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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Mexican in the Excelsior
Best Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Family Friendly Mexican in the Excelsior
Best Late Night Mexican in the Excelsior
Best Cheap Eats Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Happy Hour Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Mexican in the Excelsior
Master Critic Review
Mexico Tipico
8.2
Excelsior standby with a real weekday Happy Hour (Mon–Fri, 2–6pm) and a full bar pouring classic and flavored margaritas. Plates lean hearty—molcajetes, pollo fundido, and weekend birria—at prices that make after-work meetups easy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Molcajete, Pollo Fundido, Weekend Birria
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Legit weekday Happy Hour with a full tequila program in the Excelsior.
Who should go: After-work crews craving classic Mexican and margs
When to visit: Weekdays 2–6pm for best Happy Hour value
What to order: Shrimp molcajete, pollo fundido, house margarita
Insider tip: Ask about margarita flavors—seasonal options rotate beyond classic lime.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; usually available within a block before 6pm but tight after.
Dress code: Casual—after-work attire is the norm, jeans and polos are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively during Happy Hour with music and bar chatter, but still fine for conversation in booths.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes at peak between 6–8pm; walk-ins welcome but expect a short wait.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; fast seating and friendly service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—enchiladas, veggie fajitas, and bean burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—can request veggie fajitas without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortilla substitutions available, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for casual dates where you want upbeat energy and solid margaritas without pretense. Not ideal for intimate or quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations not required; walk-ins are the norm. Arrive before 6pm for Happy Hour or after 8pm to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with large tables, quick service, and kid menu options like quesadillas and tacos. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Stronger margaritas and fuller Happy Hour menu than most Excelsior Mexican spots, with hearty entrees that suit groups.
Skip if: You’re after modern or regional Mexican—this is a traditional-style cantina, not a trend-driven taqueria.
Hours
Monday9am - 9pm
Tuesday9am - 9pm
Wednesday9am - 9pm
Thursday9am - 10pm
Friday9am - 11pm
Saturday9am - 11pm
Sunday9am - 10pm