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Underdogs Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Underdogs Cantina
8.1
Ballpark-adjacent modern taqueria and sports hub with big screens, cocktails, and a broad taco lineup. Game-day energy meets dependable Cali-Mex standards and late-ish kitchen hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled fish tacos, Carnitas tacos, Chips with salsas trio
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Game-day fueled taqueria with TVs, cocktails, and fast service.
Who should go: Giants fans and groups pre/post game
When to visit: Before first pitch or right after final out
What to order: Fish tacos; carnitas; queso fundido
Insider tip: On Giants days, arrive early—bar seats go first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited near Oracle Park, especially on game days. Paid lots are available on 2nd and Townsend, typically $10–$20 depending on events.
Dress code: Casual and sporty—jerseys, jeans, and sneakers fit right in, especially on game nights.
Noise level: Loud during games with crowd energy and TVs; moderate on non-game days.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes on busy nights or game days; faster turnaround off-season.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait except during office lunch rush around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several taco fillings, quesadillas, and sides can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – a few items like veggie tacos and chips with salsa qualify.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas available; ask staff for safe prep guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into sports and casual vibes—think energetic, not intimate. Better for fun, low-pressure meetups than candlelit dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in friendly. Arrive early on game days or large group nights to snag space before the rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening—casual seating and tacos work well for families. Gets rowdier later when the bar crowd fills in.
Best For
Better for: Lively atmosphere, strong margaritas, and TV visibility make it ideal for sports viewing and casual group hangs.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining, upscale service, or a focused culinary experience without the sports-bar energy.
Underdogs Cantina
8.3
Modern taqueria-sports bar across from Oracle Park turning out griddled tacos and housemade salsas with game-day speed. Night schedules tied to Giants games keep the kitchen running later than most nearby spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Taco Nick’s Way, Grilled Fish Taco, Al Pastor Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Game-night hours with fast taqueria service steps from the ballpark.
Who should go: Fans craving tacos before or after games
When to visit: Giants night games for latest kitchen hours
What to order: Nick’s Way crispy taco; fish taco; carne asada
Insider tip: Head upstairs for a quicker seat and views of the TVs.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce on game nights; nearby paid lots and garages can run $20–40 depending on event schedules. Public transit is the easiest option.
Dress code: Casual and sporty—jerseys, jeans, and ballpark attire fit right in.
Noise level: Loud on game nights with music and TVs; quieter on off days but still lively.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes on busy nights, longer during home games.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter and table turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and sides available, with clear labeling.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 options with modifications (hold cheese/sour cream).
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and some mains are naturally gluten-free, but shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangouts or sports fans than romantic dates; loud and festive vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Expect waits during Giants games; upstairs seating turns faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—lively, casual atmosphere with taco options, but noise and crowds may overwhelm younger children.
Best For
Better for: Great for late-night tacos near Oracle Park with fast pacing and game-day energy.
Skip if: Avoid if seeking a quiet meal, refined service, or broad vegan/healthy options.
Underdogs Cantina
8.3
Modern taqueria-sports bar across from Oracle Park serving griddled tacos, bowls, and house salsas with game-timed hours. Service is efficient, and late closes on night games make it a dependable downtown option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nick’s Way crispy taco, Fish taco, Carne asada taco
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Game-night hours with fast taqueria service steps from Oracle Park.
Who should go: Fans craving tacos around Giants games
When to visit: Night games for latest kitchen hours
What to order: Nick’s Way; fish taco; carne asada
Insider tip: Head upstairs for quicker seating and better TV views.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on game days; nearby paid lots around Oracle Park are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual—ballpark gear, jeans, and sneakers are all common.
Noise level: Loud during games and peak nights; quieter on off-days but still bar-energy.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes if a Giants game is on; shorter on non-game weekends.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait unless a day game overlaps.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several taco and bowl options with veggies, beans, and cheese.
Vegan options: Limited—can request modifications but only a couple true vegan-friendly choices.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items can be served with corn tortillas or as bowls.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for quiet conversation—it’s more lively and sports-focused. Better suited for casual hangs than romantic first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. On game nights, come early or head upstairs for better chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Okay for kids during the day with casual seating and tacos, but evenings and game nights skew bar-heavy and loud.
Best For
Better for: Best for game-day tacos and quick service steps from the ballpark, with energy and TV coverage that competitors lack.
Skip if: If you want a quiet meal, upscale atmosphere, or extensive vegan options, consider alternatives in SoMa.
