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ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Burritos in the Excelsior
Best Family Friendly Mexican in the Excelsior
Best Late Night Mexican in the Excelsior
Best Late Night Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Cheap Eats Mexican in the Excelsior
Best Cheap Eats Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Happy Hour Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Mexican in the Excelsior
Master Critic Review
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.
Hours
Monday10am - 1am
Tuesday10am - 1am
Wednesday10am - 1:45am
Thursday10am - 1am
Friday10am - 2:30am
Saturday10am - 2:30am
Sunday10am - 1am