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El Capitan Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
El Capitan Taqueria
7.7
Neighborhood counter-service taqueria delivering hefty burritos, tacos, and late hours for the Folsom corridor. Portions are generous and the menu has plenty of veggie options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor super burrito, Carne asada tacos, Quesadilla suiza
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Big portions, late hours, and a broad menu for every craving.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco and burrito fans
When to visit: Late evening when lines thin but kitchen’s still humming
What to order: Al pastor super burrito; asada tacos; suiza
Insider tip: Ask for grilled onions and jalapeños on the side—no extra charge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Folsom or 8th is metered and competitive after 6pm; best to use nearby lots after dark.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are, from jeans to gym wear.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; expect chatter and kitchen sounds but conversation is manageable.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for to-go orders, rarely longer for dine-in tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during peak office lunch rush around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several burrito, taco, and plate options with grilled veggies, beans, or cheese.
Vegan options: Moderate – can customize veggie burritos or tacos without cheese/sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas available; avoid flour-based burritos.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—better for casual hangs than romance. It’s bright, bustling, and more about quantity than ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk right in. Seating is open and turnover is fast even during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—spacious tables, quick service, and mild kid-size burritos make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burrito cravings, hearty portions, and casual group meals on a budget.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambience or craft cocktails—try Tropisueno or Cadillac Bar & Grill instead.
El Capitan Taqueria
8.1
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
SoMa counter-service taqueria known for speedy turnaround, late hours, and hefty portions. A reliable stop for tacos after shows or club nights along the Folsom corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Fish tacos
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Late-night hours with fast taco service and big portions.
Who should go: Post-event or late-night crowds
When to visit: After 10pm Fri–Sat for full late-night menu
What to order: Al pastor; asada; fish tacos
Insider tip: Request salsa roja on the side—it packs clean, balanced heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—usually metered and competitive late at night along Folsom.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are after clubs, shows, or neighborhood hangouts.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—music and late-night chatter can make it lively, not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes late-night, especially after nearby venues close.
Weekday lunch: No wait—service is fast and tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like veggie tacos, cheese quesadillas, and rice/bean plates.
Vegan options: Limited—basic bean, rice, and veggie tacos available but not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area—cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a casual, late-night taco spot with a lively vibe than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a counter-service taqueria, no reservations needed, seating is first-come-first-serve.
Is it kid-friendly? During the day, yes—simple menu and quick service work for families. Late at night, it’s more geared toward adults coming from clubs or bars.
Best For
Better for: Late-night eats with fast service and big portions—perfect when other taco spots are closed.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, a large vegan selection, or upscale dining—choose elsewhere for those needs.
El Capitan Taqueria
8.1
Folsom corridor counter spot turning out speedy burritos, tacos, and late-night plates with friendly service. Reliable after-hours option for clubgoers and neighborhood regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Super Burrito, Carne Asada Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Very late hours with quick turnaround and big portions.
Who should go: Post-club crowds and hungry night workers
When to visit: After 10pm Fri–Sat for full late-night service
What to order: Al pastor tacos; asada super burrito; carne asada fries
Insider tip: Request salsa roja on the side—great heat without bitterness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Folsom; can be scarce late at night near clubs, but easier after midnight. No valet.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are, from streetwear to post-club attire.
Noise level: Lively, especially late—expect music and crowd chatter; not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes even during peak late-night hours thanks to fast counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, immediate counter ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian burritos, quesadillas, and veggie tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—bean and veggie options possible if ordered without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Limited—corn tortillas are gluten-free, but no separate prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date—it’s a late-night counter spot, better for casual hangs than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter-service only, with open seating. No reservations are accepted or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. It’s geared toward late-night crowds; daytime hours are fine for older kids, but the late scene is more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Faster, more reliable late-night service than many SoMa taquerias, with generous portions at low prices.
Skip if: Skip if you want a sit-down, quieter dinner experience or broader vegan/gluten-free options.
El Capitan Taqueria
7.6
Late-open SoMa taqueria with a broad menu and family-friendly counter setup. Portions run generous, prices stay reasonable, and there’s something for picky eaters from breakfast burritos to flautas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada fries, Breakfast burrito (all day), Chicken flautas
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Wide menu, long hours, and kid-friendly counter service in SoMa.
Who should go: Families needing flexible, late options
When to visit: Early evening before bar crowds build
What to order: Asada fries; breakfast burrito; chicken flautas
Insider tip: Weekend evenings can be lively—go before 6pm for easiest seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Folsom and side streets; fills up quickly on weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans and t-shirts are fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud in evenings; easy to chat earlier, harder once nightlife crowds arrive.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is counter-order and quick
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—cheese enchiladas, veggie burritos, and quesadillas available.
Vegan options: Limited—bean burrito and veggie tacos can be made without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; kitchen not fully gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is more of a casual, family-friendly taqueria with bright lights and quick service rather than an intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first come, first served with counter ordering; weekends may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs available, kid-sized portions easy to share, and the menu has mild options for picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Late-night family-friendly meals in SoMa with a wide-ranging menu and generous portions.
Skip if: You want a quieter, sit-down dining experience or elevated Mexican cuisine—opt for a full-service spot instead.
El Capitan Taqueria
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Family Friendly Favorites
Late-hours taqueria serving Mission-style burritos, plates, and churros to SoMa night owls. It’s a reliable, budget stop with fast counter service and generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super carne asada burrito, Al pastor tacos, Fresh-fried churros
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Big-portion Mission-style burritos at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Late-night burrito seekers
When to visit: Post-9pm for quick counter service
What to order: Super carne asada burrito; al pastor tacos; churros
Insider tip: Customize heat level—ask for extra salsa roja on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available but limited in SoMa, especially after 7pm; nearby paid lots are the safer bet late at night.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and late-night attire are all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — lively counter service with music and late-night crowd chatter.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal wait even late at night, though lines can form briefly after club closings.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak lunch; often no wait otherwise.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, quesadillas, and meat-free tacos are available.
Vegan options: Limited — you can order veggie burritos or tacos without cheese/sour cream, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Not formally — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is likely in the shared prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — the vibe is more functional and late-night casual, better suited for a quick bite together than atmosphere-driven dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a counter-service taqueria with open seating; no reservations are taken or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evening — portions are generous, staff is welcoming, and the menu is kid-accessible. Late-night crowds may be less family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burritos and generous portions at budget prices when other kitchens are closed.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dining experience with ambiance or extensive vegan/gluten-free options.