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Garaje
Master Critic Reviews (11 Lists)
Garaje
7.9
Casual counter joint (since 2013) slinging Cali-Mex mash-ups, burgers, and craft beer to a tech-and-game-day crowd. It’s unfussy, fast, and reliably fun before or after Oracle Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Zapato, Ahi tuna taco, Cheeseburger
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Signature ‘Zapato’ sandwiches and tacos fuel lively crowds.
Who should go: Pre-game crews and casual eaters
When to visit: Early evening before first-pitch rush
What to order: Steak Zapato; tuna taco; fries
Insider tip: Lines shrink after the first inning on game nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tough during events at Oracle Park; best bet is metered spots on Bryant or paid garages nearby on 2nd and Townsend.
Dress code: Completely casual — jerseys, hoodies, and tech-casual attire fit right in.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat, especially during game days; not ideal for deep conversation but great for social energy.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes before Giants games; shorter later in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually quick counter service, under 10 minutes to order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie Zapato, fries, and a few meatless tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify a few tacos or fries, but core menu is meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep, though some tacos are corn-based and can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual, no-frills spots — it’s fun and lively but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service only, so no reservations needed; just grab a table when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, for older kids or teens — casual and fast, but limited seating and bar crowd during games.
Best For
Better for: More inventive and satisfying than typical ballpark-adjacent burger joints; the Cali-Mex mashups stand out.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet dining, healthy fare, or gluten-free reliability — it’s more about flavor and fun than restraint.
Garaje
8.2
SOMA hangout serving NorCal-Mex mashups—think vampiro-style tacos, burgers with Mexican flavors, and hefty burritos. Casual counter service and craft beers make it a go-to for quick, flavorful meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vampiro tacos, California burrito, Carne asada fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: California-Mex comfort food with signature vampiro shells.
Who should go: Casual eaters who like bold, hearty plates
When to visit: Weekdays for lunch or early dinner rush
What to order: Vampiro tacos; carne asada fries; house burrito
Insider tip: Go early—counter lines spike right at noon.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered spots on Bryant and Brannan fill up quickly during lunch hours. No valet or private lot available.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, tees, and sneakers are the norm. Expect a laid-back crowd coming from nearby offices or tech hubs.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak lunch hours; quieter mid-afternoon. Not ideal for deep conversation but fine for casual chats.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during dinner rush if dining in; faster for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Expect a 10–15 minute wait at peak noon hours; otherwise minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetarian tacos, fries, and burritos available. No dedicated menu section but staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be customized (e.g., hold cheese and crema) but no dedicated vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: Partially—vampiro-style tacos and burrito bowls can be made gluten-free, but cross-contamination possible in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a low-key, no-frills vibe. The energy is fun and lively, but it’s more street-food casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Garaje doesn’t take reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served, with communal tables that turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Mostly yes—no dedicated kids’ menu, but portions are shareable and staff are welcoming to families during daytime hours. Best for ages 8 and up due to tight space and bar crowd later in the day.
Best For
Better for: Creative, hearty NorCal-Mex mashups and quick service with character—it beats most taquerias for variety and portion size.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet ambiance, traditional Mexican authenticity, or refined plating—try nearby Merkado for a more upscale experience.
Garaje
8.0
Low-frills SoMa counter joint known for creative tacos—think tuna, carnitas, and Baja styles—plus late-commuter friendly evening hours most weekdays. Orders move quickly and portions land well for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ahi Tuna Taco, El Camino Taco (carne asada), Baja Fish Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Inventive taco lineup at counter-service speed and pricing.
Who should go: After-work diners needing fast tacos
When to visit: Weeknights 5–8 pm for shortest waits
What to order: Ahi taco; El Camino; Baja fish
Insider tip: Grab a high-top near the entrance for fastest turnover.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tough during peak evening hours, especially on game nights or weekends.
Dress code: Casual; come as you are—jeans and sneakers are fine.
Noise level: Moderate; music and chatter give it energy, but you can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like veggie tacos and customizable burritos.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 taco options can be made vegan with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Not guaranteed; corn tortillas available but no dedicated gluten-free prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangouts than formal dates—it's fast, lively, and affordable but lacks a romantic vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; it's counter-service only, so no reservations needed. Seating is first come, first served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle a casual, bustling environment. No kids’ menu or high chairs provided.
Best For
Better for: Fast, creative tacos at budget-friendly prices with quick turnover—ideal for solo diners and groups on the go.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking a quiet sit-down dinner, a large group table, or extensive dietary accommodations.
