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Taqueria Zorro
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Taqueria Zorro
8.2
Counter-service staple turning out late-night tacos at wallet-friendly prices. Orders move fast and portions land generous, making it a go-to after North Beach shows or bar hops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Shrimp Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Reliable, late-night tacos at true budget prices.
Who should go: Night owls craving fast tacos
When to visit: After 10pm for shortest lines
What to order: Al pastor, carne asada, shrimp taco
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa roja to brighten rich fillings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered until 10pm and scarce on weekends. Nearest garage is Portsmouth Square Garage, about a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodie, jeans, or whatever you wore out that night fits right in.
Noise level: Lively but manageable; you’ll hear music and chatter from the street but can still hold a short convo while waiting.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes; line moves quickly even late.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 2pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—customize with beans, rice, and salsa (no cheese or crema).
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas used, but no dedicated prep area so trace gluten possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date’s down for casual and messy—this is more about flavor and fun than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service with limited indoor seating; quick turnover even during rush hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle quick service and late hours; no high chairs or kid menu.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and better value than most nearby taco spots, especially after midnight.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down ambiance or cocktails—this is grab-and-go territory.
Taqueria Zorro
7.9
Long-running North Beach taqueria known for late-night service and hefty portions. Tacos come fast off the griddle with crowd-pleasing salsas and reliable value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Carne asada tacos, California taco (fries inside)
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Counter-service tacos until late with big, budget-friendly portions.
Who should go: Night owls and bar-to-burrito walkers
When to visit: Midnight or later to miss early dinner rush
What to order: Carnitas; carne asada; shrimp taco
Insider tip: Ask for extra lime and salsa roja—both brighten the late-night bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 8pm, especially on weekends. Closest garages are near Columbus and Vallejo.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and post-bar attire are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, depending on the hour. Conversation is easy early evening, louder after midnight.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes typical after 11pm; quick turnover at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, steady but fast-moving line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie burritos and tacos with beans, rice, and guacamole.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 options if you skip cheese and sour cream; salsas are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but kitchen cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, no-frills taco runs—it’s more about fun and flavor than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service only. Grab a spot if open or stand; turnover is quick even at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids or teens; limited seating and late-night crowd make it less ideal for younger ones.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and bigger portions than most nearby taquerias, especially after midnight.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet sit-down meal or premium tequila selection—this is a quick taco fix, not a full experience.
Taqueria Zorro
7.8
Long-running North Beach counter serving hefty burritos, tacos, and nachos until late. Lines move quickly and portions satisfy without stretching the budget.
Must-Try Dishes:
California burrito, Al pastor tacos, Carne asada fries
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fast, affordable classics with late hours steps from Washington Square.
Who should go: Families on a budget needing speed
When to visit: Before noon or after 1:30pm to skip the rush
What to order: California burrito; al pastor tacos; nachos
Insider tip: Split one super burrito for younger eaters—portions are large.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered spots on Columbus and Stockton, usually open before 6pm but scarce after dark.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is fine early, louder as the night crowd builds.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours, but quick counter turnover keeps lines moving.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—request no cheese or sour cream; veggie burrito works with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—it’s more of a quick, casual bite before heading out in North Beach.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in counter service only, with fast-moving lines and plenty of turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families with older kids who can handle counter seating; high chairs are limited.
Best For
Better for: Late-night eats, generous portions, and value compared to pricier sit-down spots nearby.
Skip if: You want table service, cocktails, or a quieter sit-down experience.
Taqueria Zorro
7.9
Long-running North Beach counter spot (since the late ’90s) known for speedy, late-night burritos and generous portions. Expect classic fillings, zippy salsas, and friendly service well past midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Carnitas Burrito, Carne Asada Burrito, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Late-night burritos served fast with reliably generous portions.
Who should go: Night owls and post-show diners
When to visit: After midnight on weekends to dodge prime rush
What to order: Super carnitas; carne asada; breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Add grilled jalapeños for a smoky kick without extra cost.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight after 7pm, but nearby garages on Vallejo and Stockton offer paid options.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies, jeans, or post-bar attire all welcome.
Noise level: Lively, especially late night; expect background chatter and music but manageable for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak late-night hours; fast turnover keeps lines moving.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—grab and go in under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and veggie burritos are available and customizable.
Vegan options: Limited—request no cheese or sour cream; veggie burrito with guacamole is the best option.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area, but corn tacos are available as a lighter alternative.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates late-night street-food energy—fun and unpretentious, but not a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-service only with limited seating. Most guests take burritos to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for quick family stops during the day, but evenings skew toward the nightlife crowd.
Best For
Better for: Late-night convenience, big portions, and fast service after other spots close.
Skip if: You’re seeking ambiance, cocktails, or a sit-down meal—try Don Pisto’s instead.
Taqueria Zorro
8.0
North Beach standby for generously stuffed burritos, late hours, and quick counter service near Broadway. Expect grilled meats, big portions, and a steady post-bar crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada burrito, Al pastor tacos, Super nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Big, reliable late-night burritos at a landmark Columbus Ave counter.
