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    Taco Cantina

    3.7 (102 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Taco Cantina Takeout or Delivery

    Taco Cantina Photos

    Taco Cantina - (Left to right) Shrimp, fish, steak, chicken - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - The bar area - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - Fish and al pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - The entrance from deck - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - More seating inside - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - Cheesy Fries! - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - A variety of tasty decisions! - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - Steak nachos and a quessabiria - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - Chips& guacamole - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California
    Taco Cantina - Mango Margarita (Frozen) and Paloma - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

    +129

    Taco Cantina - Spicy margarita - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

    TACO CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Taco Cantina

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    Menu
    Kate A.

    As we were exploring Pier 39 we wanted some spicy margs and something to snack on. We went upstairs and came upon Taco Cantina. They do not take orders at the table but will bring it out to you once done. We grabbed a table outside- what a beautiful view. We ordered some tacos and nachos. I had the birria and carnitas tacos. I was pleasantly surprised- the tacos were both flavorful and the meat was juicy. We enjoyed our type so much that when we went back later in the week to get something that we stopped it again for some more margaritas. I definitely recommend it. It was a great option at pier 39.

    Interior
    Edgar M.

    I know SF is anti big business or large chains, but this restaurant gives me a break from leaving the City to go to the burbs for fast food. Taco Cantina does the job. New, clean well maintained restaurant, located in the Pier 39 vicinity, its easy to order from a kiosk, food comes to you within 5 minutes. Cheap eat, but careful on add ons, i.e. extra beef or cheese or sauce. Check your order before submitting. I ordered a couple of beef burritos. Can get a little analysis paralysis moment. Attendant at bar area very personable, she makes the place more than just a fast food cantina. I'd go back.

    Quessabiria
    Shelly S.

    Food was 10/10, cleaned both my plates! Service was amazing, everyone was friendly and the food came out so quick! Everything is decently priced too for the location. The restaurant had beautiful views and was very clean! Def will come back to eat here!

    Carlene W.

    We enjoyed our stop into Taco Cantina. It's upstairs on the busy pier, but was surprisingly empty even though it has a great patio. You order at the counter and they bring you your food, which isn't my fave, but worked fine for lunch. We all loved our food. 5 stars for their guacamole and chips for sure. Their drinks are delicious too! Our outside server who brought our dishes was super kind, but the person who took our orders at the front was not. She didn't answer questions clearly, seemed annoyed by us taking any time to ask, and we felt rushed along.

    Tony C.

    The tacos here were ok, but it's around a tourist attraction, so be aware of that! Do come in here for the drinks! We ordered several tacos , including tacos de carne asada. Hmm, I'm very picket with my tacos, and when I taste tacos de carne asada that has no flavor then I get very disappointed. Aside from that, I do recommend this spot for a quick margarita drink...and maybe if you're really hungry and want a quick taco fix. We did have the guacamole, which was pretty good. It could be better if it was spicier, but that's me! The service was nice, they did come and check on us and refilled our water, which was nice of them. The ambiance was a nice and friendly.

    Nachos
    Chloe' A.

    If you don't want to spend a ton of money and still eat well this might be the best spot on pier 39 to get a bite. You order at the counter but they also have a bar if you'd like to eat there and have a couple of drinks too. Bartender was kind, quick and accommodating. Don't expect anything too authentic here. Food was good, service was prompt and it didn't empty my wallet. What more could I want from such a touristy place? Also bathrooms available for customers.

    Taco Cantina appears to be heavily priced toward tourists, and the value does not match the cost--especially for those unfamiliar with currency exchange rates. During my visit, I was charged $8 USD for a single small taco, which is significantly above what most people would reasonably expect. For context, in many places (including tourist areas), tacos typically range from $2-$4 USD, even for good quality. Charging double that for a small portion feels excessive. This kind of pricing can be especially misleading for international visitors who may not fully understand USD value. Someone converting from another currency might not immediately realize how expensive $8 per taco actually is, making it easy to overspend without noticing. Key Issues: Overpriced items relative to portion size Pricing not clearly justified by quality or uniqueness Targets tourists who may not understand local pricing standards Poor value for money Overall Impression: Taco Cantina gives the impression of a place that relies more on tourist traffic than fair pricing. While the food may be decent, the cost feels inflated and not aligned with what you receive. Recommendation: If you're visiting from another country, double-check prices in your own currency before ordering. There are likely better, more reasonably priced taco options nearby that offer much better value.

    Alex J.

    Pretty disappointed. The food was bland and definitely overpriced for the quality. Decent service, but overall not worth it.

    Menu
    Andy N.

