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Mexico Tipico
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
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.
Mexico Tipico
7.9
Sit-down taqueria-restaurant hybrid where tacos share space with combo plates and seafood. Portions are generous, pricing is fair, and it works for casual groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de lengua, Carnitas tacos, Fish tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Full-menu spot where you can linger over tacos and plates.
Who should go: Families and small groups
When to visit: Weeknights before 7pm for easiest seating
What to order: Lengua tacos; carnitas tacos; coctel de camarón to share
Insider tip: Ask for a well-griddled tortilla for extra texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and side streets is usually available, though it can fill quickly on weekends after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are easy during off-hours, but it can get lively with families and groups at dinner.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several options like veggie tacos, cheese enchiladas, and rice & beans plates.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 options with modifications (hold cheese or crema).
Gluten-free options: Yes — most tacos and combo plates can be made with corn tortillas, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a laid-back, neighborhood-style meal. The vibe is casual and homey, not romantic, but conversation is easy and service is friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm here. You’ll usually get seated quickly on weeknights or before 6:30pm on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely — families make up a large part of the crowd. High chairs are available, and the menu has mild and familiar options for kids.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down comfort and full plates over quick counter tacos — ideal for groups who want variety beyond street-style tacos.
Skip if: You’re after a grab-and-go taqueria or late-night tacos; head to El Farolito or Guadalajara instead.
Mexico Tipico
7.9
Family-run taqueria offering burritos, combo plates, and sit-down service at fair prices. Portions and a broad menu keep kids and adults covered without overcomplicating the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chile Verde Plate, Chicken Enchiladas Suizas, Carnitas Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Sit-down comfort plates alongside classic Mission-style staples.
Who should go: Families wanting table service
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for easier seating
What to order: Chile verde; enchiladas suizas; carnitas burrito
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa verde for the suizas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Mission and nearby residential blocks; spots open up more easily after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—families come as they are, jeans and sneakers perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—buzzing with conversation during dinner but still easy to chat across the table.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak hours around 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating and steady service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—enchiladas, veggie burritos, and quesadillas available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize burritos or tacos by omitting cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partial—most plates can be made with corn tortillas; no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for relaxed comfort food than romance—ideal if you want easy conversation over hearty plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm; even on weekends turnover is quick thanks to efficient service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs available, simple menu items for kids, and staff used to family groups.
Best For
Better for: Full sit-down meals with generous combo plates and friendly service, ideal for family dinners.
Skip if: You’re seeking trendy decor, cocktails, or a romantic setting—this is more about comfort than ambience.
Mexico Tipico
7.8
Sit-down spot with late weekend hours serving pozole and birria alongside Mission-style standards. Portions are generous and the menu ranges beyond burritos for post-evening cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp molcajete, Birria plate, Pozole (weekends)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Late-open weekends with hearty stews and family-style plates.
Who should go: Families wanting sit-down late eats
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 9pm; Sundays before close
What to order: Shrimp molcajete, birria, pozole (weekends)
Insider tip: Check for weekend pozole and birria before you commit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; can be tight after 8pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual – jeans and jackets are fine; some diners dress up slightly for late dinners.
Noise level: Moderate – lively conversation and music but still easy to talk across the table.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes without reservation after 9pm; faster if arriving before 8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with half-full dining room until 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – enchiladas, veggie fajitas, and cheese quesadillas available.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify veggie tacos or fajitas to omit cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partial – corn tortillas are safe but sauces may contain flour; ask staff to confirm.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a relaxed, no-pressure dinner. Dim lighting and shareable plates make it comfortable but not fancy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes after 9pm; peak early dinners on weekends may require a short wait for a booth.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes before 8pm – booths and mild dishes suit families; later hours skew toward adult diners.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down late-night dining with full plates and warm service, unlike most takeout taquerias nearby.
Skip if: You want quick counter service or low prices; this is more of a lingering meal than a grab-and-go stop.
Mexico Tipico
8.0
Sit-down neighborhood institution offering classic plates and solid tacos at fair prices. A go-to for families and groups along the Mission Street corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Chicken tinga tacos, Carne asada tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Full-service format with a broad menu and reliable tacos.
Who should go: Families and casual group dinners
When to visit: Early evenings 5–7pm for quickest seating
What to order: Carnitas; tinga; carne asada
Insider tip: Pair tacos with the house green salsa and warm chips.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby side streets; usually available within a block before 6pm but can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans and everyday attire are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is easy at smaller tables, though weekend nights can get lively.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak hours, typically no reservation system.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several meatless tacos, enchiladas, and combination plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify veggie tacos or fajitas to remove cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas and many traditional items are naturally gluten-free, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a relaxed, casual meet-up than a romantic date — friendly atmosphere and solid comfort food make it easygoing but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s first come, first served. Weeknights are easiest; on weekends, go before 6pm or after 8pm to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely – plenty of booth seating, mild spice options, and accommodating staff. Families with children of all ages are welcome.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down meals and group gatherings where you want more comfort than a counter spot but still pay casual prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for fast takeout or trendier taco concepts — this is more classic and homey than modern or adventurous.
Mexico Tipico
8.0
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Casual sit-down Mexican restaurant with housemade salsas and satisfying taco plates. Portions are hearty and service is friendly, making it a go-to for after-work meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos plate, Pollo asado tacos, Fish tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Sit-down comfort with generous taco plates and fresh salsas.
Who should go: Families and small groups
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for easiest seating
What to order: Carne asada tacos, pollo asado, fish tacos
Insider tip: Ask for warm tortillas on the side to build extra tacos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission and nearby residential blocks; spots can be tight after 6pm but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, t-shirts, and relaxed wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate – family chatter and music but conversation-friendly for groups.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; immediate seating common before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple dishes like veggie tacos, cheese enchiladas, and bean burritos.
Vegan options: Limited – about two customizable taco options if ordered without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas available; alert staff for celiac-level precautions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual or second dates; the vibe is warm and authentic but not overly romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins are common, especially on weekdays. Larger parties may want to call ahead on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very – kids’ plates, high chairs, and a friendly staff make it easy for families. Ideal for ages 3 and up.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, sit-down taco plates and friendly table service compared to nearby taquerias.
Skip if: You’re seeking trendy bar-style tacos or extensive happy hour drink deals.
Mexico Tipico
7.9
Sit-down Mexican comfort classics served in a family-friendly room on Mission Street. Enchiladas, combo plates, and weekend-style dishes deliver steady value without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas Suizas, Carne Asada Plate, Pozole (weekends, when available)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Neighborhood staple for sit-down combo plates and hearty portions.
Who should go: Families and comfort-food seekers
When to visit: Weeknights or early lunch for easy seating
What to order: Enchiladas suizas; carne asada; weekend pozole
Insider tip: Ask for warm tortillas on the side to stretch the sauces.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street; easier on side streets after 6pm, limited during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and family attire all fine.
Noise level: Moderate — family chatter and background music, still easy to hold conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak family hours; usually quick turnover.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — enchiladas, veggie fajitas, and cheese chile relleno available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few bean-based dishes and salads can be modified.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas and some grilled meats are gluten-free, but shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a relaxed, casual outing than a romantic setting. Ideal if you value comfort over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm, and reservations are rarely required except for large groups on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — high chairs available, welcoming staff, and a menu that works well for kids and grandparents alike.
Best For
Better for: Family dinners and comfort-driven combo plates where consistency matters more than trendiness.
Skip if: You’re seeking craft cocktails, patio dining, or a modern Mexican experience — try Loló or Flores instead.