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Santeria
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Happy hour cocktails with patio seating and spicy Mexican Wings.
Who should go: Friends seeking cocktails and shareable plates
When to visit: Weekdays 3–6pm for best happy hour
What to order: Mexican Wings, octopus al pastor, guacamole
Insider tip: Head to the back patio bar—quicker drink refills before 6pm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking on Market and 16th; fills fast after 5pm—garage option two blocks away on Noe.
Dress code: Smart casual with a Castro flair—jeans and button-downs fine; bright colors and summer dresses fit right in.
Noise level: Lively during happy hour, moderate after 8pm; can chat comfortably on the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–45 min wait for patio tables; bar seats usually open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—happy hour starts around 3pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and tacos can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for customizations on guacamole and vegetable tacos.
Gluten-free options: Good selection—corn-based dishes and grilled proteins are easy fits.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially on the patio at golden hour. The cocktails, lighting, and lively backdrop make it playful yet not too loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—walk-ins are common before 6pm, but patio tables fill up early on sunny afternoons.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—more of an adult cocktail crowd, though daytime visits with older teens are fine.
Best For
Better for: More stylish and cocktail-forward than most Castro bars—perfect for groups who want good food alongside drinks.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet dinner or full entrées—this is better for bites and margaritas than a long meal.
Santeria
8.2
Modern Mexican cocktail bar with house-made tortillas and rotating taco lineups (birria Tuesdays are a draw). Later weekend hours and a buzzy room make it a social taco stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb birria tacos, Mushroom tacos on nopal tortilla, Carnitas street tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: House tortillas and cocktail program with taco specials like birria Tuesdays.
Who should go: Friends meeting for tacos and drinks
When to visit: Fri–Sat 9–11pm for peak energy
What to order: Birria tacos, mushroom taco, carnitas taco
Insider tip: Watch for taco + beer deals on weeknights at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots along Market and 16th fill quickly after 7pm. Rideshare drop-offs are easiest near Noe and Market.
Dress code: Smart casual with a stylish edge — jeans are fine, but most guests lean dressy for the cocktail crowd.
Noise level: Lively — conversation possible at small tables, but bar area gets loud after 9pm.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–60 minutes for a table after 8:30pm without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; evenings before 7pm usually seat promptly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — mushroom and squash tacos are strong vegetarian options, plus several meatless sides.
Vegan options: Limited — 1–2 tacos can be made vegan on request; clarify about cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are house-made and gluten-free, but cross-contact possible at the grill.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — buzzy but intimate lighting, good cocktail energy, and shareable tacos make it ideal for casual first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Early arrivals (before 7pm) can usually snag a bar seat or small table; later hours often require a waitlist.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the focus is adult drinks and late-night vibes; best suited for adult groups or date nights.
Best For
Better for: Craft cocktails and elevated tacos in a social setting — stronger nightlife energy than casual taquerias.
Skip if: You want a quick or quiet meal; consider El Castillito or Tacos El Tucán for faster, family-friendly options.
Santeria
8.3
Modern Mexican plates and an agave-forward bar anchor this Castro spot where birria, ceviches, and house salsas meet serious cocktails. Locals use it for upbeat dinners and drinks without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Queso fundido with chorizo, Aguachile
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Agave-centric cocktails paired with polished, regionally inspired plates.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers craving modern Mexican
When to visit: Evenings before 7pm for easier seating
What to order: Birria tacos, queso fundido, aguachile
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu mezcal flights to explore smaller producers.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Market and 16th can be tough after 6pm—best bet is side streets or the nearby Castro/18th St garage.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice shirt are fine, but most guests lean trendy for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—music and chatter build after 7pm, but conversation is manageable for small groups.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation after 7pm; bar seats sometimes open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Closed midday; dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—enchiladas, queso fundido, and several appetizers are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and salads can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes use corn masa; staff are attentive to gluten concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—dim lighting, elevated cocktails, and shareable plates make it a lively but comfortable spot for early chemistry. It feels polished without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible but tricky on weekends. Arrive before 6:30pm or aim for bar seating, which is first-come-first-served and often quicker.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—this is more of an adult dinner and drinks venue. Teens are fine early evening, but no kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Stronger cocktail and mezcal program than most nearby Mexican spots, with more refined presentation and energy suited to night-out plans.
Skip if: You want casual burritos or large combo plates—this is a sit-down, modern experience focused on cocktails and shareable small plates.
Santeria
8.3
Modern Mexican cocktails and shareable botanas anchor a lively 3–6pm weekday happy hour with $9 margaritas and snacks. Locals post up for carnitas tacos, papas bravas, and agave flights before evening plans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos (HH), Mexican Wings (prickly pear habanero), Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Weekday happy hour with well-priced agave cocktails and Mexican snacks.
Who should go: Cocktail fans meeting up after work
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–6pm for best HH pricing
What to order: Carnitas tacos; papas bravas; $9 margarita
Insider tip: Ask for the current off-menu margarita riff—bartenders rotate flavors.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—metered spots on Market and Castro fill fast after 5pm, but nearby residential blocks often open up around 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top fit right in; locals lean slightly dressy during happy hour and evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—music and chatter pick up after 5pm, but you can still hold a conversation indoors or on the patio.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats turn over more quickly.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—opens midafternoon for happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of shareables and tacos can be made vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be modified (try the papas bravas or veggie tacos).
