went at 8;30 on a Wednesday and only waited 15 minutes. about ten fish choice with limited number of wines. apps are nothing special. great service. fish is super

After a week driving down the west coast, we spent our final day in San Francisco. My husband and I spent the day touring San Francisco with a local friend. He highly suggested Pacific Cafe. The restaurant has a vintage look and feel but not in a bad way. Our dinners were plentiful and tasty, and the complimentary glass of wine was a hearty pour. Everyone from the servers to the owners were fantastic and very enjoyable to visit with. Marlene and the crew made the last night of our trip a highlight!

Four of us (two couples-one in their sixties and the other in 30s) ate here in October. Daughter's boyfriend brought us here, as he has been dining here for years. Crab cakes were great, as was everything. Non-pretentious, excellent, fresh food. Can't add anything more to all the headings. They are on target; what a warm, welcoming place.

You can’t go wrong here- free wine while you wait for a table, quick service, knowledgeable servers, and fresh seafood.

I'm not sure I should be writing this review, as it's very much a local restaurant for local people. Small, cramped, noisy - no booking - you turn up and add your name to the notepad hanging up. While you wait, a glass of red or white wine is brought to you, and you make friends with other people waiting. The fish and seafood are as fresh as fresh - the specials depend on what's good that day - the maitre d' and the waiters will recommend the best things on the menu that day. The salmon bisque was an absolute stunner, the local varieties of fish dizzying in their quality. Saucing is a bit heavy, but this is great local food, not a gastronomic extravaganza. Ice cream tip top, and the wine list - heavy on Californian and Italian wines - superb. I'll definitely be returning on my next visit, and I hope it is just the same.

The food was no match for the reviews, and my friend agreed eagerly. On the positive side, we are both 50 and feel young compared to the clientele.

Located a bit far from touristic places it’s like a pearl. Staying in line may be durable (we had 30-40 minutes) but you’re served with house wine for free during awaiting. Home atmosphere inside, excellent service and of course delicious seafood.

Very good at what they do, which is tasty fish at a fair price. Manage your expectations with this one. It's not really "fine dining" - the absolute highest quality of food, doting service, and fancy dining room will not be found here. But the restaurant is clean and homey, the service is attentive, and the food tastes good, if you can get past a canned vegetable or a Caesar salad with grated Parmesan and not fresh. The value for the price is as good as you will find anywhere, which makes it an incredible find in San Francisco. We waited about 45 minutes on a Wednesday for our table. The free wine was a nice treat. It's just the jug wine stuff, but after an hour of that stuff we spent zero on drinks!

My wife and I have been coming to Pacific Café since the 80's, when Frank, the waiter, had long hair and a beard! Always great fresh seafood and free wine while you wait. My wife always gets the halibut parmesan, and I either get the calamari or abalone. Great fresh sourdough bread and good salads and the pacific clam chowder is tops.

I'm a former San Franciscan, and discovered the Pacific Cafe when I moved to SF in 1981. It's still there, 37 years later. You can't get a bad meal here. Expect a line unless you arrive early, but they will serve you some decent free white wine to make your wait go by more quickly. The crowd is mostly locals, as the Pacific Care is on Geary, well-removed from the usual tourist haunts. Prices are on par for SF, portions are generous, servers are friendly and helpful. Living in Houston now, where great seafood is abundant. But the Pacific Cafe will always be a fond memory. Will drop in for dinner on next trip to SF. Highly recommended.

Big line for this place, but not to worry, they serve you a glass of wine while you wait. And the wait is worth it, the seafood is fresh and delicious

If you really want to try amazing seafood in San Francisco make sure you visit Pacific Cafe!!! In business for 48 years so they have to do something right... Open daily from 5 PM it is by far one of the best seafood restaurants I ever been to. Be prepared for wait, depending on season could be quite long but is sure as hell worthy! One more thing... While you wait you will be getting glasses of white wine... that’s right, free glasses of wine while you wait! Just be careful. I was pacing myself but I have seen quite a few guests who had trouble following hostess to their table before they had a chance to order... AK

If you want fresh sea food excellently prepared in a small restaurant ,you don't want to miss this!!!!! YES, this is their 40th year. Located in a neighborhood , it is a favorite of locals--- tourists should not miss out! I have been going for all 40 of the years and always had excellent food and service! They will add anchovies to your salad if requested- servers at many fish restaurants don't even know what an anchovie is. Get there early for the first seating- receive a complementary glass of white wine! Get there later and stand in line, visit with others around you AND they bring you the wine while in line!! Dress warmly as you are not far from the ocean and fog. Staff is well trained, knowledgeable of the menu and provide great service promptly. The menu has some classic favorites like halibut baked in parchment, and a good selection of fresh fish. The wine bottle prices are reasonable and the selection is good. Parking can be an issue, but the Muni Geary line stops a block away. Take some time to walk the neighborhood and see some nicely renovated homes.

