Best Tacos Restaurants in San Francisco
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
La Taqueria
Riceless burritos finished 'dorado' for a crisped tortilla.
Notable Picks
#1
La Taqueria
8.9
Mission icon for riceless, tightly wrapped burritos griddled 'dorado' for a crispy finish. Lines move quickly and staff keeps families flowing through counter service without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Dorado Burrito, Carnitas Dorado Burrito, Grilled Jalapeños
What Makes it Special: Riceless burritos finished 'dorado' for a crisped tortilla.
8.7
A taqueria specializing in artisanal tacos, offering a variety of meats and inventive toppings, all served on house-made tortillas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Suadero Taco, Pineapple Pork Taco
What Makes it Special: Artisanal tacos with unique meats and fresh, handmade tortillas.
#3
El Farolito
8.6
Late-night institution serving griddled tacos with deeply seasoned meats and a no-frills counter setup. Lines move quickly and portions are generous, making it a reliable stop after games or shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada (al pastor) tacos, Carne asada tacos, Super quesabirria taco (weekend special)
What Makes it Special: Open very late with fast-moving lines and dialed-in taco meats.
8.6
Richmond District landmark known for Yucatán-leaning plates and the famed Tommy’s Margarita. Bar-friendly happy-hour energy pairs well with taco orders and a deep 100%-agave tequila list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita pibil tacos, Carne asada tacos, Chicken tinga tacos
What Makes it Special: Historic tequila shrine with Yucatán tacos and lively bar.
8.5
A popular taco truck offering authentic, flavorful tacos with a choice of meats, served with fresh salsas and tortillas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Carnitas Taco, Baja Fish Taco
What Makes it Special: Authentic taco truck with perfectly seasoned meats and fresh toppings.
#6
El Pípila
8.5
Daytime counter spotlighting Guanajuato flavors with handmade tortillas and bright salsas. Tacos are clean and focused, with careful seasoning and fresh masa texture.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos on handmade tortillas, Pollo en salsa verde taco, Quesabirria (limited availability)
What Makes it Special: Handmade tortillas and regionally rooted recipes elevate simple tacos.
#7
Loló
8.5
Jaliscan-Californian plates and a serious agave list in a colorful, design-forward room; weeknight drink specials make pre-dinner cocktails popular. Fried avocado tacos and seafood tostadas anchor the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried avocado taco, Tuna tostada, Carnitas en cazuela
What Makes it Special: Vivid design and Jaliscan-inspired plates with agave-centric cocktails.
#8
Papito Hayes
8.5
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Hayes Valley staple (since 2014) serving tacos with a Cal-Mex sensibility plus margaritas and a broader menu. Polished service and a lively room make it pre-show friendly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Pescado tacos, Chicken tinga tacos
What Makes it Special: Refined tacos and margaritas in the heart of Hayes Valley.
8.4
Downtown taquería pairing handmade tortillas with rotating regional taco styles and a solid beer list. Weekday happy hour keeps prices friendly without sacrificing scratch execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Taco Gobernador (shrimp), Al pastor street tacos
What Makes it Special: Handmade tortillas and a beer program built for taco pairing.
#10
Cenote
8.4
Casual FiDi counter-service spot with a weekday Happy Hour that includes $9 two-taco plates and drink deals. Straightforward street tacos and quesabirria make it a practical after-work stop near the Embarcadero.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria (with consomé), 2 Street Tacos (carnitas or asada), Loaded Nachos
What Makes it Special: Weekday Happy Hour with legit taco deals downtown.
8.4
Mission-style taqueria outpost serving speedy tacos with griddled tortillas and punchy salsas. Lines move quickly and late hours make it a dependable finish to a North Beach night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos
What Makes it Special: Classic Mission flavors delivered late with brisk counter flow.
#12
Matador
8.4
Lower Nob Hill tequila bar slinging daily happy hour with $3.50 street tacos and strong margaritas. Go for barbacoa or carnitas on house tortillas and settle into a lively after-work scene near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa street taco, Carnitas street taco, Potato flautas
What Makes it Special: All-day daily happy hour with legit street-taco pricing downtown.
