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El Gran Taco Loco
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
El Gran Taco Loco
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Family-operated taqueria known for late hours, wet burritos, and quesadillas suizas. Counter service and speedy pacing make it a practical family stop after activities.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wet Burrito (Mojado), Quesadilla Suiza, Al Pastor Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Late-hour staples with big-format burritos and quick lines.
Who should go: Budget-minded families after games
When to visit: Post-dinner hours when lines thin
What to order: Wet burrito; suiza quesadilla; al pastor tacos
Insider tip: Order “well-done” on the suiza for extra crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available along Mission and nearby residential blocks; spots turn over frequently after 7pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, team gear, or post-game attire all fine.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—expect kitchen sounds and family chatter without drowning conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak after-game hours, quicker after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; counter line moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos, plus cheese-only suizas.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize veggie burrito or tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you both love low-key taquerias—bright lighting and fast turnover make it more functional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only, so seating is first-come, first-serve. Even busy nights clear quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely. High chairs and booth seating make it easy for families with small children; portions are large enough to share.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burritos and quick family meals on a budget—faster service and longer hours than nearby sit-down spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking ambiance or cocktails—this is pure counter-serve comfort, not a dining experience.
El Gran Taco Loco
7.9
Family-run taqueria famous for wet burritos and suiza-style quesadillas, serving until midnight. The menu reads classic, execution is fast, and prices stay friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wet burrito (burrito mojado), Quesadilla suiza (well-done), Al pastor tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Midnight hours with big-format wet burritos and speedy pacing.
Who should go: Budget-minded late-night eaters
When to visit: 10pm–12am for steady but short lines
What to order: Wet burrito, suiza quesadilla, al pastor tacos
Insider tip: Request a well-done griddle finish for extra crisp on the suiza.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street is generally available but can fill quickly near midnight. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Completely casual — hoodies, jeans, or late-night attire all fine.
Noise level: Moderate — busy counter chatter and sizzling griddle noise, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes on average, even around 11pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait — steady flow but fast service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, cheese quesadillas, and rice/bean plates available.
Vegan options: Limited — can customize burritos or tacos without cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area, but corn tortillas available for most items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates late-night taqueria culture — more practical than romantic, but fun after a concert or night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always. It’s first-come, first-served counter seating, and tables usually turn fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during early evening hours; limited high chairs but family-friendly staff. Gets busier and louder after 9pm.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and later hours than most Excelsior taquerias, ideal for late-night cravings on a budget.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambience, margaritas, or table service — it’s purely functional, not a sit-down experience.
El Gran Taco Loco
8.0
Family-run counter spot serving late hours with fast pacing and friendly prices. Al pastor tacos and a griddle-kissed suiza are the move after midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Suiza quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Budget-friendly late-night tacos with speedy counter service.
Who should go: Price-conscious late-night diners
When to visit: 10pm–12am for steady, short lines
What to order: Al pastor; carnitas tacos; suiza
Insider tip: Request a well-done griddle finish for extra char.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along Mission Street, but spaces fill quickly after 9pm. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual. Come as you are—hoodies, jeans, or post-shift attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially near closing with takeout orders coming in. Still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for counter pickup around 10–11pm; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; orders ready in under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie tacos, cheese quesadillas, and rice-and-bean burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify veggie tacos or burritos to be vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partial – corn tortillas are gluten-free, but kitchen not certified for cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangs than first dates. The fluorescent lighting and fast turnover lean more toward post-concert tacos than candlelight dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Counter orders move fast, and tables turn quickly even late at night.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick family meals or takeout, but not ideal for lingering. High chairs are limited and seating is tight during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and lower prices than many late-night taco rivals nearby; standout al pastor and well-done suiza for texture lovers.
Skip if: You’re after table service, cocktails, or an extended sit-down vibe—this is a grab-and-go taqueria built for speed and value.
El Gran Taco Loco
8.2
Family-run taqueria known for speedy counter service and a wide burrito/taco lineup at friendly prices. Late hours make it a dependable stop after events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Wet burrito (mojado), Quesadilla suiza
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Late-open counter spot with suizas and wet burritos under one roof.
Who should go: Price-conscious taco hunters
When to visit: 10pm–12am for steady pacing and fresh batches
What to order: Pastor tacos, burrito mojado, suiza
Insider tip: Request a well-done griddle finish for extra char.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; expect moderate availability after 9pm.
Dress code: Casual – come as you are; no dress requirements for this family-run taqueria.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during late hours; easy to chat but expect counter bustle.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes at peak times, often quicker for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; fast counter flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – options like veggie burritos, cheese enchiladas, and bean tacos.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize veggie burrito or taco without cheese/sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, though shared surfaces are used.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both down for casual counter dining and late-night taco runs; it’s relaxed and fun but not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, seating is first-come, first-served; turnover is quick even during late hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – informal setting with simple tables and mild menu options for younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco cravings, quick service, and value pricing compared to nearby sit-down spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quieter, dine-in atmosphere or extensive vegan options.
El Gran Taco Loco
8.1
Family-run counter turning out fast, budget-friendly tacos with late hours. Known for steady execution and a broad menu that keeps the neighborhood fed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Pollo asado tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Late-open counter with fast ticket times and sharp pricing.
Who should go: Price-conscious taco hunters
When to visit: 10pm–12am for steady pace and fresh batches
What to order: Al pastor; carnitas; pollo asado
Insider tip: Ask for a well-done griddle finish for extra char.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and surrounding residential blocks is generally available but can be limited after 9pm; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers are the norm; it’s a come-as-you-are taqueria.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—music plays and griddle sizzles, but conversation is still possible.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes during peak hours, mostly takeout queue.
Weekday lunch: No wait or minimal delay; steady but fast service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—bean and cheese tacos or burritos are available on request.
Vegan options: Minimal—ask for veggie burrito with no cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are used, but no separate prep area for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date appreciates no-frills taco counters and late-night energy. It’s more for a casual bite than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always—no reservations accepted. Counter seating and quick turnover keep space available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—fast service and simple menu, though seating is limited and space can be tight during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and lower prices than most Excelsior taquerias; dependable for a quick, satisfying late bite.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambience, sit-down dining, or a drink menu—it’s purely functional, not a hangout.
El Gran Taco Loco
7.8
Neighborhood counter known for fast tickets and late hours, plus a companion food truck during daytime. Straightforward tacos with lively salsas deliver strong value for casual happy-hour bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Birria tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Late hours and fast counter service with flavorful staples.
Who should go: Budget taco fans on the go
When to visit: Late afternoon or late night to miss the rush
What to order: Al pastor, carnitas, birria
Insider tip: Check the adjacent daytime truck schedule for shorter waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available on Mission Street and nearby residential blocks, but can fill quickly during dinner rush. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are. Locals often stop in wearing hoodies or work clothes after shifts.
Noise level: Moderate; there’s a steady hum from counter orders and music, but conversations are doable.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on traffic; quick turnover keeps lines moving.
Weekday lunch: No wait; walk-up orders are served almost immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos are standard and customizable.
Vegan options: Limited; a few plant-based fillings possible but cross-contact likely.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, though the kitchen shares surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date; better for casual hangs or a quick bite before heading elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken. Counter ordering with a few tables available; turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle quick-service settings; no high chairs or kids’ menu, but tacos are easy crowd-pleasers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco cravings and quick, budget-friendly eats with lively flavor.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, plated presentation, or a slower sit-down experience.