Lisa's Mexican Restaurant

What a great little gem we found recently! We were running some errands in Daly City and had a craving for Mexican food, but wanted a sit-down restaurant instead of a take-out style taqueria. Luckily we were close to Lisa's and decided to give it a try and were rewarded with a great time!

I went with Lisa's Supreme Burrito and it was very good, but be prepared for the BIG portion. My wife went with a simple chicken quesadilla and said it was exactly what she was hoping for. While the food was good, my highlight might have been the Michelada as it may have been one of the best I've ever had!

On top of all that, the staff was all so nice and welcoming. They were very helpful with everything we needed and it was great to watch them treat every table of customers like they were welcoming guests into their home. Look forward to going back again!

I have been living in Pacifica for 13 years and can't believe I only found the wonderful Lisa's but a few months ago -- I woulda been a regular here for years had I known sooner. I used to have two favorite Mexican places in Pacifica but one closed a few years ago and the other has increasingly gone downhill. So a few months back I was looking for other options and up popped Lisa's, a place that's been in Daly City for years but, for some reason, had never been listed in my results in the past. But, based on the reviews, I HAD to try it -- and so glad I did as it is now my favorite Mexican restaurant in all of the Bay Area.

So lovingly designed inside, comfortable, warm, homey feel. Your host, Mario, is an absolute delight -- so personable, so patient(!), and such a gentleman. He's the kinda guy who becomes friends with everyone, you'll come to love him.

And then there's the food -- oh, the food! Their mole enchiladas are to die for! When I haven't been to Lisa's in awhile I get a huge craving for the mole enchiladas, so good, so authentic -- and it's not only hard to find good mole in the Bay Area, it's hard to find ANY mole, so I'm so appreciative Lisa's has it and does it justice.

Their tacos, with homemade shells ... incredible! And they have very high quality meats -- chicken, which is a combo white meat & dark meat -- or you can get ground beef, but it's not of hamburger consistency, it's more like very very finely chopped steak. It's another craveable item!

And then there's the rice & beans. You say rice & beans are "just rice & beans"..? NO! Not here at least. The beans, both black and pinto, are SO fresh-tasting (although I slightly favor the black) and the rice is not like traditional Mexican rice that has been mixed with too much tomato, as I find at most places -- it's light and fluffy and just the right flavor (which means not over-flavored!) and put that, together with your beans, on your fork and, as they say on Chopped, it is such a delicious bite!

Chips are too notch, not greasy and not too thick, like at some other places, and a fantastic salsa. SO many things to drink! I don't drink alcohol, although, if you do, they have a lot of great choices. What I love is their Jamaica ("hah-MY-cuh") agua fresca -- if you've never had it, it's sorta like non-alcoholic sangria, and without the fruit, but delicious -- and their mango ice tea, SO refreshing!

Love this place so much have already been back about 10 times since I discovered it months back -- and always a delight to see Mario.

You must definitely try this place out, it will soon become one of your favorites -- but, be forewarned, hours are very limited so be sure to double-check their schedule.

Loved it.
Good, old-fashion Mexcan-American plattered restaurant.
And priceless hospitality.
Friends brought me here for the first time this past Friday and I'll be back.

Day started off bad getting three nails in a tire. Went to Good Year in Daly City. Two hour wait so I walked down the street and found this gem! Combo Taco, Enchillada, Chili Relleno. Off the hook!!!!! Great atmosphere and Mario was awesome with the service. Do yourself a favor and stop in for some tasty treats!!!!

More of a hole-in-the-wall type of place, but those tend to be the best for both food and service. Lisa's was no exception. When we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the staff and I think it was the owner himself who serviced us throughout our meal. We had several small kids with us and he was really great about humoring them and even helped us take some pictures during our meal. Our table of 7 got a few different entrees between us, including the house special steak, the mole enchiladas, a wet burrito, a cheese quesadilla, and a chicken salad. Everything was tasty, although I wish there were more guacamole on my salad. Even my son, who is the world's pickiest eater, polished off 1/3 of my husband's wet burrito, so that is saying something!

Lisa's Mexican Restaurant is at the top of the hill Daly City. Have heard about this place but my first time trying with friends who are regulars. Parking around the area was easy. The decor has an abundance of artisan work, photos, drawings that yearn to tell their stories. It works, warm and cozy. Interior is a bit dark but you feel warmly welcomed by Mario in front, José and Ana in the kitchen.

Started with their freshly made guacamole and house-made tortilla chips, wine and shots of tequila!

Ordered:
* Steak Ala Lisa - cooked w/ranchera sauce & onions. Looked good and aroma was yum. This is a special of the house. Will definitely order this next time.
* José's Salad - chopped lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, grilled chicken & balsamic dressing. Tried a bite. Really really good! I'll order next time.
* Enchilada, Taco, Chile Relleno combo - asked to sub whole beans instead of refried. This is good satisfying meal with a little bit of everything, enchilada, taco & Chile Relleno. The crispy taco was really good. Whatever the sauces were was tasty and, thank goodness, not heavily salty!
* House-made flan - this was a really good flan, not overly sweet, melts in your mouth. Good way to end a meal!

Other dishes recommended that I need to try on my next visit, Chicken quesadillas, Prawns Ala Brava, Mole anything, Menudo, and those other ones that made me go, oh yea!, grilled combo of steak, chicken, prawns, Chile Colorado & Chile Verde! I went "darn!" when I saw I missed the Agua frescas like Jamaica, Horchata or House-made sangria. See you there!

P.S. Enjoyed meal too much with friends and With Mario checking in on us periodically. Unfortunately a good time like this makes me at times forget to take pictures of the dishes...

I really liked having lunch at this cute little Mexican restaurant
Very authentic and delicious food
The service was great and the atmosphere was adorable

I definitely suggest this place if you are looking to eat a delicious Mexican dish in a cute and relaxing restaurant

Just as I remember... the quality and taste of the food was SUPERB ‼ I was a longtime patron as it was my Moms favorite restaurant! I drove one by one day and realized I missed that food so I ordered that night for myself and my son and it was delicious and we were both so happy that we were able to eat Lisa 's Mexican food again! The owner is such a nice man & my family loves to support small businesses!
5 STARS !!!!!

Long awaited dinner get together with my friend, and she suggested Lisa's. She said she has been going to Lisa's for ages, so I was excited to check out a new restaurant. Please note - Restaurant is only open until 7pm right now.

Staff are so very friendly. I was introduced to Mario - what a character!

So much to choose from on the menu. After much debate, I went with the Steak a la Lisa. Really like the flavor of the steak with the onions and peppers, and it went well with the rice and beans. Wish there was more meat, though.

Friend ordered the chicken flautas which looked really good too. I want to order that next time.

Really clean restaurant, staff very welcoming, and food was good. Bringing my hubs here next time so he can try it, too.

Great food and atmosphere. Amazing owner as well, who gave us some touring tips for San Francisco.