Garaje
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late Night Legends
Counter-service spot slinging drive-in style cheeseburgers with quick tickets and fair pricing alongside a deep taco board. A reliable after-work bite in South Beach with lines that move fast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single Drive-In Style Cheeseburger, Double Drive-In Style Cheeseburger, Seasoned Fries
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Smash-style burgers at counter speed with solid pricing.
Who should go: After-work diners near the ballpark
When to visit: Weeknights 7–9 pm for steady flow
What to order: Single or Double Drive-In; fries; a salsa side
Insider tip: Grab a high-top near the entrance for fastest turnover.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking—spaces open up after work hours but can be tough on game nights; no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and ballpark gear all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate—music and chatter give it energy, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak ballpark nights; otherwise 10–15 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; fast-moving counter line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie tacos and sides available, but burger menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Limited—may cobble together a vegan taco or fries, but not a full entrée lineup.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos can be served on corn tortillas; burgers do not have gluten-free buns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—this is more about speed, affordability, and casual energy. Better for a laid-back meet-up than an intimate night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only, so you simply order and grab a seat. High-tops and stools turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens—it’s casual and quick. Younger kids may find the stools and louder room less comfortable.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and cheaper pricing than sit-down burger joints nearby, with tacos as a bonus crossover option.
Skip if: Skip if you want a long sit-down meal, gourmet toppings, or quieter dining—this is more about speed and value.
Garaje
8.0
South Beach counter joint known for creative tacos alongside smash-style burgers; pricing stays friendly and orders move fast. A practical pre- or post-ballpark stop with consistent flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
El Camino taco, Baja fish taco, Carnitas taco
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Creative taco board at counter speed near the ballpark.
Who should go: After-work and pre-game diners
When to visit: Weeknights 5–8 pm for the shortest waits
What to order: El Camino; Baja fish; carnitas
Insider tip: High-tops near the entrance turn over fastest on game days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tight in South Beach, especially on game days; no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and caps are common; ballpark gear fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate—busy counter chatter and music, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak pre-game times; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several taco and burger options can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 tacos with plant-based fillings if you skip cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos can be served on corn tortillas, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—it’s more a casual, fast-paced spot better for quick bites or low-key hangs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Garaje doesn’t take reservations. High-tops and counters turn over quickly, especially outside game hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but the space is tight and better suited for older kids; no high chairs or kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Fast, creative tacos and smash burgers at budget-friendly prices near Oracle Park.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, sit-down meal with table service or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.
Garaje
8.1
South Beach favorite blending creative tacos with a laid-back beer-bar vibe. Expect crispy Baja fish and signature combos alongside quick counter service before or after Oracle Park.
Must-Try Dishes:
El Camino Taco, Baja Fish Taco, Skirt Steak Asada Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Creative taco board with efficient counter pacing near the ballpark.
Who should go: Pre-game or after-work taco seekers
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7 pm to beat game crowds
What to order: El Camino, Baja fish, skirt steak tacos
Insider tip: Lines dip right after first pitch on Giants home games.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and tight on game days; nearby paid lots are the safer bet.
Dress code: Casual — jeans and tees are fine, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially pre-game and during busy after-work hours; conversations are doable but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes, longer if there’s a Giants home game.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before noon; short line moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — items like mushroom tacos and veggie plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited — can build from veggie tacos without dairy toppings.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available and naturally gluten-free; burgers are not GF-friendly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than romantic dates — the energy is lively and informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they’re walk-in only; counter ordering means tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who can handle a loud environment; no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Creative tacos and quick counter service steps from Oracle Park, plus affordable prices compared to sit-down taquerias.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet meal, formal dining, or a wide range of vegan/gluten-free options.
Garaje
7.8
SoMa counter spot mixing Mexican-inspired tacos and the cult-favorite ‘zapato’ burrito-panini hybrid with a solid beer list. Casual happy-hour friendly hours make it an easy wallet-friendly stop before or after work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Zapato, Grilled fish taco, Gordito Zapato
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Craft-beer bar energy with Mexican-leaning tacos and ‘zapato’ sandwiches.
Who should go: After-work crews on a budget
When to visit: Weekdays right at open or early evening
What to order: Carnitas Zapato; fish taco; chips and salsa
Insider tip: Order at the counter, then head upstairs for more seating and faster pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in SoMa is limited and metered; nearby paid garages available but can fill during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations possible but expect bar-style background noise.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for a table; faster if you head upstairs.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; counter ordering keeps things moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and meatless zapato options available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 taco fillings can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos are naturally gluten-free with corn tortillas, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than romantic dates—great if you both enjoy craft beer and street-style food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed; order at the counter and grab seating upstairs or downstairs.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—casual setup and tacos they’ll enjoy, but no high chairs or kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable Mexican-inspired eats paired with craft beer in a casual setting.
