Cherylynn N.
Yelp
Cha Cha Cha 2.0
An SF institution, Cha Cha Cha has been around since I was running around in pampers, to my first drink of alkie, to break ups, and more. Speaking from experience, it's so lively and people are sangria happy that no one notices you ugly crying. Just sayin'.
While the original location in The Haight is pretty much always poppin', The Mission location not so much, having closed and reopened several times since the pandemic.
But, now there's a new owner who's changed things up, giving it a new name, updated menu, and facelift so I'm hopeful it will return to its pre-pandemic times.
Soft opening in early September, Sangria & Salt is the owner of Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse (Castro). Open for takeout and indoor dining. Rezzies accepted on their website.
M E N U
Cuban-Puerto Rican.
Classic Cha Cha Cha dishes like the ropa vieja, lechon asada, jerk chicken, chicken paillard, cajun shrimp, patatas bravas, etc. are still on the menu. The owner added some new menu items including twists to Cha Cha Cha classics like cajun shrimp pappardelle and items from his smokehouse resto like ribs. Full bar.
- Happy Hour: Everyday from 3 pm - 6 pm and 9 pm - midnight. Discounted apps and drinks ($3-$12)
- Weekend Brunch, 10 am - 3 pm...bottomless mimosas and sangra for $25 pp (90 minute limit).
4% SF mandate.
F O O D
We visited during the soft opening and took advantage of 33% off our food bill while the staff were training (ended 9/18/25). Regular prices noted below.
* Mussels Sauté w/ white wine, garlic, butter, fish fumet, herb, tomato, chili flake, crostini ($19): https://tinyurl.com/y68rreut
Soulful broth with tender mussels and grilled bread for sopping.
* Hot Johnnie's Smokehouse Spare Ribs w/ sweet & spicy chili glaze ($18): https://tinyurl.com/2xmsk3kp
Crispy bark and tender meat that easily pulled off the bone. Nice smoky flavor balanced by the sweet and spicy glaze. Served with arugula and slaw.
* Yuca Frita w/ cajun spice blend, lemon garlic aioli ($9)
Generous portion of hot and crunchy hand-cut yuca fries with a soft interior. Served with a creamy and zesty aioli.
* Jerk Chicken & Rice w/ habanero spiced raisin garlic soy sauce, spicy cabbage salad ($19): https://tinyurl.com/32sfedm5
My go-to Cha Cha Cha dish, the bone-in marinated chicken thighs were flavorful and tender but could have been more fork tender. Served with a side of rice and refreshing slaw.
* Cajun Shrimp Pappardelle w/ bacon, onion, mushroom, habanero cajun sauce ($26): https://tinyurl.com/3ew85zvk
Those who know, know that Cha Cha Cha's cajun shrimp sauce is like crack. I've used an entire basket of sourdough to sop up that rich deliciousness so it makes sense that they turned this classic into a pasta dish. The wide, al dente pappardelle noodles nicely soaked up the rich, creamy sauce. Generous portion of tender shrimp and button mushrooms for a savory umami.
If you like it hot, ask for a side of their house habanero sauce.
S E R V I C E
Friendly and attentive staff.
After we were finished, I appreciated the owner sitting down with us and asking for feedback on all the dishes.
A M B I A N C E
Trendy updates to the old Cha Cha Cha space with new banquette, swivel bar stools, furnishings, and eye catching murals from a local artist.
The horseshoe shaped bar is the heart of this resto and I'm glad they kept it. There's TVs for watching the game.
Large dining area with a private room in the back. Ideal for large group gatherings.
P A R K I N G
Parking lot several doors down (look for the El Capitan Hotel sign) and Mission-Bartlett Garage is 3 blocks way.
Overall, we enjoyed our meal at Cha Cha Cha 2.0....Sangria & Salt. Will def be back to take advantage of those HH deals!