At Dolores Waterfall Cevicheria in S.F., ceviche is the thing!

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I’d planned to visit Dolores Waterfall Cevicheria a few years ago, about the time I reviewed Newkirk’s, next door.

Waterfall opened in the summer of 2021, converting itself from a take-out only spot to a full-service restaurant. The allure of its whimsical ocean-themed murals, streams of colorful papeles picado and, of course, fresh ceviche was a powerful draw.

Somehow I managed to let it pass, until now. On a recent Sunday afternoon, Waterfall was hopping, blaring Mexican hip-hop and reggaeton, and slinging big, fat cheladas.

We were immediately served a basket of chips with their addictive crema, a simple mix of chipotle and sour cream (why is it so good??). We devoured it. And the baskets kept on coming. We also got a side of their smashed guacamole:

Chunky, slightly limey, with a healthy sprinkling of chili flakes, this is a guac to be proud of.  We also devoured it.

Four of us ordered the chan chan ceviche: White fish, pineapple, onions, cilantro, serranos, leche de tigre, sweet potato and toasted corn.

The pineapple in the chan chan made the dish. It complemented the spice and firm white fish perfectly. The roasted sweet potato and crunchy, nutty corn nuggets were reminiscent of typical Peruvian ceviches.

Aguachile verde: Raw shrimp, cilantro, red onions, cucumber, lime juice, serrano and cucumber juice.

Ay, mami! Perhaps my favorite, for its brightness, heat, and the gorgeous plump texture of the shrimp. An invigorating bowl, to snap you out of your cruda.

Since we had already sampled the raw, I ordered the crispy shrimp tacos.

Unfortunately, I kicked myself for not getting one of the ceviches or aguachiles. While I enjoyed the crispiness of the shells and the shrimp had good flavor, it seemed to be mixed with the crema inside as well, which made for a rather mushy mouthful. Don’t be like me. Get the ceviche!

One of our group didn’t want ceviche, and was glad to find that Waterfall serves chicken tenders, wings, mozzarella sticks and french fries; basically, the kiddie menu. 

He opted for the tenders and fish tacos, and approved of both. Something for everyone!

A couple of us had cheladas, one with tamarind and the other with Negra Modelo. Both were served in mammoth glassware with spiced rims:

That’s a helluva a lot of liquid, especially after our gluttonous attack on the chip front. A lively quaff, and I’d try the others; there’s one that comes in a coconut shell, one loaded with spicy shrimp, and the cevichelada comes piled high with, you guessed it, ceviche. Dinner and drinks, all in one schooner.

Dolores Waterfall Cevicheria offers other types of aguachiles, ceviches and fried delights, as well as tostadas and tortas. All the fish is cut to order, ensuring freshness. Besides the cheladas, they serve beer, wine, and soju cocktails.

Service was warm and friendly, and the prices at this seafood extravaganza really can’t be beat for the quality and generous portions.

Qué padre! Come on out and get your ceviche on!