Picaro Introduce
For California locals and visitors in the Bay Area seeking an authentic taste of Spain, look no further than Picaro. Situated in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco, Picaro is more than just a Spanish restaurant—it’s a lively tapas bar and dining destination that transports patrons straight to the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. Specializing in traditional Spanish cuisine, the establishment is well-loved for its extensive menu of small plates, robust paellas, and a cozy yet trendy atmosphere that welcomes everyone from college students and local groups to tourists exploring the city.
The culinary philosophy at Picaro revolves around shared experiences, which is the very essence of tapas culture. This spot excels at offering a diverse array of dishes, ensuring every visit can be a new culinary adventure. Whether you are craving the rich flavor of a traditional Paella or the simple, comforting perfection of Patatas Bravas, Picaro delivers authentic flavors and generous portions. The restaurant is a known favorite for lunch, dinner, and even late-night dining, making it a flexible and essential stop on any San Francisco food tour.
Picaro is conveniently located at 3120 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA. This prime address places it right in the center of the bustling and culturally rich Mission District, making it an easy destination for many Bay Area residents. Accessibility is a key consideration for the restaurant, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. The location features a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating, helping to make dining comfortable for everyone. For those driving, both free street parking and paid street parking options are available nearby, a considerable convenience in a busy urban area like San Francisco. The central location also makes it highly accessible via local public transit, typical of the Mission District’s well-connected infrastructure.
Patrons can choose from a variety of service options designed for convenience and comfort:
- Outdoor seating for enjoying San Francisco’s climate.
- Delivery services for enjoying Spanish favorites at home.
- Takeout for quick and easy meal pickups.
- Dine-in service with comfortable seating and table service.
Picaro offers an impressive and broad selection of Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, beverages, and dining options. The menu is structured to cater to many preferences, from quick bites to full, multi-course meals. The combination plates, such as Pollo Al Ajillo ($18.75), Rabo De Toro ($19.20), and Grilled Salmon ($19.25), offer complete, satisfying meals. The famous Spanish Paellas are a major draw, with options like Paella De Mariscos ($40.00), Paella De Carne Y Mariscos ($41.50), and the vegetarian-friendly Paella Hortelana ($32.50) serving as centerpieces for any shared meal.
The Tapas menu is extensive, encompassing classic Embutidos y Quesos (cured meats and cheeses), various seafood plates (Pescados y Mariscos), and a wide selection of vegetarian tapas (Ensaladas y Tapas Vegetarianas). Favorites include Patatas Bravas ($9.00), Jamón Serrano En Pan Con Tomate ($11.25), and Gambas Al Ajillo ($10.00). The restaurant also provides a curated selection of desserts, including Flan ($7.25) and Crema Catalana ($7.25), along with a variety of coffee, tea, juice, and soda options.
The establishment boasts several features and highlights that enhance the overall dining experience:
- Fast Service: Known for efficiency, making it ideal for both leisurely dinners and lunch breaks.
- Great Wine List: A carefully selected list of wines, often featuring Spanish vintages, perfectly complementing the menu.
- Serves Local Specialty: Focuses on authentic Spanish dishes, providing a true culinary escape.
- Extensive Offerings: Includes Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Happy Hour drinks and food, Hard Liquor, and Wine.
- Food Options: Provides Comfort Food, Late-night food, Quick bites, Small plates, and excellent Vegetarian options.
