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Tropisueno
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tropisueno
8.6
Downtown cantina with a daily 4–6pm happy hour where tacos and margaritas headline. Patio tables and fast bar service make it a reliable post-work stop near Moscone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Flautas trio
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Taco-forward happy hour with steady kitchen execution and patio seating.
Who should go: After-work crews and convention attendees
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for best HH pricing
What to order: Al pastor; carnitas tacos; house margarita
Insider tip: Grab patio seats along the lane for quicker bar service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best bet is Moscone Center garages within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual; office attire or jeans with a nice top fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour; conversation is possible but expect buzz from the bar and patio.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially on convention weekends.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables open quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several taco fillings and sides like veggie enchiladas and guacamole.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 plant-based options; ask staff to customize tacos without cheese/cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas and select mains are GF-friendly; cross-contact possible, so notify staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re looking for casual and lively; patio tables give it a fun, approachable vibe, though it’s not very intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes during weekday happy hour, but reservations are smart if a convention is in town.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults and groups; families with older kids could manage early hours, but it’s primarily a bar-focused happy hour scene.
Best For
Better for: Tropisueno excels at quick-turn tacos and margaritas in a central downtown location with a patio, perfect for after-work crews and convention meetups.
Skip if: If you’re looking for quiet, intimate dining or a fully vegan menu, this may not be the best choice.
Tropisueno
8.5
Daytime taqueria morphs into a sit-down cantina with a reliable 4–6pm happy hour and patio-friendly margaritas. Well-executed classics and downtown convenience make it a go-to after conventions or SFMOMA visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al Pastor, Enchiladas Suizas, Carnitas Plate
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Reliable downtown happy hour with a lively patio.
Who should go: After-work crews and convention attendees
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for best HH pricing
What to order: Al pastor tacos; enchiladas suizas; house margarita
Insider tip: Grab patio seats along the lane for quicker bar service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited metered street parking nearby, garages at Moscone Center are the best bet
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and work attire both common
Noise level: Lively during happy hour, moderate indoors; patio is better for conversation
Weekend wait: 30–45 min wait if arriving without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick turnover from taqueria side
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – enchiladas, quesadillas, salads, and sides available
Vegan options: Limited – veggie tacos and a few sides, but not a full section
Gluten-free options: Yes – many dishes naturally GF (tacos, fajitas), but no separate prep space
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re looking for casual energy and margaritas on the patio; less ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – especially weekdays; weekends benefit from booking, but walk-ins usually get patio tables with some wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Daytime taqueria side works fine for families; evenings lean toward adult happy hour crowd. Best for kids before 6pm.
Best For
Better for: Lively happy hour atmosphere, reliable margaritas, and outdoor seating make it stronger than nearby sit-down Mexican spots for after-work groups.
Skip if: Skip if you want quiet fine dining or strictly vegan menus – choose alternatives with broader plant-based options or a calmer vibe.
Tropisueno
8.5
Lively sit-down spot at Yerba Buena Lane with tacos plated alongside margs and a polished service cadence. Open to 10:30pm most nights, it’s the late-evening option when you want table service and better tequila.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al Pastor, Fish Tacos, Carnitas Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Polished, late-evening tacos with full bar and patio setting.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos plus good margaritas
When to visit: After 9pm; 10:30pm close most nights
What to order: Al pastor, fish tacos, carnitas tacos
Insider tip: Use the 5th & Mission garage; it’s a quick walk to the lane.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking is available at the 5th & Mission garage (about a 5-minute walk); limited street parking nearby after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine, but many guests lean polished for downtown evenings.
Noise level: Lively and moderately loud; better for groups than intimate conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; tables go quickly after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is quick for walk-ins.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several tacos, enchiladas, and sides are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 options can be modified for vegans, ask server for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are available and many dishes can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited to group hangs or casual dates due to the high energy level; not ideal for a quiet romantic night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits on weekends; reservations are strongly recommended after 7pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—geared more toward adults and groups with drinks, though older kids are welcome earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Ideal for polished tacos with a full bar and lively group energy in a central downtown setting.
Skip if: If you want quiet conversation, fast counter-service tacos, or a late-night bite past 11pm.