8.4
Italian–Mexican mashup in the Transit Center corridor known for a rich birria lasagna layered with slow-stewed beef and stretchy mozzarella. Lively room, cocktails, and a pasta-leaning menu make it a post-work or date-night standby in SoMa/East Cut.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Lasagna, Paccheri with Wild Boar, Churro Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Fusion birria lasagna that actually balances Italian technique with Mexican depth.
8.4
Neighborhood taqueria known for organic ingredients and Mexico City–style plates. Consistently strong tacos and enchiladas make it a reliable Potrero Hill staple with breezy sidewalk seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole enchiladas, Al pastor tacos, Fish tacos
What Makes it Special: Organic, Mexico City–leaning menu with dependable execution.
8.4
Neighborhood standby for agave cocktails and mix-and-match tacos with a weekday happy hour that draws after-work crowds. Portions are fair, salsas are bright, and the room hums without getting chaotic.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guajillo-braised beef taco, Chicken tinga taco, Queso dip with chips
What Makes it Special: Reliable weekday happy hour with a deep agave program.
#16
Tropisueno
8.4
Daytime taqueria that flips to a full-service cantina at night, known for well-executed regional staples and a lively bar program steps from Moscone. Locals come for consistent carnitas, house salsas, and efficient service in the Yerba Buena corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Enchiladas suizas, Chile relleno
What Makes it Special: Taqueria-by-day, sit-down cantina at night with dependable classics.
8.3
Modern Mexican at Ghirardelli Square with blue-corn tortillas, strong margaritas, and a bay-adjacent patio. Happy hour draws Wharf walkers for taco platters and shareables with a solid tequila list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Birria Tacos, Halibut Fish Tacos, Fried Shrimp Tacos
What Makes it Special: Blue-corn taco platters and patio margaritas steps from the bay.
#18
Blue Agave Club
8.3
Since 1997, this upscale Mexican restaurant in a 145-year-old house has been Pleasanton's pioneer of high-end Mexican cuisine. Their extensive premium tequila list and secret-recipe margaritas complement sophisticated dishes like mole poblano and enjococado made from a 100-year-old family recipe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enjococado with Family Recipe Sauce, Mole Poblano, Camarones Emperador
What Makes it Special: Historic house setting with premium tequila collection
8.3
A cozy spot offering delicious breakfast tacos with a twist, including chorizo and scrambled eggs paired with fresh salsa.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chorizo Breakfast Taco, Scrambled Egg Taco, Salsa Verde Taco
What Makes it Special: Breakfast tacos with a unique Mexican twist and fresh ingredients.
#20
Hook Fish Co.
8.3
Sustainably sourced local catch served fast-casual with beach-town energy. Grilled and blackened fish tacos, bowls, and plates keep lines moving for post-surf meals and family dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blackened rockfish tacos, Grilled fish plate, Poke bowl
What Makes it Special: Local, sustainable fish spotlighted in tacos, bowls, and plates.
8.3
Beloved tortilla shop and deli turning out fresh masa items, house tortillas, and ready-to-eat plates. Families come for quick counter meals and to stock up on tortillas for home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fresh Corn Tortillas & Carnitas Plate, Quesadilla Suiza, Huarache con Asada
What Makes it Special: House-made tortillas and masa-driven antojitos from a classic deli.
8.3
Elevated Southwestern cuisine with a 43-page wine list that has earned Wine Spectator recognition four years running. Chef Eduardo Posada's kitchen delivers dishes like parmesan-crusted cauliflower and ribeye aguachile that pair intentionally with the extensive cellar. Works well for Tri-Valley date nights and celebrations where the wine program matters as much as the plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cauliflower, Mahi Mahi, Watermelon Salad
What Makes it Special: Upscale Southwestern cuisine in the Tri-Valley with an acclaimed wine list and refined presentations
8.3
This fast‑casual taqueria in Mission Bay serves well‑executed street‑style tacos late into the evening, and has become a favorite for post‑game and post‑work bites. The fresh corn tortillas and punchy salsas elevate what could be a simple taco stop into something reliably tasty.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor taco, Carnitas taco, Vegetarian grilled‑veg taco
What Makes it Special: Open late in Mission Bay with freshly made tortillas and bold salsas.
