Have you been there? No? Really? They have a line way out on Geary even on cool foggy nights because they're great. Warm & friendly, fish that is always great - fresh & well prepared. Their standard menu is always good, but the specials are the thing. With the included salad, it's nice to have limited but really really good choices. It's excellent comfort food served by genuinely nice people that are so competent at helping you pick your meal that folks are just happy and relaxed. Some hectic Wednesday you're going to need a glass of free jug white wine to drink while chatting with friendly strangers, followed by some Boudin and a salad (I'm a sucker for their bay shrimp Louis dressing) before your perfectly prepared sand dabs. And if you don't know you need that, you might need it today, even if it's not Wednesday. read more

Dinner was delicious! The service was great! I've lived in the neighborhood over 20 years, always walked by this restaurant but never stopped in. This gem has a unique atmosphere and love the hand written order! I have found my go to restaurant for dinner with friends and family. Thank you for being in the Richmond! See you again soon! read more

The best seafood fresh and the red wine isn't that bad either. Close by and great wait staff.

This is one of those classic neighborhood gems that I hope will be around forever!!!! It's already been around since 1974 which is pretty impressive already. I had eaten here maybe 8 years ago, and revisited this past week. I recently saw the illustrated map of SF created by the maker of "Last Black Man in San Francisco" that marked this as one of the landmarks to check out, and felt I should pay another visit, as I live in the neighborhood and felt I was long overdue. It was quite crowded for a Wednesday night, to the point where we waited maybe 20-30 mins! I'm glad it's busy. For the food, they have so many different options for fish. You can get a wide variety of grilled fish, baked, sautéed-pan fried, deep fried, or salad form. I ended up getting the grilled spicy snapper, which I loved!!!! It was delicious, but also very inexpensive. They give you free wine while you wait for your table, free sourdough bread (which I never thought I would rave about, but nowadays restaurants charge for Tartine bread, etc), your choice of soup or salad with your entree. The salad can be a a damn good one too - I got a mini version of the shrimp Louie salad, which was actually medium sized, and SO GOOD! I think I might even order that for my entree next time. Great, genuine service here. Clientele is the older local 60s crowd that looks like they grew up in SF back and graduated high school in the 1970s. Love it! I also love the booth tables they have. They're so fun to sit in when you have a table for 2. read more

Super Food, Excellent Service even though it was packed with educated people noise level was low...

Pacific Cafe has remained my favorite restaurant since spring 1975. In a world where everything seems to be constantly changing, it is comforting to return to a welcoming restaurant with consistency in food and service. Here are a few reasons I continue to patronize Pacific Cafe after 48yrs: 1. Enjoy sipping complementary wine and talking with other patrons, while waiting on a table. 2. Friendly, efficient servers and staff working together as a team! 3. Consistently delicious, well prepared, fresh seafood dishes with ample portions. 4. Same warm, inviting interior since the opening in 1974. Rich dark wood booths, burnt orange paint, vintage seascapes & amber-orange lights. read more

This place is so cute and I can't wait to come go back. I ate here last night with 2 friends. I walked in around 7:30 to put my name down on their waiting list. There was only 1 party in front of us and I was immediately asked if I wanted a glass of complementary wine while I walked for the table - so cool! The glass was a good pour as well, almost to the top. We were seated maybe 10 minutes later. I was advised by my friends that the Halibut Parmesan was one of their signature dishes so that's what I got. It was delicious. It came with a choice of a side: broccoli, rice, or fries. Also comes with a soup (they had clam chowder or salmon bisque) or salad. I got the clam chowder and it was really nice with the free fresh sourdough bread and large amount (!) of butter at the table. The clam chowder was more on the light side (not that white creamy Boudin-style) but it was still very tasty and felt homemade. I liked it! The wait staff was very attentive and I had a lovely evening with my friends. We sat in one of their cozy booths. Reasonable prices for what you get. Great neighborhood restaurant and I can't wait to go back and try some of their other dishes. read more

Pacific Cafe - Halibut Parmesan with a broccoli side - Yummy! Next time I will get it with rice :) - Seafood Near Me - San Francisco, California

Been here many times food and service are great. Easy to reach walk west one block after taking MUNI Bus 38.

