San Francisco is a city that has a thriving food scene, and when it comes to tacos, there is no exception. From street tacos to traditional taquerias, San Francisco has plenty of options to satisfy your taco cravings. In this article, we will explore all the tacos in San Francisco and give you a taste of what this city by the bay has to offer.
Restaurant Versus Street Tacos San Francisco
First let’s take a look at the differences between restaurant tacos and street tacos. The main difference between street food and a restaurant is the seating arrangements and the locations. A restaurant is a standing taqueria that remains in place, usually with a seating area for diners to relax and enjoy their meal, while a food truck, or a street taco, prepares the food in a truck that is driven from place to place. They attend events and park in different places throughout the year, some remaining fairly consistent in location and others moving for each day of the week. With full sized kitchens and larger staff, a restaurant will often offer more options and have an expanded menu that has other items as well. A food truck, in comparison, focuses on their chosen expertise and uses their space and ingredients to ensure consistency in their smaller menu.
Finding the next place to try may be as simple as luck when you wander into a local restaurant or pass by a food truck, or it may be an active search based on social media reviews and online searches. Each has their appeal, with the excitement of finding your favorite taco truck in a new location and seeing parts of the city you may not regularly frequent, or stumbling upon the ideal restaurant for your next meal with friends. Although luck has something to do with it, this guide will have you prepared to find the best tacos in San Francisco.
Best Tacos San Francisco
When it comes to finding the best tacos in San Francisco, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer your tacos with meat or veggies, crispy or soft shells, San Francisco has something for everyone. Here are some of the best taco spots in San Francisco that you shouldn’t miss.
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Taqueria El Farolito
When it comes to finding the best tacos in San Francisco, Taqueria El Farolito is a must-visit. This taqueria is known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, and their tacos are no exception. The menu offers a variety of taco options, including al pastor, carnitas, and carne asada, all served on freshly made tortillas. Their tacos are topped with cilantro, onions, and your choice of salsa, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. With multiple locations throughout the city, Taqueria El Farolito is the perfect spot for a quick and tasty meal.
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La Taqueria
La Taqueria is another taqueria that is famous for its tacos in San Francisco. This Mission District spot has been serving up delicious tacos for over 40 years, and their popularity has only grown over time. The menu offers a variety of meat and veggie options, but their most famous taco is the carnitas taco, which is topped with onions, cilantro, and their signature avocado sauce. The tacos at La Taqueria are served on freshly made tortillas, and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. If you’re looking for the best taqueria in San Francisco, La Taqueria should be at the top of your list.
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Tacolicious
Tacolicious is a modern taco restaurant in San Francisco that offers a unique twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Their tacos are made with high-quality ingredients and are served on handmade tortillas. The menu offers a variety of taco options, including vegetarian and seafood options, making it the perfect spot for everyone. Their street taco SF, made with grilled chicken, queso fresco, and avocado salsa, is a must-try. Tacolicious has multiple locations throughout the city, and is the perfect spot for a casual and delicious meal.
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El Metate
El Metate is a taqueria that has been serving up delicious tacos in San Francisco for over 20 years. Their menu offers a variety of traditional taco options, including al pastor, carne asada, and lengua. The tacos are made with fresh ingredients and are served on handmade tortillas. El Metate is also known for its delicious vegetarian options, including their veggie taco made with sautéed mushrooms and onions. With two locations in San Francisco, El Metate has you covered wherever you are for a delicious Mexican bite.
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Nopalito
Nopalito is a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco that offers a more upscale dining experience. The menu offers a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including their delicious tacos. Their tacos are made with high-quality ingredients, including their house-made tortillas, and are topped with fresh and flavorful toppings. The carnitas tacos are a must-try, as they are made with slow-cooked pork and topped with pickled onions and cilantro. Nopalito is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a date night in San Francisco. This is often considered the best taqueria San Francisco has to offer.
Street Tacos San Francisco
When it comes to street tacos in San Francisco, there are plenty of options to choose from. Street tacos are a popular option for a quick and delicious meal, and San Francisco has plenty of street vendors and food trucks that offer some of the best street tacos in the city.
