Alvarez
(7) reviews
5/28/2008
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
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I've gone to this place many times because I really like the food and the sangria. I'm a big fan of tapas style dining. What I can't stand is that nasty old pompous host that avoids you like the plague when you come in and acts like he is doing you a favor by putting you down on the list. It happens every time I go and I kick myself in the butt because I'm reminded why I don't go that often. As for the wait, expect to hang out for over an hour plus. Should I jam a piece of glass in my eye? Maybe! So if you don't mind a host with a bad (I don't mean cool or good) attitude, a terribly long wait for dinner in a neighborhood that takes hours to find a parking spot --- than this is the place for you. I say no thanks.
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jpierson
(412) reviews
6/26/2007
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ It's true, the sangria is the star of the show, but the sauce on the potato thingy is also quite good - I don't know what kind of crack they stir into it, but I'm going to guess, it's the good kind. As with the other Cha in Mission, you can part much water with a kind attitude toward the help.
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bonster
(66) reviews
10/22/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ Bring a friend and share a pitcher of sangria. Get the potatoes and mussels. Sit at the bar and just shoot the breeze. Never mind the crowd bumping up against you from behind, because the music and sangria will carry you away. The only time you'll have to wait is if your party is large, in which case you might as well go somewhere else. If you insist on staying, then ask for a booth. And stick with the one on the Haight rather than the Mission location. ”
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boboleesious
(9) reviews
8/28/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “
I usually eat lunch here so I don't deal with all the crowds that others complain about. I've eaten here many times and the food is consistant and good. It is true, you gotta try the sangrias which are good and POTENT! I think that their fried calamari is the best that I've eaten so far. ”
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FoodArchitect
(14) reviews
6/12/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ There are two reasons to go to Cha Cha Cha on the Haight. One is for the ambiance and two is for the sangria. The mild roar that emanates (especially from the bar area) gives the restaurant a character of a latin rhumba. And let me tell you, the sangria is better here than any drop I had in Barcelona. ”
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booh berry
(19) reviews
5/29/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ i love taking out of town guests to this upbeat, fun, and tasy restaurant! it's best to go in a large group and arrive early to avoid a long wait. my favorites: fried plantains with black bean sauce, cajun shrimp (they're really skimpy on the shrimp but the sauce is the best part!), mussels, and warm spinach salad. also, don't leave without ordering the sangria.
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dizlaly
(115) reviews
5/15/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ This place is always better after some sangria and a red Stripe or two. It has a fun, but noisy, atmosphere and other than the plantains with black bean sauce, the food is pretty bad. The calamari is served in a puddle of grease which tastes like bacon. I like bacon, just don't like my calamari fried in it. All in all ChaCHaCHa is fun but considering we live in San Francisco, it should try harder.
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kushnir
(405) reviews
4/25/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ My first impression was that this place was a mess and anyplace that serves “sangria” was suspect. Reading some of the reviews was another reason I was hesitant on coming here. Why bother, but being dragged here, and after two pitchers of sangria, the place didn't seem too bad! Not too good, but not bad. The plantain dish was unique, and one of the places where their interpretation was acceptable. The noise here was what made me (one out of 5 people) want to go. Being outvoted, I had the cuban New York Steak, which was ok, but nothing special, the other taste I had was the so so chicken. Didn't seem anything special. The special of the night was when we got the tab. HOLY Sxxx! 5 of us seem to have consumed about 15 tapas plates before dinner! The sangria was expensive for what it was (cheap wine) the total with tip exceed $400 which would have bought a GOOD dinner, somewhere else, with better service. My problem with tapas style is the cost per person vs value! Sorry no return for me! ”
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bonnief
(26) reviews
3/31/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ Another place that I can't understand why everyone raves about because I was so not impressed. The chips and salsa were good, the sangria was fine. I can't remember everything we ordered but nothing stands out as being any good. For an entree, we had the fish wrapped in a banana leaf and it was GROSS! We couldn't finish it and my fiance, who never wastes food even one bite, didn't even want to take it home. It was seriously inedible. Normally I complain about food because I don't think it's worth the money but this was just seriously bad!