Skip if: You want fine dining, quiet conversation, or a polished cocktail program.
Garaje
7.8
Casual SoMa counter spot known for craft beer, tacos, and its cult-favorite ‘zapato’ burrito-panini hybrid. Happy-hour-friendly hours and quick service make it an easy, budget-friendly taco stop after work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Street Tacos, Fish Tacos, Zapato (taco fillings in toasted roll)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Counter-order tacos with solid beer list and quick HH pace.
Who should go: After-work crews on a budget
When to visit: Right at open or early evening on weekdays
What to order: Carnitas tacos; fish tacos; zapato
Insider tip: Order downstairs, then grab an upstairs table for faster pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in SoMa; expect metered spots or nearby paid garages, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and work clothes are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate—music and bar chatter, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes at peak, especially if upstairs seating fills up.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie tacos, nachos, and zapato variations are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify some tacos or nachos, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are available; limited cross-contamination precautions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic date—better for casual meetups or low-key hangouts over tacos and beer.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only, so just order and grab a seat; upstairs tables move quicker.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—casual and quick service, but no kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Garaje is great for affordable tacos, casual bites, and a wide craft beer list in a laid-back setting.
Skip if: Skip if you want a polished sit-down experience, quieter ambiance, or expansive vegan/gluten-free menus.
Garaje
7.9
SoMa counter-service spot blending Mexican street-food staples with playful specials—think ahi tuna tacos and loaded burritos—at wallet-friendly prices. Casual setup and quick pacing work well for families before events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ahi tuna taco, El Camino taco, Como Se Llama sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Creative tacos and burritos at counter-service speed and pricing.
Who should go: Parents needing fast, affordable dinner
When to visit: Weekdays before 6 pm for shortest lines
What to order: Ahi tuna taco, El Camino taco, carne asada fries
Insider tip: Order at the counter, grab a high-top near the entrance for quickest turnover.
Garaje
8.2
Counter-service favorite near the ballpark turning out crispy, golden fries to back its tacos and burgers. Portions are generous and the fry stays crunchy even under salsa or cheese.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shoestring Fries with house salsa, Carne asada fries add-on, “Zapato” with fries on the side
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Crisp fries that hold up to sauces and heftier toppings.
Who should go: Pre- or post-game eaters on a clock
When to visit: Late lunch or after 7:30 pm
What to order: Fries with chipotle crema; carne asada fries; burger + fries
Insider tip: Lines drop during inning breaks—time your order accordingly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be tough on game days; nearby paid lots usually run $10–$20.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, jerseys, and ballpark gear all welcome.
Noise level: Lively, especially during games—conversation possible but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes around first pitch, shorter after 8 pm.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes, faster outside peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plain fries and some sides can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—basic fries work, but toppings are cheese- and meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep; fries are gluten-friendly but cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts or post-game bites—fun energy but not ideal for a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter service only; seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual setup and shareable portions, though noise and crowds can overwhelm very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Generous fry portions and toppings that hold up to sauce—great with beers and tacos nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal or strict dietary accommodations.
Garaje
8.1
South Beach’s casual beer bar pumps out flavorful tacos alongside its cult-favorite “zapato” sandwiches. Expect quick counter service, lively crowds, and well-seasoned fillings like Baja fish and skirt steak.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Taco, Skirt Steak Asada Taco, Thai Prawn Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Beer-friendly taco lineup with bold flavors and fast pacing.
Who should go: Pre- or post-game eaters near Oracle Park
When to visit: Late lunch or after 7:30 pm
What to order: Baja fish, skirt steak asada, house salsas
Insider tip: Lines shrink outside inning breaks on game days.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive near Oracle Park, especially on game days. Paid garages within 2–3 blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and ballpark attire all work fine.
Noise level: Lively to loud—expect bar chatter and game-day energy; conversations may require raised voices at peak times.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes, longer if a Giants game just let out
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–10 minutes, though it can spike during ballpark lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian taco options and customizable toppings are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can adapt some tacos by omitting cheese/crema, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more casual and rowdy than romantic—better for a fun, low-pressure meet-up than an intimate date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Garaje is walk-in only with counter ordering. Expect lines to move quickly outside of game-day surges.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy tacos and casual dining, but it’s more of a bar crowd environment; not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Garaje is excellent for hearty tacos with bold flavors, fast service, and a beer-focused hangout before or after a game.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking quiet conversation, polished table service, or a formal dining atmosphere.