One of the best street tacos in San Francisco can be found at the El Tonayense food truck. This food truck has been serving up delicious tacos in the city for over 20 years and has become a staple in the San Francisco food scene. Their tacos are made with high-quality ingredients and are served on handmade tortillas. The menu offers a variety of meat and veggie options, but their carne asada tacos are a must-try. The tacos are topped with onions, cilantro, and their signature red salsa, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Another great option for street tacos in San Francisco is the El Gallo Giro food truck. This food truck specializes in tacos al pastor, which have pork which cooks on a spit. They serve tacos on freshly made tortillas and serve them with onions, cilantro, and pineapple. The El Gallo Giro food truck can be found at various locations throughout the city, so be sure to check their website for their current location.
Taco Restaurant San Francisco
If you’re looking for a more upscale taco restaurant in San Francisco, there are plenty of options to choose from. These restaurants offer a unique twist on traditional Mexican cuisine and use high-quality ingredients to create delicious and flavorful tacos.
One of the best taco restaurants in San Francisco is Flores. This restaurant offers a variety of taco options, including their popular fried chicken taco, which has crispy fried chicken and pickled onions and cilantro. Their serve their tacos on handmade tortillas and with high-quality ingredients, making for a delicious and satisfying meal. Flores has wonderful craft cocktails, making it the perfect spot for a date night or a night out with friends.
Another great option for a taco restaurant in San Francisco is Lolinda. This Argentinian steakhouse offers a variety of taco options, including their delicious carne asada tacos. The tacos have grilled skirt steak and chimichurri and pickled onions, making for a flavorful and delicious meal. Lolinda is also has delicious cocktails and a rooftop bar.
Eagle Cafe and Amazing Fish Tacos
One spot that stands out when it comes to the best tacos in SF is the Eagle Cafe. Located on the waterfront at Pier 39, the Eagle Cafe offers a beautiful view of the Bay and the famous sea lions. But what makes the Eagle Cafe truly special is their amazing fish tacos.
The fish tacos at the Eagle Cafe have grilled fresh cod fish and offer tomatillo avocado salsa, and chipotle aioli.The fish is fresh and, making the Eagle Cafe a must-visit spot for anyone looking for the best fish tacos in San Francisco. Not to mention, it’s a great spot if you’re looking for first date ideas in San Francisco. You can check out our ultimate Romantic Getaway San Francisco guide to learn more!
Wipeout Bar & Grill
In addition to the Eagle Cafe, another spot to check out for amazing tacos is the Wipeout Bar and Grill. Located on Pier 39, the Wipeout Bar and Grill offers a lively atmosphere with a beachy vibe. They make fish tacos with fried fish and that have a tangy cabbage slaw and chipotle aioli. They also have other meats available for their tacos, including carnitas, al pastor, carne asada, and grilled chicken. The tacos are served on warm tortillas and are accompanied by black beans and rice. The Wipeout Bar and Grill is a great spot for a fun night out with friends or a family-friendly meal with a view of the Bay. Don’t miss out on their delicious tacos next time you’re in San Francisco.
SF Taco Tuesday
If you’re looking for the best Francisco tacos on a budget, then Taco Tuesday is the day for you. Many restaurants and taquerias offer specials on their tacos on Tuesdays, making it the perfect day to indulge in some delicious and affordable tacos.
One spot that offers a great Taco Tuesday deal is Nick’s Crispy Tacos. Every Tuesday, Nick’s offers $2 tacos, making it a great spot for a quick and affordable meal. The tacos at Nick’s have crispy shells and delicious meat and flavorful toppings, making for a satisfying meal. Another great spot for Taco Tuesday is Tacorea. This Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant offers a variety of tacos, including their popular bulgogi taco. Every Tuesday, Tacorea offers $2 tacos, making it a great spot for a delicious and affordable meal.
Tacos in San Francisco
When it comes to finding the best tacos in San Francisco, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for street tacos or a more upscale dining experience, San Francisco has something for everyone. From El Tonayense’s delicious carne asada tacos to the Eagle Cafe’s amazing fish tacos. There’s no shortage of delicious tacos in the city.
So next time you’re in San Francisco, be sure to indulge in some of the best tacos the city has to offer. Whether you’re on a budget or looking for a fancy night out. There’s a taco spot in San Francisco that will satisfy your craving. Just make sure to come hungry and ready to enjoy some of the best tacos in the city.