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Merkado
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Merkado
8.6
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Stylish South Beach cantina offering agave-driven cocktails and refined Mexican plates with a spacious patio. Popular for pre-game dinners and business-friendly gatherings near the ballpark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short rib birria, Shrimp aguachile, Carnitas platter
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Agave-forward bar program and polished plates steps from the park.
Who should go: Clients, groups, and pre-game diners
When to visit: Happy hour to early dinner before games
What to order: Birria; aguachile; carnitas
Insider tip: Request the patio; it books quickly in nice weather.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Townsend and Brannan; nearby paid lots along 2nd Street and under the I-80 ramp. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—button-downs or blouses fit right in; jeans are fine but skip athletic wear.
Noise level: Lively but manageable; indoor bar area can get loud, while the patio remains conversational.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like grilled vegetable tacos, queso fundido, and salads are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 modifiable dishes such as guacamole and veggie tacos without cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn-based items dominate; staff can flag gluten-free dishes easily.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re going for a fun, energetic vibe rather than intimacy. The patio and cocktails create a relaxed, lively setting ideal for breaking the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but reservations are strongly recommended on weekends and game days. Walk-ins can usually snag bar seats or a patio table during off-peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids are welcome during lunch or early dinner, but it skews adult after 7pm with a buzzy cocktail crowd.
Best For
Better for: Upscale ambiance and cocktails make it stronger for client lunches or group outings than casual taquerias nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking late-night eats or traditional, hole-in-the-wall Mexican—try La Palma or Papito instead.
Merkado
8.2
Tequila- and mezcal-focused Mexican restaurant one block from the ballpark with a well-priced happy hour (Tue–Fri 3–6pm and during Giants home games). Snacks, flautas, and Mission Bay pork shoulder pair with classic MRKDO margaritas on the patio.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flautas with potato purée, Mission Bay pork shoulder taco, Quesadilla with queso Oaxaca
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Ballpark-timed happy hour with tequila-forward cocktails and bites.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers pre- or post-game
When to visit: Tue–Fri 3–6pm or Giants home games
What to order: MRKDO Margarita; flautas; chimichurri fries
Insider tip: On game days, happy hour runs from first to last pitch—grab patio seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; paid lots available around Oracle Park ($10–$20 on game days).
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and jerseys fine on game days, but many lean dressy casual for evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially during happy hour and Giants games—conversations possible but raised voices may be needed outdoors.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on game days.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; bar and patio open seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several dishes like chimichurri fries, flautas, and veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 adaptable items; staff can omit cheese and crema on some plates.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas and certain mains are gluten-free; ask staff for details.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re looking for a lively and casual vibe. The patio and cocktails make it fun, though it may be a bit loud for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays, but expect waits on game days and peak happy hours. Patio and bar seats are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? It skews more toward adults with cocktails and game-day crowds, but kids are welcome on the patio during daytime hours. No special kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Perfect for tequila and mezcal cocktails, pre-game gatherings, and outdoor happy hour with groups.
Skip if: If you’re seeking a quiet dinner, extensive vegan options, or a formal dining experience.
Merkado
8.2
Tequila- and mezcal-forward Mexican spot one block from the ballpark with a well-priced happy hour and patio seating. Tacos land with bright salsas and the bar program is a draw for pre- and post-game meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Baja Fish Tacos, Mission Bay Pork Shoulder Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Ballpark-timed HH with strong agave program and patio tacos.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers and pre-game groups
When to visit: Tue–Fri 3–6pm or on Giants home dates
What to order: Carnitas tacos; Baja fish tacos; MRKDO margarita
Insider tip: Bar rail moves fastest during HH—grab stools for quicker rounds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; garages on Townsend and 3rd offer paid spots, but expect game-day surcharges.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and sneakers fine, but many guests dress a bit elevated for cocktails and patio dining.
Noise level: Moderate to high; conversation is possible but game-day energy and bar buzz can raise volume.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on Giants home games.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; easy seating early in service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie taco options and sides like esquites and guacamole.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 tacos and sides can be modified, but most plates include cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the patio and tequila-focused bar create a lively but stylish setting, though it leans louder than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually on weekdays; on game nights or peak happy hour, arrive early as bar seats fill fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults; no dedicated kids’ menu, though older kids may enjoy tacos on earlier evenings.
Best For
Better for: A polished agave cocktail program and game-day happy hour scene compared to more casual taquerias.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or a purely family-focused spot.