Picaro

Picaro has held its spot on 16th Street, directly across from the historic Roxie Theater, since the early 1980s. Before it was a restaurant, it was Cafe Picaro, a coffeehouse and cultural hub for the Mission’s artists and poets. That history is still felt in the space – a single, warehouse-sized room with high ceilings and walls painted in bright primary colors. The seating is a mix of heavy-wood tables with scrolled legs and simpler marble-topped versions, all arranged to face the long bar. Behind the bar, a massive 25-foot mural in the style of Joan Miró covers the entire wall. The menu is a straightforward survey of traditional Spanish cuisine, built around tapas, paellas, and pitchers of house-made sangria. Bins of ice at the bar display fresh shrimp and roasted peppers, giving the room the feel of an authentic tapas spot. The list of small plates is extensive, with classics like Pulpo Al Ajillo, Rabo de Toro, and Tortilla Española all making an appearance. Ingredients like cold cuts and cheeses are imported directly from Spain. The paella is a signature, and it’s made to order. You’ll need to plan for a 30 to 40-minute wait for it to come out of the kitchen, so it’s best to order it when you first sit down. For a group of four, the typical approach is to share five or six tapas plates, one paella, and a pitcher of sangria. It’s a loud, energetic place that’s almost always full. Be aware that a 4% surcharge is added to all credit card payments.