Underdogs Cantina
8.0
Modern taqueria-sports bar across from Oracle Park with fast service and game-timed hours. Tortillas griddled “Nick’s Way” add crisp edges and melted cheese for sturdy, flavorful tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nick’s Way carne asada tacos, Fish tacos, Al pastor tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Game-night hours and “Nick’s Way” tacos across from the park.
Who should go: Fans and groups around Giants games
When to visit: Post-first pitch or late after final out
What to order: Nick’s Way carne asada, fish, al pastor tacos
Insider tip: Head upstairs for quicker seating and better sightlines.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around Oracle Park is limited and expensive on game days; paid lots in the area typically charge $20–$40 depending on event timing.
Dress code: Casual—fans in jerseys, jeans, and sneakers fit right in. No need to dress up unless heading out afterward.
Noise level: Loud during games with TVs and crowd energy; quieter on off-days, but not ideal for deep conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation on game nights; shorter waits (15–25 min) when no events are scheduled.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially before 12:30 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie tacos, bowls, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—customize bowls or tacos by skipping cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are available, though cross-contact in the kitchen is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys a lively sports-bar vibe. It’s better for casual hangs than romantic dinners.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but waits are long on game nights. Arrive before first pitch or after the final out for the best chance at a walk-in table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during the day and early evenings, with plenty of space and a casual menu. Late nights lean more toward an adult sports-bar crowd.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for groups of fans who want quick tacos and drinks before or after a Giants game.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for a quiet, romantic dinner or if you want traditional, sit-down Mexican dining.
Underdogs Cantina
8.4
Modern taqueria and sports bar across from Oracle Park with a lively happy hour and game-day energy. Street-style tacos, queso fundido, and hearty burritos headline a broad menu backed by a serious tequila program.
Must-Try Dishes:
Queso fundido with roasted pasilla, Street-style tacos (asada/carnitas/pollo), Pozole rojo
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Game-day happy hour with tacos, Tecates, and a full tequila bar.
Who should go: Fans and friends meeting before Giants games
When to visit: First pitch through last pitch or weekday 4–6pm
What to order: Queso fundido; three street tacos; churros
Insider tip: Check the events calendar for Taco Tuesday deals before non-home games.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; paid lots fill quickly on game days. No valet available.
Dress code: Casual—jerseys, jeans, and sneakers welcome. Game-day attire common.
Noise level: High during games and happy hour—expect a lively, bar-style atmosphere with limited quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer during Giants home games.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, except on event days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple taco fillings, burritos, and queso fundido can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 taco options with beans or veggies; modifications needed.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tacos can be served on corn tortillas, but shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or sports-loving couples than romantic dates. The lively, energetic vibe is fun if you’re both into games or tacos, but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait on game days or during peak happy hour. Arrive early or grab a bar seat if you don’t mind standing.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during the day, with a family-friendly menu and casual seating. Evenings, especially during games, skew more adult and bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: Pre-game energy, tequila selection, and a lively group hangout across from Oracle Park.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, refined Mexican dining, or guaranteed quick seating on game days.
Underdogs Cantina
8.6
Modern taqueria-meets-sports bar across from Oracle Park known for Wing Wednesdays and game-day happy hour. Wings come crisp with multiple sauces, and the bar keeps the energy high without sacrificing pace or consistency.
Must-Try Dishes:
$1 Wing Wednesday (Buffalo or Mango Habanero), Queso fundido with chips, Carne asada street taco
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Wing Wednesdays with multiple sauces and true pre/post-game flow.
Who should go: Fans and friends before Giants games
When to visit: Weeknights 4:30–6pm or Wing Wednesday
What to order: Buffalo or Mango Habanero wings; queso fundido; carne asada taco
Insider tip: On game days, arrive early—lines spike 90 minutes pre-first pitch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is metered and fills quickly on game days; nearby paid lots run $20–40 during events, less on non-game nights.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, jerseys, and team gear welcome; no need to dress up.
Noise level: High energy, especially during games—conversation is possible in smaller groups but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; longer on game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, except during conventions or daytime events at Oracle Park.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—queso fundido, veggie tacos, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable tacos with beans and guacamole, but options are fewer.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are available, and wings can be prepared without breading.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet, romantic first date—it’s more about energy and sports-bar vibes. Better for a casual, fun outing if you both enjoy games or wings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait during peak hours and before Giants games. Arrive early or plan for the bar if you don’t mind standing.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during the day—families come for tacos and wings. Evenings, especially game nights, skew louder and more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Game-day energy and Wing Wednesday deals that balance speed with quality.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down dinner, a wide vegan menu, or fine-dining style service.