Very considerate staff / management. Food is Costco-quality. Both in their frozen-sourcing, and if Costco was to make these dishes (don't take my word, look at the diner-provided pictures). Which is to say: edible, but at $30-45 per main, offensive. Absolutely not trying to take this place down. If you want to support a neighborhood spot that feels like the owner is doing their best to recreate Betty Crocker at Michelin Star prices, great. But Julia Child taught us that we *can* be better. Please, Pacific Cafe -- be better. read more

TLDR: long wait on weekends, decent food, great service, and free wine. -- I came here with a group of friends (6 in party) and had to wait about an hour to be seated. The nice thing about this restaurant is they serve you white wine FOR FREE while you wait. The restaurant itself isn't too big, and it is more suited to accommodate smaller tables/groups. The servers were extremely friendly and attentive. However, I think the food was simply okay and a bit bland here and there. Everything I had could have used a bit more seasoning and flavor, but it wasn't bad. Overall, I wouldn't mind coming back here if my friends wanted to go, but I personally would prefer to choose a different restaurant to dine at. read more

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I've been to this place numerous times over 20 years and I have never had any issues with food or service. I recommend them highly. They are always excellent. read more

I don't have much to add to reviews already posted here. yes, they still bring you a glass of wine while you wait in line. The seafood is fresh and excellent. i have had the crab cakes, clam chowder, Petrale Sole Newburg, Salmon & Scallops, Calamari Vinaigrette, Fried Oysters. read more

Excellent seafood in a charming old-school setting. Scallops and all the fish are great !! Eat here when you are in town!! San Francisco sour dough -no comparable sour dough in any other state. A little noisy when full Food 4/5 Location 4/5. Some street parking available Service 5/5 Joe and Polly were very efficient and pleasant Price -comparablen to area restaurants read more

WOW, WOW, WOW...We LOVE this restaurant!!! We wall in and get a complimentary glass of delicious wine and the wait staff is sooooo friendly and Fabulous!!! The food is soooooo delicious, I would recommend Pacidic Cafe to everyone!!! read more

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Best crab cakes I have ever had. Great atmosphere and waitstaff were attentive. Don't mind the line when they offer you free wine!

I love this little cafe. It is often full with a line out the door, but the food is worth the wait. Sometimes they even serve you wine as you stand in line. It is all seafood that is really yummy. I've never had a bad meal or experience at this restaurant. read more

A local staple at corner of 34/ Geary for many years. Owner Maureen/ Frank are awesome. Have tried a lot of things on the menu and all have been fantastic. This is one really great seafood restaurant. Highly recommend read more

I have been a patron at this restaurant, on and off, for approximately 40 years. Excellent service and portions. The food is consistently delicious. The Sole Petrale will never disappoint you. The fried prawns are tops! Best fries! I miss the Zanze's cheesecake! read more

The food here is amazing. The best crab cakes & Parmesan halibut ever! We have been coming here for years & they never disappoint. Everything here is great, the staff, the atmosphere & the free glass of wine is a plus. We love this place!!! read more

From out of town but my first time here was back in 1980. Try to go at least twice a year. Clam chowder is a must. And forget about butter with your bread...ask for tartar sauce. You'll thank me for it. read more

I've been here a couple of times. Once when it was busy and once when it was slow. When it was slow, I had a nice time since the service was attentive. We got a free glass of wine when we sat down! I ordered the steak and my girlfriend ordered the crab cakes. Both were really good. When it was busy it was kind of a mad house. There's not a lot of room to wait with you're waiting for a table so everyone is squished in the front or outside. I got a glass of wine while I was waiting which is always nice. This time, the food was lackluster. Maybe cuz it was busy, but the steak was very plain and didn't have any flavor. The crab cakes were still good as always so that was the highlight of the evening. If I averaged out my 2 experiences, I have to give them 3 stars, Pacific Cafe is very close to my house so I will definitely be back when I'm craving those amazing crab cakes! read more

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Pacific Cafe is an absolute neighborhood classic. Yes, they ply you with cheap wine while you wait - perhaps this is why no one seems to mind. The crowd is convivial and talkative - not at all impatient, even when they are out in the cold. Sumptuous seafood dishes abound. My favorite entree is the Filet of Sole Newburg - $23.27. It's rich, creamy and an absolute silky delight. It comes with soup or salad - both of which are served up in generous sizes. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, and the staff makes you feel like a regular from the first visit. read more

Pacific Cafe - Delish salad that comes with your entree! For free!!! - Seafood Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Wow this place is amazing!!!!! The food is so delicious that I come here just about every day!!!! (However, I didn't like the mushroom/fish item as much as everything else) The free wine makes it easier to get through the Covid times !!!!!! Thanks everyone there for making life more bearable!!!!! read more