I traveled from Virginia to San Francisco and made a bee line for the Pacific Cafe. The calamari steak is a melt in your mouth wonder. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

I am always satisfied when I leave after dinner. Consistency alwAys there with good value Complimentary wine while you wait No reservation ( except 6 or more) Been a local great restaurant since 1973 and with good reason Dedicated to Great Good. Great Service Opens at 5:00 Daily A San Francisco Treat Mmmmmm.

Wine while you wait. Great service. Fabulous seafood. Dependable menu. Specials. Fresh fish. Good salads and side dishes.

Small seafood restaurant with attentive wait staff & good food. Very much appreciated the free wine while we waited 5" for a table! Would happily go again.

The food wasn't trendy or newfangled, but that's why we went there. Everyone waiting in line was friendly and fun, a great mix of ages and types, swilling free white wine (and not a long wait at 645 on a Friday). The space was a bit dark and dated, but in a homey and good way, not shabby. Our server had worked there for decades and could describe all dishes articulately and helpfully. The staff even sang happy birthday to someone with a candle-lit dessert! This place was a breath of fresh air in a town busting at the seams with shiny hipness and wallet-busting concept food. We loved every bite of our super fresh fish, done in old-fashioned preparations like mushrooms/capers or cream sauce (and they came with SIDES! imagine!). It just plain tasted good, and plenty of it, no pretensions. Everything was served in abundance: lemon wedges, slabs of fresh butter for the sourdough, homemade tartar sauce, enormous hand-cut fried potatoes. We felt transported back in time and well taken care of. Such a nice time in a warm and well-run place.

My wife and I dined at the Pacific Cafe with 2 other couples while visiting San Francisco. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals, including dessert. I had the spicy red snapper which was perfect! It's a small, charming restaurant with limited seating. If you want to eat early, be sure to get there before 4:30pm as that is when the waiting queue starts to form outside.

We had to visit while back in town. The same wonderful long time serving staff. The same quite excellent seafood dishes. Same crowd and wine while you wait. Thank you Frank and team!!!!! The sea bass dore was fabulous.

Been going there since the 1980's. Still aline. They still ply u with free wine while u wait. Food is still as awesome now as it was back in the early days. Its worth the wait.

Whenever we visit San Francisco which is quite often, we always eat at Pacific Café. The food is delicious, the service is tops, and the free wine while you wait is a plus. Out of the busy tourist areas, this restaurant is a place where the locals eat and I can see why. The fried oysters are my favorite and everything comes with your choice of salad or soup and that wonderful sour dough bread that San Francisco is known for. You can't go wrong at Pacific Café!

We live in the neighborhood and love this place. Quant, cute and delicious seafood. While waiting, they serve a glass of wine. It is a unique and a pleasant gesture. Highly recommend it.

We love this local restaurant and we go there as often as we can. Great Seafood (perfect every time), friendly service, and reasonably priced. Best choice!

We tried this restaurant while staying in the Richmond neighborhood for a few days, based on reviews and proximity to our accommodation. We were fortunate to get seated right away soon after opening in a cozy window seat. The restaurant has a cozy orange-hue warmth. I took a star off for feeling rushed. We ordered a bottle of wine, but felt rushed to drink it as service was swift, there were people waiting for tables and it was obvious they were wanting to turn tables. It's a very small (and popular!) restaurant. On reflection, we should have only ordered a glass each instead of a bottle. We ordered a salmon and fries and salmon and veg. It comes just like that, nothing else on the plate. The bread and butter was really good and they brought us more when we were finished. The meal also came with a cup of soup. The dessert we ordered was like an oversized chocolate cupcake which was very good, although the frosting tasted like the store-bought stuff in a tub. (Still yummy!) One other note, the wait staff were wearing masks (Sept '22) which was great to see. If you found this review useful, please click the thank button.

