El Raigon

The service was so bad that it compelled me to write my first Citysearch review. We had a big party and there was a lot of confusion on whether we could order from the normal menu or if we had to order from the large group menu- initially they told us we couldn't order from the large group menu because we didn't have 11 ppl (we had 10). Although I'm not quite sure how that 1 serving made the difference.... But even before that, the entire party didn't arrive on time. Which we apologized for and I felt bad about (I used to be a hostess too) but I have never been told that I had to finish dinner by a certain time. The hostess basically chastised us for not having our whole party together and then told us we had to finish eating by 8:30. By far the worst restaurant experience I've had and will never go there again~ I really wish I had gotten the name of the hostess though.....In terms of the food, I think it was pretty good but the service left such a bad taste in my mouth I couldn't really enjoy anything. Some of the cuts were great and some, I am still chewing.... Pros: I don't really have anything good to say.... Cons: Worst customer service experience.... more

I recommend the bife de lomo or ojo de bife with a side of Asparagus and Roasted Potatoes! Do not expect huge sized steaks: Remember, we are talking grass fed beef flown in from Uruguay which is almost a delicacy! Grass Fed is usually leaner, gamier, smaller, not as fatty or as heavy as corn fed steak. If you're looking for your old fat greasy steak go somewhere else. Salads are simple and tasty. The Malbecs are an excellent example of high quality good value wines from Argentina! The service is friendly and informal, exactly what you would get at a Parrilla in Argentina! Pros: Scene, Food Cons: Parking, Noisy more

I've been to Argentina and this food is definitley not like what I've had over there. The empanadas were not very good. They were like Hot Pockets stuffed with ground beef with a little seasoning. The empanadas at the fast food joints in Buenos Aires were better. The steaks were decent, but not the best quality of meat I've ever had. You can get a better cut of meat from a good butcher and grill it yourself for less money. The sides were nothing special either. I was excited for dessert as I LOVE panqueques con dulce de leche (crepes filled w/dulce de leche). However, the ones here were like crepe cigars with hardly any dulce de leche. The upside is that the atmosphere is nice for an intimate dinner. Pros: Decent atmosphere Cons: Not the best food more

I was expecting really great meat from this place given my experience at restaurants in argentina and brazil. but unfortunately i had better grilled meat at a taco truck! the $28 rib-eye that i ordered kind of looked like a top sirloin. therefore, it was dry and kind of thin, not juicy and succulent. i had never seen a rib-eye steak that looked like that, maybe it those argentine cattle?? Service was non-existent, wines were good, but nothing that you couldn't buy at a good wine shop. All of the meager sides added at least $5 for each. I think grilling something from Whole Foods or Costco will result in far more satisfaction, than the $250 i unloaded for a dinner for 4. Pros: romantic, small, less noisy Cons: food, prices, parking more

The waiter told me the beef is from the midwest, so I doubt that it's grass fed like the previous review states. Both times I went it was tough and dry. Once I went to take some food away and was completely ignored. I guess they have too much business. I expected beef from Argentina. Would never return. Pros: good wine Cons: rude owner, safeway beef, exspensive more

Our waitress was too busy to serve anyone properly, the decor made me feel as though the spirits of dead cows were watching me eat their medium rare flesh, the price didn't leave a good taste in my mouth when you take into consideration that the sides are ordered separately and even valet parking sucks since it's located way the hell off in front of some other restaurant. So, why am I recommending this place? Because the steak was THAT good. I've been to every steakhouse in SF and El Raigon ranks as one of the tops. Just make sure you order a BOTTLE of wine because I refilled our glasses much more than our server did. If you're expecting a grand overall dining experience, then this may not be the place for you but if you're in search of the greatest steak in SF, then definitely try it out. Pros: steak, wine Cons: service, price, praking more

It doesn't get much bettter than El Raigon. I try to go there at least once a month... and when you think about all the great restaurants in San Francisco, I think that says alot! The steaks are just fantastic. The wine selection is good and priced very reasonably. The staff is great. And did I mention the steaks are fantastic?? I have been 6+ times and it always lives up to my expectations. Pros: Great food, Good service, Value Cons: parking more

Highly overpriced, small portions, no creativity on presentation, service needs improving, bad coffee. The mollejas (sweet bread) were only 2 cut in half, wanting to look like 4 "so stingy" at such a high price, the "panqueques con dulce de leche" were not pancakes but french crepes, that were so small that I can't understand how they have the face to bring it to the table. They were running out of food at the end of the evening too. Overall it is sad that there are only 2 Argentinian restaurants in the Bay area and both are below average. This one has potential, but they would have to re-assess their stingy portions, lower prices, and bring a more qualified and high energy crew. Cons: Highly priced, Very small portions, Bad service more

