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Taqueria Vallarta - San Francisco
Photo from Taqueria Vallarta
Taqueria Vallarta at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 5 of the guests
#2293 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#131 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Average
5.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
61
Reviews
47.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Clean atmosphere
- Authentic tacos
- Affordable tacos
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Inconsistent food
- Order errors
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery located in San Francisco’s lively Excelsior neighborhood, invites you to discover its authentic flavors. Taqueria Vallarta offers a casual dining experience where you can enjoy delicious meals throughout the day.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner, this spot provides a welcoming atmosphere for all.
Overview: Introducting Taqueria Vallarta
Taqueria Vallarta offers a mixed experience, with many appreciating its authentic Mexican food and the inviting feel of a clean restaurant. While some dishes stand out, there are notable concerns about consistency and certain preparations.
The staff are often described as friendly people, contributing to a generally pleasant atmosphere. However, issues with communication and messed up order have been reported, suggesting that service can be quite inconsistent for some patrons.
Average
5.1
out of 10
61
Reviews
47.5%
Satisfaction
29
negative
3
neutral
29
positive
Overall, Taqueria Vallarta registers an average Restaurant Score of 5.1, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 47.5%. This indicates that while some find their visit satisfactory, a significant portion of diners leave with reservations.
These insights are drawn from 61 customer comments, split evenly with 29 positive and 29 negative observations. Looking closer, Food (5.2) receives the most discussion, yet its score is average; some dishes are praised, while others lacked flavor or had issues like stale chips.
The Ambience (8) is a clear strong point, often described as a clean restaurant. However, Service (3.4) is a significant weak spot, frequently cited for communication difficulties and messed up order.
Value (6) hovers around average, with some finding good deals but others questioning prices.
What people like
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
- Authentic taco options
- Affordable late-night tacos
What people don't like
- Poor service communication
- Inconsistent food quality
- Order accuracy issues
With a Recommendation Score of 5.3, Taqueria Vallarta presents a mixed bag. If you prioritize a pleasant Ambience and are seeking specific authentic Mexican food items like their praised tacos, it might be worth a visit, especially for the Value of late-night deals.
However, be prepared for potential frustrations with Service and Food consistency. If reliable, attentive service and consistently high-quality dishes are paramount for your dining experience, you might find this spot falls short of expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Taqueria Vallarta
Food (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, theres a bit of a mixed bag, with a 5.2 average score and customer satisfaction sitting at 47.8%. Many diners raved about the "authentic Mexican food, " praising delicious "Al Pastor tacos, " "super burritos, " and the "coctel de camaron. " With 22 positive remarks among 46 total, theres definitely some culinary joy to be found.
However, not every dish hit the mark, with 21 negative comments highlighting concerns. Some found the refried beans off, the enchilada sauce lacking, and even grilled chicken undercooked. There were also mentions of carnitas being under-seasoned and general quality issues, suggesting some inconsistency in the kitchen.
Food
46
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
21
negative
3
neutral
22
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Delicious tacos, burritos
- Varied menu options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Undercooked meat issues
- Bland flavors sometimes
Often praised
- tacosThese were the first tacos I've tried very delicious
- foodThough this is a clean restaurant, food is usually good. However, beware what you find in burritos.
- Al Pastor tacosExcellent Al Pastor tacos here
- Al pastorthe Al pastor were quite good
- CabezaCabeza was good too
- Diet CokeI celebrated my birthday here two years ago with my daughters and family. We enjoyed tacos of cabeza, carne asada, and pollo, along with chips and horchata, and a Diet Coke. Since my birthday is on Halloween, we all walked on 24th Street to see everyone in costumes, which was a fantastic treat and a great opportunity to take pictures.
- authentic Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around authentic Mexican food. The taco stand upon entering was a nice touch.
- carnitasthe carnitas were quite good
- chicken enchiladawow this was an delicious chicken enchilada!
- chipsI celebrated my birthday here two years ago with my daughters and family. We enjoyed tacos of cabeza, carne asada, and pollo, along with chips and horchata, and a Diet Coke. Since my birthday is on Halloween, we all walked on 24th Street to see everyone in costumes, which was a fantastic treat and a great opportunity to take pictures.
Frequently criticized
- flavorI came to this restaurant and, honestly, the lamb consommé in the Hidalgo style was nothing like it. The chickpeas were like they came from a newly opened can and lacked flavor. I was very unsatisfied.
- Carne AsadaCarne Asada for $12? That's crazy!
- burritosThough this is a clean restaurant, food is usually good. However, beware what you find in burritos. Instead of sour cream, my daughter got a spoon in her burrito.
- carnitascarnitas was under seasoned for me
- chickenMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I ordered the enchiladas de pollo, but the chicken tasted old and the enchiladas were cold. The refried beans also tasted a bit off.
- chickpeasthe chickpeas were like they came from a newly opened can
- chipschips that always taste super stale
- condimentsThe condiments are hard to get at
- cut roof of her mouthpoked her mouth and cut roof of her mouth
- enchilada sauceThe enchiladas sauce reminded me of something you might get from a can and tasted a lot like ketchup
If youre craving authentic Mexican flavors and dont mind a bit of hit-or-miss, this spot might be worth a try for its standout tacos and burritos. Just be prepared for potential inconsistencies in dish quality and flavor, as it's not always a guaranteed culinary home run.
