0 Followers
Sacred Taco
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Sacred Taco
8.2
Oaxacan-leaning taco and cocktail bar on Union Street with daily HH windows and late weekend hours. Hand-pressed tortillas, punchy salsas, and taco specials (including Taco Tuesday deals) make it a social stop for rounds of margs and shareables.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria Taco, Lamb Birria Taco, Oaxacadelphia Taco (Tuesdays)
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Hand-pressed tortillas with HH taco and margarita deals, often late.
Who should go: Friends chasing tacos and cocktails
When to visit: HH 4–6pm; Tuesdays for discounted tacos; late Fri–Sat
What to order: Quesabirria, lamb birria, elote with a house marg
Insider tip: Ask about rotating taco specials—they can sell out by night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect limited availability on Union after 6pm—use nearby lots on Webster or Octavia for reliability.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and stylish tops fit fine, but most guests lean dressy after 7pm.
Noise level: Lively during Happy Hour and weekends—conversation-friendly early evenings, louder post-9pm.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seating often faster for two.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; easy walk-in before 5pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and sides like elote and guacamole are solid options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 tacos can be made vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are gluten-free; ask staff about sauces and shared fryers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—fun, lively energy without being too loud early in the evening; strong drinks and shareable plates make it an easy social icebreaker.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—arrive before 6pm or plan to grab bar seating; weekends fill quickly after 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—geared toward adult groups and cocktail hour; best for 21+ evenings rather than family outings.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward groups and friends’ nights out—more polished and scene-driven than nearby taquerias.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or large family table—try Flores or Tacko for easier seating and calmer pace.
Sacred Taco
7.9
Oaxacan-leaning tacos and agave cocktails in a rustic Cow Hollow space, with posted Happy Hour specials and late hours on weekends. Hand-pressed tortillas and punchy salsas anchor a fun, social scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria Tacos, Elote Dorado, Nachos de la Casa
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Oaxacan touches, fresh-juiced margaritas, and a lively HH program.
Who should go: Friends chasing tacos and cocktails
When to visit: Late afternoon HH; weekends run later
What to order: Quesabirria, elote dorado, house nachos
Insider tip: Ask for any rotating taco specials—they often sell out by night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Union and nearby side streets; metered until 6pm, then fills quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a button-up or nice top fit the scene; heels and jackets common at night.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat—conversation is possible in smaller groups but expect a buzz during Happy Hour.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quieter midday service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—grilled veggie and mushroom tacos plus shareable sides.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable tacos and guacamole available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos are corn-based; alert staff for cross-contact concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—fun, social energy with strong cocktails and sharable plates, though noise picks up after 7pm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—arrive before 6:30pm for walk-in availability; bar and high-top seating are first-come.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—best for adults or older teens given the bar-forward vibe and volume.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos with a craft cocktail edge and a social, buzzy crowd.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet dinner or traditional sit-down Mexican with full entrées.
Sacred Taco
8.0
Union Street spot with a lively bar program and late-night weekend hours. Oaxacan-leaning tacos and shareables make it a social pick for drinks plus tacos without breaking the bank.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria Tacos, Mushroom Taco, Carnitas Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Late-running Union Street energy with cocktails and Oaxacan touches.
Who should go: Friends mixing tacos with drinks
When to visit: Fri–Sat late evening for full vibe
What to order: Quesabirria, mushroom, carnitas tacos
Insider tip: Bar seats turn fastest during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Union can be tight after 6pm; best to circle nearby side streets or use a ride-share.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops fit right in, but many lean slightly dressy for weekend nights.
Noise level: Lively; expect music and chatter but still possible to hold a casual conversation at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7pm; bar seating usually opens faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait; often half full and easy to grab a table or counter spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tacos and small plates feature mushrooms, squash, or beans.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 items can be made vegan upon request, though tortillas may share prep surfaces.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — corn tortillas are standard, but shared fryers are used for chips and some fillings.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a casual, energetic vibe. It’s more fun and social than intimate — ideal for a low-pressure meet-up with drinks and tacos.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes — they keep bar and high-top space open for walk-ins, especially on weeknights. Arrive before 7pm on weekends for the best shot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The bar-forward setup and late-night scene skew adult; families with older kids might be fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Lively group hangs and pre-bar gatherings — strong cocktails and late hours make it a social standout.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or authentic regional focus — other taquerias nearby deliver more traditional flavors.
Sacred Taco
7.8
Oaxacan-leaning tacos, late-night hours on weekends, and a lively bar scene make this a social option on Union. The menu balances quesabirria crowd-pleasers with vegetable-forward plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria Tacos, Mushroom Taco, Chips & Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Late-running Union Street energy with cocktails and Oaxacan touches.