- Atmosphere and Crowd: Described as Casual, Cozy, and Trendy, popular among College students, Groups, Locals, and Tourists.
- Reservations: Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts reservations, though patrons should be aware there is usually a wait during peak times.
For reservations or inquiries, you can reach Picaro using the following contact details:
Address: 3120 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Phone: (415) 431-4089
What truly sets Picaro apart and makes it worth choosing for your next dining experience is the genuine commitment to authenticity paired with outstanding service. Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its "big portions, big flavor" and the fact that the food, like the patata brava, truly "brings back to Barcelona." The combination of an extensive and high-quality tapas selection, signature paellas, and a welcoming atmosphere creates a compelling Spanish experience right in the heart of California. The availability of late-night food, along with a full bar onsite featuring happy hour specials, ensures that Picaro can accommodate various schedules and social needs. For anyone in the California region looking for authentic Spanish cuisine in a friendly, professional setting, Picaro is a standout choice that promises both satisfaction and a delightful cultural immersion.
Picaro Menu
Combination Plates
- Pollo Al Ajillo $18.75
- Rabo De Toro (Combination Plate) $19.20
Ox-tail stew combination plate.
- Battered Snapper $18.75
- Pollo A La Plancha $18.75
- Chicken Milanesa $18.75
- Pinchos Morunos $18.75
- Estofado De Conejo (Combination Plate) $19.00
Rabbit stew combination plate.
- Grilled Trout $18.75
Grilled trout with olive oil, garlic and white wine.
- Milanesa $18.75
Breaded beef cutlet.
- Sautéed Calamari $18.50
- Grilled Salmon $19.25
- Albondigas $18.50
Spanish meatballs.
- Fried Calamari $18.50
- Ropa Vieja (Combination Plate) $18.75
Beef, chicken and chorizo stew.
- Carne Asada $19.00
Grilled steak.
- Grilled Snapper $18.75
Coffee & Tea
- Iced Tea $3.00
- Espresso $3.50
- Doubles Add $1.50
- Peppermint Tea $3.25
- Apple Juice $3.75
- House Coffee $3.50
- Earl Grey Tea $3.25
- Latte $4.75
- Green Tea $3.00
- Cappuccino $4.50
- Chamomile Tea $3.25
Embutidos y Quesos
- Morcilla $9.75
Sauteed Spanish black sausage.
- Jamón Serrano En Pan Con Tomate $11.25
Canapes of Spanish cured ham imported from Spain - Redondo Iglesias - Served on toasted French bread, spread with tomatoes, garlic and olive oil sause.
- Chorizo Salteado "Cantimpalitos" $10.00
Sauteed Spanish paprika sausage.
- Queso Manchego $8.50
Ewe's milk Cheese from La Mancha.
- Jamón Ibérico $16.25
Imported Spanish Iberico Ham - Embutidos Fermin - A culinary wonder of the world.
Desserts
- Flan $7.25
Custard dessert with a thin layer of clear caramel sauce.
- Mousse De Chocolate $7.25
- Crema Catalana $7.25
Meat, Seafood and Vegetable Platters
- Parrillada $41.50
Grilled meat platter with chorizo, morcilla, chicken, pork kebabs and carne asada on a bed of potatoes.
- Grilled Vegetable Salad $14.75
Assorted grilled vegetables, mushrooms, green beans, carrots, zucchini, with aioli sauce on the side.
- Vegetable Platter $14.75
Zucchini stew, sauteed cabbage, spinach, fried potatoes and battered cauliflower.
- Mariscada $41.50
Seafood platter with calamari, salmon, shrimp, jumbo tiger shrimp, clams, mussels, snapper on a bed of spanish rice. Serves two to three people.
Paellas
- Paella Hortelana $32.50
Vegetable paella with asparagus, artichokes, green beans, mushrooms, red peppers and peas.
- Paella De Arroz Negro $40.00
Squid ink paella with calamari, clams and shrimp.
- Paella De Mariscos $40.00
Seafood paella with zaffron, calamari, shrimp, clams and mussels.
- Paella De Carne $40.00
Meat paella with chicken, pork ribs and chorizo.
- Paella De Carne Y Mariscos $41.50
Seafood and meat paella with calamari, shrimp, clams, mussels, pork ribs and chicken.
- Paella De Langosta $41.50
Lobster tail paella with calamari and clams.
Ensaladas y Tapas Vegetarianas
- Alcachofas A La Plancha $9.25
Grilled artichokes.
- Tortilla De Patata $9.75
One of the most popular Spanish tapas; potato and onion omelet.
