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Taqueria Guadalajara
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
Taqueria Guadalajara
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
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Crowd-pleasing tacos with a strong salsa bar and late hours.
Who should go: Groups who want speedy counter service
When to visit: Early evening before prime rush
What to order: Carnitas tacos; shrimp tacos; salsa roja on the side
Insider tip: Scan the specials board—rotating meats appear without announcement.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours but usually manageable before 6pm.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; locals often stop in after errands or with family.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversational early evenings but louder once the dinner rush hits.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for dine-in or takeout during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the counter line can build briefly around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean and veggie tacos, burritos, and quesadillas are available.
Vegan options: Limited — can request no cheese or sour cream, but cross-contact possible.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, though prep surfaces are shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual meetup than a romantic first date — it’s fast-paced, bright, and centered on hearty portions rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only; tables turn quickly, so even at busy times you’ll usually find seating after a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — plenty of families dine here; high chairs are available and the menu has mild options for younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and larger portions than most nearby taquerias, especially for groups or takeout orders.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, sit-down experience or elevated plating — this is more about speed and flavor than atmosphere.
Taqueria Guadalajara
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Group Dining Gatherings
High-volume Excelsior stalwart known for meaty, well-balanced super burritos—especially the crackly carnitas and lively salsas. Late hours, quick lines, and consistent execution make it a neighborhood standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas super burrito, Carne asada super burrito, Chile relleno burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Crispy carnitas and late hours anchor a reliable super burrito.
Who should go: Late-night burrito seekers
When to visit: After 9pm for faster counter service
What to order: Carnitas super; asada super; chile relleno burrito
Insider tip: Grab extra salsa cups—heat levels vary and go fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and Geneva Avenue, typically available within a block before 8pm but fills quickly late at night. No private lot.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, and post-shift attire all blend right in.
Noise level: Lively with background chatter and sizzling grill sounds—fine for casual conversation but not ideal for deep talks.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes during peak 8–10pm hours; late-night waits drop under 5 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during school lunch rush around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos are mainstays with optional rice and guac add-ons.
Vegan options: Limited—bean and veggie burrito can be made vegan if ordered without cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Limited—tortillas contain gluten, but taco plates without tortillas are possible substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual hangouts or post-bar bites than a first date—it’s bright, busy, and built for speed rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t accepted. Seating is first-come, first-served at counter and small tables; quick turnover keeps waits short.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent early evenings. High chairs are limited but staff are accommodating, and portions are easily shareable.
Best For
Better for: Late-night carnitas and fast service make it superior to slower, sit-down taquerias in the area.
Skip if: You want a quiet, lingering meal—this is more of a quick-serve burrito joint than a relaxed dining experience.
Taqueria Guadalajara
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Excelsior standby turning out customizable super burritos, tacos, and plates with dependable speed. Straightforward seating and consistent execution make it easy for weeknight family dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Super Burrito, Shrimp Burrito, Adobada Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Build-your-own burritos with generous portions and quick turns.
Who should go: Families splitting shareable burritos
When to visit: 5–6:30pm to beat the rush
What to order: Carne asada super; shrimp burrito; adobada tacos
Insider tip: Call ahead for whole-pie–style timing on big orders.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; generally easier before 6pm but fills quickly during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, hoodies, and family attire are standard.
Noise level: Moderate – lively chatter and kitchen sounds but manageable for group conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours around 6:30–8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; orders ready in under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie burritos, cheese enchiladas, and meat-free taco plates available.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize veggie burrito or tacos without cheese/sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partial – corn tortillas are gluten-free, but cross-contact possible on shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but works for a casual, low-pressure meal with shared burritos and quick service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – first-come, first-served; tables turn quickly even during busy dinner periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely – high chairs available, flexible portions, and staff patient with families and young kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, hearty burritos and customizable combos at wallet-friendly prices; ideal for family takeout nights.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet dining atmosphere or premium regional specialties — this is more about speed and comfort than refinement.
