Best Tacos Restaurants in Tenderloin (94102)
5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
Papito Hayes
8.3
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Hayes Valley’s sit-down Mexican spot turning out well-seasoned tacos on organic corn tortillas, plus agave-leaning cocktails. Locals use it for casual dates or pre-show plates near the Symphony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Pescado tacos, Chicken tinga tacos
What makes it special: Refined tacos and margaritas in the heart of Hayes Valley.
#2
Matador
8.1
Lower Nob Hill tequila bar with a full menu where battered fish and steak tacos pair with affordable happy-hour margaritas. A lively pre-Union Square option with quick, friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa street taco, Carnitas street taco, Potato flautas
What makes it special: All-day daily happy hour with legit street-taco pricing downtown.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late-night counter-service taqueria slinging CDMX-style al pastor, asada, and suadero-leaning combos until after midnight. Dependable for quick tacos before or after shows downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Carne asada taco, Super quesadilla (add al pastor)
What makes it special: Open late with fast, satisfying tacos downtown.
7.7
No-frills taqueria favored for quick, inexpensive tacos and hefty burritos a few blocks from Union Square. Service is brisk and the classic toppings keep it straightforward.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Pollo taco, Breakfast taco (chorizo & egg, mornings)
What makes it special: Speedy counter-service tacos near central hotels and venues.
7.6
Small, old-school counter on Turk turning out inexpensive street-style tacos with your choice of meats. Not flashy—just quick, filling plates that draw regulars from the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Street tacos (asada or pastor), Super vegetarian taco, Torta de carne asada
What makes it special: Straightforward, low-cost tacos with fast turnaround.