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Azúcar Lounge
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Azúcar Lounge
7.9
Cocktail-forward SoMa spot serving Mexican street-food standards with weekday promos and a popular happy hour. It’s a reliable choice for tacos and drinks before shows along the 9th & Folsom corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Veggie/Meat Nacho Wednesday
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Mixes strong agave cocktails with street-food tacos and weekly deals.
Who should go: Friends meeting for drinks plus tacos
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for best pricing
What to order: Al pastor tacos; carne asada; house margarita
Insider tip: Order at the bar during HH—food tickets move faster from there.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, limited after 6pm near 9th & Folsom; nearby paid lots on 10th Street usually have space.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers fine, but most patrons dress up a bit for cocktails.
Noise level: Lively during happy hour and weekends—conversation possible but expect background bar buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; casual walk-in service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie tacos and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited – can request modifications but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes – several items made with corn tortillas; no dedicated prep zone.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or second dates—fun atmosphere, strong drinks, but volume can rise as the night goes on.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins welcome; arrive early during happy hour or expect to stand near the bar until a table opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids; primarily a cocktail lounge environment with adult crowd after 6pm.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward happy hour with legit tacos and upbeat crowd energy.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet sit-down dinner or extensive vegan options.
Azúcar Lounge
8.2
Tequila-first lounge with a posted happy hour and a taco-centric menu. Dim, colorful interiors and booth seating favor small groups sharing plates and rounds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Carne asada tacos, Queso + chips
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cocktail-driven taco spot with consistent weeknight happy hour deals.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers sharing tacos
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for HH and seating
What to order: Carnitas tacos; asada tacos; mezcal margarita
Insider tip: Slide into a booth near the bar for faster refills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; spots can be scarce after 6pm. Paid garages nearby on 9th and Mission.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans fine but many lean slightly dressy for night-out vibes.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy for group chats, tougher for quiet one-on-one conversation after 7pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; faster if you’re flexible at the bar.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening venue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several taco fillings and apps are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 tacos can be modified, but not a dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many tacos and plates can be made on corn tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, colorful spot with tequila cocktails and shareable tacos. Less ideal if you need a quiet setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? On weeknights, walk-ins often succeed before 7pm. On weekends, reservations are recommended to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—dim lounge vibe and tequila focus cater to adults. Teens fine with parents, but not ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Tequila cocktails and a girls-night-out vibe; better ambiance and cocktail program than most taco bars nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, large family seating, or broad vegan options.
Azúcar Lounge
7.8
A SoMa standby for tequila, mezcal, and shareable street-food plates with a posted happy hour menu. Dim, colorful interiors and booth seating make it easy for casual rounds and small plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Churros
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Tequila-forward lounge with dedicated HH pricing.
Who should go: Cocktail-first small groups
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for HH and seating
What to order: Carnitas tacos; queso + chips; mezcal margarita
Insider tip: Slide into a booth near the bar for faster refills.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoMa can be tight after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 5th and Mission are more reliable.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but groups often dress up a bit for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively – good for groups, but not ideal if you need quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service – opens later in the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie tacos, quesadillas, and small plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few plant-based taco options, but menu skews toward meat and cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortilla–based dishes and select mains are gluten-free friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, social vibe than an intimate first date. Fun atmosphere if you both like tequila and small plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – smaller groups can usually snag a booth or high-top during happy hour, though weekends may require some wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really – it’s more of a cocktail-forward lounge environment. Best suited for adults 21+.
Best For
Better for: Great for tequila and mezcal lovers who want a casual lounge setting with solid happy hour pricing.
Skip if: If you’re after a quiet dinner, family-friendly setting, or extensive vegan options, consider alternatives nearby.
Azúcar Lounge
7.8
Cocktail-forward SoMa hangout pairing agave drinks with street-style tacos and shareables. Ideal for groups looking to pair tacos with margaritas before nearby nightlife.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Carne asada tacos, Shrimp tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Bar-driven energy with a focused taco lineup and lively scene.
Who should go: Friends meeting for drinks plus tacos
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for easier seating
What to order: Carnitas; shrimp; asada tacos
Insider tip: Grab a booth early—bar traffic spikes as the night builds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages available on 9th and Mission.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are fine, but many guests dress up for the nightlife vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak evenings with music and bar chatter; moderate on weeknights before 7pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—open evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and shareable appetizers available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options, customization recommended.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas and select items are naturally gluten-free, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, fun night than an intimate date—the lively bar scene can make conversation tricky.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait on weekends; walk-ins usually seated faster before 7pm on weekdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—primarily a cocktail lounge with a nightlife focus, better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward taco nights and group gatherings before hitting SoMa nightlife.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, family-friendly setting, or large menu of traditional Mexican plates.