Taqueria Guadalajara
8.2
Counter-service stalwart known for balanced super burritos, lengua and tripas, and steady late hours. Seating is simple, turnover is quick, and salsas keep regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super burrito (carne asada), Lengua tacos, Ranchero burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Late-night super burritos with a broad protein lineup including offal.
Who should go: Burrito loyalists and night shift crews
When to visit: 11pm–1am for shortest waits
What to order: Carne asada super, lengua tacos, ranchero burrito
Insider tip: Cash moves faster; snag salsa bar cups for the road.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; limited after 8pm but turnover is steady due to short visits.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and ballcaps are the norm; come as you are from work or nightlife.
Noise level: Moderate to lively late nights; expect chatter and music but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes around midnight depending on the post-bar rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian burritos, quesadillas, and nachos are available with beans, rice, and grilled veggies.
Vegan options: Limited—order bean and rice burritos with no cheese or sour cream; confirm prep with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited—corn tortillas are safe, but cross-contact is likely on shared griddles.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates authenticity and late-night taco culture—it's more functional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only with fast counter service; tables rotate quickly even during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes; casual seating and simple food suit families. After 10pm it skews more adult and night-shift focused.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burrito variety and speed of service—ideal for post-shift or post-bar cravings.
Skip if: You’re after ambience, cocktails, or a quieter dine-in experience—try a sit-down taqueria earlier in the evening instead.
Taqueria Guadalajara
8.3
High-volume taqueria popular for late hours and a broad lineup of meats. Tacos come balanced and freshly griddled, with lengua and tripas for offal fans.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Lengua tacos, Tripas tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Reliable late-night tacos with extensive protein options.
Who should go: Burrito loyalists and taco samplers
When to visit: 11pm–1am for quickest turnaround
What to order: Lengua; tripas; carne asada tacos
Insider tip: Go off-menu for well-done tortillas to add crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, typically available on side streets near Mission Street after 9pm; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and post-shift attire are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—music and chatter from late diners, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes around midnight; lines move quickly thanks to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; steady but fast turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and veggie tacos available, plus cheese enchiladas.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most tacos use corn tortillas, but confirm prep if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you both love casual taco joints—better for a low-key or late-night snack than a romantic sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always—no reservations accepted; grab a table once you order.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, during early evenings before 10pm—ample seating and kid-friendly tacos, though late-night hours skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Open later than most Excelsior spots and offers more offal choices like lengua and tripas, appealing to purists and night-shift regulars.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal with margaritas or quieter ambiance—this is more counter-service and go-go energy.
Taqueria Guadalajara
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
High-volume Mission Street standby with a deep roster of meats and fast counter flow. Lengua and tripas get careful griddle time, and tortillas land with a warm, toasty finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lengua tacos, Tripas tacos (extra crisp), Carne asada super burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Extensive protein lineup executed with reliable late-night pace.
Who should go: Taco samplers and burrito loyalists
When to visit: After 9pm for shortest lines and fresh griddle
What to order: Lengua, tripas tacos, carne asada super burrito
Insider tip: Ask for tortillas well-done for extra toast and snap.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Mission Street and side blocks; meters run until 6pm, with easier spaces after 9pm.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and workwear all common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—expect the hum of conversation and kitchen sounds, still easy to talk over.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the rush; quick turnover due to fast counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; line moves steadily during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos and quesadillas available on request.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify veggie options by skipping cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep area, but corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—it’s more about fast counter flow than ambiance. Great for casual hangouts or post-event bites.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only. Grab a table after ordering at the counter; turnover is quick even when busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of booth seating and family-friendly menu items, though evenings can be busy and a bit noisy.
Best For
Better for: Quick, authentic tacos and burritos served hot and consistent, especially for off-peak diners seeking late-night eats.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down meal with drinks or a quieter dining environment—opt for a full-service taqueria instead.