8.3
Filipino-Mexican burritos built around sizzling sisig with balanced spice and texture. Ferry Building location makes it a fast, satisfying waterfront grab for lunch or market strolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Sisig Burrito, California Sisig Burrito, Tofu Sisig Burrito (Vegan)
What Makes it Special: Founder-driven Filipino sisig burritos with vegan options at a landmark marketplace.
8.3
Filipino–Mexican spot at Thrive City known for pork sisig tacos and pre-game happy hour deals. Fast counter service, bar-adjacent seating, and reliable execution make it an easy Mission Bay meetup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Sisig Tacos, Tocino Tacos, Longanisa Tacos
What Makes it Special: Arena-side tacos with real weekday happy hour.
#26
Tacos El Tucán
8.3
Castro outpost of a Tijuana-style taco shop known for quesabirria, adobada, and handmade tortillas. Late weekend hours and bold seasoning make it a go-to after shows or bar-hopping.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos with consommé, Adobada (al pastor) tacos, Vampiro
What Makes it Special: Hand-pressed tortillas and Tijuana-style quesabirria served late.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Counter-service taquería downtown known for trompo-cut al pastor and handmade tortillas. Quick ticket times and late hours make it a reliable move after events on First Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor street tacos, Quesabirria with consomé, Carne asada tacos (hand-pressed tortillas)
What Makes it Special: Fresh-pressed tortillas and hot-off-the-trompo al pastor until late.
#28
Taqueria Cancún
8.3
High-energy taqueria pouring out saucy super burritos and late-night plates. Salsas skew tangy and herbaceous, cutting through big, comforting builds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor super burrito (mojado), Lengua taco, Carne asada nachos
What Makes it Special: Saucy “mojado” burritos and zippy salsa verde late-night.
8.3
Classic counter-service taqueria near Civic Center turning out al pastor and asada tacos fast and cheap. Lines move quickly and portions land right for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Super burrito (split to share)
What Makes it Special: Speedy, inexpensive tacos steps from City Hall and the courts.
8.3
A Yucatecan-inspired taqueria offering authentic dishes like panuchos and cochinita pibil, complemented by a selection of Mexican beer cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil Burrito, Panuchos, Tofu con Achiote
What Makes it Special: Authentic Yucatecan flavors in a casual setting.
#31
Underdogs Tres
8.3
Modern taqueria–sports bar hybrid known for weekday happy hour street tacos and fast ticket times near 9th & Irving. Locals drop in for $3 taco deals, TVs for games, and a lively bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Street Tacos, Fish Tacos, Queso Fundido
What Makes it Special: $3 street tacos during weekday happy hour in a sports-bar setting.
8.2
Union Square brick-and-mortar from chef-owner Miguel Escobedo serving trompo-carved al pastor and Mexico City–style tacos. Frequent Taco Tuesday promos make it a downtown go-to for quick, affordable taco runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos (trompo), Gringa (al pastor + cheese on flour), Alpastorta sandwich
What Makes it Special: Trompo-sliced al pastor downtown with rotating taco deals.
8.2
Family-run Mexican restaurant (since 1986) with a lively bar area, robust kids’ options, and fast ticket times. Portions are hearty and the menu ranges from street-taco simple to combo-plate classics.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Plate, Shrimp Fajitas, Street Tacos
What Makes it Special: Tri-Valley staple with big portions and quick service.
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Long-running Church & Market taqueria turning out generously filled tacos and burritos with speedy counter service. Beloved for al pastor and salsa roja heat, it’s a reliable value stop before or after Muni.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Super burrito (asada or pastor), Shrimp taco
What Makes it Special: Classic SF taqueria flavor-to-price ratio with fast-moving line.
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
What Makes it Special: Weekend late hours with a full taco lineup in 94127.
#36
La Iguana Azul
8.2
Neighborhood taqueria with a playful menu—think late-night burritos alongside house specials like the Cheeto burrito. Open late with friendly service and steady portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheeto burrito, Carne asada super burrito, Shrimp burrito
What Makes it Special: Late-night burritos with fun, off-menu-feeling specials.
