30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Mexican in North Beach
Best Family Friendly Mexican in North Beach
Best Burritos in North Beach
Best Mexican in North Beach
Best Happy Hour Tacos in North Beach
Best Cheap Eats Mexican in North Beach
Best Late Night Mexican in North Beach
Best Brunch in North Beach
Best Breakfast in North Beach
Best Tacos in North Beach
Master Critic Review
North Beach Cantina
8.2
Cal-Mex spot in the heart of North Beach pouring $7 house margs at weekday happy hour. Tacos, burritos, and shared plates land fast, making it an easy after-work meetup near Columbus.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas street tacos, Carne asada burrito, Chips, salsa & guac
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Weekday 3–6pm happy hour with well-priced margaritas and tacos.
Who should go: Friends meeting after work near Columbus
When to visit: Weekdays 3–6pm for happy hour pricing
What to order: Carnitas tacos, jalapeño-tinged house margarita, guac
Insider tip: Ask for a patio table for quicker bar access during happy hour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited metered spots on Columbus and Vallejo, with tight competition after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most guests arrive in jeans or work attire for after-office drinks.
Noise level: Lively during happy hour with music and chatter; moderate indoors, easier conversation on the patio.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes for groups after 6:30pm; bar seating turns faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, walk-ins welcome.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie tacos, burrito bowls, and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few customizable options if cheese and crema are omitted.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas and some entrees are gluten-free, but shared fryer may concern celiacs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second dates; upbeat energy and shared plates keep things easy, but volume can spike during happy hour.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – they don’t take reservations for small groups; arriving before 5pm usually guarantees a patio table.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat – daytime and early evenings are fine for families, though the bar crowd dominates later hours.
Best For
Better for: Group happy hours and casual outdoor tacos with quick bar service.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet sit-down dinner or refined Mexican cuisine; this spot leans social and lively.
Hours
Monday11am - 9pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 9pm