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Gordo Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Gordo Taqueria
8.0
Long-running counter-service classic where crispy tacos, grilled meats, and quick lines make it a reliable late-evening stop in the Central Richmond. Expect no-frills seating, friendly pace, and consistent seasoning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas crispy taco, Grilled chicken soft taco, Chile verde taco
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Decades-strong SF taqueria with fast, filling tacos.
Who should go: Grab-and-go taco loyalists
When to visit: After 8pm for the quickest pickup
What to order: Carnitas crispy taco, chicken taco, side of salsa
Insider tip: Crispy tacos keep their crunch best if eaten on-site.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Geary Boulevard and side streets is generally available but can be tight during dinner rush; no private lot.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most guests wear everyday street clothes or work attire.
Noise level: Moderate—expect steady counter chatter and takeout orders but easy enough for short conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for counter orders; seating may be limited.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the line can briefly form around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos or burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—bean tacos or veggie burritos without cheese or sour cream can be made vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn tortillas are gluten-free, but cross-contact with flour tortillas may occur.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a quick-service taco stop than a sit-down spot, though it works for a casual bite or post-beach snack.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations; just order at the counter and grab an open seat if available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, fast service, and quick turnover make it fine for families with older kids; limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling tacos and burritos on a tight budget—ideal for solo diners or late-night cravings.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down ambiance, bar service, or a group dining setting.
Gordo Taqueria
8.1
Richmond District standby for fast, generously filled burritos and crispy tacos at wallet-friendly prices. Locals lean on the Geary outpost for quick counter service and consistent flavors late into the evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Super Burrito, Crispy Taco (Chile Verde), Carne Asada Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Decades-strong SF taqueria known for fast, filling burritos.
Who should go: Budget-minded burrito loyalists
When to visit: Early dinner or late evening for shortest lines
What to order: Carnitas super burrito, crispy chile verde taco, quesadilla
Insider tip: Crispy tacos travel best if you’re taking it to-go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Geary can be competitive during peak hours, but you’ll usually find a spot within a block or two on side streets after 7pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are in jeans, sweats, or post-gym attire.
Noise level: Moderate bustle from the counter and kitchen; easy for solo diners or quick chats but not for extended conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes during peak rush; line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; expect fast turnaround even at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and quesadillas are popular picks.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize bean burritos or tacos without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn tortillas available, but cross-contact with flour tortillas is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date’s love language is burritos—better for casual hangouts or quick post-movie bites.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter service only; grab a seat if available, or take it to go. Tables turn fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle casual seating and quick bites; no booster seats or kids’ menu provided.
Best For
Better for: Burrito consistency, speed, and value—among the best in the Richmond for quick Mexican comfort.
Skip if: You’re after sit-down dining, margaritas, or elaborate regional Mexican fare—try Tommy’s or Tia Margarita instead.
Gordo Taqueria
7.8
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Long-running local spot known for simple, well-seasoned tacos and efficient counter service. Open later on weekends, it’s a practical move for quick tacos on Geary without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy taco (pork chile verde), Carnitas soft taco, Al pastor soft taco
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Decades-strong neighborhood taqueria with weekend late hours.
Who should go: Budget taco seekers on Geary
When to visit: Thu–Sat late evening for extended hours
What to order: Crispy taco chile verde; carnitas; al pastor
Insider tip: Crispy tacos travel best—order those if taking to-go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Geary; spots open up more easily after 8:30pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and ballcaps fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation easy unless during late-night rush.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes max; counter moves quickly even when busy.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; orders out in under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos or burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—bean and veggie options can be made vegan by omitting cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but prep area is shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more of a quick counter stop than a linger-over-meal spot. Better for casual hangouts.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always. It’s walk-up counter service with a few dine-in seats; turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple menu, quick service, and casual seating, though no high chairs or kids’ specials.
Best For
Better for: Faster turnaround and lower prices than most taco spots nearby—ideal for quick late-night cravings.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, long meals, or sit-down ambiance—opt for Tia Margarita instead.
Gordo Taqueria
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Classic Mission-style burritos rolled to order since 1977, with well-seasoned carnitas and balanced salsas that keep lines steady all day. Locals hit the Geary counter for consistent, fast comfort wrapped in foil.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Super Burrito (dorado on request), Chile Verde Burrito, Chicken Super with Pico
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Old-school SF burrito institution with quick, made-to-order builds.
Who should go: Burrito traditionalists and value seekers
When to visit: Late lunch 1:30–3:30pm to skip peak lines
What to order: Carnitas Super, Chile Verde, Chicken Super
Insider tip: Ask for a light toast (“dorado”) for a crisped tortilla.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Geary and nearby side streets; easier before 6pm but can fill fast during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, or beachwear all fine.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch peaks with steady order calls; easy for conversation off-peak.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes during prime hours, mostly for takeout line turnover.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 5 minutes unless the local high school crowd hits at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, rice, and veggie burritos available; can add guac or cheese.
Vegan options: Yes but limited—request no cheese or sour cream; rice is vegetarian-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no gluten-free tortillas, but burrito bowls are an option.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—this is foil-wrapped, counter-seat dining. Better suited for casual hangs or quick bites together.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations here; order at the counter and grab one of the few tables or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, fast service, and affordable portions make it easy for families with kids who like mild flavors.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and tighter burrito wrapping than most Richmond competitors; great consistency and pricing.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down meal with ambiance or craft cocktails—this is classic taqueria speed and function.
Gordo Taqueria
7.6
Long-running Richmond staple serving simple, crispy tacos alongside burritos and plates. It’s a speedy, satisfying standby where the value proposition stays strong.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy Carnitas Taco, Crispy Chile Verde Taco, Crispy Shredded Chicken Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-strong counter spot with crunchy, made-to-order tacos.
Who should go: Speed seekers and value hunters
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for minimal waits
What to order: Carnitas, chile verde, shredded chicken crispy tacos
Insider tip: Geary location offers salads/bowls if you want a lighter format.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Geary and nearby side streets; easier before dinner rush but fills fast after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and baseball caps are perfectly normal.
Noise level: Moderate during meal peaks; counter chatter and sizzling grill sounds keep it lively but not overwhelming.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for pickup orders; seating turnover is quick.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—service is fast even at peak noon hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and cheese tacos, veggie burritos, and rice plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize bean tacos or burritos without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn tortillas are gluten-free, but kitchen uses shared surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—it’s more of a quick, casual taco counter than a sit-down experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t accepted; counter seating and small tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families with kids who enjoy simple tacos and burritos; high chairs not guaranteed.
Best For
Better for: Quick-service value tacos and burritos that still taste fresh and homemade.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft cocktails, large dining groups, or extended table service.