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Chisme Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Chisme Cantina
8.1
Lower Nob Hill counter spot from owner Ray Shlimon serving contemporary tacos with plenty of veg options. Clean flavors, quick ticket times, and casual seating make it an easy pre-show stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit tacos, Pescado taco, Carne asada taco
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Modern taco board with strong vegan choices.
Who should go: Veg-friendly taco seekers
When to visit: Pre-show 5–7pm to beat the rush
What to order: Jackfruit tacos, pescado taco, carne asada
Insider tip: Order at the counter and grab window seats for faster service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Lower Nob Hill, especially after 6pm. Paid garages are within a few blocks on Sutter and Bush streets.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are fine. Most guests come pre-show or post-work.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly with some background music.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak 6–8pm hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian taco and bowl options.
Vegan options: Yes—several vegan choices including jackfruit tacos and veggie bowls.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and bowls are available; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than romantic dates. It’s laid-back and conversation-friendly but more counter-service than candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only with counter ordering. Small tables and window seats turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy tacos, but limited seating and no high chairs make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, clean tacos with standout vegetarian and vegan options compared to nearby heavier taquerias.
Skip if: You want a full-service dining experience or late-night hours—it’s more of a pre-show or early evening stop.
Chisme Cantina
8.1
Lower Nob Hill counter spot serving contemporary tacos with strong vegan and pescetarian options. Ticket times are quick and flavors skew bright and clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jackfruit tacos, Pescado taco, Carne asada taco
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Modern taco board with well-executed vegan choices.
Who should go: Veg-friendly taco seekers
When to visit: Pre-show 5–7pm to beat the rush
What to order: Jackfruit, pescado, carne asada
Insider tip: Grab window seats for faster counter-to-table turnover.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; metered spots can be tight after 6pm, so plan a few minutes to circle nearby blocks.
Dress code: Casual — jeans and sneakers are fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — lively counter energy but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak 7–9pm hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even at midday rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple taco fillings and sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes — jackfruit and mushroom tacos plus sides make it easy for vegans.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but cross-contact in the small kitchen is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a casual, low-pressure spot — clean flavors, quick service, and a relaxed vibe make it easy to focus on conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served; arriving before 7pm on weekends makes it easiest.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — the casual counter style works for older kids, but limited space and no high chairs means it’s not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Strong vegan and pescetarian taco options with lighter, fresher flavor profiles than many Polk Street taquerias.
Skip if: You want a big group table, late-night hours, or heavy, traditional taco plates — other Polk spots fit those needs better.