Longtime Mexican Restaurant Closes; Vietnamese Street Food Comes to Town

Sprouts and Shutters brings you the latest on which businesses are shuttering —and which are sprouting — in Pacifica. 

CLOSED: Mama Maria's Ristorante & Pizzeria, 745 Hickey Blvd., Pacifica  

Mama Maria's, formerly known as Pepi's, had been serving Pacifica residents pizzas and pastas since the late '80s. Independently owner and operated, the restaurant featured affordable pizzas, pastas, salads and sandwiches for dine-in, take out and delivery to Pacifica, Daly City and San Bruno.

Sadly, the place recently shut down on the heels of one scathing review after another on Yelp, from “just awful,” “what a joke,” and “overpriced and not all that good” to “horrible, horrible, horrible!” and “ew.” Many also complained of gifts, coupons and groupons not being honored without restrictions and extra costs being tacked on by the management.

CLOSED:  Playa de Acapulco, 145 Rockaway Beach Ave., Pacifica   

Open since 1962 and locally owned, Playa de Acapulco Restaurant was nestled next to the beach on Rockaway Beach Avenue. Offering a large selection of Mexican dishes, from fish tacos to enchiladas, this restaurant had many repeat and loyal customers, but sadly closed their doors for good early May.

Known especially for the pollo en mole poblano (a family recipe) and the chalupas, the restaurant also served burritos, a selection of appetizers, and beer and wine. With more than 20 tables for dining in, Acapulco also offered patrons live music on Thursday through Sunday evenings. Pacifica will have to wait and see if the restaurant reopens under new management.

OPENED: Dinosaurs, 50 Eureka Square, Pacifica

Just open for two weeks now, Dinosaurs serves up Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwiches made with your choice of marinated grilled pork, shaken beef, steamed meatballs, grilled chicken, spicy tuna, vegan friendly crispy tofu, or their house special, all served in a fresh crisp baguette with plenty of seasoning, crunchy vegetables, cilantro and dressing.

They also offer on their menu a choice of chicken or pork steamed buns and a selection of three types of spring rolls; chicken with shrimp, pork with shrimp or vegan tofu. All spring rolls are lovingly prepared to-order with fresh vegetables, herbs and rice vermicelli noodles enveloped by moistened rice paper and served with a hoisin dipping sauce. Beverages include coconut milk or a rich cup of authentic Vietnamese coffee.

With two locations already in San Francisco, Dinosaurs in Pacifica is an established restaurant known for their wide range of Vietnamese street food that’s fresh and cheap. No dine-in options. Call ahead for take-out or order right there for to-go orders.

Dinosaurs is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call (650) 557-1421.