I happened to find this spot on someone's Yelp list and the picture of beans and cabbage with pickled goodies and jammy eggs wouldn't leave my brain - so obviously I had to come check it out. I came with a friend on a Saturday morning soon after their opening and it was already busy - every window seat and outdoor table was taken, and we grabbed the table in the center and some short stools after placing our order. It's a super cute, relatively small space and has a nice local hangout kind of vibe. I got the Hugo Street Retreat, which came with a nice lightly stresssed cabbage slaw, avocado, pickled egg and onions over a hot, fresh tamal. Even though the cabbage slaw and everything felt very light and refreshing, it was definitely still super filling. My friend got the Breakfast Bowl, which I also tried a bit of - these beans were perfect - nice and creamy, savory and flavorful with a wonderful broth that made the whole bowl piping hot and super comforting. Next time I'm here, I'll definitely consider the Best of Both Worlds bowl, since both of our bowls were delicious and I definitely want both. Come check out Yo Tambien Cantina - I can't believe it took me so long to discover them but it's a great place to grab a filling, comforting and healthy breakfast or lunch :) read more

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This spot has been on my list for a while and I was finally able to make it out for lunch on a Sunday. It's cozy with some seats inside (mostly counter seats) and some tables outside. I got the Best of Both Worlds which was delicious! The beans were soft, the tamale was tender and moist, the shredded cabbage and pickled onions and carrots brightened the whole dish. The egg was also perfectly jammy and topped with some chili crisp. It was a hearty and healthy lunch. Very filling but not heavy at all. The presentation was also nice. Definitely will be coming back! read more

Yo También Cantina - Menu - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It's been around for at least seven years, but I had never heard of this California-meets-Venezuela tamale eatery in the Inner Sunset. I stumbled upon it on Google Maps when I was on the N-Judah, so instead of getting off at 9th, I got off at the UCSF Parnassus stop and walked over to peruse the menu. It was mainly about the housemade tamales whether they were the spotlight items or in a breakfast bowl. I was feeling rather peckish, so I gambled and went with the $15 Double, which consisted of two hefty masa tamales with cabbage slaw, queso fresco, pickled red onions, pickled radish slices, and their house salsa (Photo 9). I neglected to mention the cilantro because I picked it off as someone who gags at the taste of the stems. Ordering two was a commitment because eating that much masa was a lot. Otherwise it was fresh and flavorful with all the extras. I liked the $5 can of Tumeric Ginger Tonic (Photo 5). Never had it before, but I enjoyed the sharp flavor. While waiting for my order, I got the $3.50 Pepperdawg Cookie, a savory-sweet treat with walnuts, chocolate chips, black pepper, and maldon salt (Photo 7). The only seating available was in the parklet, so I grabbed a table when I could. FOOD - 4 stars...flavorful tamales, a bit much on the masa AMBIANCE - 3.5 stars...smallish space but the parklet works when there's room SERVICE -3.5 stars...not much interaction but cordial enough TOTAL - 4 stars...I'll come back for a single next time RELATED - Exploring the Sunset? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/LDOvVmENkL read more

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I get Mexico City vibe and I love it. It's a small clean place that's got a vibe. I love the music they were playing. The cashier was so friendly and recommended a vegan option. The bowl with the tamale and cabbage was delicious. read more

Yo También Cantina - Menu - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Small space but so cozy and the team in the back is whipping up absolutely fresh and quality food. It is a small inside with limited seating and they have some seating outside. Staff are friendly and remembers locals and regulars. Everything on the menu is vegetarian, but don't be fooled, the bowls are super filling. After eating, I don't feel heavy at all and I leave feeling energized. I like getting the best of the both worlds to get half slaw and half beans. The tamale is warm and fresh. The egg is nice and jammy. I really enjoy the chili crisp and the pickled veg they add to the bowl; really adds more flavors and textures. read more

Yo También Cantina - Best of both worlds - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cute neighborhood spot with delicious food! Got a single tamal and it was moist and flavorful. The pickled onions and carrots complemented it well and the cabbage slaw was a nice addition! read more

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got takeout from here but this is one of the sleeper hits of tamales, i have no notes here.

