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Tacko
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Tacko
7.9
Counter-service taco shop (opened 2011) with a breezy East-Coast-meets-Baja vibe and weekday Happy Hour pints. It’s the quick, affordable taco stop—order at the counter, snag a stool, and crush a Baja fish before the next round.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Crispy Shrimp Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast, budget-friendly HH with classic Baja-style tacos on Fillmore.
Who should go: Solo snackers and speed-minded taco runs
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for HH pricing and easy seating
What to order: Baja fish, carne asada, crispy shrimp tacos
Insider tip: Lines move fast—grab a counter seat and a HH pint while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking on Fillmore or Union; gets tight after 6pm—try Green or Filbert cross streets.
Dress code: Totally casual—jeans, tees, and hoodies fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate; casual chatter and music but easy to hold a quick convo.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak; fast turnover with counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—order and grab a stool quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and veggie tacos plus sides like rice and guac.
Vegan options: Limited—customize veggie tacos by skipping crema and cheese.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas available and staff familiar with requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual, beachy vibes—this is a quick, unfussy spot for a low-pressure meetup over tacos and beers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only. Order at the register and find a seat; solo diners and small groups have the best luck.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle stools and quick service; no high chairs or play space, but staff are friendly and fast.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos with quick beer service—perfect for weekday bites or casual solo meals.
Skip if: You’re after a sit-down, cocktail-driven taco night or need table service.
Tacko
7.7
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service staple with a Nantucket-by-way-of-Mexico look, known for quick Baja-style tacos, burritos, and weekday Happy Hour deals. It’s the grab-and-go answer for a casual beer and taco break.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Taco, Carne Asada Burrito, Street Corn
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Fast, affordable HH with beer and taco specials right on Fillmore.
Who should go: Solo diners and quick pit-stops
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6 pm for HH pricing
What to order: Baja fish taco, carne asada burrito, street corn
Insider tip: Lines move fast; grab a counter seat and order a pint on HH.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Fillmore is limited; try side streets like Filbert or Union for easier spots.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most guests are in jeans and tees.
Noise level: Moderate during Happy Hour with music and chatter; quieter mid-afternoon.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes max; orders move quickly even when busy.
Weekday lunch: No wait; counter service is near-instant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie tacos, salads, and bean burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—request no cheese or crema for vegan-friendly tacos.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas used for most tacos; burritos not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—Tacko’s counter-service format is better for casual hangs than sit-down dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken; grab any open counter or outdoor seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and outdoor seating make it easy for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster and cheaper than Flores or Tacolicious for a casual taco-and-beer stop.
Skip if: Skip if you’re after craft cocktails or a long sit-down meal—this spot’s built for speed.
Tacko
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Baja-leaning counter spot known for crisp fish tacos, quick service, and steady lines that move fast. Locals hit it before or after Chestnut/Union for affordable, satisfying tacos without the wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Taco, Shrimp Taco, Carne Asada Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast-moving Baja-style tacos with reliably crispy fish.
Who should go: Counter-service taco fans on a budget
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for shortest line
What to order: Baja fish, shrimp, carne asada tacos
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crispy fish and add pickled jalapeños at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Union and Fillmore; can be tough during dinner rush but manageable later in the evening. No valet or private lot.
Dress code: Totally casual—come as you are in jeans, hoodies, or shorts.
Noise level: Moderate; steady chatter from counter traffic but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours with a quick-moving line.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a few minutes depending on foot traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—grilled veggie taco and cheese enchilada options are solid picks.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify veggie taco or salad to be vegan, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free; burritos use flour, so stick to tacos.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going casual—great for a laid-back taco run or post-park meetup, not for candlelight vibes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service only—no reservations needed and tables turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—fast service, simple menu, and plenty of outdoor seating make it easy for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and lower prices than Tacolicious or Sacred Taco while keeping solid Baja flavor.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, sit-down ambiance, or elaborate plating—this is strictly quick, casual taco fare.
Tacko
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Baja-leaning counter spot known for fast-moving lines, crisp fish tacos, and hefty burritos at wallet-friendly prices. Locals use it for quick, satisfying plates before or after Union Street.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Taco, Carne Asada Burrito, Shrimp Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Speedy Baja-style tacos and burritos at true cheap-eats prices.
Who should go: Night-owls and pre/post-Union Street snackers
When to visit: Weeknights after 8pm for shortest lines
What to order: Baja fish taco, shrimp taco, carne asada burrito
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crispy fish and add pickled jalapeños at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking only; spots on Union and Fillmore fill up quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Ultra casual—hoodies, jeans, or gym clothes are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate buzz during peak hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes line at peak, moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—grilled veggie burritos, rice and bean plates, and cheese quesadillas.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas available on request, though no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date unless it’s a casual, quick bite—counter-service setup and tight seating make it more of a hangout than a linger spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Tacko doesn’t take reservations; seating is first come, first served and usually turns fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families with older kids who can manage counter service; younger children may find the tight seating challenging during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more consistent portions than most nearby taquerias.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down dinner or margarita service—this is strictly a counter spot.
