Cha Cha Cha

(415)386-7670
2327 Mission St.
(bet. 19th & 20th)
San Francisco, CA
(Mission district)
   and
(415)648-0504
1801 Haight St.
(@ Schrader)
San Francisco,CA
(Upper Haight district)

Price: $$-$$$
Rating: 7.5 (Rating & price key)
Last visit: 08/13/06

Extremely popular and somewhat over-hip tapas joint near the end of Haight St. Broken up into two rooms, one a smallish dining room, the other a bar with a few tables, the decor is ecclectic and themed after Latin religious altars. Be prepared to wait a verrrrry looonng whiiiiile any time you visit, but especially on a weekend night, and don't expect a quiet, intimate meal, as you are not going to have one here!

The menu is tapas and sandwich fare. Our preference is to split 3 plates between the two of us - on the occasions we've had 4, it was too much food. In the half-dozen or so times I've been here, my favorite dishes are the Cajun Shrimp, served in a delicious spicy cream sauce that just begs to be sopped up with the provided bread (the shrimp aren't even strictly necessary!), fried new potatoes, accompanied by a yummy chipotle aioli, a bowl of mussels in a garlic white wine broth (also nice to sop), and the tender shredded pork quesadilla. The ceviche del dia was very good the one time I ordered it - loads of small scallops, shrimp, calamari and octopus in a zingy citrus broth with chopped onions and herbs; tender and flavorful.

Items I was less than thrilled with were a somewhat soggy fried calamari (served with the same chipotle aioli as the potatoes) and also somewhat sodden fried plantains (which I'm hit-or-miss on anyhow). The sandwiches I've had were alright, but dry. Their sangria, available by the glass, half-pitcher, or pitcher, is excellent - one of the best I've had. Service can be spotty, especially if they're really busy, but the staff generally at least tries, and is friendly enough when you can get their attention.

All in all, a fun place to eat, especially with a group so you can share more different plates, but it's not cheap, not fast, and not quiet. Think of it more as an eating party, rather than as a fine meal out, and you'll be sure to have fun.