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and several dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for a casual cocktail meet-up. The candlelight and patio vibe strike a balance between relaxed and upbeat.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes during happy hour if you arrive before 5pm; after 6pm, expect a short wait unless seated at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—it's more of an adult cocktail scene, though teens are fine before 9pm when the bar energy ramps up.
Best For
Better for: Creative agave cocktails and a social happy-hour patio make it stronger for groups and drinks than for full dinners.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal or extensive entrée options—this is a cocktail-forward spot best for pre-dinner hangs.
Santeria
8.4
Modern Mexican spot in the Castro known for a true weekday happy hour and agave-focused cocktails. Tacos are the move—HH carnitas alongside full-menu options like puffy tacos and Baja fish keep it lively before a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
HH Carnitas Tacos, Puffy Tacos, Baja Fish Tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Weekday HH with tacos and agave cocktails in a stylish room.
Who should go: Cocktail fans and taco-first meetups
When to visit: Mon–Fri 3–6pm for HH tacos and drinks
What to order: HH carnitas tacos; puffy tacos; Baja fish
Insider tip: Ask about the rotating off-menu margarita during happy hour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking along Market and 16th; easiest after 7pm or via nearby garages on Castro Street.
Dress code: Smart casual—stylish but relaxed. Jeans and a button-down or nice top fit right in for happy hour or dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation-friendly before 6pm, then buzzy as the bar crowd fills in.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially on warm evenings when the patio fills.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early HH arrival (3–4pm) typically has open seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several taco and appetizer options like mushroom and nopales tacos are popular.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 clearly marked items; some tacos can be modified by omitting cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas used for tacos; gluten present in some fried items, so confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The setting is vibrant but not too loud, with creative cocktails and shareable tacos that make for a relaxed, flirty vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually during weekday happy hour—just walk in. For weekend evenings, reservations via OpenTable or Yelp are recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for small children—geared more toward adults with bar seating and cocktails—but teens may enjoy early dinner hours on the patio.
Best For
Better for: Stylish HH energy and inventive agave cocktails in a lively Castro setting—more elevated than nearby casual taquerias.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet sit-down meal or extensive vegan menu; opt for a calmer neighborhood cantina instead.
Santeria
8.4
Modern Castro cantina with a cocktail program and a taco roster that includes birria and pescado alongside snacks built for sharing. Lively room and solid happy hour make it a sit-down upgrade for taco night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Tacos, Pescado Tacos, Carnitas Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Cocktail-forward cantina serving refined tacos in a lively setting.
Who should go: Taco lovers who want drinks and atmosphere
When to visit: Happy hour or early evening for best energy
What to order: Birria tacos; pescado tacos; carnitas tacos
Insider tip: Bar seats turn faster—ideal for a quick taco-and-margarita stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tough after 6pm, especially on weekends. Paid garages available nearby on 18th and Collingwood.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top or casual dress fit the upbeat cantina vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is possible at smaller tables but the bar area gets energetic during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seats often open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian tacos and share plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 vegan taco options, but some sides can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are gluten-free, but the kitchen is shared so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The colorful space and cocktail program create a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere—perfect for a casual, fun first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You usually can, especially early evening or at the bar, but weekends after 7pm fill fast. Reservations are recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for small kids—it’s more of an adult social scene. Older teens are fine earlier in the evening before the bar crowd builds.
Best For
Better for: Creative tacos and cocktails in a stylish, social setting—stronger bar program than most neighborhood taquerias.
Skip if: You’re seeking a quiet meal or budget tacos-to-go—this is more of a dine-in cantina experience.
Santeria
8.3
Modern Castro cantina serving bone-in Mexican wings glazed with prickly pear–habanero and finished with cilantro and lime. It’s a sit-down spot where cocktails and shareable plates make wings part of the evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mexican Wings (prickly pear–habanero), Birria Tacos, Churros
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Prickly pear–habanero wings with a bright, balanced heat.
Who should go: Cocktail-and-wings night planners
When to visit: Happy hour or early evening for best pace
What to order: Mexican wings; birria tacos; churros
Insider tip: Ask for extra jalapeños and house ranch with the wings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight in the Castro after 6pm. Nearest paid lot is across from the Muni station on 17th Street.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but many guests dress up for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly early evening, lively after 8pm with bar energy.
Weekend wait: Typically 45–60 minutes without a reservation between 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait; bar area usually open for walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several small plates and tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—roughly 2–3 dishes can be modified vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos and wings can be prepared gluten-free; servers are knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The warm lighting, cocktails, and lively ambiance make it ideal for a relaxed yet fun first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for small groups before 6:30pm; otherwise, reservations are strongly recommended on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—geared more toward adults and groups; no children’s menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Craft cocktails and modern Mexican-style wings in a social, date-friendly atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual sports-bar vibe or fast counter service—this is a sit-down cantina experience.
Santeria
8.2
Castro’s agave-forward cantina turns out birria and al pastor on house tortillas with a lively late-night bar scene. It’s the reliable spot in 94114 still seating for tacos and margaritas when most kitchens shut down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos with consomé, Octopus al pastor, Churros with dipping sauce
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Late-serving Mexican plates with a serious agave program in the Castro.
Who should go: Night owls craving tacos and strong margaritas
When to visit: Friday–Saturday after 9pm for peak buzz
What to order: Birria tacos, octopus al pastor, queso fundido
Insider tip: Bar seats turn fastest late; ask about off-menu spicy mezcal margs.