#37
Los Yaquis
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Family-run spot on South Van Ness with a broad menu and satisfying tacos, from grilled meats to crispy dorados. Friendly service and fair pricing make it an easy neighborhood go-to.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Tacos dorados de camarón, Al pastor tacos
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood pricing and breadth of taco styles under one roof.
#38
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
What Makes it Special: Legit weekday Happy Hour with a full tequila program in the Excelsior.
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
What Makes it Special: Weekday 3–6pm happy hour with well-priced margaritas and tacos.
#40
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)
What Makes it Special: Hand-pressed tortillas with HH taco and margarita deals, often late.
#41
Santeria
8.2
Castro margarita bar with a lively back patio and a happy hour that pairs well with their Mexican Wings. Since 2021, it’s been a go-to for after-work drinks, shareable plates, and bold, chile-forward flavors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mexican Wings (house adobo glaze), Octopus al pastor, Flautas
What Makes it Special: Happy hour cocktails with patio seating and spicy Mexican Wings.
#42
Tacobar
8.2
Neighborhood counter-service spot with a bona fide weekday happy hour featuring discounted margaritas, beer, and snackable tacos. Locals hit it after work for quick plates, solid salsas, and a laid-back Lower Pac Heights vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Grilled Shrimp Ceviche
What Makes it Special: Weekday happy hour with discounted margaritas, beer, and tacos.
#43
Taqueria Extra
8.2
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Counter-service taqueria on Bernal turning out quick al pastor and asada with a self-serve salsa bar. Happy-hour taco pricing and speedy tickets make it an after-work staple.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Michelada
What Makes it Special: Fast, affordable tacos with a generous salsa bar.
8.2
High-volume Excelsior standby known for super-sized burritos and reliably seasoned tacos. Salsas lean bright and the kitchen maintains speed even at peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Carne asada tacos, Shrimp tacos
What Makes it Special: Crowd-pleasing tacos with a strong salsa bar and late hours.
#45
Taqueria Zorro
8.2
Counter-service staple turning out late-night tacos at wallet-friendly prices. Orders move fast and portions land generous, making it a go-to after North Beach shows or bar hops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Shrimp Taco
What Makes it Special: Reliable, late-night tacos at true budget prices.
#46
Tia Margarita
8.2
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Family-run stalwart pouring lime-forward margaritas and serving generous plates in a convivial, multi-generation dining room. Weeknight happy-hour drink deals make taco orders and rounds easy for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy beef tacos, Fish tacos, Carne asada street tacos
What Makes it Special: Legacy margarita bar vibe with reliable taco crowd-pleasers.
8.2
Downtown sit-down taquería with a broad menu and beer/micheladas alongside tacos. Useful for groups who want table service but still keep things casual.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada street tacos, Al pastor tacos, Fish taco
What Makes it Special: Casual table service downtown with tacos plus micheladas.
#48
Underdogs Too
8.2
Modern taqueria–sports bar hybrid opened in 2018 serving crisp baja-style tacos, burritos, wings, and weekend chilaquiles. Locals post up for game-day energy, solid margaritas, and a broad menu that travels well for takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Taco, Surf & Turf Burrito, Chilaquiles (weekends)
What Makes it Special: Sports-bar buzz meets a focused taco and burrito program.
#49
Uno Dos Tacos
8.2
After-work staple pairing house margaritas with handmade tortillas and street-style tacos on a lively plaza. Happy hour runs multiple days with $7 taco trios and drink specials that draw FiDi crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Street Taco Trio (asada/carnitas/tinga), Corn R'bz (corn ribs), Chips & Guacamole
What Makes it Special: Daily taco and drink deals in a central plaza setting.
Family-run Oaxacan truck showcasing tlayudas, memelitas, and regionally rooted toppings alongside familiar tacos. A welcome change-up from standard taqueria fare with careful seasoning and crisp griddled textures.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tlayuda con Cecina, Memelitas de Frijol, Chicken Mole Taco
What Makes it Special: Oaxacan specialties—tlayudas and memelitas—rarely found this side of town.