Phenomenal. Cannot believe I only just discovered them today. Clean ingredients. Beautiful presentation. Hearty portions. Pure deliciousness. The woman at the cash register was warm and inviting - just like the food! Love that they have fab local brews and bottles of vino - with no corkage fee. Even better that they sit next to Kezar - win win. I'll be back ! read more

Yo También Cantina - Delux bowl. Hidden homemade tamale under all the yumminess on top. - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Lovely little cafe, simple menu, friendly staff. My first trip and I got the Best of Both Worlds so I could try the combo tamal, beans, and eggs. Loved it. Expect a bit of a wait. If this spot were closer, I'd be there A LOT. read more

Yo También Cantina - Best of Both Worlds and a lavender tea. - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

3.5 stars for breakfast. Very limited options except for tamales. Rice bowl not served until 12pm. Ordered jammy eggs (like soft boiled eggs) and it was really good. No decaf coffee either. read more

Hidden gem for tamale lovers! Tucked away in the Inner Sunset, this spot specializes in tamales--but not your abuela's tamales. These are a fresh, creative take with unique toppings and a variety of flavorful hot sauces to match. I love the mix of textures and bold flavors. It's fun to try something new while still getting that comforting tamale base. Definitely worth seeking out if you're in the area! read more

A friend and I had lunch here today and searched for protein options. There was a jammy egg in the breakfast bowl but no mention of other protein. So, I got two tamales, I figured there would be meat in them. Like...you know... a tamal. Well, there was no meat in both my tamales and I had a nice vegetarian lunch. Still kinda wish there was meat in the tamales though. read more

Eating here is like getting a warm hug from your mom or your loved one. The food is so comforting, soothing & satisfying. The seasonal menu is limited but dishes are delicately created with quality ingredients. I came after reading the high reviews but wrongly assumed the menu would be that of a typical Mexican restaurant. It's more a California nouveau theme with a slight Latin flair. I had a breakfast bowl. Had been feeling like I was coming down with a cold but felt so comforted after eating my dish, akin to having chicken soup when you're sick. This place is a gem! read more

Delicious food and coffee with a quiet neighborhood ambience. Fresh and nourishing, great for gluten free. This has become a go-to spot for catching up with friends! read more

Yo También Cantina - Hugo street retreat - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a super cute breakfast/lunch spot--we stopped by after a morning in Golden Gate Park. Both bowls were equally delicious--the breakfast bowl was more hearty while the Hugo street retreat was more crisp and refreshing. I love that the bowls were healthy and fresh, but still really flavorful! read more

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The food here is really good - nutritious, filling, tasty, and well-executed. The stars off are for two reasons: it's quite expensive for what you get, but even more importantly, the people who run the place aren't kind. I've had numerous uncomfortable experiences with the service. One examples: once, I ordered my food to go. It was quite loud both inside and outside of the place, so I couldn't hear clearly what names they were calling names. I heard a name that sounded similar to mine so I went up to the counter and said, "oh is this mine?" in a very normal, neutral tone, and the person handing the food looked at me with a frown and in a stern, rude tone said, "This isn't for you! Yours is still being made!" I was really taken aback by the aggressive tone because I just didn't hear them correctly, and it didn't need to be a rude exchange at all. Things like that have happened numerous times, particularly with the two people who are there most often since the beginning and whom I presume are owners and/or managers, and I thought maybe it was just me. Asked a couple of neighbors who've also been and they had similar experiences. I don't need service-with-a-smile all the time, and I don't think the customer is always right. I do like to be treated kindly, though, especially when I've done nothing unkind to warrant rudeness. I only go now when I'm really craving tamales, but I always have to talk myself into it because I'm worried they are going to make me feel bad for just...ordering food. read more

This a nice spot on Hugo Street not far from Golden Gate Park and the business core of the Inner Sunset, yet when you're there you're at a wonderful calm little place with wonderful food served by amazing people. Check it out on a sunny day on your way to the park or the beach! read more

The best fresh tamales in the city! I love the Hugo street retreat! They make each bowl to order and it's a very nice local business. Sometimes it's a wait, but it is always worth it. I recommend ordering a delicious coffee and cookie while waiting for your tamales! read more

Yo También Cantina - Also a Hugo street retreat and drip coffee - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I've been coming here for over 6 years and the food and service is top notch. The food is always amazing and the setting on quiet Hugo street is peaceful and relaxing. Most customers know the owners many customers know each other, the place has a nice community feel. read more

This review is for the Hugo Street Retreat, a beautiful bowl filled with great flavors. Service was a bit slow - it looks like there were 2 employees and they were quite busy on a Saturday around lunchtime. Cute outdoor parklet seating. Hugo Street Retreat Description: SINGLE TAMAL SERVED WITH PICKLED EGG, AVOCADO, HOLY CARACAS CHILI OIL, CABBAGE SLAW, CILANTRO & PICKLED RED ONIONS read more

Yo También Cantina - Hugo Street Retreat - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great bowls for breakfast/brunch Delicious! Everyone in the fam liked them. Take them to go and enjoy in GGP.

