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Taco Boys
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Taco Boys
7.9
Casual taqueria with a broad vegan menu alongside classic proteins, open late on weekends. Value-driven combo deals and plant-based options make it an easy group choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
California burrito, Pastor vegano tacos, Loaded nachos (vegan or asada)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Rare Castro spot with extensive vegan Mexican options until late.
Who should go: Mixed-diet groups and late-night snackers
When to visit: Tue–Sat late night to avoid daytime crowds
What to order: California burrito, pastor vegano tacos, loaded nachos
Insider tip: Check Taco Tuesday: discount tacos and beer specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Market and 14th fill quickly after 6pm, so aim for side streets near Duboce Park.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—hoodie and jeans are standard, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate; lively background chatter from dine-in and takeout traffic but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes for dine-in; takeout ready in about 5–10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: No wait; walk up and order immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—nearly every item can be made vegetarian, and many sides are meat-free by default.
Vegan options: Extensive vegan menu with house-made plant-based proteins and sauces; rare for a taqueria in this area.
Gluten-free options: Most tacos and bowls are gluten-free when ordered with corn tortillas; burritos contain flour tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangs than first dates—order at the counter and share tacos outside or at a window seat.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted; tables turn fast, and many opt for takeout or delivery during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are welcoming to families, with mild taco options and quick service; outdoor seating works well for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for groups with mixed diets and those seeking solid vegan or vegetarian tacos on a budget.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, alcohol, or a quieter, date-night ambiance.
Taco Boys
7.7
Castro taqueria with a broad vegan-friendly menu—think soy-based al pastor and multiple plant proteins alongside the classics. It’s straightforward, fast, and built for casual taco runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan al pastor tacos, California burrito, Birria quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Vegan-forward options side-by-side with standard taqueria staples.
Who should go: Mixed vegan and omnivore groups
When to visit: Late lunch 2–4pm to skip lines
What to order: Vegan al pastor tacos, California burrito, birria quesadilla
Insider tip: Look for weekday taco specials that include vegan proteins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Market and Castro can be tight during peak meal hours; best luck on side streets like 14th or Noe after 7pm.
Dress code: Totally casual — T-shirts, gym wear, or post-gym attire fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — steady chatter and music but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes depending on foot traffic; quick turnover even when busy.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 1pm; brief lines after the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several fillings and combo plates are fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes — standout vegan al pastor, soy chorizo, and grilled veggie options.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — corn tortillas are safe, but cross-contact possible in shared prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it low-key — it’s more grab-and-go tacos than romantic dinner, but works for a casual meet-up with shared plates and fast service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only with quick table turnover. Walk in and grab a seat when one opens up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids and teens who enjoy tacos; no dedicated kids’ menu, but mild fillings and casual seating make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Vegan and mixed-diet groups who want classic taqueria flavor without sacrificing plant-based options.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down, full-service Mexican restaurant or a bar-centric evening spot — this is fast-casual through and through.
Taco Boys
7.9
Casual Castro taqueria with a broad taco lineup plus extensive vegan options. Late hours on weekends make it a reliable grab-and-go stop after shows and bar crawls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan al pastor tacos, Grilled chicken tacos, Baja-style fish tacos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Taco menu with strong vegan choices and late hours.
Who should go: Night owls and vegan-friendly groups
When to visit: Fri–Sat late night for full menu
What to order: Vegan al pastor, chicken tacos, fish taco
Insider tip: Check Taco Tuesday for discounted tacos and easy sampling.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 7pm near Castro Street but easier on side streets like 18th or Collingwood.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; post-gym or post-bar attire fits right in.
Noise level: Lively during peak hours, especially late-night weekends; still conversational for small groups.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for takeout orders; tables turn fast but can fill up after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; grab-and-go orders ready within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie taco options plus build-your-own with rice and beans.
Vegan options: Strong vegan lineup including al pastor and soy chorizo tacos with dairy-free sauces.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available and most fillings are gluten-free, though cross-contact possible in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a laid-back, grab-a-taco vibe — fun, casual, and zero pressure but not ideal for long conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only, so no reservations needed; small tables open up frequently even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for casual daytime visits; plenty of quick meal options and outdoor tables, though late-night hours skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Late-night vegan tacos and fast post-bar eats — few Castro spots stay open this late with solid vegan options.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dinner or quieter date-night atmosphere; head to nearby family-run taquerias instead.