Came up from San Jose to walk around GG park on a Sat. afternoon. There was already 12 people in line at 4:35pm. Found the restaurant on Yelp. Never been here before ready for an adventure. If you are interested in generous fresh seafood portions for classic dishes then go for it! The atmosphere has a cozy family feel. There were many SF locals that frequent this place. We had a 45 min wait. The restaurant manager served those waiting in the outside line white table wine which was very nice. We struck up a conversation with a regular customer who has been attending for 36 years. She recommended the garlic shrimp with pan fried salmon. It was excellent! My wife had the Parmesan Encrusted Halibut steak. Perfect! The rice pilaf, whole carrots, fresh bread, garden salad and clam chowder were all good. We recommend this place if you don't mind a small selection menu that is well done. My salmon was moist and tender on inside and nice crisp on outside. The halibut crusting and moist interior was perfect. We finished with a refreshing strawberry sorbet split. read more

Pacific Cafe - Halibut Parmesan - Seafood Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Pacific Cafe never disappoints. Complimentary glass of wine while waiting for a table is such a nice treat. The shrimp Louie salad is extremely generous. Dinner is always delicious. Service is outstanding, so polite and very attentive. We have been here over 10 times and look forward to many more. read more

This restaurant is located on the west side of SF on Geary. There is street parking only and can be difficult to find as this is a residential neighborhood too. When I walked in the restaurant for dinner, I was immediately welcomed and seated. It was about 6:30 pm on a weekday evening. Immediately, I was brought a glass of white wine that is complimentary (first glass only) which is a very nice touch. I ordered the Fillet of Petrale Sole Newburg for about $24. A basket of sourdough bread arrived along with butter which was very good (4). The food arrived about 15-20 minutes later (see pic). The Newburg sauce with crabmeat was very good over the Sole. I thought the food was creamy and tasty and enjoyed it and rated the entree as a 3.5. My table service was a 3. The interior of this place is of a nautical nature and gives the vibe of a cozy and comfortable neighborhood restaurant. Most of the menu items were in the $20's and low $30's. Considering the free glass of wine this restaurant is a pleasant place to visit and I would be happy to return. I give my overall experience here a 3.5 but will round up for Yelp purposes to a 4. read more

Pacific Cafe - Seafood Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great local seafood restaurant in outer Richmond. Lines start not long after opening, no mond as wine keeps you happy read more

Pacific Cafe - Great local SF gem in the outer Richmond. Many choices of seafood no red meat . - Seafood Near Me - San Francisco, California

A great experience from start to finish! As many posters have mentioned, you're greeted with a glass of complimentary wine. That definitely set the bar for service the entire night, as the staff is very sweet and attentive. We decided to have the full experience. The appetizer we chose was the crab cakes and they're the best I've had on the west coast. Goes without mentioning that they also start you off with a couple of slices of fresh sourdough bread. Loved the shrimp Louie salad. My entrée was the star. I had the salmon and baked prawns combo with fries. All so tasty. Finished with the apple tart ala mode! All in all, a 5-star experience for reasonably priced, fresh seafood. Definitely coming back! read more

Probably one of the greatest hidden gems in all of SF. Great prices and superb seafood, ambience and Service. Much debate on what our favorite was, but most likely the spicy snapper followed closely by the crab cakes. Ceasar salad also had phenomenal flavor. Joe, Miles and Paula were fantastic servers who worked exceptionally well together. read more

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I love love love the Pacific Café in San Francisco. I hate to sound dated, but I have been coming here for over 40 years. The staff is amazing!!! The food is amazing. My special here is the Louisiana Shrimp...YUM...no shame in eating with my fingers. Love their salads & soups. And don't forget the crabs during crab season. Or the spicy snapper. The complimentary wine is a very nice way to welcome the guests! This helps with the long wait line, but it is a neighborhood gem for decades. I really feel like family here. I always feel free to pass the word around. Lila read more

We came around 530 like old people and it was just what we needed, honestly. White wine and a nice hostess greets you upon arrival. Baskets of sourdough and pads of soft butter, maroon tablecloths and spacious booths. Only serving wine and fake plants hanging from the ceiling. The Caesar salad and clam chowder were run of the mill. For mains we got fried oysters and parmesean halibut - again - fine enough and just what we needed. Nothing crazy amazing about this place, but sometimes you just need a good meal. read more

Great service and great food. The Shrimp Louie salad is a highlight and complementary wine while waiting is a big plus. Fish is always fresh. read more

My wife and I both ordered the salmon which was cooked perfectly although it could have used a little bit more seasoning. The waiters were all very attentive they greet you with a glass of free wine at the entrance and wait times we're very reasonable. Overall a very nice seafood restaurant. Also lots of interesting pictures on the walls of the restaurant from years past. Apparently they've been in business for quite some time from the look of it! Definitely worth visiting if you like seafood. read more