I have waited too long to try this place! Ordered the best of both worlds bowl and it really was the best of both worlds! Perfectly cooked jammy egg, warm brothy beans, pillowy soft tamale, TONS of flavor leaving me the perfect amount of full. Cant wait to come back and experience bliss all over again! read more

3.5 stars! First time having a deconstructed tamales and it was very flavorful. I would even dare say overall too flavorful. There was lots of different textures and flavors all mixed together which on the one hand made every bite unique but also very overpowering at times. The toppings were the highlight of the meal while the tamale itself was pretty standard. I think the beans or something was very watery and at the end of the meal there was a puddle at the bottom of the bowl. read more

Yo También Cantina - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a cute/quaint neighborhood spot with outdoor/indoor seating (although majority of seating is outdoor). Loved the ambiance/decoration inside, and the staff was so kind! Tamale was so fresh and delicious, and I love how it was served. I would have loved even more sauce/spice! read more

Yo También Cantina - Tamal x 2! - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Quick fast delicious.. I do have to bring in my own soda. Other than that really good.:) thank you for still making good food. read more

Yo También Cantina - double tamales - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

- pretty small cafe located closer to the residential area of inner sunset. despite this though, they had a steady stream of customers coming in on saturday early noon - warm and rustic interior, but minimal seating inside. i loved their cups and plateware! - single tamale (4/5): i wasnt feeling too hungry so i just got one, but this was a decent portion size! the pickled onions and tangy cabbage slaw kept the dish bright, though the tamale was a tad too salty after a while. overall pretty good though! i tried some of the chili oil from my friend's hugo st retreat and it was good! she said it kept the bowl interesting for her to eat - caravan chai (1/5): i was disappointed to see it was just a spice bag rather their own brewed mix. despite keeping it in my drink the whole time, this was super watered down and bland. i even had milk in mine but that didn't help either - breakfast cookie: tried a bit off of my friend, but i thought it was just ok. hearty and a little dry - overall, a cute spot to drop by for some tamale bowls that'll have you feeling healthy afterwards. i would recommend going elsewhere if you're looking for authenticity though! read more

Yo También Cantina - single tamales, hugo st retreat (left), caravan chai lattes, breakfast cookie - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

I remember reading one of the owners worked at Wooly Pig which used to be at the same spot. I loooved Wooly Pig and so sad they moved away but very happy that Yo Tambien Cantina moved in. My friend picked this spot for lunch and I fell in love at first bite with the Hugo Street retreat - A single veggie tamal, salsa roja, queso fresco, avocado, cabbage slaw, chili oil & pickled egg. It was just a lovely combination of soft, crunchy, tangy, and a slight kick. I'm normally not a big cabbage fan, but will now try to get a regular fixin of this. The tamales this month is roasted honey nut squash (blended into the masa). I also got the Ginger-Tamarindo Jugo. It was delish. You can taste the tamarind at the end, and it lingers a bit. It's refreshing, but it also warms you up a bit. We were greeted at the counter and asked to wait just a minute. It wasn't that busy, so the whole order took less than 10 minutes. It's a small space but has a nice counter if you want to eat in. It's great that they carry Queens (Korean superette that closed down recently) items like gochujang. Supporting other small business owners is so awesome! read more

This place has interesting menu offerings. I got the best of both worlds and the eggs with the chili oil is amazing (unless it's a diff sauce) but it's unique along with the tamales in the bowl. There's not much seating indoors if you are looking for a place that has indoor seating and ambiance! read more

Yo También, Cantina was recommended to me by a friend. I've read a few of the one star reviews and completely disagree with them. I always felt that the service was very nice and the staff went out of their way to be helpful. I'm vegan and ordered a bowl that looked vegan then the owner kindly continued to tell me that for future reference all of their bowls could be made vegan which I thought was really nice because sometimes it's hard to find good vegan options that are still yummy. It tasted amazing. I loved the blend of flavors and the spicy sauce certainly added a great touch. I love the fresh vegetables and I thought the decor there was super cute and cozy. I would be happy to sit inside or outside and would 100% recommend. I don't live in San Francisco but now every time I visit it is a must go breakfast or lunch spot for me. read more

We came 1 PM on a Sunday, and they were out of everything except the rice bowl (at least we happened to get the last one, they told the people after us there was nothing!) They were supposed to be open until 3PM There's only a few items on the menu anyway, but I guess they had a busy morning and sold out of the Tamales. The rice bowl itself was sad- I'm not sure if they also ran out of ingredients... but it was essentially arugula on top of rice. Who would want arugula with a bunch of rice?? I exaggerate slightly- there was 1 boiled egg and maybe 2 pieces of broccoli, but it was 45% arugula, and 45% rice-- I would hardly call that a rice bowl. And it took like 20 minutes to put together, which also confused me. It's unfortunate it's a couple blocks off from the main strip, so nothing else foodwise close by to walk to, They did offer us tequenos, which were essentially cheesy sticks, that our kids enjoyed. The bread reminded me a Pillsboury doughboy crescent roll mix- for better or for worse. No indoor seating, nice little parklet-like outdoor area for outdoor seating read more

