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The Little Chihuahua (Noe Valley)
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The Little Chihuahua (Noe Valley)
8.1
Neighborhood counter-service spot with a kids menu and plenty of veg-friendly options. Families come for plantain burritos, pozole, and easy seating along 24th Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Plantain & Black Bean Burrito, House-Made Pozole, Al Pastor Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Kid-friendly menu with standout plantain burritos and pozole.
Who should go: Families needing reliable, veg-friendly Mexican
When to visit: Early dinner before the 24th Street rush
What to order: Plantain burrito, pozole, al pastor tacos
Insider tip: Ask for kids’ menu items—portions and prices suit little diners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along 24th Street and nearby side streets; typically manageable before 6pm but fills up during dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—come as you are, jeans and tees common.
Noise level: Moderate during dinner; lively chatter but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak family dinner hours around 6–7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service and plenty of seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent—many dishes like the plantain burrito and enchiladas are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Yes—multiple options with tofu, veggies, and vegan sauces clearly labeled.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and rice plates are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic date—it’s casual, bustling, and family-oriented. Better suited for relaxed hangs or casual meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service with open seating. Even on weekends, turnover is quick, so no reservation needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—high chairs available, a kids’ menu with mild options, and a welcoming crowd for toddlers and families.
Best For
Better for: Families and vegetarians looking for fast, flavorful Mexican with clean ingredients and easy seating.
Skip if: You want table service, cocktails, or a quiet, date-night setting.
The Little Chihuahua (Noe Valley)
7.9
Neighborhood fast-casual known for thoughtful ingredients and seasonal specials, from salmon tacos to hearty chile verde. Families and stroller crews pack this Noe Valley corner for easy, tasty meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon tacos, Chicken chile verde burrito, Breakfast tacos (weekends)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Local mini-chain with better ingredients and balanced, crowd-pleasing flavors.
Who should go: Families and casual taco fans
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6:30pm for easiest seating
What to order: Salmon tacos, chile verde burrito, breakfast tacos
Insider tip: Weekend brunch menu drops early—ask for breakfast taco combos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Church and surrounding residential blocks; generally available before 6pm but tight during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate—steady background chatter from families and takeout traffic, but you can easily hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak family dining hours, faster for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service and steady turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian tacos, burritos, and enchiladas with fresh produce and beans.
Vegan options: Limited but available—ask for vegan modifications on tacos or bowls; sauces may contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and bowls are gluten-free; cross-contact possible but staff are accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you’re going for a super casual vibe; it’s more of a family-focused, quick-service setting than a romantic one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. It’s counter-order style with self-seating, so turnover is steady and waits are short.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—high chairs, forgiving noise level, and simple menu options like quesadillas and rice plates make it great for toddlers and kids up to about 10.
Best For
Better for: Fresher, higher-quality ingredients and healthier options than most casual taquerias in the area.
Skip if: You’re looking for late-night tacos or a sit-down, bar-forward experience—this is more daytime and early-evening casual dining.
The Little Chihuahua (Noe Valley)
8.2
Noe Valley fast-casual spot known for carefully sourced ingredients and a wider taco range than typical taquerias. Breakfast and salmon tacos broaden the menu beyond the usual, with steady service and family-friendly seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salmon tacos, Carnitas tacos, Chile verde chicken tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Ingredient-forward tacos (including salmon) with a family-friendly setting.
Who should go: Families and ingredient-conscious eaters
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner for shortest waits
What to order: Salmon, carnitas, chile verde chicken tacos
Insider tip: Check brunch hours for breakfast tacos and aguas frescas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 24th Street and nearby residential blocks; metered spots can fill quickly on weekends but turnover is steady.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, tees, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—family chatter and music but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; order moves quickly once seated.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection including plant-based fillings and salads.
Vegan options: Yes—several taco and burrito options with tofu and veggie bases.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas available and most items can be modified; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual or second date; the bright, relaxed space and quick service keep things low-pressure but not overly romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service, so you order first and grab a table; busiest times are weekend brunch and early dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs, flexible menu for picky eaters, and easy stroller access make it a hit with local families.
Best For
Better for: Higher-quality ingredients and broader taco range than standard taquerias; great for health-conscious diners.
Skip if: You want traditional Mission-style burritos or late-night hours—this spot closes early and leans more family-focused.
The Little Chihuahua (Noe Valley)
7.8
Casual Noe Valley spot known for thoughtful sourcing and crowd-pleasing tacos, including reliable fried fish and slow-cooked meats. Family-friendly and consistent with easy neighborhood vibes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Fish Taco, Pollo Asado Taco, Carnitas Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Neighborhood go-to with sustainable leanings and dependable execution.
Who should go: Families and casual taco seekers
When to visit: Early evening before the dinner rush
What to order: Fried fish taco; pollo asado taco; carnitas taco
Insider tip: Kids’ orders come out fast—great for weeknight dinners.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, generally available on 24th Street and nearby residential blocks though can fill during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual neighborhood attire—jeans, tees, and sneakers perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate – energetic during family hours but still easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; line moves steadily with quick turnover.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or brief 5-minute line at counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple tacos, burritos, and bowls with grilled vegetables and cheese options.
Vegan options: Yes – dedicated plant-based proteins and sauces available on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas and several naturally gluten-free fillings clearly labeled.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date—it’s casual counter service—but works well for a relaxed meet-up or low-pressure hangout.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s entirely walk-in. Tables turn quickly, and most guests order at the counter before seating themselves.
Is it kid-friendly? Very much so—staff are used to families, high chairs are available, and the kids’ tacos come out quickly.
Best For
Better for: Dependable, family-friendly tacos with sustainable ingredients and consistent quality.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft cocktails or a full-service sit-down dinner—this is fast-casual and focused on convenience.