0 Followers
Taqueria El Jalapeño
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Taqueria El Jalapeño
7.8
Ocean Avenue stalwart with straightforward tacos and notably hearty portions. A neighborhood favorite for budget-friendly plates and quick takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lengua tacos, Carnitas tacos, Shrimp tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Big, unfussy tacos at wallet-friendly prices on Ocean Ave.
Who should go: Students and value seekers
When to visit: Lunch hour opening to beat the rush
What to order: Lengua tacos; carnitas tacos; extra salsa roja
Insider tip: Ask for a well-done tortilla for extra char and structure.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Ocean Ave and nearby side streets; spots turn over quickly midday but tighten after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—come as you are, jeans and hoodies common among locals and students.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation is easy except during peak lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for takeout orders, usually no dine-in crowd.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; counter moves fast even when busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – cheese quesadillas, bean burritos, and veggie tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few meatless tacos or burritos can be customized without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Partially – corn tortillas used, but no dedicated prep area to avoid cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a quick lunch or casual solo bite spot than a linger-and-talk setup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken; counter seating and a few small tables are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, fast service, and low-key vibe suit families with younger kids, though space is limited.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling tacos at budget prices with reliable quality and quick turnaround.
Skip if: You’re seeking atmosphere or alcohol service—this is a practical, no-frills taqueria.
Taqueria El Jalapeño
7.9
Compact Ocean Avenue counter serving tidy, well-stuffed burritos at fair prices with a from-scratch feel. Friendly owners, steady lunch flow, and easy takeout near CCSF.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo asado super burrito, Carnitas burrito, Vegetarian super burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Warm, owner-run spot with carefully wrapped, balanced burritos.
Who should go: Students and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: 11:30am–1pm moves quickly despite lunch rush
What to order: Pollo asado super; carnitas; veggie super
Insider tip: Request extra-toasty tortilla for better structure on the go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Ocean Avenue—free in most spots but can be tight during lunch rushes near CCSF.
Dress code: Casual—students, commuters, and locals in everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—steady counter chatter but quiet enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: Rarely crowded—5–10 minutes at most.
Weekday lunch: Quick-moving line—typically under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burritos and customizable fillings available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for no cheese or sour cream; beans and rice are safe bases.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area—tortillas contain gluten, but fillings are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—better suited for casual, quick bites or shared lunch stops.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter seating and small tables are first-come, first-served with quick turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple menu and quick service, but limited space for strollers or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable burritos with consistent quality and friendly counter service near CCSF.
Skip if: You want sit-down ambiance, alcohol, or large group dining—space is limited and focused on takeout.
Taqueria El Jalapeño
7.7
Ocean Avenue’s long-running counter for straightforward, generously filled burritos and tacos. Friendly service and fair pricing make it a neighborhood staple for lunch and early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada burrito, Chile verde plate, Carnitas tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Neighborhood counter with generous portions and friendly prices.
Who should go: Lunch regulars and takeout fans
When to visit: 11:30am–1:30pm or after 6pm to avoid waits
What to order: Asada burrito, chile verde, carnitas tacos
Insider tip: Call ahead for faster pickup during lunch rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Ocean Avenue and nearby side streets; typically easy before 6pm, tighter during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual; come as you are—jeans, t-shirts, and work attire all common.
Noise level: Low to moderate; conversational and family-friendly, rarely loud.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, mostly for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: No significant wait except around noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie burritos, quesadillas, and rice/bean plates available.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize bean and veggie burritos without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated prep area, but corn tortillas available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more of a casual counter spot than a sit-down experience, though fine for a quick, low-key meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always—walk-ins only. Seating is limited but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with simple menu options, highchairs available, and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for children.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable burritos and tacos made to order without fuss.
Skip if: You’re seeking late-night service or a dine-in ambiance—it closes earlier than other taquerias.
Taqueria El Jalapeño
7.7
Ocean Avenue counter favored for generously filled tacos and quick takeout. Straightforward flavors, friendly pricing, and a smooth pickup flow.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Carnitas tacos, Al pastor tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Neighborhood counter with fast tickets and fair taco pricing.
Who should go: Lunch regulars and takeout fans
When to visit: 11:30am–1:30pm or after 6pm to avoid waits
What to order: Asada; carnitas; al pastor
Insider tip: Call ahead during the lunch rush for quicker pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Ocean Avenue is generally available, though spots can be limited during weekday lunch rushes. Metered spaces nearby turn over fairly quickly.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are. Most guests stop by in everyday clothes or work attire.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch; easy conversation at most times.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak dinner hours, usually shorter after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes for takeout; walk-up orders move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese taco or burrito options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify veggie tacos or burritos by omitting cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn tortillas are gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible on shared surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s a bright, quick-serve taqueria better suited for casual meals than long conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-up counter only, with a few tables available. Most guests order to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, and the staff is accommodating. There are high chairs and quick turnaround for kids’ meals.
Best For
Better for: Fast takeout and hearty portions at fair prices compared to trendier taco shops.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down experience with drinks or an extended meal.
Taqueria El Jalapeño
7.7
Compact Ocean Avenue counter turning out affordable tacos and burritos with quick service. Straightforward fillings, balanced salsas, and reliable value make it a convenient everyday stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Super Burrito Carnitas, Milanesa Torta
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: No-frills Ocean Ave staple with fast ticket times and low prices.
Who should go: Students and budget-minded locals
When to visit: Lunch hour before the midday rush
What to order: Al pastor tacos; carnitas super; milanesa torta
Insider tip: Grab extra napkins—tacos are generously sauced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Ocean Avenue; side streets offer limited free spots but can fill during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual; come as you are—jeans and hoodies common among students and locals.
Noise level: Moderate; steady chatter and sizzling griddle noise, but conversation is easy at the counter.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes during peak hours; usually quick turnover.
Weekday lunch: No wait or brief line; orders come out fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos or tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable veggie burrito without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but kitchen not certified gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a quick-service taqueria best for casual bites, not atmosphere or lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only with a few tables that turn over quickly; no reservations taken or needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; quick meals and mild options available, though limited seating and no high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos and burritos when you’re short on time or budget.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dinner or craft cocktails—try a full-service Mexican spot instead.