Taqueria Guadalajara
8.3
High-volume Mission Street standby known for a deep protein roster and quick pacing. Lengua and tripas get careful griddle time with warm, toasty tortillas.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lengua tacos, Tripas tacos, Carne asada tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Extensive taco meats executed with speed and consistency.
Who should go: Protein samplers and late-night taco runs
When to visit: After 9pm for shortest line and hot griddle
What to order: Lengua; tripas; carne asada
Insider tip: Request tortillas “well-done” for extra toast and snap.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Mission Street; easier after 8:30pm. No private lot available.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, tees, and sneakers all fit in. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—expect kitchen sizzle and steady conversation buzz.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak hours, typically faster for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:30pm; short lines afterward.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—try veggie tacos or nopales, though cross-contact may occur.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas are standard, but avoid burritos or fried items if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values great tacos over ambience—it's bright, casual, and busy, better for a relaxed hang than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-service only, so no reservations are needed. Seating turnover is quick even when busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of family traffic and quick service, though seating is limited for strollers or large groups.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco variety and consistent execution across multiple meats.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining, margaritas, or an upscale Mexican experience—this is all about speed and substance.
Taqueria Guadalajara
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Old-school counter spot with a deep protein lineup and steady execution. Popular with locals for quick plates, salsa bar variety, and reliable tacos at fair prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada/al pastor tacos, Lengua tacos, Carnitas tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Wide protein selections (including lengua) with speedy counter service.
Who should go: Classic taqueria traditionalists
When to visit: Early evening for shortest lines and fresh batches
What to order: Al pastor, lengua, carnitas
Insider tip: Hit the salsa bar—mix roja and tomatillo for balanced heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is generally available on Mission Street and nearby residential blocks, though it can fill up during dinner hours. No private lot or valet service.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—come as you are; workwear and jeans are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours, but you can hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: Expect 20–30 minutes during the early evening rush, especially on Fridays.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is quick even when it’s busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie options including beans, rice, cheese, and grilled vegetable tacos.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize bean and veggie tacos without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact in the prep area is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than romantic dates—great if you bond over classic taqueria vibes, not for ambiance-driven evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter service only; seating is first-come, first-served and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families often stop in for quick meals; portions are shareable and there are mild options for kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, authentic tacos with traditional proteins at fair prices—beats trendier spots on speed and value.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, ambiance, or a sit-down experience—this is all about efficiency and flavor.
Taqueria Guadalajara
8.1
Long-running counter-service spot with a deep menu, generous portions, and a lively late-night scene. Salsas hit bright and spicy; super burritos and pastor tacos are the standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Burrito Carne Asada, Al Pastor Tacos, Chile Relleno Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Big-flavor, big-portion taqueria with late hours.
Who should go: Hungry groups and night-shift diners
When to visit: Early dinner or post-9pm for fastest service
What to order: Carne asada super; al pastor tacos; salsa bar add-ons
Insider tip: Split a super burrito and load up on the salsa bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Mission and Geneva; can be tight after 8pm but usually manageable nearby residential blocks.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and work clothes all fit right in.
Noise level: Lively and conversational with background music and grill sizzle; expect moderate noise but can chat easily with friends.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak late-night rush, especially Fridays and Saturdays after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, quick counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — burritos, quesadillas, and nachos can be made vegetarian with beans, rice, and grilled veggies.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable options if you skip cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas available but cross-contact likely on shared surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a date is fun, informal, and fueled by great burritos — not ideal for romance but perfect for a chill night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — counter-service only; grab a seat when available or order to-go. Tables turn quickly even during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed setting, quick service, and plenty of shareable plates. Best for older kids who can handle mild spice and casual seating.
Best For
Better for: Late-night meals and hefty burritos compared to smaller, trendier taquerias nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet ambiance, cocktails, or upscale dining — this is a lively, no-frills neighborhood spot.