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Cilantro SF Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Cilantro SF Taqueria
7.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
Casual counter a block off the Wharf serving Jalisco-leaning burritos, tacos, and bowls with quick ticket times. Friendly staff and predictable portions make it a dependable family stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Super burrito (choice of meat), Carne asada fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Fast, friendly Jalisco-style staples near the Wharf with fair prices.
Who should go: Families needing fast counter service
When to visit: 11:00–12:00 or after 1:30pm for minimal lines
What to order: Quesabirria; super burrito; carne asada fries
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsas—kids can pick mild while you go spicy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Bay and Columbus can be found if you circle a few blocks; nearby garages on North Point typically charge $6–$10 per hour.
Dress code: Completely casual — shorts, tees, and hoodies all fine. Tourists and Wharf workers mix comfortably here.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch hours due to counter chatter and takeout orders, but manageable for normal conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually 10–15 minutes for food; no formal seating wait since it's counter-service.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait before noon; lines form around 12:15 but move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burrito, cheese quesadilla, and veggie tacos are reliable picks.
Vegan options: Limited — can build custom tacos or bowls without cheese or crema, but no dedicated vegan protein.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and bowls are naturally gluten-free; avoid the burritos which use flour tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — it’s a quick counter spot focused on speed and value rather than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — all seating is first-come, first-served and turnover is fast, even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely — casual setup, quick service, and mild salsa options make it easy for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and friendlier staff than most Wharf-adjacent taquerias; strong choice for value and consistency.
Skip if: You want waterfront views, cocktails, or a full-service dining experience — this is a grab-and-go taqueria.
Cilantro SF Taqueria
7.7
Casual counter-service taqueria a few blocks from Pier 39 with straightforward, Jalisco-leaning burritos. Portions are sizable, pricing is friendly, and turnover keeps tortillas warm and pliant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Shrimp Burrito, Bean & Cheese Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Pier-adjacent burritos with fast service and wallet-friendly pricing.
Who should go: Sightseers needing a satisfying grab-and-go
When to visit: Mid-afternoon lull between tour waves
What to order: Carne asada; shrimp; bean & cheese
Insider tip: Street parking opens up after 6pm—order ahead for pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; garage options along Bay Street if full. Easiest after 6pm when meters stop running.
Dress code: Casual—tourist-friendly and fine for shorts, tees, or light layers.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; quieter mid-afternoon with music in background.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes depending on Pier 39 traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – bean and veggie burritos plus customizable fillings.
Vegan options: Limited – can request no cheese or sour cream; rice and beans are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area, but corn tortillas available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but fine for a casual walk-and-eat stop near the Wharf.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – counter-service only with self-seating; turnover is fast even on busy days.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – casual seating, mild flavors, and quick service suit families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive burritos near the Wharf without tourist markup.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dinner or cocktails; try Don Pisto’s instead.
Cilantro SF Taqueria
7.7
Casual North Beach counter three blocks from Pier 39 serving Jalisco-leaning plates, grilled tacos, and quick online pickup. Friendly service and clear, tourist-area pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo asado tacos, Carne asada burrito, Quesadilla with fresh salsa
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Straightforward Jalisco flavors with fast pickup steps from the Wharf.
Who should go: Sightseers needing quick fuel
When to visit: Late lunch to miss tour bus waves
What to order: Pollo tacos; asada burrito; quesadilla
Insider tip: Order online for pickup; street parking is limited.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking only; spots fill quickly near Bay Street and Stockton after noon.
Dress code: Casual—comfortable attire and walking shoes are fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch hours; quieter in late afternoon.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for counter service; patio tables turn fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait except brief tour bus surges around 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie tacos, cheese quesadillas, and customizable burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for veggie tacos or burrito without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most corn tortillas are gluten-free, though shared prep surfaces are used.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—it’s more of a quick counter stop than a linger-over-dinner spot. Better for casual bites before a Wharf walk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—entirely walk-in; tables are first-come with fast turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating, portions are shareable, and it’s close to Wharf attractions for families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable Mexican near the Wharf with friendlier service than typical tourist counters.
Skip if: You’re seeking cocktails, a full-service meal, or regional specialties—go to North Beach Cantina instead.
Cilantro SF Taqueria
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-run spot channeling Jalisco flavors with house salsas and affordable combo plates. Portions are generous for the price, service is friendly, and it’s an easy walk from the Wharf without tourist markups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Carne asada plate, Shrimp tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Straightforward Jalisco classics priced for everyday meals.
Who should go: Budget-minded families and casual Wharf walkers
When to visit: Late lunch 2–4pm to avoid peak crowds
What to order: Birria tacos; carne asada plate; shrimp tacos
Insider tip: Ask for extra consommé with birria for dunking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Bay and Columbus is limited; best bet is the Northpoint Centre Garage one block away (~$8/hr).
Dress code: Completely casual — shorts, tees, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat background chatter from takeout orders, but conversations stay easy.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for counter orders; seating may fill during peak Wharf rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; orders come out in under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, bean tacos, and cheese enchiladas available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 customizable options if you skip cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are gluten-free, but kitchen is shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going casual — it’s more of a friendly, no-frills taqueria than a date-night setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only with fast turnover; just grab a table after ordering at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — plenty of space for strollers, quick service, and mild menu items make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Bigger portions and friendlier service than nearby Wharf taquerias, with lower prices and house-made salsas.
Skip if: You’re seeking late-night hours or bar-style atmosphere — it closes earlier and stays casual.
Cilantro SF Taqueria
7.7
Jalisco-inspired taqueria (est. 2018) a few blocks from Pier 39 offering quick counter-service tacos and takeout. It’s a reliable stop for affordable street tacos before or after Wharf sightseeing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Street Tacos, Pollo Asado Tacos, Shrimp Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Straightforward Jalisco-style street tacos near the Wharf at friendly prices.
Who should go: Sightseers wanting affordable tacos fast
When to visit: Midday 11:30–1:30 for freshest off-the-plancha tacos
What to order: Asada street tacos; pollo asado tacos; shrimp tacos
Insider tip: Order online for pickup to bypass the tourist-hour line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking nearby; closest paid lot is at Pier 39 Garage (2 blocks away, $10–15 depending on duration).
Dress code: Casual—tourist wear and jeans perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; quieter mid-afternoon and evenings.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes typical due to counter ordering; seating turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon, short line 12–1 pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie tacos, bean burritos, and cheese quesadillas available.
Vegan options: Limited – can request veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are gluten-free, though kitchen is shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal first date—it’s a fast-casual taqueria with counter service and minimal ambiance. Better for a quick, casual meal or pre-movie bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted. Order at the counter and grab one of the small indoor or outdoor tables; turnover is quick even on busy days.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and casual setup suit families with kids. High chairs available on request.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos near Fisherman’s Wharf with solid consistency and friendly service.
Skip if: You’re seeking sit-down dining, craft cocktails, or a more atmospheric setting—try nearby North Beach Cantina instead.