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    EL TECHO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - El Techo

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    Chicharrones De Carne: half pound of pork shoulder, cracklins, house made tortillas, lime, salsa, escabeche
    Andrea T.

    This place is soo good. I order almost the same thing every time. My favorites are: - Aguachile: halibut crudo, cucumber, avocado, lime, jalapeño, cilantro, tostada, salsa macha, jicama - Chicharrones De Carne: pork shoulder, cracklins, house made tortillas, lime, salsa, escabeche - Empanadas de Carne: ground beef, potatoes, egg, raisins, chimichurri It's good to make a reservation so that you don't need to wait. The views of the city on the rooftop are a plus!

    Abigail M.

    Love the rooftop. Thank you for the heaters because we would probably have frozen LOL. The vibes were pretty lively for dinner. We went here for one of my girl friend's birthday! Service was really good!!! They accidentally gave us someone's order at first but it was an honest accident. The food was so so good. They gave my friend a free birthday tequila shot which was so sweet of them. And they cut and served her cake for us! I highly recommend going here with your friends if you're looking for delicious tapas and drinks! Empanadas de carne: a MUST 9.5/10 Chips and guac: 7/10 Fish tacos: 7.5/10 Elote: 7.5/10 Chicharrones de carne: 9.5/10 please order this... the meat is so tender and worth the price

    Outdoor Rooftop
    Karl G.

    Went to El Techo with a group of friends for a weekday happy hour. Vibes were great on a rooftop overlooking the SF skyline. We were seated pretty quickly and the area up top was bustling. Service was reasonably fast. - Chips & Salsa -- perfectly crispy chips & cool savory guacamole, not sure it's worth $5 though - Quesadilla de Vegetales -- unique twist with the purple tortilla - Tacos de Pescado -- solid fish tacos, was still left a bit hungry after though Overall, I'd recommend going to El Techo for the fun rooftop vibes. Don't think they're as worth as a classic Mexican eatery for the price, but food was still solid. It seems that they're known for their Chicharrones de Carne -- will have to try this next time.

    Margarita
    Jenna L.

    El techo is a vibe. I met up with a few of my coworkers for drinks and apps during happy hour (4pm - 7pm). I recommend getting there early because it fills up quick. The views of SF are nice and the playlist is bomb! They were playing mostly afrobeats and hip hop. During happy hour margaritas and beer are $7 each, and there's some apps for $7 as well. I liked the empanadas and plantains , the guac was mediocre. Honestly the drinks are watered down, I had like 2 margaritas and a glass of sangria and I wasn't even buzzed. The service is very polite and there's also heaters on the rooftop. I'd def be back for vibes.

    Happy Hour Chips & Guac, $7
    Julia C.

    They have a dope Happy Hour menu, Tuesday - Friday 4:00pm - 6:00pm. I got the Empanadas de Carne ($7), Chips & Guac ($7), Pollo Frito ($7). It was was a ton of food! My two favorites were the Pollo Frito and the Empanadas de Carne. Special shout-out to the chimichurri sauce that comes with the empanadas. I took it home and put it on everything. Very happy stomach.

    Cute outdoor rooftop vibe in some parts
    Ally P.

    Surprisingly really good food! Waitress was very attentative to our table and gave us amazing recommendations for food. Forgot what exactly the order was but I got this big birria plate that was enough for three of us. And got fish tacos which was fried and really good. Never had it like this before. View is okay, lots of plays on the outer porch. setting is cute overall but a little bit dirty. For example, the napkins had dirt on it bc they were held in the wooden boxes. But overall decent outdoor rooftop bar vibe. Amazing food and amazing cocktail drinks!! Would definitely come back!

    Chips and salsa $5
    Carolyn S.

    Food: very tasty, fresh ingredients, great flavor pairing. I ordered the tacos de canasta dorados ($13) friend ordered the tacos de pescado (&14) and we shared the alfajores ($10) for desert. Service was OK, friendly but there was a lot going on on the rooftop so it was a bit chaotic. Hard to flag down your server but the food came out quick and hot and very good. Ambiance is the entire reason we went there. My friend and I are on a mission to try all of the roof top lounges/restaurants that we can. 7/10 would come back

    Tres leches French toast
    Tam N.

    Rooftop brunch spot! We came on a Sunday and there was no wait at all. Views were gorgeous. Guac and chips was the crowd favorite. I'd skip on the tres leches French toast, sogginess and French toast don't really work well together for me. Service was quick!

    Huevos rancheros
    Namratha P.

    Came here for brunch and loved the vibes! Was here over flight week and got to see some of the planes flying by which was super cool! We got the plantains and the huevos rancheros. I think the huevos rancheros is one of the best I've ever had, will definitely be coming back for that again. I will also want to try some of the other dishes as well!

    Sangria pitcher, chicharrones, and guac
    Alex M.

    El Techo is one of my favorite rooftop bars in SF. You have a clear view of the entire skyline while hanging out in the company of a vibrant crowd, amid the aroma of freshly-roasted and fried foods. On my most recent visit, I reserved a table for Sunday dinner via Yelp. We were fortunate to experience a non-foggy evening, and our table had an excellent view of the skyline. For our group of six, we ordered a pitcher of sangria and about half a dozen small plates to share, including: the yuca frita, empanadas de carne, albondigas de pollo, guac, and the chicharrones de carne. I was surprised when the chicharrones arrived at our table; expecting a plate of pork cracklins, we were served a heaping platter of roasted pork topped with the cracklins alongside pickled vegetables, warm corn tortillas, beans, and salsa. Among the smaller plates, the yuca fries were my favorite because they are always served piping hot. The albondigas were also tasty, but the empanadas lacked the bold flavors that punctuated the other dishes. (Another area for improvement is the sangria would benefit from the addition of fresh fruit). It started to get chilly towards the end of the evening, but fortunately, our table was conveniently located right next to a heat lamp. :)

    Meatless Quesadilla
    Amica J.

    Haven't been here since pre-Covid. Trendy, rooftop bar with a breathtaking view of downtown sf. There used to be a wait and crowds but came in on at 6 pm on a Friday; seated immediately after making a reservation online. Surprised it was not as packed as before. Food here to be honest is okay. We got the ahi fish tacos which seems to be a fan fave. It tasted fresh. Chips and guac were solid. The Paloma wasn't overly sweet . We also ordered a picker of sangria which had one too many ice in ice Definitely recommend. Must stop for date night, showing family around the area and. One of my favorite rooftop bar.

    Ty S.

    I wanted to only give 4.5 but let's be clear, they've earned every star! The 5 flights to the top is being worth it! We ordered sangria which was tasty and did the job. $38 the pitcher was plenty for 2.

    Andrew R.

    Hmmm I've been eager to try El Techo for a long time now, and finally got the chance to have a dinner here with some friends. The restaurant itself is very nice, with some great views from the rooftop. I do with the heaters were a bit warmer, it was definitely very chilly when I went, even with the heaters and plastic tent. The service was good overall, and we started off with a pitcher of the Margarita El Techo (with tequila and mezcal) and it was great! Definitely a good bang for your buck. For food, we got the following: -Chips & Salsa (pretty standard) -Chips & Guac (better than average) -Platano Maduro (unique and tasty, but a bit pricey for what it is) -Pollo Frito (really tasty and I loved that it's boneless) -CHICHARRONES DE CARNE (super tender, but the flavor was lacking even when drenched in the sauce) Overall everything was tasty, but nothing wow'd me enough to want to come back immediately. I think I would only come back on a nicer/sunny day to have some margaritas.

    Front: Chips and guacamole  Back: chips and salsa

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    El Techo Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Techo

    What is the group size limit? And are kids allowed in the rooftop area?

    Are there any drinks besides beer and cocktails? Do they serve cocktails with no alcohol?

    I'm sure if you request a mocktail they will make it

    Can we Bring teenagers ? We have a reservation at 6:30.

    Yes, absolutely! The cocktail section is for guests 21+ but the dining room is available for all ages!

    Is it okay if i bring kids?

    It would be okay as in, probably not prohibited (ask), but it's pretty loud and pretty adult place, pretty crowded. If you take them, go on the early side, for the views, etc.

    Do they accept Apple Pay?

    They do accept Apple Pay, pretty sure ...! I might call them ahead of time just to confirm it, but it's how I pay for 99% of everything, and I don't remember them saying no!... I did definitely have a bit of a concern, because it's literally the… Read more

    Are small dogs allowed?

    Only service animals are allowed.

    Are there gluten free options?

    Yes! My gluten free roommate frequents this place.

    Is it dog friendly?

    Last time I had lunch there I saw two dogs, so from what I experienced I believe so.

    Do they do dinner as well? Does dinner need a reservation?

    Dinners don't need a reservation from my recent experience!

    Do you have to show proof of vaccination to eat at this restaurant?

    Not anymore

    Is it reservation only?

    No, it's not. You wait in line outside to get in. They open at 4pm, and the line starts forming around 3:50 pm.

    What are the vegetarian dishes available?

    Yes. Limited though

    Is this a 21 and up spot only? I want to take my teenage daughter to brunch but wasn't sure if they were family-friendly.

    Yes, I took my 16 year old niece.

    Are dogs allowed during brunch?

    No. It is very tight up there.

    Hi I need to make a reservation for a birthday in June for a party of 12 ..can someone please call me or email me. I have left messages and sent a note through your contact…

    I think they only take reservations for weekend brunches. The Yelp wait-list is pretty accurate if you'd like to just wing it.

    Does this place have an elevator to get to the rooftop?

    Yes, however since the pandemic, patrons are to take the stairs

    Do you take reservations for Thursday night dinner?

    Hi Brittany! We only take reservations for our weekend brunch, but you can join our remote waitlist via Yelp on the day of your visit.

    Is this place dog friendly?

    I am not sure, call ahead and make sure to make reservations, this place is pack all the time. Also ask about dog friendly

    Are dogs allowed?

    Haven't seen any dogs here. Not sure about the policy though. It's a pretty crowded space.

    Is there a corkage fee? If so, what is it?

    Can

    View All 71 Questions

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    Cool bar with bites in the Mission District. We got there shortly after it opened at 4pm on Friday…read moreafternoon. I was craving a refreshing craft cocktail and got one with the Green Emmanuelle. I liked the cardamom in the Beauty Mark as well that my partner ordered. We ordered shishito peppers and mushroom bahn mi sliders. The mushroom bahn mi sliders were amazing - the quality fillings and taste of the soft bun - I was unexpectedly hit with a bite of spice from maybe jalapeño seeds left but didn't sour my experience. The shishito peppers ended up being extremely spicy as well, those are usually just a few spicy and not the majority. The roasted lemon and salt was a wonderful combo but just too spicy to eat. However, the server very kindly removed it from our bill without us asking. We order the crostini because we were still hungry and that was an absolute hit. Delicious med-soft crostini with luscious berries and sweet honey. I didn't care my hands got sticky as it was soooo good! Great experience, I would be weary if the peppers as I'm a bit spice-intolerant but everything else was spot-on.

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    Blind Pig Speakeasy Lounge - Hot & Sour: Tanqueray Gin w/ lichiko shochu, aloe, rose, hot pot paste, basil, citrus, peychaud's ($18)

    Blind Pig Speakeasy Lounge

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    Hot Take: Weeknights are better than weekends for going out…read more Chill, less of a crowd, a locals vibe, and to avoid amateur hour. I'm personally over (and too old) dealing with sloppy drunks spilling drinks on you, getting pushed around in a crowd or end up in a middle of a brawl Blind Pig is that perfect spot, well at least on a weeknight: chill, low-key, and moody. And, most importantly comfy seating AND solid AZN inspired craft cocktails ($18-$19). Cocktails with black sesame, taro, pandan, mapo tofu, tea, and hot pot flavors? YAS! D R I N K S * Hot & Sour: Tanqueray Gin w/ Iichiko shochu, aloe, rose, hot pot paste, basil, citrus, peychaud's ($18 x2) The sichuan hot pot inspired cocktail was silky smooth from the milk-washed gin, nicely balanced - sweet (but not too sweet) and sour with a subtle málà numbing spice. Stiff yet easy to drink. The manager/bartender, Leo was awesome with great hospitality. Background lounge-y music is not too loud so you can yap and catch-up with friends. Overall, Blind Pig is a great place to unwind after work or start the night off. If it's too tamed for you, you can always go next door to XEX to make bad decisions - no judgement cuz we've all been there! ;) O T H E R I N F O * Walk-in only. PW to enter is on IG. * Blind Pig originally opened in Chinatown in a larger space but they're now in a more intimate space on Polk. * Blind Pig is under Mins Group (Sushi Sato, Sushi Hon, The Roll, The Buoy, Dento Piano Cafe, Dragon Horse, and more.) * No snacks/food but plenty of food options within walking distance.

    Ah, I wanted to love Blind Pig, but I just couldn't get into it. This San Francisco speakeasy is an…read moreAsian-influenced bar looking to bring Asian flavors and liquors to the bar scene. I think in many ways, Blind Pig just fell a little flat. I would like to say that the service here was amazing. A bartender who sat with you to talk about the menu, the process, and your experience very passionately and intently.  However, I think that the bar program is a little unrefined. Every drink had 10,000 ingredients, and most of them did not work together. If the drink did work together, you just tasted nothing because everything blended together and you couldn't taste any special or fun ingredients.  Unfortunately, I don't think this spot is worth looking for.

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    My wife & I visited SF for the 1st time & stayed at Hotel Emblem next door. We noticed so many…read morepeople coming in to this place we decided to look it up & see what the fuss was about. Seeing that it was named one of the top 50 best bars in North American, we had to check it out! We came in a Thursday night in mid-April about 9:45 PM. They have security outside thar checks IDs & also manages the queue in case the bar gets too crowded. We had no issues getting in, but there were zero indoor seats available - both the bar & table seating. Thankfully, they have a really cozy & well-lit patio area. The waitress let us know that even the outdoor patio has table-side service, so we made ourselves comfortable on the outdoor bench & within seconds she had brought us waters & cocktail menus. Weather outside was really nice, so I'm glad we actually sat outside. Each cocktail is $20, which definitely is a little steep, but I think the creativity, quality, & prestige of being named a top 50 bar supports the price. Each part of the menu is organized by liquor ie whiskey, vodka, brandy, gin, etc. We tried 4 drinks total. I only took menu photos of the pages we ordered from but they have a lot more selections. We ordered the Kung Fu Pandan, Silky Street, Rice Rice Baby, & Tropical Gangsta. We had some favorites over others, but all were very well crafted! The drinks came out pretty quickly considering how busy it was. The only hiccup was our final drink took quite a while. Turns out the ticket machine malfunctioned & deleted orders put in & caused a back-up. The waitress was so apologetic & ended up comp-ing 2 drinks, which she definitely didn't have to but it speaks volumes to the high standards they hold themselves to & their customer service. Overall, highly highly recommend checking this place out for a fun night out or post-dinner treat! Glad we made the decision to stop in!

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