    I don't normally seek out Mexican food especially somewhere as touristy as Pier 39, but then I saw actual plant-based options at more affordable pricing, I was all set for the ride. Located on the second floor, Taco Cantina offers a full menu of tacos and side dishes that can cater to everyone's dietary needs. I was attracted to their cactus and impossible meat tacos, but ended up just ordering some guac to share with the table. The guac was a good portion size and there were plenty of chips provided to serve as your tool to get the avo mash inside your mouth. Food aside - the views of the San Francisco Bay while dining outside was breathtaking. It felt like an escape from the insane hustle and bustle of Pier 39 downstairs so it was well worth the lunch visit. If I ever wind up in the area again, definitely going to consider ordering a margarita and just relaxing upstairs even if just for a bit.

    Outside seating!
    Ashley Q.

    Seriously shocked how good this was! Corn tortillas seem homemade for tacos! it's expensive but you are paying for the real estate. But, in this case, I don't feel it is a tourist trap. I'm really pleasantly surprised:) Everything was delicious and tasted homemade. Including the salsa that had cumin flavor in it. chips were light and delish. Would definitely come back. Now.. off to the aquarium....its right next door!!

    Chicken tacos in puffy shell
    Chris N.

    This place sits right in the middle of Pier 39 and at the same spot as two other Cantinas that closed down in recent years. They had a lively atmosphere going with Selena music playing in the background. They have some pretty unique tacos served in a puffy flour tortilla paired with some delicious taco sauce. The other food choices are pretty standard. I do wish they have included some side dishes i.e. chips and salsa included with their meals instead of being an extra. Good selection of Mexican alcohol on tap so if you like to drink you won't be disappointed. They also have spectacular views of the Bay Bridge so definitely a good spot for a date. Overall I enjoyed the food and the ambiance here and would definitely recommend Taco Cantina.

    Quesabirria SÚPER AUTHENTIC best birria I've tried in a while!

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    1 month ago

    I placed my order and received my food before my drink and the nachos were a little cold.

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    Michael R.

    Thanks for coming by!

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    8 months ago

    Great service! Great Ambiance! The food was okay but not worth the price. way too expensive, not great Mexican food.

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    2 years ago

    Validated parking!!! Stopped in and just had beers, chips & salsa. The salsa was good and the chips nice & crispy!

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    3 years ago

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    Michael R.

    Thank you for the in-depth review! We hope to see you again soon.

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    Michael R.

    Thanks Keyona!

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    Michael R.

    Thanks, Valerie! Your input is much appreciated :)

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    I recently came to this bar with a few friends. One friend was a bit intoxicated and wasn't allowed…read morein, which was fine and not an issue AT ALL. While we were outside, we made friendly conversation with a bartender. I overheard another bartender come out for a cigarette and call him by name, so I jokingly used his name while asking if we could come in. At that point, the bartender became extremely aggressive, got in my face, and said, "Say his name one more f*cking time," repeatedly. I was genuinely confused and asked what she meant. Shortly after, a friend who was already inside came out simply to check on us and see why we were still outside. The bartender then told her to "get the f*ck out of my face" and instructed staff not to let her or us in, even though my friend hadn't done anything wrong. It was so confusing and extremely inappropriate. The behavior was unnecessarily hostile and disrespectful. This bar does not treat its customers with basic courtesy, and that bartender showed zero professionalism or customer service skills.

    Came here on a Friday night for drinks and bites with a girlfriend and we got super lucky with two…read moreseats at the bar! The drinks were super yummy and the food was a great size. Totally surprised me for bar food but it was tasty and a great price! The vibes are casual and more sports bar vibes but I really liked it, a great chill place for good drinks and yummy bar bites!

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    0.5 miRussian Hill, North Beach/Telegraph Hill
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    This place is on the martini trail for a reason! Try the junipero martini! I get it without the…read moreolive juice as I don't like my martinis dirty but if you do, I've heard they are great! My absolute favorite thing is that you are welcomed with a glass of mumm bubbly. I hope they never get rid of this. It really makes this place stand apart from all the other options in north beach and makes you (me) feel special. Everyone who works there is also so nice. Everytime we've gone we've been so warmly welcomed and had great conversations.

    My friends and I totally stumbled upon Petit Lil's after a dinner nearby, and the holiday vibes…read morewere immaculate! With giant ornaments, Christmas tree foliage, pretty lights, and a movie projected onto the wall, the atmosphere was lively, fun, and cozy. As we briefly waited to be seated, I was pleasantly surprised when someone brought out glasses and poured us some complimentary champagne (and later refilled too!). We ordered cocktails at the bar and indulged in the oyster jubilee (buy 6, get 6 free from 10 pm to 1 am). The oysters were pretty fresh. The Pomegranate Nice with non-alcoholic gin instead of non-alcoholic tequila, Negroni Sbagliato, and Blood Orange Gimlet were solid. I didn't love the Aviation though because it was a bit heavy handed on the violet liqueur. But overall, I really loved my experience here!