Taco Boys
7.8
Castro taqueria known for late hours, vegan options, and recurring drink-and-taco deals. Happy-hour and Taco Tuesday promos draw groups looking for quick plates and beers before a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Street Tacos, Carne Asada Fries, Vegan Soyrizo Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Daily deals with broad vegan options and late-night hours.
Who should go: Friends pre-gaming in the Castro
When to visit: Late afternoon for HH; Fri–Sat late for snacks
What to order: Al pastor tacos; carne asada fries; vegan soyrizo taco
Insider tip: Slide to the side counter for quicker second-round orders during rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking on Castro and 18th; best to walk or rideshare after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual – come as you are; jeans and tees fit the scene.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially during Happy Hour or weekends.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for groups; counter space often available.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during lunch rush around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple taco fillings, quesadillas, and rice/bean combos.
Vegan options: Yes – solid vegan menu with soyrizo, nopales, and plant-based protein options.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes – corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contact possible at grill.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual and fun – it’s more energetic than intimate, but perfect for a relaxed pre-drinks meet-up.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s walk-up only. Expect to share tables or stand during peak happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Early hours yes, but evenings lean toward adult crowds with loud music and drink specials.
Best For
Better for: Lively pregame tacos and affordable rounds before Castro nightlife.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet meal, full-service dining, or romantic atmosphere.
Taco Boys
7.9
Castro taqueria (since 2020) with Taco Tuesday and frequent HH-value combos, including vegan proteins. Quick counter service and late hours make it a reliable tacos-and-a-beer stop before or after the bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Vegan Soyrizo Taco, Carne Asada Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Affordable taco deals with broad vegan options and late hours.
Who should go: Friends pre-gaming in the Castro
When to visit: Tuesdays 12–7pm for $2 tacos; early evening otherwise
What to order: Al pastor; vegan soyrizo; carne asada fries
Insider tip: Line moves fastest if you order tacos and drinks together at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Church and Market; metered until 6pm and can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and T-shirts fit right in after work or before a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—music and chatter rise during HH but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak HH hours; tables and counter seats turn over quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; immediate service for takeout or dine-in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple fillings like grilled veggies and soyrizo are available.
Vegan options: Yes—dedicated vegan proteins and dairy-free options; staff are knowledgeable about swaps.
Gluten-free options: Limited—corn tortillas are safe, but fries and sauces share prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, fast-counter energy—better for post-drinks tacos than candlelight romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only. Tables turn quickly, especially outside HH rush hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably—no kids’ menu, but casual service and quick food make it fine for families before 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs and vegan-friendly HH deals unmatched in the Castro.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, craft cocktails, or quieter ambiance—try Santería or El Capitan instead.
Taco Boys
7.9
Castro taqueria offering both traditional meats and one of the city’s deeper vegan taco lineups. Late hours and customizable builds make it a dependable stop for mixed-diet groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Taco, Vegan Al Pastor Taco, Carne Asada Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Robust vegan taco options alongside classic birria and asada.
Who should go: Mixed-diet friends and late-night snackers
When to visit: After 9pm when seating turns over
What to order: Birria taco; vegan al pastor taco; carne asada taco
Insider tip: Vegan proteins can be mixed—ask for a half-and-half order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Market and 14th; metered spots nearby, best luck after 9pm.
Dress code: Casual—anything from jeans and hoodies to relaxed streetwear fits right in.
Noise level: Moderate—music and chatter pick up after dark, but still fine for conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on group size; fast turnover at counter.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, even for dine-in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—many fillings and sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Extensive options with house-made vegan proteins and salsas.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; cross-contact possible in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and lively—great for a spontaneous taco run, not a candlelit vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only with quick turnover; grab a seat inside or at the small patio when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—easy menu, mild options, and quick service make it family-friendly before late-night hours.
Best For
Better for: Best for groups with mixed dietary needs and late-night eaters craving vegan-friendly tacos.
Skip if: Skip if you want table service, margaritas, or a quiet sit-down experience.