Who should go: Bar-hoppers and budget diners
When to visit: Late night after the Broadway rush
What to order: Asada burrito; pastor tacos; super nachos
Insider tip: Ask for a light rice build to keep flavors focused.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Columbus and side streets; meters until 10pm, can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and late-night bar attire all fit in.
Noise level: Lively, especially after 10pm; expect upbeat chatter and music from nearby bars.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours; line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right up to the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese burritos and tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream is the main option.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you’re keeping it low-key or grabbing a quick bite post-drinks. It’s more casual than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter service with a few dine-in seats; no reservations needed or accepted.
Is it kid-friendly? During the day, yes—simple menu and fast service work for families. Late-night crowds skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burrito runs and quick, filling meals after nearby bars close.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down dining, margaritas, or a quieter ambiance—try North Beach Cantina instead.
Taqueria Zorro
8.2
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Since 1998, this Broadway-Columbus stalwart has powered late nights with quick-fire burritos, tacos, and plates. It’s efficient, affordable, and open later than most, with generous portions and a straightforward menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
California burrito, Al pastor tacos, Shrimp burrito
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Long-running late-night counter with fast turnaround and big portions.
Who should go: Bar-to-burrito crews and night-shift regulars
When to visit: 11pm–12am on weekends for shortest waits
What to order: California burrito; al pastor tacos; shrimp burrito
Insider tip: Load fries inside your burrito for a Zorro-style upgrade.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight and competitive after 7pm, but nearby garage options exist on Vallejo or Stockton for under $10 after 9pm.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—hoodies, jeans, or post-bar attire are all fine.
Noise level: Loud but lively—expect music, chatter, and late-night energy rather than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar crowd flow after 10pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait—service is nearly instant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burrito, veggie tacos, and quesadillas are all popular options.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for no cheese or sour cream; bean and veggie combos work in a pinch.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas are safe, but burritos use flour; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates post-bar eats or no-frills authenticity—this is more a quick bite than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter service only; grab-and-go or find a seat if one opens up. No reservations accepted.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal late at night, but daytime hours are fine for older kids who like tacos and casual vibes.
Best For
Better for: Late-night hunger relief, oversized burritos, and speedy counter service that outpaces pricier sit-down spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, table service, or upscale cocktails—try North Beach Cantina instead.
Taqueria Zorro
8.1
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Since 1998, this Broadway-Columbus standby has fueled the late crowd with quick-fire burritos, tacos, and plates—open late nightly, with weekend hours stretching to midnight. Expect speedy service, griddled tortillas, and plenty of add-ons.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp burrito, Al pastor tacos, California burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Long-running counter spot serving late with quick turnaround.
Who should go: Bar-to-burrito crews and hungry night shifts
When to visit: 11pm–12am for shortest lines on weekends
What to order: Shrimp burrito; al pastor tacos; California burrito
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crispy tortilla on burritos for better texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Broadway and Columbus is metered and scarce after 8pm; nearby paid lots on Vallejo or Kearny offer easier options late night.
Dress code: Casual—most guests come from nearby bars or shows, jeans and sneakers common.
Noise level: Lively and conversational with music and foot traffic from Broadway nightlife; expect moderate noise but manageable for small groups.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for takeout orders; tables turn quickly for dine-in.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—steady but fast-moving line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and veggie burritos, quesadillas, and nachos available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize burritos without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of romance includes burritos at midnight—great for casual hangouts, not formal dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service only; seating is first-come with a few indoor tables and sidewalk spots.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime hours, yes—simple menu and quick service; after 9pm the Broadway nightlife makes it less ideal for kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night eats and big burritos served fast when most kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, cocktails, or a long sit-down meal—try a nearby taqueria earlier in the evening instead.
Taqueria Zorro
8.2
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
North Beach counter-service taqueria (since 1998) known for late hours and made-to-order tacos. Fans go for straightforward asada and fish tacos plus the post-nightlife crowd favorite Zorro nachos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Taco (grilled or fried), Carne Asada Taco, Super Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Long-running, late-night North Beach staple with speedy, made-to-order tacos.
Who should go: Night owls and bar-to-taco seekers
When to visit: After 9 pm for quick service and lively energy
What to order: Fish taco; carne asada taco; super taco
Insider tip: Weekends run late—order at the counter and snag bar seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight after 7pm, but nearby lots on Columbus Avenue help late-night visits.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, even post-bar or beach.
Noise level: Lively but manageable; expect street chatter and music from nearby bars.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes max, even during late-night rushes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—walk right up to order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese tacos or burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—custom veggie tacos possible if you skip cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas used by default, but cross-contact possible on the griddle.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves no-frills taco runs—more late-night fuel stop than romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-order setup with bar seating and a few small tables; always first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? During the day, yes—simple tacos and quick service. Late at night it skews adult with post-bar crowds.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco cravings and fast service when everything else is closed.
Skip if: You’re after ambience, cocktails, or a full sit-down meal—this is all about grab-and-go flavor.