0 Followers
Taqueria San Jose
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Taqueria San Jose
7.9
Old-school Mission taqueria with grilled meats and a steady late service window. Portions are balanced and tortillas hold up on the walk home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada super burrito, Carnitas taco, Grilled chicken quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Steady late-night burritos with well-grilled meats.
Who should go: After-hours burrito traditionalists
When to visit: Weeknights before midnight for shortest waits
What to order: Carne asada super; carnitas taco; chicken quesadilla
Insider tip: Ask for light rice to emphasize grilled meats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; Mission Street spots open up after 9pm but can be tight earlier.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, and post-shift attire are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to loud late-night; music and chatter pick up after 10pm.
Weekend wait: 10–15 minutes during late-night hours; quick turnover even when full.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, counter line moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—beans, veggie burritos, and cheese quesadillas are reliable staples.
Vegan options: Limited—can request no cheese/sour cream on burritos or tacos.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a date is casual and low-key—bright lights and counter seating fit late-night snack runs more than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always—it's first-come, first-served counter service with open seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for early hours; families often drop by before 8pm. After 10pm, it skews more toward night-shift crowds.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and better-grilled meats than most late-night Mission spots.
Skip if: You want craft cocktails, patio seating, or a trendy vibe—this is pure taqueria tradition.
Taqueria San Jose
7.9
Mission Street classic with a fast line and grill-forward tacos. Super tacos are hearty enough for a meal; al pastor and asada are the strengths.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super taco al pastor, Carne asada tacos, Shrimp tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Grill-first approach with filling, good-value super tacos.
Who should go: Hungry diners who want fast, filling tacos
When to visit: Lunch before noon or after 1:30pm
What to order: Al pastor super taco; asada taco; shrimp taco
Insider tip: Share a super taco and add a second salsa for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking along Mission; expect to circle or use nearby metered spots on 24th Street after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and tees common. No need to dress up—this is a true neighborhood taqueria.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—music and grill sounds in the background, conversation possible at close range.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on takeout volume; usually quick turnover.
Weekday lunch: Short wait before noon; 5–10 minutes during peak 12–1pm window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – grilled veggie tacos and burritos available; rice and beans are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – veggie tacos without cheese or crema can work; ask to hold dairy toppings.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas used for all tacos, but shared grill surface for meats.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates no-frills, fast-paced taqueria energy. Not romantic, but great for casual taco lovers.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, always first-come-first-served; tables turn quickly and most diners eat within 30 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – bright, informal setting with quick service. No kids’ menu but burritos and quesadillas are easy options.
Best For
Better for: Fast, hearty tacos and burritos with solid grill flavor; better for groups who want filling portions without waiting long.
Skip if: You’re seeking ambiance, cocktails, or table service—head to a sit-down Mexican spot on Valencia instead.