This restaurant has been here 45 years and is a beloved place. . It is out in the western part of the city but if you are visiting Golden Gate Park or the Museum at the Legion of Honor it is very convenient. It is mainly seafood and is on the expensive side but well worth it. The restaurant doesn't take reservations so unless you are there exactly when they open at 5 there will be a wait. But the wait is one of the best parts. The hostess gives out free wine to everyone while they are waiting. There is a small seated waiting area inside and benches outside. While you are waiting and enjoying the free wine,don't just look at your phone-strike up a conversation with others who are waiting. You may meet locals or tourists but I guarantee you will be enjoying yourself and the wait will go by quickly.

Ate there three times on trip in May. Recommended by staff at Seal Rock Inn. They open at 5PM for dinner and if you are waiting ahead of time, the staff brings you a glass of wine, to help make your wait less of a chore. Did I mention that the glass was complimentary! Once inside, the attmosphere is very comfortable, the staff attentive without being to pushy and the food ... WOW!!! The menu varies daily and everything that we ate was very very tasty. Stayed at Seal Rock Inn and grabbed a bus, right across the street. About 12 blocks up Geary Street and you are let off right across the intersection. Stop for return trip is a half block towards the hotel. Handy if you have a couple of drinks, somebody else gets you back to the Inn SAFELY! Did I mention that there was no challenge trying to find a parking spot, either? A delightfuland tasty dining adventure. Well worth your time.

Best meal in San Francisco for us! We loved the food and the generous portions. Everything tasted fresh and yummy. The waiters were great and so happy. The space is tight though so if possible make a reservation. We didn’t have one but we lucked in.

My favorite restaurant in San Francisco. Great Fresh Fish!! Enjoy waiting for a table with a complimentary glass of wine. Love the calamari vinaigrette. Sourdough bread is wonderful. The fish!! Had the grilled swordfish...so good!! Service is excellent!!

I was at the Pacific Cafe on 10/14/14. Also, I had arrived about 40 minutes before closing. The atmosphere in the restaurant was delightful. The food aromas were intoxicating. The hostess/ waitress had greeted me with great enthusiasm. Once seated, I was offered a complimentary glass of wine of my choice. The red wine was slightly sweet but bold and delicious. A male waiter had arrived at my table to take my order. I had ordered the "todays special". It was prawns and salmon. The salmon was cooked to perfection and the fried prawns were crispy. The meal also came with house bread. I was very happy with the restaurant experience overall. I just wish that the waiter had paid more attention to me. I know the restaurant was about to close but he could have done a better job on checking on me.

Just OK. We have gone to many SF restaurants over the years and just OK. We have no plans to return

This restaurant was recommended by some people we met while in San Francisco. We met some friends (who were also visiting SF) and arrived before it opens at 5 p.m. There was already a line of people inside and out, but true to what we had heard, they come and bring you a glass of wine to drink while you wait to get in. Boy, oh boy, did we time it right. We got the last table available for the first sitting, so those behind us would probably be waiting much longer than we did. The restaurant is quite small, so a bit cramped, but we got a good table. The food was good, not a James Beard award winning kind of food, but good. And plentiful helpings. The broccoli side dish was huge, almost too huge unless you really like to eat broccoli with large stalks.

We used to live in SFO, and ate here at least once per month. Now, we visit once every few years. Best salmon. Best bisque. Free wine while you wait. Warm, cozy atmosphere. Wait staff are quick and friendly. Homespun, local neighborhood restaurant. Highly recommend. Researching my current book, "Cardiac Catch," in Sea Cliff, which is next door to Pacific Cafe.

We ate at dinner the Pacific Cafe on two separate nights. I was told to go to the cafe early since a line forms quickly. Both nights, we arrived around 5:30pm and had a short wait. While you wait, they provide complimentary wine. The restaurant is small, but cozy. The food was excellent. The clam chower was fresh and the best I've ever eaten. The abalone that was perfectly cooked with sides of risotto and broccoli. The evening was relaxing and unhurried. If you're on the West side of town, particularly near the Legion of Honor, give the Pacific Cafe a try.

You will mostly likley have a wait, put they offer free wine while you wait, red or white, with refills. Food is amazing and service was great. A definite must for seafood in San Francisco!!