Who should go: Friends mixing tacos with drinks
When to visit: Fri–Sat late evening for full vibe
What to order: Quesabirria tacos, mushroom taco, chips & guac
Insider tip: Head for bar seats to shorten the food wait during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; it becomes tough after 7pm on weekends, so rideshare is easiest.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a nice top fit in fine, but many guests lean semi-dressy for night outings.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak hours — easy conversation early evening, harder after 9pm when the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is fast and relaxed.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable-forward tacos and salads are offered.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 options with modifications, ask about dairy-free sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes — most tacos use corn tortillas; alert staff to cross-contact sensitivity.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re after a casual, upbeat atmosphere — the cocktails and colorful plates make it fun, though the volume may limit intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes before 7pm; after that expect a short wait or try for bar seating, which turns over faster.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — the bar energy and later crowd skew adult, though early evenings with teens or older kids are fine.
Best For
Better for: Groups looking for drinks with tacos and a social vibe — stronger cocktail program and ambiance than most nearby taquerias.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or traditional regional cooking; go to Las Mestizas or Flores instead.
Sacred Taco
8.4
Oaxacan-leaning tacos and shareables with a full bar and weekend hours that push to midnight. Locals come for fresh tortillas, punchy salsas, and a lively room that still handles late seatings smoothly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tlayuda-style crispy tortilla with toppings, Baja fish tacos, Al pastor tacos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Weekend hours to midnight with a real cocktail program.
Who should go: Night owls craving tacos and drinks
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 9pm for late seating
What to order: Tlayuda crisp, fish tacos, al pastor
Insider tip: Ask for a back booth to cut Union Street noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Union Street and nearby residential blocks; it’s tight after 7pm—use rideshare or nearby Lombard garage if possible.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit right in, but weekend crowds lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively; energetic but you can still hold a conversation at normal volume in a booth.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 8:30pm; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—opens late afternoon, usually no wait before 7pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like mushroom or cheese tacos, plus multiple vegetarian share plates.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegan-friendly tacos with modifications (ask to skip crema).
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas; kitchen aware and accommodating with care.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—fun energy, good lighting, and great cocktails without being too loud. Works best for casual, upbeat dates rather than quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—arrive before 8pm or try the bar for quicker seating. Peak hours (9–10:30pm) can back up, so call ahead if in a group.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids; best suited for adults or older teens due to the late-night, bar-forward vibe.
Best For
Better for: Late-night cocktails and lively atmosphere—more polished and energetic than neighboring taco counters.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, outdoor seating, or a quick grab-and-go experience—this is a social, sit-down spot.
Sacred Taco
8.4
Union Street cantina serving Oaxacan-leaning tacos, burritos, and shareables with a full bar and lively pacing. Late hours on weekends make it a reliable after-hours stop without sacrificing fresh tortillas and bright salsas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tlayuda-style crisp, Baja fish taco, Salmon burrito
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Weekend hours run to midnight or later with a real bar program.
Who should go: Night owls craving tacos and cocktails
When to visit: Fri–Sat late evening for post-dinner hangs
What to order: Tlayuda-style crisp, fish tacos, salsa trio
Insider tip: Ask for a booth in back to cut street noise during peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots open up after 8pm but expect a short walk on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a nice top fit right in; dressier crowd late nights.
Noise level: Lively but manageable — conversation is easy in booths, tougher near the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for a table after 9pm; bar seating moves faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though service starts later in the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several taco fillings and starters like esquites and guacamole are vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — about two entrées can be made vegan with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and several mains are gluten-free by default.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — energetic but not deafening, with cocktails and shared plates that keep things casual and fun.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually — walk-ins are fine before 8pm or after 10pm, but peak hours on weekends can require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — better for adults or teens given the bar focus and late-night crowd.
Best For
Better for: Late-night food and margaritas after most kitchens close — fresher tortillas and higher energy than nearby taquerias.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner or fine-dining atmosphere; head to Flores or Nopalito instead.
Sacred Taco
7.7
Oaxacan-inspired tacos, burritos, and shareables in a casual cantina setting with a full bar. Families appreciate the broad menu and flexible seating along Union Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blackened salmon burrito, Tlayuda-style crisp tortilla with toppings, Elote street corn
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Union Street cantina with Oaxacan-leaning flavors and a broad menu.
Who should go: Families wanting variety and a bar
When to visit: Early evening for easier seating
What to order: Salmon burrito, tlayuda-style crisp, elote
Insider tip: Request a booth or back table to reduce street noise.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Union Street; metered spots fill quickly after 6pm, so aim for side streets like Buchanan or Filbert. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and nice tops are fine, but many patrons dress up a bit for the Union Street evening crowd.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversations are possible at booths, but bar-adjacent tables can get noisy after 7pm.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually immediate seating except during peak Friday hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable tacos, enchiladas, and salads are offered.
Vegan options: Limited — about 2–3 items can be modified to be vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and many entrees are gluten-free; staff are familiar with cross-contamination concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual first date or drinks than a quiet dinner. The colorful décor and margarita lineup make it lively but not overly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially before 6:30pm or at lunch. Walk-ins are common, but groups of four or more should reserve ahead on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — high chairs available and staff are patient. Kids’ tacos and quesadillas are easy wins, though the bar area is best avoided with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Group outings or family dinners where you want variety, cocktails, and faster service than Flores or Palm House.
Skip if: You’re after a quiet meal, street parking stresses you out, or you prefer more authentic regional Oaxacan fare.