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Tahona Mercado
Master Critic Review
Tahona Mercado
7.7
Agave-focused Mexican market in Nob Hill offering take-home tamales, fresh tortillas, salsas, and regional pantry goods. Great for casual grab-and-go provisions or stocking up for a home taco night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handmade tamales, Fresh masa & tortillas, House salsas
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Mexican specialty market with quality prepared items to-go.
Who should go: Home cooks and mezcal-curious shoppers
When to visit: Afternoons for best selection of fresh items
What to order: Tamales by the dozen, fresh tortillas, salsa trio
Insider tip: Check the case for limited-run regional cheeses and moles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Polk and side streets; best luck midday. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are, it’s a market-style stop rather than a sit-down restaurant.
Noise level: Low—this is a retail market environment where conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: No dine-in service; short lines form during peak grocery runs but typically under 10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—quick grab-and-go counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of vegetarian-friendly tamales, salsas, and pantry goods.
Vegan options: Some options—look for bean tamales, select salsas, and masa-based items without lard.
Gluten-free options: Yes—fresh corn tortillas and many pantry items are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a quick provision stop than a sit-down dining experience. Better suited for grabbing supplies before cooking together at home.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations—it’s a takeout and market-style setup only.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, families often stop in for tamales or tortillas to-go. There’s no seating, but it’s easy for kids to pick out snacks and treats.
Best For
Better for: Stocking up on authentic tortillas, tamales, and mezcal than most neighborhood taquerias or general grocery stores.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full sit-down meal or a lively restaurant atmosphere—this is a market, not a dining room.