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    Tony Nik's Cafe - Cocktails, bartender's recommendations

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    4.3(344 reviews)
    0.6 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill
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    Such a fun place to grab a few drinks and truly unwind after a long day. This was my first time…read morevisiting, and I can confidently say it will not be my last. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere immediately stood out. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, making it a great spot whether you're stopping by casually or planning to spend a few hours enjoying yourself. The overall energy of the place made it easy to settle in and enjoy the evening. Everything felt welcoming and well put together, from the ambiance to the music and crowd. It's the kind of spot where you can have great conversation, laugh, and completely decompress without feeling rushed. The service was excellent from start to finish. The staff was attentive, friendly, and consistently checked in without being overbearing. Drinks were made well and delivered promptly, which really added to the experience. Overall, this is a great place to relax, enjoy well made drinks, and soak in a fun atmosphere. I would absolutely return and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid spot to unwind and enjoy a great evening out.

    Tony Nik's isn't just a bar, it's basically a North Beach time machine. I first walked through its…read moredoors in the late 1990s after moving to San Francisco, but the bar itself dates back to 1933, opening right as Prohibition was ending. It was founded by Anton "Tony" Nikitovich and quickly became a gathering place for the neighborhood's Italian and Croatian communities, where people came to swap stories, argue politics, and enjoy a stiff drink after a long day. And honestly, that tradition carried on well into the years when many of us became regulars. I hadn't been back for a few years until recently, when I decided to stop in again. The bar wasn't overly busy, but a handful of neighborhood folks were sitting at the counter, trading stories over their drinks. It felt instantly familiar. Not much has changed since the early 2000s when I used to come here regularly, and that's exactly what makes Tony Nik's special. Step inside, and it still feels like a mid-century film set: tufted leather seating, a long wooden bar that's seen nearly a century of San Francisco history, and that iconic neon sign glowing outside. While much of the city has reinvented itself again and again, Tony Nik's somehow held onto its soul. It's a grown-up bar without being stuffy, no loud club music, no trendy gimmicks, just well-made cocktails, a classic jukebox, and an atmosphere that feels earned rather than manufactured. The bar stayed in the Nikitovich family for decades, and the current owners were wise enough to preserve both the name and the vintage character Tony originally created. It's one of those rare places that reminds you what North Beach used to be, and, thankfully, still is.

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    Legacy North Beach Bar - Fortaleza Blanco w/ club soda ($18) + Ginger Beer ($6)

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    3.7(24 reviews)
    0.6 miNorth Beach/Telegraph Hill

    Apparently North Beach is the best 'hood in the city for nightlife...right now…read more IF I was still in my 20s, I would start the night off at Monroe for Battle of the Decades where drinks start at $1 at 5 pm and increase by $1 every hour until 10 pm. Nosh on zucchini fries at Original Joe's before bar hopping on Grant Ave. IF you like a diverse crowd with DJs spinning hip hop, a visit to Legacy is mandatory. We did a little weekend day drinking at Legacy and when we saw customers sporting their Frisco gear, we knew we were in the right place! Sorry but it's Frisco, The Sco, or The City, it's NEVER San Fran. For those who disagree, tell that to Mac Dre, Too $hort, and the Hells Angels. Plus, Herb Caen eventually took back his "Frisco" stance. Anyhow, after Legacy, I would move on to watch the midnight ballerinas on Broadway and end the night smashing faces with a Golden Boy! A slice of clam & garlic OFC. O T H E R N O T E S * Friendly staff. * Low-key, locals bar with lounge seating, vinyl lined walls, TVs, and projectors for game day. * No HH specials. * Crisp sound system with DJs spinning hip hop on Fridays and Saturdays. * Dog-friendly but obvs wouldn't bring my dogs here when it's crowded at night. * Clean restrooms. * Cc's accepted but there's a discount if you pay cash.

    BFF wanted to stop her after dinner for her 50th birthday…read more I mean I grew up in NB my entire childhood. Love it love it love it but after COVID-19. Nothing has been the same. People are a bit rude and raunchy and don't respect the area for what North Beach stands for. Being in your 40's, it ain't the place really to be. To let loose, gotta have some drinks and blend in. It was bedtime for me. Still had to get home to our kids on the other side of the town way South. Music was cool but wasn't all that. Just came to celebrate and have fun, we did just that.

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    Taco Cantina - mexican - Updated June 2026

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