Tacko
7.8
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service Baja-leaning tacos and hefty burritos with lines that move late. It’s the quick, affordable choice before or after a Marina Green stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja fish taco, Carne asada burrito, Shrimp taco
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast-moving late counter service with Baja-focused tacos.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco fans on the go
When to visit: After 9pm for shortest lines
What to order: Fish taco, carne asada burrito, shrimp taco
Insider tip: Grab to-go and eat along nearby Union Street benches.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Union and Fillmore; metered until 6pm and tight on weekends, but you can usually find a spot within two blocks after 9pm.
Dress code: Ultra casual—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are totally fine; this is a come-as-you-are taco joint.
Noise level: Moderate during dinner rush with music and chatter; quiet enough for conversation once the late-night crowd thins out.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the line; moves quickly since it’s counter service.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, especially after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie tacos and burritos available, plus sides like rice and beans.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify veggie taco or burrito by skipping cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas used for most tacos, but burritos contain flour tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it casual—it’s counter service and quick eats, better for a low-key meet-up than a romantic night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed; just order at the counter and grab a seat or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual seating, quick service, and simple tacos make it easy for families with younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster and cheaper than Flores or Sacred Taco when you just want solid tacos or burritos without the sit-down formality.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, table service, or a more atmospheric date-night vibe—try Flores instead.
Tacko
7.8
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Counter-service burritos and Baja-leaning tacos delivered fast with lines that move even late. It’s the go-to for quick, affordable plates before or after a Marina Green stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja fish taco, Carne asada burrito, Cheese quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Speedy counter service with hours that stretch later than most.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco fans on the go
When to visit: After 9pm for shortest lines and quick turnarounds
What to order: Fish taco, carne asada burrito, quesadilla
Insider tip: Grab to-go and eat on the benches along Union Street.
Tacko
7.8
Counter-service taco shop with a breezy nautical vibe and fast ticket times. Great for families who want quick burritos, quesadillas, and Baja-leaning tacos without a long sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja fish taco, Carne asada burrito, Cheese quesadilla for kids
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Speedy counter service with crowd-pleasing tacos and burritos.
Who should go: Families on a tight schedule
When to visit: Lunch before noon or after 1:30pm
What to order: Baja fish taco, carne asada burrito, kids’ quesadilla
Insider tip: Grab waterside picnic supplies here before a Marina Green stroll.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Union and surrounding side streets; moderately available before evening rush but tight after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—beachwear, jeans, and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch; slightly lively during peak hours but still easy for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes depending on walk-in crowd; counter ordering keeps lines moving quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—black bean, veggie, and cheese options available across tacos and burritos.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize veggie tacos or burritos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas used for most tacos; burritos and quesadillas contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual hang or quick lunch date—informal setting and counter service keep things low-key.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken. Tables turn quickly, so you’ll usually find a seat within 10 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—plenty of space for strollers, fast service, and a simple menu that works well for kids 4 and up.
Best For
Better for: Quick family meals and easy takeout before a park or waterfront walk.
Skip if: You’re looking for a slow, sit-down Mexican dinner with cocktails or table service.
Tacko
7.7
Counter-service taco shop known for street-style tacos and hefty burritos in a breezy, nautical space. It’s a dependable quick meal before or after Chestnut/Union strolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Street-Style Taco Trio (carne asada/carnitas), San Francisco Burrito, Carne Asada Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast, street-style tacos with consistent execution.
Who should go: Casual taco seekers near Union/Chestnut
When to visit: Late lunch 2–4pm to skip lines
What to order: Taco trio, SF burrito, carne asada quesadilla
Insider tip: Single street tacos are an easy add-on to customize meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available on Union or nearby residential blocks but tighter after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are in jeans or shorts; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Moderate; upbeat background music and chatter but still easy to converse.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, as it’s counter-service with quick turnover.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually 0–5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—black bean tacos, veggie burritos, and customizable bowls.
Vegan options: Limited—ask to hold cheese and sour cream; guacamole and beans are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but fine for a casual meetup—grab tacos, sit by the window, and keep it low-key.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. Counter-ordering with self-seating keeps tables rotating quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of family visitors, with mild menu options and fast service that works well for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, filling meals before exploring Chestnut or Marina Green; strong on burritos and casual atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re after craft cocktails or upscale plating—Flores or Tacolicious suit that better.