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Cholita Linda
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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Tacos in San Francisco
Best Family Friendly Mexican in San Francisco
Best Sandwiches in San Francisco
Best Tacos in San Francisco
Best American in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
Cholita Linda
7.9
Ferry Building outpost for Baja-leaning tacos and Latin comfort plates with waterfront energy. Quick counter service and patio seating make it a convenient tacos-and-drinks meetup by the bay.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Taco, Carnitas Taco, Sweet Plantains
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Waterfront tacos with lively Ferry Building foot traffic.
Who should go: Casual groups near the Embarcadero
When to visit: Late afternoon for shorter lines and patio seats
What to order: Baja fish taco, carnitas taco, agua fresca
Insider tip: Wind picks up—grab patio seats shielded by market stalls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along the Embarcadero; best to use the Ferry Building lot ($10–$15/hr) or public transit via Embarcadero BART/Muni.
Dress code: Casual and waterfront-friendly—jeans, sundresses, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch and Happy Hour; can carry a conversation but expect some background chatter and music.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes for patio seating during peak times.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even during lunch rush—quick counter service keeps lines moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – options like plantain tacos and black bean plates.
Vegan options: Limited – 1–2 taco fillings and sides can be made vegan by request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free; avoid fried items due to shared oil.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than formal dates—great if you want an easygoing, outdoor taco spot with a bay breeze.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s counter-service only, with open patio seating available on a first-come basis.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – kids enjoy the tacos and aguas frescas, and the open patio space allows for stroller parking and bayfront wandering.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavorful Baja-style tacos and casual patio energy right on the water.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down, cocktail-heavy Happy Hour or quiet indoor dining—try XICA or Colibri Cocina instead.
Hours
Monday11am - 8pm
Tuesday11am - 8pm
Wednesday11am - 8pm
Thursday11am - 8pm
Friday11am - 8pm
Saturday11am - 8pm
Sunday11am - 8pm