1. If there's a line, sign yourself up for a table on the paper inside. 2. Expect a long wait, most likely out in the cold/fog/both, because their inside waiting area is tiny. 3. Free wine while you wait. 4. The wait is LONG; it took 1.5 hours on Friday night. 5. Complimentary house bread and butter, and it's delicious. 6. The Crab Cakes appetizer was great- my favorite dish of the night. 7. Meals include soup or salad. 8. Entree prices are high, even taking #6 into consideration. TL;DR would not come back. A lot of our food tasted of chlorine, particularly the jumbo shrimp and spicy snapper. read more

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Five Star Service here at Pacific Cafe !!! The staff are friendly and accommodating with a gratis glass of white wine while you wait for a table, and can even bring that glass once seated and finish it off for free too. The food here is excellent, 'tho because it is fresh seafood, the menu I think varies and changes as well as not having the most robust of selection to choose from, but adequate enough to find something most people (who enjoy seafood, whether fish or shell fish) can find appetizing. I had a SOLE and it was under $20 and was deliciously prepared, coming with some sourdough bread as well as fresh fries (and options for other sides) and a salad (I had a shrimp louis). The portions are satisfying as well, and prices are reasonably fair. Parking in the area, the outer Richmond district can be tough at times, but if you have luck, karma and perfect timing on your side, you may be blessed with a front space, but if not, and you're willing to talk, a free non-metered space can be had fairly easily. read more

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This might very well me favorite neighborhood restaurant of all time. We moved to the Richmond back in November, but even back then I knew this is one place I really wanted to try. I'm a huge seafood fan and I love local spots. This is one of those Neighborhood institutions that everyone knows and loves and I love it here so much. We came on a Thursday and there was a little bit of a line but the wait wasn't long at all. I think we waited all of 10 minutes before we were sat. Bread, water, and wine came to the table shortly after. The menu is simple and the specials are already written on the chalkboard. My girlfriend had the scallops and I had the snapper in the pouch. Both were absolutely delicious but the scallops were perfection. Love that west coast clam chowder is served here. The service is warm and attentive. You can tell that the people who live here come all the time and the owners take time to know their patrons. This is one of those spots in San Francisco that are slowly disappearing. I hope Pacific Cafe stays around forever. I absolutely will be making an effort to become a regular here. read more

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Finally tried this seafood restaurant in the outer Richmond. Have heard great things about it, especially the free wine while you wait. Nice touch. Super friendly service. I had the petrale with mushrooms and capers, perfectly prepared, nice portion with rice and a delicious caesar salad to start. My fish was so good, will order that again. My husband had the swordfish, nicely grilled with veggies, he also enjoyed his caesar salad. We ordered a bottle of white wine, their bottle prices are very reasonable!!! The whole evening was really nice, happened to be Halloween, maybe why we didn't have to wait so long, I hear there is usually a line, no reservations. Worth the jaunt to the outer Richmond, excellent seafood, reasonable prices, and great service. Old school, nice to have a true SF experience. read more

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Have been coming here for about 20 years and have never had a bad experience. Whether the wait was 5 minutes or 2 hours, we have always had a fun time with delicious food. Tonight, we signed in and waited outside. We were waiting and waiting, but alas no complimentary wine. People inside were getting wine and refills, but not the people outside. So, after seeing 10 people outside without wine and everyone filled to the brim with refills inside, we left. I don't like to throw people under the bus, but the lady serving wine didn't even look outside. The regular Asian guy who is super efficient and makes you feel welcome (bread for the kids, checking on people outside...) wasn't there. Tip: if you see a lady serving wine with short brown/reddish hair, go inside to get some wine or go somewhere else. Otherwise you will feel a little resentment and neglect....which is why we left. read more

We had a great time here. They make it a point to be gracious even though everybody working is busy running around. We arrived 20 minutes after they opened and there was already a restaurant full of people dining and 12 names ahead of us on the waiting list. Shrimp cocktail: mini shrimp, be aware. Clam chowder: not creamy, small bits of clam and tender celery, warmed us up after waiting an hour outside. Calamari steak: the highlight. I don't think I've had more tender calamari. My husband said the flavor reminded him of pancakes lol I don't know about that but it was delicious. Broccoli side comes as whole crown steamed. Parmesan halibut: great crust, simple, good. Blackened snapper: the Cajun flavor overpowered the fish but still good. The rice is like big pilaf, perfect side. Random: bathroom is clean, bigger than expected, updated it seems. read more

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I truly love this place and it's a little hidden gem! The seafood is always fresh, and they give you a complimentary wine while you sit and wait for your table, I mean who doesn't love wine?! I feel like it's so warm and cozy and inviting something you don't see a lot in sf so it's refreshing to see. The food itself is amazing fresh, feels like home cooked food it's truly awesome! read more