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Taqueria Vallarta
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Taqueria Vallarta
8.0
24th Street fixture with a late-night taco line and steam-table classics. Al pastor shaves and offal cuts draw industry folks after shifts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco off the trompo, Cabeza taco, Suadero taco
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Trompo al pastor and offal tacos served deep night.
Who should go: Taco purists and night-shift crews
When to visit: After 10 pm for the busiest taco line
What to order: Al pastor; cabeza; suadero
Insider tip: Order two at a time—trompo slices go fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, with limited availability after 9pm; best bet is nearby residential blocks off 24th.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies, work gear, or post-shift attire all welcome.
Noise level: Loud and lively, especially late at night when music and crowds peak.
Weekend wait: Expect a 10–15 minute wait at the taco line after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—daytime visits are quieter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options—try bean, cheese, or nopales tacos.
Vegan options: Minimal—nopal taco or plain rice and beans possible.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas and are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates authentic street-style tacos and late-night energy—it's more gritty than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter service only with a few standing tables; no reservations accepted or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids at night due to crowd and volume, but fine during daytime for quick tacos.
Best For
Better for: Authentic al pastor off the trompo and true late-night street taco vibes unmatched in the Mission.
Skip if: You want sit-down comfort, margaritas, or a quiet meal—this is a stand-and-eat experience.
Taqueria Vallarta
8.1
24th Street fixture with a deep fillings roster and a speedy grill crew. Popular as an after-hours taco stop with fair pricing and quick turnaround.
Must-Try Dishes:
Trompo al pastor tacos, Lengua tacos, Tripas tacos (when on)
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Broad fillings selection with strong grill char and pace.
Who should go: Late-night taco purists
When to visit: Post-bar hours for fastest counter service
What to order: Al pastor; lengua; tripas if you like crispy
Insider tip: Order first, then hit the salsa bar to customize heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, typically available within a few blocks but can be tight on weekends and late nights.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are, jeans and tees are standard.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is possible but expect background chatter and grill sizzle.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours; counter line moves fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or minimal line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — beans, cheese, and grilled veggie options available.
Vegan options: Limited — can customize bean tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — corn tortillas used, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates street-style taco joints — it’s more casual and fun than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-up only with counter seating and a few tables that turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle a casual, fast-moving space; no high chairs or table service.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs, quick bites, and adventurous fillings like tripas or lengua.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal with drinks or a quiet dining experience — try a full-service taqueria instead.
Taqueria Vallarta
8.2
24th Street favorite with a late-night taco bar and a trompo for al pastor. Prices stay friendly, portions are fair, and the grill crew keeps tacos moving well past midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor off the trompo, Chorizo taco, Lengua taco
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Late-night taco bar with spinning al pastor and deep fillings list.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco purists
When to visit: After bars let out—lines move fast
What to order: Al pastor, chorizo, lengua
Insider tip: Order tacos first, then hit the salsa bar for heat control.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect limited availability after 8pm along 24th Street and side streets. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; hoodies and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Lively — bustling grill sounds and chatter; conversation possible but loud at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes around midnight; line moves steadily.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief line during off-hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — nopales (cactus), rajas, and bean tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of plant-based fillings, though shared grill space.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas used, but not certified gluten-free due to shared surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a date is standing shoulder-to-shoulder at the salsa bar at midnight — fun for adventurous eaters, not for quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-up only with counter seating and a few standing tables; grab tacos and find a curb spot if it’s packed.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime hours, yes — quick service and simple food. Late-night crowd and tight space make it less ideal for young kids.
Best For
Better for: Al pastor off the trompo and true late-night hours — perfect when others have closed.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down meal, cocktails, or quieter ambience.
Taqueria Vallarta
8.1
24th Street favorite with a spinning trompo and a deep fillings list. Friendly prices and late hours make it a reliable taco run after bars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor from trompo, Lengua taco, Chorizo taco
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Late-night taqueria with trompo al pastor and quick grill crew.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco purists
When to visit: Post-bar rush; lines move fast
What to order: Al pastor, lengua, chorizo tacos
Insider tip: Order first, then load up at the salsa bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along 24th Street and nearby side streets; meters run until 10pm and can be scarce after 8pm on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are in jeans, sneakers, or late-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversations are possible but expect background chatter and sizzling grill sounds.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for takeout orders; up to 15 minutes for dine-in during peak bar hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is counter-style and fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – cheese, bean, and grilled veggie tacos are available.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Mostly – corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date appreciates casual taco runs—it's more about flavor than ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-up only. Seating is counter and communal, so expect to stand during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, during daytime hours; casual service and mild tacos work fine for families, though late-night crowds can be rowdy.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco cravings and budget-friendly eats with authentic al pastor off the trompo.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet, sit-down experience or need extensive vegetarian/vegan options.