Let me start with YUM YUM and Yum - the food is amazing and the staff works together as a team - WHAT? everyone is attentive and will answer every and all questions - From the complimentary glass of wine to the sample of soup - if you are trying to make a decision - the bread salads and entrees will keep your tastbuds watering and asking - when can we come back for more? oHHHHH - arrive early as it fills up quick! or come whenever and keep drinking complimentary wine till you're seated : )

Been coming here for many years, and it is one of the most consistent that I can always count on. I bring relatives and friends here, especially those who like the free wine they serve while you wait. They do not take reservations, so I recommend arriving when they open. Mid-week is best. For tourists, take the 38 Geary bus to 33rd Avenue and walk a block to 34th. Turbot stuffed with shrimp and crab baked in a light cream sauce and wrapped in parchment, Calamari steak, or Petrale sole are my favorites. They bring you sourdough bread. If you request, they will put an anchovy on the salad, just one of the simple touches I've always appreciated! The clam chowder is light and seasoned well. They serve Zanze's cheesecake, a local favorite that is so light they provide a fishing line to cut the slices. Mitchell's ice cream is another San Francisco creation. The place has a warm and cozy feel, which combined with the food and the service has made it a standby go to restaurant for me for over 30 yrs!

I was looking for some good seafood for my last night in San Francisco, I didn't want to go down to the harbor and fight all the tourists, so I looked a little further inland and found Pacific Cafe. The reviews looked good, so I made the trip out. Man, was I glad I did. Let me add that I live on the coast of Florida, and am a HUGE fan of good seafood. Needless to say, I was in for a treat!!! There was quite a wait for a table when I got there around 6:30, and they appeared to all be "Locals", a sign it would be worth it. The Hostess brought out a handful of glasses of wine, compliments of the house. Not a bad way to start a relationship! After a reasonably short wait I was shown my table. I ordered a cup of chowder and the grilled salmon and broiled prawns, some of my favorites. The entire staff was bustling around making sure the diners were well taken care of. They worked like a well-oiled machine. While I was waiting, I witnessed the Manager assist three elderly customers out to a waiting cab, help upload their three walkers, and send them on their way. The compassion he showed his guest was extraordinary. Shortly thereafter, my chowder arrived. It was excellent! A little while later, my combo platter was served. DELICIOUS!!! A nice sized serving and very well prepared. Salmon is easily over-cooked and it turns our dry. Not this time! Very flaky and juicy. All told, the staff was excellent, the food was outstanding, the prices were very reasonable, and the complimentary wine added the cherry on top. I heartily recommend Pacific Cafe to anyone looking for a GREAT MEAL and a SUPER VALUE!!!

Recommended by locals, respected for delicious real food and warm atmosphere. Everything was good. Go there if you can. Free street parking.

I ordered the fried oysters and they were overcooked and bitter. I suspect the frying oil they used was too old. The same for the sand daps ordered by the another person in our group. The broccoli side was also tasteless and undercooked. However the caesar salad that comes with the order was delicious and included plenty of anchovies. The free wine served while you wait was a real treat.

Intimate place with a rustic setting. Free wine if you have to wait!!!! Food is fresh and always good. Service is great. The place is small. No reservations. First come, first served. They open at 5 pm and line starts at 4-4:30! It is worth the wait. It is a bit pricey, but you won’t be sorry you ate there. As I always say, “for a great culinary experience, you never miss the money; and you never forget the taste of the food! Enjoy....

The Soup is good and the environment of restaurant is nice I appreciate this restaurant and any one can come with family and friends , you will feel awesome.

Dined at Pacific Cafe twice this week. Both nights (Friday and Saturday) were busy and we had a 40 minute wait. They served complimentary white wine while we waited. The meals were wonderful and filling. I ordered the crab cakes one night, they were fabulous! My nephew had the prawn scampies both nights, which he thoroughly enjoyed. We left full and happy. The staff was friendly and efficient. They even hailed a cab for us one of the nights. It's a great place to dine, reasonably priced too!

How many places do you know where the 'hostess with the mostess' plies you with complimentary glasses of white wine whilst you wait for your table? Well, that's the deal here and this charming attitude of friendliness from the staff continues throughout your meal. They make it a pleasure. The food is good too. This perfect combination makes it a popular destination for eating. As we left, there was a line of patrons waiting. Our starters of oysters were nicely spiced. Sole was a special the night we went and it was cooked beautifully. It was tender and tasty. The Pacific Cafe is a bit off the beaten track, but don't be deterred - it is worth it.

