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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Tacos in San Francisco
Best Late Night Mexican in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
Elena's Mexican Restaurant
8.2
Neighborhood Mexican spot in the heart of West Portal serving tacos late into the evening (until 11pm on weekends). Reliable execution, friendly service, and a comfortable dining room make it a solid after-10pm option for tacos in 94127.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas street tacos, Carne asada tacos, Al pastor tacos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Weekend late hours with a full taco lineup in 94127.
Who should go: West Portal locals craving tacos after 10pm
When to visit: Fri–Sat 10–11pm for shorter waits
What to order: Carnitas, carne asada, al pastor tacos
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa verde; the kitchen runs to 11pm on weekends.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along West Portal Ave and nearby residential blocks; meters free after 6pm but can fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and hoodies are fine; most guests come straight from neighborhood errands or movies.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during dinner hours but still easy to hold conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes between 8–10pm; later tables often open up after 10pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos, enchiladas, and combo plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for grilled veggie tacos or hold cheese and crema on select dishes.
Gluten-free options: Most corn tacos are gluten-free; confirm with staff to avoid cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual or second dates—relaxed setting with friendly staff and quick service, though not a romantic vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—first come, first served; even on weekends, late-night arrivals usually find a spot within 15 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with booster seats, kid-sized portions, and tolerant noise levels; best before 9pm.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco cravings with full-service comfort and consistent quality in a family-safe neighborhood.
Skip if: You’re seeking trendy cocktails, rooftop seating, or fusion-style tacos—head downtown for that instead.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 11pm
Saturday10:30am - 11pm
Sunday10:30am - 10pm