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Cenote
$ · Mexican, Breakfast, Brunch, Tacos, Burritos

Closed
Website

ZipPicks Awards

Best Happy Hour Tacos in San Francisco Best Burritos in San Francisco Best Tacos in San Francisco Best Breakfast in San Francisco Best Mexican in San Francisco Best Brunch in San Francisco

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Cenote 8.4
Financial District
Casual FiDi counter-service spot with a weekday Happy Hour that includes $9 two-taco plates and drink deals. Straightforward street tacos and quesabirria make it a practical after-work stop near the Embarcadero.
Must-Try Dishes: Quesabirria (with consomé), 2 Street Tacos (carnitas or asada), Loaded Nachos
Scores:
Value: 9.2 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Weekday Happy Hour with legit taco deals downtown.
Who should go: After-work crews near FiDi
When to visit: Mon–Fri, 3–6pm Happy Hour window
What to order: Quesabirria, two-taco plate, classic margarita
Insider tip: Lines move fastest if you order at the bar right at 3pm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Front and Clay Streets is limited during business hours; best bet is the Embarcadero Center garage ($5 after 5pm).
Dress code: Casual; office attire or jeans both fit fine for a post-work stop.
Noise level: Moderate – expect music and after-work chatter but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Closed weekends; weekday Happy Hour only.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait except during peak 12–1pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – offers veggie tacos and grilled corn plates.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify some tacos but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free; confirm fillings with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than first dates—it's counter-service and lively, not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-up only, and there’s usually standing or counter space available even at peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—mostly an after-work adult crowd; fine for older kids during lunch hours.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable tacos and drinks downtown without a long wait or full-service fuss.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down dining, weekend hours, or a quieter date-night vibe.

Hours

Monday8am - 7pm
Tuesday8am - 7pm
Wednesday8am - 7pm
Thursday8am - 7pm
Friday8am - 7pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed