Puerto Alegre

This place feels like a local staple - free chips and salsa, huge portion sizes, fantastic (strong) margaritas, and a cozy atmosphere. Came in on a Saturday and got seated immediately - the host was kind enough to move us into a booth 15 min after we sat down since that was our preferred table.

My friend and I got the veggie fajitas to split since neither of us were too hungry, and it was the perfect amount of food. The veggies were seasoned really well! The rice and beans also hit the spot. The pitcher of strawberry margaritas is a great bang for buck - they say it's 4 portions but it definitely feels like more.

We accidentally stayed 30 min past closing and the hosts were really kind about it! Will def be back (and earlier :))
No fuss,

This place is perfection when I'm in the mood for enchiladas, refried beans, and rice. Came on a Sunday for brunch and was seated right away, but it filled up quickly and many people were waiting to be seated by the time we left. They still have their parklet and approximately five tables for additional seating outside. The margaritas are delicious as were the chicken enchiladas. Service is friendly and efficient. We received our drinks and food shortly after ordering and the servers checked in often to make sure we were satisfied and had everything we needed. I hope unlike many restaurants in the nearby area that Puerto Allegra remains open for many years to come; it's a neighborhood staple loved by everyone.

I just had the best dinner ever here the ambiance of the place was awesome and the waterier was very attentive and the chilly Rolleno was like butter in my mouth. I highly recommend people try this place! I give them 5 stars

3.5 STARS

Why you should come to Puerto Alegre:

(1) Full bar!!! A rarity for a non-bougie/trendy Mexican restaurants in the city.
(2) Awesome service
(3) Free chips + salsa

When some restos in the city are charging $11 for chips + salsa...that's a win in itself!

Always thought of Puerto Alegre as more of a hipster fav so it wasn't on my radar. But, convenience won this time since they're centrally located near the bars on 16th and there was no wait on Thursday evening.

Puerto Alegre it is!

They're open for takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and dog-friendly outdoor dining.

M E N U
Mexican, Tex-Mex style fare: Salads, nachos, quesadillas, burritos (and bowls), fajitas, enchiladas, etc. They're best known for their pozole verde. No offal.

While affordable with everything less than $20, their prices are several dollars more than other Mexican restos in The Mission.

F O O D
Food spread: https://tinyurl.com/2c9jfhpn

* Complimentary Chips + Salsa
The chips were warm and crunchy, accompanied with a mildly spicy salsa roja. And...free refills!

* Pozole Verde w/ chicken, pork, hominy, ham, and bacon ($17.95)
The pozole was hot and comforting with a mild tomatillo-based broth. It was filled with tender shredded chicken (dark meat), chunks of pork (shoulder?), soft hominy, and smoky bacon. Served with a side of chopped lettuce, sliced radish, and lime.

While I prefer the pozole at Gallardo's and San Jalisco, this was the best item of the bunch.

* Combo - Enmolada de Pollo y Chile Relleno: Chicken Mole Enchilada & Cheese Stuffed Pepper ($19.95)
The chicken mole enchilada was ok. It was filled with tender shredded chicken (dark meat) but the mole sauce lacked the complexity + rich spices that I associate with a good mole. The chile relleno was like a wet, soggy sponge. The arroz and frijoles (creamy) were fine.

* Milanesa: Fried, thin cut steak ($19.95)
Not my order but I did try a piece. Crispy coating but on the dry side.

Plates come with your choice of flour or corn tortillas. We got one of each and they were very industrial in taste and texture.

S E R V I C E
5+ star service!

All the staff we encountered were warm, friendly, and very attentive. Positive vibes all around. Food service was prompt.

A M B I A N C E
Low-key, 70s old skool, and festive. Cozy indoor dining area with a bar. Sidewalk and parklet seating. Heat lamps available.

Mariachi bands rolling through really adds to the fun, lively vibe.

P A R K I N G
Very challenging street parking but Bart is just down the block.

Overall, great central location in The Mission but IMO, the food pales in comparison with the lesser known Mexican restos in The Mission, Bernal, and Excelsior area. But, with the free chips + salsa, full bar, and awesome service...gotta round up to 4 stars.

Best margaritas in the city! Every sip takes me back to Mexico.

Good food too but I come here for the margs. It's just lime juice, tequila, little bit of sugar but the ratios are perfect.

Their chile Riano's are great, and all their food is delicious. And they made great margaritas.

Had Sunday Brunch here, got a table fairly fast. Let start with staff, everyone was great, they kept checking on us and other tables. Looks like they all work together, we had a few different staff members checking on us.

We had:

The Margaritas and Michelada were very good and tasty.

Frijoles con Queso - Refried pinto beans with Melted Monterey Jack. I added the salad they gave us for the chips to it. It was bomb!!! (5 stars)

Pozole Verde made with a special blend of chicken, pork, hominy, ham and bacon in a green stew made with chiles and tomatillos. The meat was tender and juicy. (5 Stars)

Tacos Especiales - (2) Deep fried chicken served with lettuce, parmesan cheese and Puerto's special taco sauce. Served with rice and beans. The meat was nice and tender juicy.

Overall an awesome restaurant!!!

Puerto Alegre is the best place for a low key friends meet-up on Friday or Saturday. Also family-friendly too. They are known for the margaritas (but not the house margaritas! pls upgrade). The chips and salsa are good also. Please bring cash for tip money, there is almost always a mariachi player or a band. The service is awesome!

The Puerto Alegre's food is a divisive topic, its a 1950s California-style Mexican restaurant. This is not "authentic" Mexican cuisine, and is more similar to TexMex. This is not a good choice for vegans!

Been coming here since 1999. Such a historic establishment. Great food, drinks and overall vibe. Can feel the soul of San Francisco

This place went down hill and sooo overpriced!! Way better choices with better prices! Never coming back!