- Ensaladas De Judías Verdes $9.25
Steamed green beans mixed with onions, tomatoes and vinagrette.
- Repollo Rehogado $7.00
Cabbage sauteed with garlic and paprika.
- Ensalada Mixta $10.00
Our house salad with tuna fish, olives and hard boiled eggs with Picaro's vinagrette.
- Pimientos De Padrón $8.25
Padron peppers.
- Spanish Olives. Veggie Olives $6.75
- Ensalada Remolacha $10.00
Beets, onion, mushroom & cauliflower mixed with vinagrette on a bed of fresh lettuce.
- Espinacas Béchamel $7.25
Spinach bechamel.
- Champiñones Al Ajillo $9.25
Mushrooms sauteed with garlic and olive oil.
- Side Of Rice $4.00
Side order of Spanish rice.
- Judías Verdes Rehogadas $9.25
Sauteed green beans with garlic and olive oil.
- Patatas Bravas $9.00
Fried potatoes with our creamy spicy sause.
- Tortilla De Espinaca $10.00
Potato, Spinach and onion omelet.
- Side Of Salsa Brava 10. Oz $5.00
- Espárragos A La Plancha $9.25
Grilled asparagus with aioli sause on the side.
- Brócoli Con Almendras $9.25
Grilled broccoli with roasted almonds.
- Pisto De Calabacín $7.25
Zucchini and onion stew on a light tomato sauce.
- Ensalada De La Casa $8.75
House salad with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers & our homemade vinagrette.
- Patatas Alioli $9.00
Fried potatoes with homemade garlic mayo.
- Side Of Salsa Brava 3.0 Oz $2.00
3. oz of Picaro’s famous Salsa Brava
Better Together
- 3.0 Oz Salsa Brava $2.00
Soups
- Gazpacho $6.25
Cold vegetable soup. A refreshing mixture of blended tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green and red peppers.
- Sopa De Mariscos $16.25
Seafood soup with shrimp, mussels clams, calamari and snapper.
Pescados y Mariscos
- Grilled Salmon Strips $12.50
Grilled salmon strips with spinach bechamel on the side.
- Mejillones A La Vinaigretta $10.00
Steamed mussels dressed with Picaro's vinagrette.
- Pescado Rebozado Con Aioli $9.00
Deep fried snapper strips with homemade garlic mayonnaise.
- Calamares Fritos $10.25
Fried Calamari with aioli sauce.
- Calamares A La Plancha $10.25
Sauteed calamari with onions, tomatoes and garlic.
- Grilled Trout $12.00
Grilled Trout with olive oil, garlic and white wine.
- Cola De Langosta $11.20
Grilled lobster tail with sauteed onions and zucchini.
- Almejas La Plancha $10.00
Sauteed clams with garlic, parsley and olive oil.
- Almejas A La Marinera $10.20
Clams in Spanish "marinara" sause with sauteed onions, garlic, parsley and white wine.
- Gambas A La Plancha $10.00
Grilled jumbo shrimp.
- Cazuela De Pescado Con Almejas $11.25
Snapper and clams cooked in Spanish sauce.
- Sautéed Shrimp, Green Onions And Mushrooms $11.25
Salteado de gambas, cebollitas y champiñones. Sautéed shrimp, green onions and mushrooms with olive oil and white wine.
- Calamares En Su Tinta $12.00
- Aceitunas Rellenas De Anchoa $8.00
Spanish olives stuffed with anchovies.
- Boquerones Fritos $9.20
Deep fried anchovies
- Gambas Al Ajillo $10.00
One of our most popular tapas, garlic shrimp.
- Mejillones A La Plancha $10.00
Grilled mussels with olive oil, garlic and white wine.
- Boquerones En Vinagre $8.50
- Trucha Escabechada $12.25
Marinated trout with a pinch of garlic and olive oil.
- Pulpo Al Ajillo $12.75
Octopus sautéed in olive oil with garlic, paprika and white wine.
Juice, Soda, Water
- 7UP $3.75
- Apple Juice $3.75
- Diet Coke $3.75
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
- Arnold Palmer $5.50
- Coke $3.75
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
- Sparkling Water $3.75
- Lemonade $5.50
- Orange Juice $6.75
Aves y Carnes
- Albondigas (Aves Y Carnes) $9.75
Meatballs stew with saffron.
- Estofado De Conejo $12.50
Rabbit stew
- Croquetas De Pollo $9.75
Creamy chicken croquettes with spinach bechamel on the side.
- Rabo De Toro $13.20
Ox-tail stew with mixed vegetables.
- Ropa Vieja $9.75
Beef, chicken and chorizo stew.
- Salteado De Asada $11.25
Juicy grilled Arrachera steak with mushrooms and green onions.
- Pollo Al Ajillo (Aves Y Carnes) $9.75
Garlic chicken.
- Pinchos Morunos (Aves Y Carnes) $9.75
Pork Kebabs on a bed of Spanish rice.
Picaro Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Picaro Photos