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rad1964
(39) reviews
3/15/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ For a staple we always order the calamari and potatos. The calamari is golden not too greasy and delicious. This visit the potatos sauce was tasting of a lot of paprika. We also got the fish special, sesame encrusted mahi mahi with a salad and lentils. Also very good. Deciding between either a fourth tapas (jerk chicken) and desert was hard. We opted for desert seeing it was my companions birthday. A chocolate mouse pie w/ raspberry sauce and a caramel flan. The flan had an odd thin leathery layer at the bottom, but was otherwise good. The chocolate mouse pie was very rich. We also had a 1/2 pitcher of Sangria, which I must say gave me a great dinner buzz. I normally do not like Sangria but Cha cha chas makes a great Sangria. We usually go here around 6:30pm and never had to wait in line. I don't go here every month, but once every few months. The staff was very nice. ”
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samarati
(443) reviews
3/6/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ Barbara & lunched here before the shopping spree at Amoeba Records next door. Wednesday afternoon, place was crowded. The sound system was blaring vintage soul-rock-carib-voodoo music. Our servers were Haight-Ashbury denizens in full exotic regalia. I ordered a salad. It was Mesclun, had some croutons, a few grape tomatoes, a pleasant enough vinaigrette dress. It was larger than most other restaurants starter salad. I gave Barb at least 40% of the salad and still had plenty for me, it cost only $4. The Chicken Rice & black bean dish was equally generous in size for a reasonable $7. Great cuisine?, NO. Good enough for a big hungry guy out for lunch. I ate all I could and had a bunch of rice and a chicken leg left over for the take out box. Barb had the Ahi Tuna. It was just okay as well. No pizzazz, but edible and filling.
We drank a 1/2 carafe of the sangria. I caught a buzz on the alcohol.
Banana cream pie was good. Coffee was pure Denny's. I won't eat here again. ”
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pastrykingdavid
(11) reviews
2/24/2006
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ this used to be one of my favorite places to eat. yea there always a wait but when you got in, you got great food, good & fast service, big portions (great place to relieve a hangover!) decent prices and a fun crowded atmosphere. many of the people i brought over the years were thoroughly impressed but as time wore on, there seemed to be inconsistency's too often with their food & the last time i went was disappointing; i & the folks i brought vowed not to return. the portions were miniscule, the food tasted day old (especially the potatoes), nothing looked or tasted fresh & we were all still hungry when it was over. that was the 2nd or 3rd time this happened & that was enough for me. ive got good memories of this place but i wont be back anytime soon. ”
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zen_tricky
(107) reviews
11/8/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ There is nothing to reccomend this place. the food is lackluster it is surprisingly crowded. service is slow ..yet there is a crowd that swears by this place...if you like small place latino look towrds destino or tamal or freca or even limon...run tell him your washing you hair if he wants to take you here...better to go to chevy's! ”
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LapDog
(11) reviews
9/17/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ This has to be one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The ambience is very festive, and the service has always been friendly. It's a great place to go with a group of people and eat family style. Great sangria. My favorite dishes are the fried plantains, ceviche, and cajun shrimp, but I have not been disappointed with anything I've ordered yet. ”
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RoxyCat
(59) reviews
8/29/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ I had heard that this is like the "best place in SF" (affecting Thurston Howell III tone)...so when I went, I was slightly disappointed. I didn't have to wait, only because I was meeting people. But I don't get it, who would wait more than 20 minutes, and what's so great about the food? ”
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Cicadaloca
(6) reviews
7/10/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ Overall - I love it and will continue going there - but it's hit or miss and the misses are quite disgruntling. Things I DO like: the music, the ambiance, the speed in which the food is delivered to your table, reasonable prices, good sangria, and (usually) the food! Things I DON'T like: you have to wait at *least* an hr to sit down for dinner, it's crowded, it's unhealthy, and depending on the night, the food is sometimes very disappointing. There is no excuse for poorly-prepared food after waiting an hr or more to sit down. ”
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evilcindy
(55) reviews
6/22/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ LONG HORRIBLE 2 HOUR WAIT. And that is just about everytime I have been there. Sure, you could wait at the bar but good luck getting a drink in your lifetime there. The sangria is good, I'll give it that. The ceviche is good. But everything else is just ok here. For all the hassle, I think it is just too overpriced. ”
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jameseddy29
(1) review
6/12/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ killer atmosphere... the voodoo shrines and hoodoo mosiacs make it visually seductive. the music is always loud and festive. a definite fun spot... imbibe the sangria and enjoy the potatoes, shrimp, and chicken, they are absolutely imperative. ”