As a proud Argentino, this place is NO good. Way too expensive and really bad service. The food is ok like any other steakhouse but not even close to El asado Argentino like they promote. Pros: Bad service, bad service more

Where do I begin? Simply put...with all the wonderful dining choices in SF and Bay Area, simply cannot recomment this spot. Horrible service. Cons: Service, Expensive, Hostess more

We were there for a celebration, but it was so loud that nobody could hear. Our waitress was so soft spoken that we couldn't hear the specials and recommendations. The wine selection was naive and disappointing; we had to go through three tastings before anything was remotely acceptable. The salads and soup were fine, as were the appetizers, though I've had sturdier morcilla. The meat was excellent, though that is a comment more on the quality of the beef than on the preparation, which was identical for every cut. The downfall of El Raigon is the service. The waitress forgot a number of things, the busgirl failed to box leftovers of a healthy portion of steak and cleared coffee cups after being asked repeatedly not to. And the officious little hostess behaved like a spoiled ten-year old girl. In summary - the food is good, but the staff is deplorable. Pros: quality beef Cons: ambience, staff attitude more

well, where do i begin? i am probably the most knowledgable foodie out there, hands down, so untermann is an fool when she raves about this place. i've lived in bs as, and this is such gringo food, it's a joke. salad, ridiculous for 7-8$ whatever it was, not even torn, sides, a joke, i've had more roasted potatoes at a hobbit party. the steak, a mediocre cut, fair, and well prepared, i'll give them that. walking in, the sous chefs were lounging around, doing nothing, the place was dead and full of old people. Pros: argentine wines, malbec!!! Cons: parking, price more

Simple and high quality - the Peter Lugers of San Francisco. more

I took some friends to El Raigon last night, and while we were all in agreement that the steak was the best we've had in the city, the service was very poor. Our waiter was a nice friendly guy, buy we waited about 20 mins from ordering to getting our starters, our water was refilled only once, and it took forever to get the bill paid. If they could get those problems sorted- it's great food! Pros: food, atmosphere Cons: service, parking more

In my travels, Argentine cuisine is one of the best (and least celebrated) cuisines in the world. Food & wine in that county is tasty, fresh and very inexpensive. El Raigon has good steak, but the menu is EXTREMELY overpriced!! I was shocked to have a steak served on a large platter with no accompaniment--not even garnish! Unfortunately, they are able to get away with their high prices, average food and poor service because there are no other Argentine restaruants in the SF. Pros: Nice Atmosphere Cons: Expensive, Poor Service more

I went to this retaurant a few months ago and I was very desapointed My friend and I order 2 Rib eye steaks and it was so tough to chew, I also order an empanada that had no flavor, the Italian sausage and the Malbec wine was good. I think the portions are small and overpriced. The service was ok, respectfull but some what cocky (not one person was in the restaurant and they asked if we had reservations). I am from Argentina and it is sad not to have a good Argentinian restaurant in the City. Pros: ambiance Cons: overpriced , poor quality more

My date and I ate here in Feb. 2005, and shared 4 plates. Our server, an Argentine woman, was very helpful in explaining the menu and ordering options; she even split the single glass of Argentine wine we ordered. We started with a salad with blue-cheese crumbles and a light lemony dressing. Followed with the flank steak, absolutely delicious and accompanied with a tasty salsa; roasted potatoes and asparagus, both excellent. For dessert, we split the flan, which had a heart-stopping dollop of caramel with it and which was the only thing on the table we didn't gladly devour. We loved every bite and were charmed by the waitress and atmosphere: exposed brick, wood beams, and plain almost "farm-house" wood furniture. Given the number of sketchy tourist restaurants in North Beach, El Raigon has moved to the top of my list for the neighborhood. Pros: warm atmosphere, exceptional meats Cons: North Beach parking more

Fantastic, amazing meat cooked to how you order. Asparagus is awesome. Roasted potatoes are good, but not amazing. Mashed potatoes are just mashed potatoes. Desert is pretty good, try with mate for an interesting experience. Service was great. All in all a great place. Pros: Fantastic meat, Good atmosphere, Service Cons: , Isolated location more

Everything at El Raigon was awesome, most specially the food! It's sp hard to describe in words how delicious my meal was. All I can say is that it's to die for! I already told myself that whenver I go to San Francisco, dinner will be at El Raigon! more

Great addition to the North Beach area. Service was great, everyone was very friendly. The steaks were excellent. I recommend the skirt steak or the New York strip. Both were tasty. It was melt in your mouth good. The steaks were seasoned just right. First time I ever tasted mashed squash and it was DELICIOUS, as a matter of fact, everything was delicious... especially the wine. Need to try this gem in North Beach... you wont be disappointed. Pros: service, steak, wine more