Wonderfull Food in very nice and cosy athmosphere. Ottimo cibo in gradevole e tipico ambiente. Go at opening at 17.00 otherwise you risk to not find place. Vai all'apertura alle 17.00 altrimenti non trovi posto. Very reasonable prices. Prezzi molto contenuti

Coworker and I ate at Pacific Cafe as we wanted seafood and wanted to avoid the tourist traps on the Wharf. Arrived at the restaurant at 5:15 pm and it was already mostly full. We were able to get the last table. I ordered the grilled scallop special All meals come with bread, soup or salad, fries or veggie. The shrimp Louie salad was delicious. The scallops were cooked perfectly and were delicious. Coworker had the calamari steak. We ended the meal with the mixed berry galette a la mode. I will definitely eat here again.

I come here once every few months. I like the seafood dishes that are offered and it is a pleasant environment. They also provide customers with a free glass of wine while you wait for your table. That leads into the one big drawback to eating here, the wait. It is such a popular place that you have to wait quite a while for a table. People do line up 30 minutes or more before they even open for dinner so that they will be able to get a table during the first seating. It is a small restaurant and there isn't much room for waiting inside. People are often waiting outside on the sidewalk and in San Francisco in the outer Richmond it's typically windy and cold in the evenings. That in itself tells you how much others like the place. So have something to keep you warm just in case you have to wait outside for a while.

The Pacific Cafe is a neighborhood restaurant yet is on a major San Francisco artery and is easy to locate. They don't take reservations so you will usually find people waiting on the streets just outside the door. While you wait, staff will come around with complimentary glasses of wine which you can take in to your table when called. Wonderful selection of sea foods as well as other dishes. Quick, friendly service. A little pricey but well worth it. Highly recommended.

This little gem is not far from the hotel we stayed at (Seal Rock Inn), and was recommended by the desk clerk there. Even though it's very small, we had less than an hour wait on a Sunday evening. The staff pours free wine for all its guests while you are waiting for dinner. I had Parmesan Halibut and my husband had Calamari. Both were delicious. You can't go wrong with the seafood here.

This cozy and elegant seafood restaurant combined the best of two worlds - top-notch food (which sometimes comes with too much formality for my taste) and a very cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Crab cakes, salmon and grilled shrimp were all terrific entrees; the soups, salads and side dishes were fresh and delicious. The sourdough bread could have been a meal in itself. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and very efficient. They even serve wine compliments of the house while you wait for a table. The whole experience was superb.

We lived in SF for 7 years, in the 80's and discovered this treasure then. It has not changed, either in quality or popularity. We have taken many friends there and this last time even some initiates from SF (who loved it). Thanks for the memories.

What a find! Amazing seafood restaurant. From the complimentary house-wine while waiting (no reservations) to the attentive waiters and great food, it was a perfect evening. Thanks Pacific Café!

Always fresh seafood with extra benefits. Most wait staff have been there forever, and know many of their local customers by name and food preference. Free wine while waiting for seating and they'll toss some shrimp on your side salad complimentary. We love the crab/shrimp louis and pan fried halibut.. as well as either of the sole.. dore or english. Clam chowder (white) very good while we found the red to be quite spicy.

Ate here on a Wednesday night. It is very small so even arriving at 5:30 we waited a bit for a table. They offer a free glass of wine to help you wait which is very kind. Folks waiting all chatted and it was very pleasant. It seems to get a lot of folks from the neighborhood. Staff were very friendly and efficient. Fried oysters were outstanding as was the sourdough bread. Parmesan encrusted halibut was very good. The French fries were thick cut wedges, and really were not very good—not particularly crisp, nor salty—just very dry. Next time I’ll try the rice pilaf.

Actualy i did eat here 3 years ago on a trip to SF, but i returned here to find the exact name of restaurant so i could recomend it to friends. We got the restaurant recomended .from 2 Very nice older local people we did meet in SF. and had a fantastic evening there, with nice food.

We found Pacific Cafe after an afternoon at Golden Gate Park. It’s small and quiet. They took terrific care of us, and the steak and seafood were awesome.

Excellent, delicious dinners. You can't miss with the menu choices and that includes soup or salad with dinner add french bread and butter. A complimentary glass of wines cheerful presented if you have to wait for a table. Outstanding service staff that have been with this restaurant for decades. Don't miss this this gem of a restaurant!