Azúcar Lounge
7.8
Cocktail-forward SoMa hangout pairing agave drinks with street-food staples—tacos, quesadillas, and churros—at approachable prices. A lively choice for groups before or after nearby venues.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Carne Asada Quesadilla, Churros
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Bar-driven energy with a solid taco lineup downtown.
Who should go: Friends meeting for drinks plus tacos
When to visit: Fri–Sat evenings for peak buzz and full menu
What to order: Carnitas tacos; asada quesadilla; churros
Insider tip: Snag a booth early—bar traffic spikes after 9pm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around 9th & Folsom; nearby paid lots are available, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean dressy given the cocktail focus.
Noise level: Lively and often loud after 9pm; conversation is easier earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but lunch service is more limited.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos, quesadillas, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—options include chips, guacamole, and some modified taco fillings.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, though kitchen is shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re looking for a lively, cocktail-forward vibe, but not ideal for intimate conversation during peak weekend hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—early evening walk-ins usually succeed, but later nights benefit from reservations due to bar traffic.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—Azúcar is bar-focused and best suited for adults; kids are uncommon, especially after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail variety and a buzzy social scene compared to more food-focused taquerias.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner or a family-friendly environment—choose a traditional taqueria instead.
Azúcar Lounge
8.0
Cocktail-forward SoMa lounge pairing agave spirits with street-style tacos and late-night energy. Locals use it for post-work rounds, shareable plates, and a lively indoor setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Al pastor tacos, Churros
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Agave-driven bar program with legit tacos under one roof.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers who crave tacos
When to visit: Weekdays 5–7 pm for happy hour
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, churros
Insider tip: Snag a high-top near the bar for faster rounds and food.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoMa is limited and fills quickly after 6 pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and nice tops are fine, but most guests lean a bit dressy for the cocktail lounge vibe.
Noise level: Lively and loud—expect music and chatter to dominate; not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8 pm.
Weekday lunch: Closed during lunch; opens late afternoon for happy hour and dinner.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several taco fillings and appetizers are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options like veggie tacos without cheese, but not a dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be made gluten-free (corn tortillas, certain proteins), but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re going for fun energy and strong cocktails; the lively atmosphere suits casual, upbeat dates rather than intimate ones.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible during weekdays if you arrive early for happy hour, but weekends after 7 pm usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—it's primarily a cocktail lounge with a bar-forward focus, best for adults and groups rather than families.
Best For
Better for: Better for cocktail-forward taco nights and lively group gatherings than most casual taquerias.
Skip if: Skip if you want quiet dining, a broad vegan selection, or a family-friendly environment.
Azúcar Lounge
8.1
Cocktail-first lounge with a taco-heavy menu and late weekend hours. Works for groups starting with margaritas and ending with plates of carnitas or fish tacos before midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Baja Fish Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Bar-forward spot where good tacos meet strong margaritas.
Who should go: Friends mixing drinks with tacos
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 9pm for peak energy
What to order: Carnitas, Baja fish, carne asada tacos
Insider tip: Slide into the lounge side for faster bites when the bar is slammed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in SoMa, especially after 7pm; nearby paid garages like the 5th & Mission garage are your best bet.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly dressy given the cocktail lounge vibe.
Noise level: Lively to loud—conversation is possible with friends but not ideal for intimate chats.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for larger groups without a reservation after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: N/A - closed during lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple taco fillings and appetizers can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 options if you skip cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos can be served on corn tortillas; no separate prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to fun, casual dates where energy is high—expect a cocktail lounge feel rather than quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are common, but larger parties on weekends should expect to wait unless booked ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids—this is primarily a 21+ cocktail lounge with late-night hours and a party atmosphere.
Best For
Better for: Stronger cocktail program and lounge vibe than many taco spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or a family-friendly environment; choose a sit-down taqueria instead.
Azúcar Lounge
7.9
Casual SoMa spot for Mexican street-food staples, margaritas, and mezcal with quick service before concerts or nights out. Locals come for tacos, churros, and a lively room that works for groups and happy hour.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito, Churros with chocolate
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Street-food menu with strong agave program in a lively lounge.
Who should go: Groups seeking cocktails and tacos
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for happy hour
What to order: Al pastor tacos; carne asada burrito; churros
Insider tip: Arrive early for easier parking and faster bar service.