Yo También Cantina - Rice bowl , tequenos - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fantastic local spot - fresh, filling, and fun. There is limited seating (both outdoors and indoors), but the wait is worth it and the crowd of visitors brings a lively spirit to the otherwise quiet street. If you can't find seating, a park picnic is only a 2 block walk away. The menu is short but well done -- tamales are 3/4 of the list. However, the meal kept us more than full until the end of the day and the bowls are packed with protein. They serve alcohol and juices too! read more

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The food is delicious, flavorful and light. They have vegan options, the staff is friendly and helpful. Its a small place, hole in the wall type, but it has amazing food. Their tamales are so good, their salsa is too, and the salad is vibrant and colorful, and so tasty. read more

I'm not usually a tamales person but the tamales here are so good I forget that. The menu is short and most items (except the rice bowl) are a twist on a tamale, but that's a good thing, because you can't come here and miss their tamales. I got a single tamale and I loved how light and fresh the tamale was - I often feel like I find tamales too heavy and dense, but the version here with the cabbage slaw, pickled red onions, and cilantro completely changed that view. They do sell out so come here early to get your pick of the menu! read more

Fresh, delicious, unique and modern twist on the tamale plate. Wonderful people work here- informative and passionate about their offerings. This is a hidden gem and I'm a bit (ok A LOT) hesitant to share how amazing the food is for fear people will discover this spot! They will celebrate their five year anniversary in June. I'm sad I've missed out on 5 years, but thrilled to have discovered this spot today! read more

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Just Really, Really Good! Sometimes someone just hits it right. And that they have at Yo También Cantina. A small place on Hugo who has the perfect combination of flavors and textures, spice and nice, all put together ethically, responsibly and for the good of all! What more could you want? Had the Hugo Street Retreat, so amazing! Housemade tamale in a bowl, under cabbage, pickled onion, queso, avocado, jammy eggs and an amazing chili oil....it was just the perfect combination! My sister and I took one bite and sighed. I was just so happy I had a whole bowl left to go! The entire menu is simple - what they do they do very well. Everything is worth trying, there is something for everyone! For me the deal was sealed when they had no garbage can at the station where you put your plate. Just compost and recycle. My dream world. Thank you very much! read more

If there was a meal in the beautiful city of San Francisco that I could eat every single day.... It would be yo tambien cantina. It's soooooooo good! Last time I went I was an asshole for asking for more salsa on the side because when I say down to eat it, I realized it was perfect as is. That's a rarity for me. Do yourself the favor. read more

Had a Rice Bowl and Tamales Double Trouble. The presentation is beautiful! For the rice bowl, the roasted arugula and roasted fingerling potatoes were the best in the dish. I saw previous pictures with avocados and I really wanted an avocado with mine but it wasnt in season. The tamales were pretty good but nothing remarkable. I like the masa but I wasnt so sure what was the filling. The slaw was delicious, sour tangy and crunchy. It was delicious but nothing really pulls me back to purchase this meal again. I think I was just expecting something a little more savory. I love how they use fresh ingredients but with a rotating menu, however I can't really expect the same meal I had the last time. I don't really feel like throwing $40 on testing a menu every time I come. read more

Yo También Cantina - Rice bowl - Cafes Near Me - San Francisco, California

Best locally sourced vegetarian meal you can get for the price in SF. Great people, great local farms they support, delicious food! It's the type of bowl you could have every single day for your health and livelihood, but you also wouldn't get sick of. Each bowl has like 30 ingredients (unconfirmed)! Also make sure to get a michelada made with seasonal ingredients, like blood orange. And don't sleep on their pantry goods on the shelf. They make delicious sauces and a delightful Jelly Jammer that was the recent collaboration with local edible powerhouse Rose. Get your ass over to YTC for some wonderful food from wonderful people. :) read more

breakfast bowl 5/5 i loved everything about this bowl! the brothy beans, jammy egg, chili oil, tamale were so yummy!! so vibrant, fresh and filling all items on the menu is completely vegetarian friendly :) casual & quieter ambiance, quick service indoor and outdoor seating available tucked away in a residential area of the inner sunset read more

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Yo Tambien Cantina may look like a typical neighborhood coffee shop, but this place turns out some of the most beautiful homemade dishes on their food menu! The item they're probably best known for is their homemade tamale made from organic corn masa. An order of the "Hugo St Retreat" came with a hot tamal laid out in metal bowl topped with a plethora of colorful ingredients including queso fresco; a purple-colored pickled egg with a runny yolk; cabbage slaw; cilantro; pickled red onions; and the best part, a whole sliced avocado topped with holy caracas chili oil, which had an amazing spicy flavor and crunchy texture! All the components of this dish came together perfectly from the hot tamal to the crunchy cabbage and pickled vegetables to the creamy pickled egg, queso fresco, and avocado to the spicy chili crunch. What an amazing combination of textures, colors, and flavors! read more

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