Latin Caribbean pop-up restaurant Chao Pescao is going brick-and-mortar today, June 16th. The delivery-based restaurant launched in December 2020, and has now opened a newly-renovated restaurant and bar at 272 McAllister Street in San Francisco’s Civic Center.
The new spot by restauranteur Rene Denis, who also owned Saluna Cafe and Lounge, features a new all-day menu and an expanded cocktail program, including family recipes and traditional Cuban and Colombian cuisine and drinks.
The new space at Chao Pescao, which roughly translates to “see you later, alligator” in English, has a funky, casual vibe to it, with vibrant colors inspired by Caribbean culture, restored wood doors, and vintage musical instruments, mirrors, and elaborate frames decorating the walls. The new bar, in fact, is actually a penny mosaic.
Overall, Chao Pescao is a welcoming, fun, and authentic place to grab some lunch or dinner and a cocktail. It will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays for lunch and dinner. Head there today for a plate of slow-roasted pork shoulder and a signature Coco Loco (vodka, rum, and tequila mixed with coconut water, coconut cream, and lime). Although, after one those, you’ll probably need to have someone else drive you home.