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The Little Chihuahua (Polk Street)
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
The Little Chihuahua (Polk Street)
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Neighborhood fast-casual spot known for scratch salsas, a broad taco/burrito lineup, and a dedicated Niños kids menu. Families come for easy counter service, fresh add-ons, and plenty of mix-and-match options for picky eaters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic shrimp tacos, Al pastor burrito, Fried plantain & black bean tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Scratch salsas and flexible kid-friendly menu with Niños options.
Who should go: Families wanting reliable Mexican classics
When to visit: Early dinner before the 6–7 pm rush
What to order: Garlic shrimp tacos; al pastor burrito; chips & guac
Insider tip: Grab salsa samplers to let kids try mild-to-medium flavors.
The Little Chihuahua (Polk Street)
8.0
Neighborhood Mexican spot known for cleaner builds, good veg options, and thoughtful salsas. Burritos skew fresher than heavy, with consistent execution and family-friendly pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Plantain & Black Bean Burrito, Grilled Vegetable & Soyrizo Burrito, Todo Día Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Fresh-leaning burritos with standout veg options and a strong salsa bar.
Who should go: Mixed-diet groups and veggie fans
When to visit: Weekend lunch before noon
What to order: Plantain & Black Bean; Soyrizo Veg; Breakfast Burrito
Insider tip: Grab a salsa flight—chipotle and habanero elevate mild fillings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; tends to be tight evenings and weekends, best luck before 6pm on side streets.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—easy for conversation at tables, but can buzz at peak family hours.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical, longer if arriving after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service pace.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—dedicated plantain & black bean, soyrizo, and multiple veggie burritos.
Vegan options: Yes—several burritos can be made vegan by skipping cheese/sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas available; most fillings are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a casual bite than a romantic setting—clean, colorful, and laid-back rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is a walk-in counter-service spot. Seating turns quickly, even on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common. High chairs available and menu works well for kids who like quesadillas and rice plates.
Best For
Better for: More thoughtful vegetarian and lighter burrito builds than many Mission-style taquerias nearby.
Skip if: If you’re after the biggest, greasiest late-night burrito—other Polk Street taquerias go heavier.
The Little Chihuahua (Polk Street)
7.7
Wholesome, made-from-scratch Mexican staples with veg-friendly options and weekend hours to 10pm. A dependable choice for late-ish dinners before or after a Polk Gulch stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Plantain & Black Bean Burrito, Steak & Shrimp al Diablo, Pozole
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Scratch cooking with standout plantain burritos and reliable weekend hours.
Who should go: Veg-friendly casual diners
When to visit: Fri–Sat 8–10pm for easier seating
What to order: Plantain & black bean burrito, pozole, steak & shrimp al diablo
Insider tip: Check the chalkboard—rotating salsas and seasonal specials pop up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Polk and side streets fill quickly after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans and sneakers are fine.
Noise level: Moderate – conversation is possible though it can get lively on weekends.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak 7–9pm window; quicker closer to closing.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, immediate seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple burritos, tacos, and enchiladas designed for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Yes – 2–3 vegan-friendly options plus customizable plates.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some items like tacos and salads work, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure date than a formal one. The cozy vibe and chalkboard specials make it feel welcoming but not overly romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they operate on a walk-in basis. On weekends expect a short wait, but turnover is fairly quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families often come early evenings. High chairs available, and the menu has milder options kids can enjoy.
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious Mexican comfort food with vegetarian and vegan options, something many late-night Polk spots don’t prioritize.
Skip if: You’re seeking a rowdy, bar-heavy late-night hangout or authentic regional deep cuts; this is more wholesome than edgy.
The Little Chihuahua (Polk Street)
7.9
Wholesome, veg-friendly Mexican staple with a dependable taco selection and weekend hours that run later than most in the area. Expect scratch salsas and tidy execution rather than nightlife chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Beer-battered fish tacos, Plantain + black bean taco
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Scratch cooking with veg-forward options that still satisfy taco cravings.
Who should go: Veg-friendly diners and families
When to visit: Thu–Sat 8–10pm for easiest seating
What to order: Al pastor, fish tacos, plantain-black bean
Insider tip: Check the board—seasonal salsa rotations change taco character.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking on Polk and nearby side streets; easier after 8pm but can be tight on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and sneakers are fine; families and neighborhood regulars keep it relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate—buzz from the dining room but conversation is still easy at tables.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; faster for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: No wait; walk right up to the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple tacos, burritos, and bowls are designed vegetarian, including plantain-black bean.
Vegan options: Yes—several dishes can be made vegan, including tacos and bowls, with salsa swaps.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and bowls provide gluten-free options, though no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual bite than a romantic date—bright, friendly atmosphere suits low-key meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed; most groups get seated quickly, especially before 8:30pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs available, space for strollers, and mild dishes that work well for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Vegetarian and vegan diners looking for healthier Mexican options; cleaner prep and scratch salsas stand out compared to other Polk taco spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a late-night party vibe—hours don’t go past 10pm and the scene is more family-friendly than nightlife-oriented.
The Little Chihuahua (Polk Street)
7.9
Veg-forward taqueria known for tidy execution, scratch salsas, and family-friendly service. Pricing sits a notch up, but portions and produce quality deliver value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plantain & black bean tacos, Baja-style fish taco, Al pastor taco
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Scratch cooking and veg options without losing taco punch.
Who should go: Families and veg-curious diners
When to visit: Thu–Sat 8–10pm for easier seating
What to order: Plantain-black bean, fish taco, al pastor
Insider tip: Check the seasonal salsa—pair tangy with fried fish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; metered spots available on Polk but can be scarce after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and family-friendly; jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are common.
Noise level: Moderate – lively but still easy to hold a conversation at your table.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for a table, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple options including plantain-black bean and mushroom-based tacos.
Vegan options: Yes – several solid options like vegan burritos, salads, and customizable tacos.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas available; staff can guide gluten-sensitive guests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual meet-up than a romantic first date. It’s relaxed, affordable, and friendly, but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – they don’t take reservations. Expect to wait on weekends, but weekday evenings are easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – very. High chairs and a family-friendly vibe make it a good fit for kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Veg-forward Mexican options and fresh salsas compared to standard taquerias.
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth dining or the cheapest tacos on Polk; prices are higher than late-night slice shops and burrito counters nearby.
The Little Chihuahua (Polk Street)
7.9
Veg-forward taqueria with scratch salsas and tidy execution at a notch-above price point. Families and pescetarians lean on the balanced flavors and reliable service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plantain & black bean taco, Pescado taco, Al pastor taco
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Scratch cooking with strong veg options and clean flavors.
Who should go: Families and veg-curious diners
When to visit: Thu–Sat 8–10pm for easier seating
What to order: Plantain-black bean, fish taco, al pastor
Insider tip: Pair fried fish with the tangiest seasonal salsa.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Polk and nearby side streets; it can be tight after 6pm, so allow extra time.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and sneakers are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation, though peak hours bring steady chatter.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak evenings, faster after 9pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tacos, enchiladas, and bowls are veg-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes — about 2–3 solid vegan options, plus customizable sides.
Gluten-free options: Some items can be prepared gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible; ask staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and low-key; not ideal for a romantic ambiance but great for an easygoing meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t usually require reservations. Walk-ins are the norm and you’ll likely be seated within 15–20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common here. High chairs are available and the menu has mild options that work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Fresh salsas, vegetarian and pescetarian options, and family-friendly service compared to more bare-bones taquerias.
Skip if: If you’re looking for the cheapest taco in town or a late-night spot, you’ll find better fits elsewhere.