Any insider tips for El Farolito?

Cash rules the pace—bring bills for fastest service.

What should I order at El Farolito?

Adobada taco; carne asada taco; lengua if available

When should I visit El Farolito?

Post-9pm for shorter lines and fresh griddle

Who should go to El Farolito?

Night owls and taco traditionalists

Any insider tips for Taqueria Guadalajara?

Scan the specials board—rotating meats appear without announcement.

What should I order at Taqueria Guadalajara?

Carnitas tacos; shrimp tacos; salsa roja on the side

When should I visit Taqueria Guadalajara?

Early evening before prime rush

Who should go to Taqueria Guadalajara?

Groups who want speedy counter service

Any insider tips for Mexico Tipico?

Ask about margarita flavors—seasonal options rotate beyond classic lime.

What should I order at Mexico Tipico?

Shrimp molcajete, pollo fundido, house margarita

When should I visit Mexico Tipico?

Weekdays 2–6pm for best Happy Hour value

Who should go to Mexico Tipico?

After-work crews craving classic Mexican and margs

Any insider tips for El Gran Taco Loco?

Order “well-done” on the suiza for extra crisp.

What should I order at El Gran Taco Loco?

Wet burrito; suiza quesadilla; al pastor tacos

When should I visit El Gran Taco Loco?

Post-dinner hours when lines thin

Who should go to El Gran Taco Loco?

Budget-minded families after games

Any insider tips for La Iguana Azul?

Ask about nightly specials—toppings rotate late.

What should I order at La Iguana Azul?

Cheeto burrito; asada super; shrimp burrito

Any insider tips for Taqueria El Jalapeño?

Ask for a well-done tortilla for extra char and structure.

What should I order at Taqueria El Jalapeño?

Lengua tacos; carnitas tacos; extra salsa roja

When should I visit Taqueria El Jalapeño?

Lunch hour opening to beat the rush

Best Cheap Eats Tacos Restaurants in The Excelsior (94112)

6 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 El Farolito

8.6

$ Excelsior

Vibes: Late Night Legends Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Hidden Gems Heaven

Late-night institution serving griddled tacos with deeply seasoned meats and a no-frills counter setup. Lines move quickly and portions are generous, making it a reliable stop after games or shows.

Must-Try Dishes: Adobada (al pastor) tacos, Carne asada tacos, Super quesabirria taco (weekend special)

What makes it special: Open very late with fast-moving lines and dialed-in taco meats.

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#2 Taqueria Guadalajara

8.2

$ Cayuga Terrace

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings

High-volume Excelsior standby known for super-sized burritos and reliably seasoned tacos. Salsas lean bright and the kitchen maintains speed even at peak hours.

Must-Try Dishes: Carnitas tacos, Carne asada tacos, Shrimp tacos

What makes it special: Crowd-pleasing tacos with a strong salsa bar and late hours.

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#3 Mexico Tipico

8.2

$$$ Excelsior

Vibes: Happy Hour Hotspots Group Dining Gatherings Family Friendly Favorites Comfort Food Classics

Excelsior standby with a real weekday Happy Hour (Mon–Fri, 2–6pm) and a full bar pouring classic and flavored margaritas. Plates lean hearty—molcajetes, pollo fundido, and weekend birria—at prices that make after-work meetups easy.

Must-Try Dishes: Shrimp Molcajete, Pollo Fundido, Weekend Birria

What makes it special: Legit weekday Happy Hour with a full tequila program in the Excelsior.

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#4 El Gran Taco Loco

8.0

$ Crocker-Amazon

Vibes: Family Friendly Favorites Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Late Night Legends

Family-operated taqueria known for late hours, wet burritos, and quesadillas suizas. Counter service and speedy pacing make it a practical family stop after activities.

Must-Try Dishes: Wet Burrito (Mojado), Quesadilla Suiza, Al Pastor Tacos

What makes it special: Late-hour staples with big-format burritos and quick lines.

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Worthy Picks

#5 La Iguana Azul

7.9

$ Crocker-Amazon

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Late Night Legends

Crocker-Amazon taqueria with late hours and playful, crunchy add-ons by request. Straightforward tacos land fast and benefit from a hot plancha.

Must-Try Dishes: Cheeto burrito, Carne asada super burrito, Shrimp burrito

What makes it special: Late-night burritos with fun, off-menu-feeling specials.

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#6 Taqueria El Jalapeño

7.8

$ Ingleside

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Ocean Avenue stalwart with straightforward tacos and notably hearty portions. A neighborhood favorite for budget-friendly plates and quick takeout.

Must-Try Dishes: Lengua tacos, Carnitas tacos, Shrimp tacos

What makes it special: Big, unfussy tacos at wallet-friendly prices on Ocean Ave.

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