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chub415
(253) reviews
5/30/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ This place is ok for a snack to break up all the shoe shopping on Haight St. I don't think I would ever go here as a destination. The food is mediocre. The Sangria is pretty good. The brick painted black gives the place sort of a dank nite club feel. Not one of my favorites. ”
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eat_me
(128) reviews
5/18/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ Other than the sangria, I can't say that I'm a big fan of this place. I found the tapas to be a little greasy and the noise level and amount of people became unbearable. It's okay to hang, just don't expect to be able to speak to anyone without SHOUTING. ”
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Fleagirl
(108) reviews
5/11/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ Haight Street location: total tourist trap. Wouldn't take my worst enemy here. It's like the Hard Rock of Haight. I think you must be young and have lots of cash to throw around, not like to eat, and want to go places to be seen to enjoy this place. ”
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Tigresita
(2) reviews
4/30/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ Cha Cha Cha is the last place I want to go. The music level is so loud, you actually have to yell into people's ears to be able to communicate. Yelling and dining does NOT go hand in hand! This is probably for a younger 20-something college crowd (not even the older 20 somethings!) that still has not been able to understand the health hazards of extremely loud noises. The food is not great either, so I think people just go for the music. ”
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promotersf
(423) reviews
4/25/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ This Cha Cha Cha is definitely better than the one in the Mission. At least the Sangria is decent, but the food still is only okay...but location is always busy. If you were to order anything, stick with something basic like the jerk chicken. ”
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xscientist
(223) reviews
4/9/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ The one on Haight is constantly busy, long waits, very noisy, but the food is really tasty. I have never had anything that wasn't great. Try the coconut shrimp and the jerk chicken and you will find the wait was worth it. Great sangria to boot. ”
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typeofblue
(16) reviews
4/7/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ Not worth fighting the crowds for a table at this noisy, packed-to-the-gills magnet. They do serve larger than usual tapas portions, and the caribbean twist is nice, but the food is mediocre. I prefer the Mission branch, which has more room and a full bar. To their credit, the servers are very nice and efficient, especially considering what a zoo it usually is in there. ”
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angie
(22) reviews
3/24/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ All our friends want to have get togethers here, we always end up at the Mission location, I say the food is good, but portion wise it really is not worth the price! They are way too expensive for what you receive. The Sangria, yes it is Great until you see the waitress take a half empty pitcher off a table that just left and pour it back into the pail they serve their drinks out of. Not very appetizing. Over crowded, and over priced. Improvement can be made by using sanitary practices when serving drinks & food. Enlarging their portion sizes to reflect some sort of value. ”
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Girlrrilla
(25) reviews
3/1/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ Maybe I'm too old school, but I like this place. I don't judge a restaurant on how fast I can sit down. I believe that squeezing into the bar and having a few glasses of sangria while waiting for your table is part of the appeal of Cha Cha Cha. I love the hummus based (I think) spicy dipping sauce that comes with the fried potatoes. The music and decor just makes me happy. (well, maybe the sangria helps too!) ”
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jadegyrlee
(106) reviews
2/10/2005
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ I've been to the Cha Cha Cha's on Mission and to the one on Haight. I remember almost gnawing off my arm waiting for our table (i don't think they take reservations). Once we got to our table, we started ordering pitcher after pitcher of sangria, which probably made the night even more fun. food was pretty good, it's tapas-style, so order a lot to share with your friends. it's a fun place overall, but be prepared to wait, and you may not get full off the tapas. IMO, the one on Haight is a lot more hip and fun. The one on Mission is quieter (but maybe it's because of the time frame that I went, Sunday at 6 vs. Friday at 7 for the Haight one). It's definitely a place to go with a group of friends or a fun, casual date. ”
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Soup
(37) reviews
12/16/2004
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Cuisine:
Caribbean Tapas
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Haight-Ashbury/Cole Valley |
| “ An informal survey of friends revealed a high number of people who have gotten the runs after eating at "Cha's." It seems like a destination for non-locals who want to go someplace "funky" and "cool." I stay away. ”
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