Picaro Location
Picaro
3120 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
Picaro Reviews
sangriahappy houroystersdipping sauceseafood paellamariscadaoxtailpitchersgarlic shrimpmariachi
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Big portions, big flavor! Paella was authentic and delicious. Sangria was perfect. Friendly staff made the whole experience even better. Loved Picaro!
June 11 · Prim RoseSuch a good place! The patata brava tastes sooo good. Bring me back to Barcelona.The Tortillas, paella, blood sausage, octopus are amazing too.
June 22 · Alexica QianLovely place. On the small side so was hard to have conversations with your friends. We did have a waitress spill the bottle of sangria we ordered but no personal stuff was wet. Few phones got wet but nothing damaged. I would think they would have comp. Us that 1st bottle for the trouble of spilling it all over our table, but they didn't. We had the meat and seafood paella. Which was good. Doesn't compare if you have been to Spain and had it thier like we have. But still good dish.
March 24 · Chris #520REVS WanstrathI’m puzzled by the high ratings of this place. Made reservations and had to wait 30mins to be seated. Once seated the waiter took our order for the chicken croquets, oxtail tapas, patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo and then an oxtail entree. All of those came out in under 5 mins. The oxtail was BAD! Really bad! It was as if they boiled the most fatty pieces of oxtail in watered down, no flavor tomato water, cause that wouldn’t even be considered tomato paste. The chicken croquets and shrimp lacked any flavor and the unseasoned potatoes had a clump of whatever orange sauce on top. My group of 3 were so hungry, so we weighed our options of trying to find another restaurant on a Friday or just try to pick at what was served to satisfy our hunger! BIG MISTAKE! Within less than 30 mins of leaving there, having not eaten all of the food because it was just that bad, 2/3 of us were doubled over, sick to our stomachs. I’m writing the next morning, still not feeling well. I think the allure to the place is the price. Because with all the items we got, it was only $67. We saw quite a few large parties there, which leads me to the other issue of it being obnoxiously loud! Not an issue the restaurant owners can do anything about, but just a warning if you are wanting to sit and relax and enjoy a meal!
October 04 · Karel wiggThey are very quick!Obviously, order a paella early on since it takes a out 30 minutes for it.For sides you can't go wrong with anything. Forgot to take pictures of them but we gotPatatas Bravas (really good)Patatas AoliJamón (incredible)Pan con TomateManchego CheeseChorizo (our favorite tapas)Carne (comes with vegetables)For the paella we went with the classic seafood one. Twas good, although I would've preferred if it had built up more crispy rice. I would still come back here again tho.Great for a date, grabbing dinner with friends (small or big group)
April 30 · Richard Garcia
More Spanish Food Near Me

2272 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

3295 22nd St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA

2708 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA

490 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

2000 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

Pier 5 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA

599 Railroad Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA

2026 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, USA

405 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903, USA

855 El Camino Real #130, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

2059 First St, Livermore, CA 94550, USA

829 Main St, Napa, CA 94559, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Spanish Flavors Blog Posts