Underdogs Cantina
8.4
Modern taqueria and sports bar across from Oracle Park with a legit weekday happy hour and taco-focused menu. Crowd energy runs high pre- and post-game, but service stays efficient and the kitchen turns out consistently crisp tacos and bar snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Street Tacos, Mango Habanero Chicken Tacos, Carne Asada Quesa-Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Ballpark-adjacent happy hour with strong taco lineup and fast pacing.
Who should go: Fans and friends before or after Giants games
When to visit: Weekdays 4:30–6pm or during home games
What to order: Al pastor tacos; mango habanero tacos; queso fundido
Insider tip: Lines spike 60–90 minutes pre-first pitch—arrive early for HH seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is tight on game days; nearby garages on 2nd Street or Townsend typically run $15–$25. No valet.
Dress code: Casual—ballpark jerseys, jeans, and sneakers are all common.
Noise level: Loud during pre/post-game hours; conversation possible but expect a lively sports-bar atmosphere.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes near game nights; off-season weekends are shorter at 10–20 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; happy hour draws lines 30–60 minutes before first pitch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie tacos, queso fundido, and sides like chips/guac.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable tacos with beans, guac, and salsa, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; ask staff to confirm prep. Not a certified GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, high-energy outings than intimate dates. Fun if your date is into sports or tacos, but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s first-come-first-serve. Arrive early on game days to avoid the rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening; kids’ portions can be made from tacos and quesadillas. Post-game crowds may skew rowdier.
Best For
Better for: Best for pre/post-game taco runs with a crowd—quick service, affordable tacos, and big group energy.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet dinner, elevated cocktails, or a formal dining experience.
Underdogs Cantina
7.7
Across from Oracle Park, this modern taqueria-sports bar serves Mission-style burritos, street tacos, and kid-friendly picks with speedy game-day service. Large tables, an arcade mezzanine, and a lively room make it easy for groups with children.
Must-Try Dishes:
San Francisco burrito, Crispy taco (Nick’s Way), Street tacos trio
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Ballpark-adjacent taqueria with kids menu, fast pacing, and games.
Who should go: Families before or after Giants games
When to visit: Non-game days or early pregame to avoid crowds
What to order: SF burrito, crispy taco Nick’s Way, chips & guac
Insider tip: Ask for upstairs arcade seating to keep kids entertained.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on game days; nearby garages along 3rd Street and Townsend run $20–$40 depending on events.
Dress code: Casual—jerseys, jeans, and sneakers are common, especially on Giants game days.
Noise level: High during games and peak evenings; moderate on non-game weekdays—conversation is possible but energetic.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer if a game just ended.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 15 minutes unless there’s a daytime game.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several taco, burrito, and nacho options with beans, veggies, or plant-based fillings.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify veggie tacos and burritos, but cheese and sour cream come standard unless requested off.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; some fried items share oil, so best for casual GF diners rather than strict celiacs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date is into sports bars; it’s lively, casual, and better suited for group fun than intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most tables are first come, first served, but plan to wait if it’s within two hours of a Giants home game.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—kids’ menu, high chairs, and an upstairs arcade make it welcoming for families with children ages 4–12.
Best For
Better for: Game-day groups, burrito lovers, and families who want a festive, sports-filled environment with fast service.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet dinner, upscale Mexican cuisine, or a date-night vibe.
Underdogs Cantina
8.0
Modern taqueria-meets-sports bar across from Oracle Park that also turns out solid buffalo-style wings. Sauces span honey garlic to mango habanero, and weekly Wing Wednesday deals keep portions generous for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buffalo Wings, Honey Garlic Wings, Mango Habanero Wings
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Well-executed wing sauces with sports-bar energy and promos.
Who should go: Pre-game groups and wing deal hunters
When to visit: Weeknights or Wing Wednesday evenings
What to order: Buffalo; honey garlic; mango habanero (blue cheese dip)
Insider tip: Arrive 45–60 minutes before first pitch for easier seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and fills quickly on game days; nearest paid garages are on 2nd Street and Townsend (~$15–20).
Dress code: Casual—jerseys, jeans, and ballpark attire fit right in.
Noise level: High during games and Wing Wednesday; moderate on off-peak evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes on game days; shorter on non-event weekends.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, except around Giants day games.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos, quesadillas, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—some tacos can be modified, but options are few.
Gluten-free options: Some tacos are gluten-free with corn tortillas, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than a romantic date—sports-bar energy dominates, but it works for a low-key meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most seating is walk-in, but arrive early on game days or Wing Wednesday to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—families are welcome during the day, but evenings skew loud and bar-focused; best for kids 10+.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for groups who want wings, tacos, and sports-bar energy under one roof with strong game-day vibes.
Skip if: Look elsewhere if you want a quiet meal, a large vegan selection, or fine-dining wings.