Service (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
While the overall sentiment for service leans negative, a few of the 10 comments did highlight some bright spots. Guests occasionally praised the presence of friendly people and positive customer service experiences, suggesting that when things align, the staff can be quite pleasant. However, the bulk of the feedback points to significant challenges, resulting in a poor score of 3.4 and a low customer satisfaction of just 30%.
Many experienced frustrating service due to issues with order accuracy, poor communication, and unhelpful interactions with the cashier person. There were also complaints about the cook and staff not willing to admit it and make it right.
Service
10
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
7
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Good customer service
What people don't like
- Messed up orders
- Poor communication
- Unhelpful staff
Often praised
- customer serviceLike customer service
- friendly peoplefriendly peoples working and Like customer service
- wife and kidsHowever, the condiments were hard to get at, which was a minor inconvenience. Overall, my wife and kids enjoyed the place.
Frequently criticized
- admit it and make it rightWhen you mess up just admit it and make it right
- cashier personcashier person needs training because seems and acts rude
- communicationthey cant hear
- cookThe cook insisted it was fine, which I didn't appreciate
- orderThe staff member I interacted with did not seem to understand either English or Spanish, making it difficult to even place my order. This lack of understanding led to my order being completely messed up. I'm unsure what the issue was, but the inability to have a basic conversation and get the order right was a significant problem.
- order accuracythey always mess up my order
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was quite frustrating due to the service. The staff member I interacted with did not seem to understand either English or Spanish, making it difficult to even place my order.
If you're considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially frustrating service experience. While a few guests found the staff friendly, the low score and satisfaction suggest frequent issues with order accuracy and communication. It might be best to manage your expectations or consider other options if service is a top priority for you.
Ambience (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
For ambience, this place truly shines! With 3 positive comments, guests raved about the clean restaurant and fantastic atmosphere. One even loved seeing everyone in costumes, calling it a fantastic treat, while another appreciated the unique taco stand vibe.
Boasting a good score of 8 and an excellent 100% customer satisfaction, the atmosphere is definitely a major highlight. What's truly remarkable is the complete absence of any negative feedback regarding the ambience. Out of 3 total observations, not a single one mentioned anything less than stellar.
This suggests a consistently positive experience for all visitors, making the atmosphere a worry-free aspect of your visit.
Ambience
3
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Clean restaurant
- Fantastic atmosphere
- Unique taco stand
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmospheresee everyone in costumes..Which was a fantastic treat
- clean restaurantthis is a clean Resturant
- taco standI like the taco stand
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place with a great vibe, you absolutely cant go wrong here. The atmosphere is a clear winner, promising a clean and fun environment. Go ahead and give it a try; you'll likely love the setting!
Value (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 10% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres definitely some love for the deals, especially those late-night gems. One happy customer exclaimed, "Late night $2.50 tacos? Cant beat it!
That kind of affordability, particularly for $2.50 tacos, really makes a difference, helping to drive a 50% customer satisfaction rate. On the flip side, not everyone is convinced by the overall pricing. Some diners have noted that the prices can feel a bit high, especially when you factor in extras.
As one person mentioned, They're asking extra for meat. Carne Asada for $12? " This mixed sentiment, based on 2 opinions (1 positive, 1 negative), gives value an average score of 6.
Value
2
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
1
negative
0
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable late-night tacos
What people don't like
- Extra charge for meat
Often praised
- $2.50 tacosLate night $2.50 tacos? Can't beat it.
Frequently criticized
- pricesThey're asking extra for meat. Carne Asada for $12?
If youre hunting for a late-night taco deal, this place might just hit the spot. Just be aware that some items, especially meat, could come with extra charges that might make the overall bill feel a bit higher than expected. Its a mixed bag, so manage your expectations!
How are the prices at Taqueria Vallarta?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 5 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people are spending, most of the recent prices fall right into this $11–$20 sweet spot, with just one diner venturing into the $21–$30 range. So, prices are pretty consistent around that average. Since were only looking at 5 recent reviews, its a good indication, but keep in mind it’s a small sample.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 5 most recent reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication of typical spending.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Mexican spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It’s a solid mid-range option if you’re looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Taqueria Vallarta
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Huge Burritos, Stale Chips
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their super burritos, which were both huge and delicious. However, a significant downside was the accompanying chips, which consistently tasted super stale. I would prefer if they were not served at all.
- super burritos9
- chips2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible Service, Order Messed Up
My experience at this restaurant was quite frustrating due to the service. The staff member I interacted with did not seem to understand either English or Spanish, making it difficult to even place my order. This lack of understanding led to my order being completely messed up.
I'm unsure what the issue was, but the inability to have a basic conversation and get the order right was a significant problem.
- service1
- order1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
2
Terrible Order Accuracy
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. They always mess up my order. If you want something that you don't want in your taco or burrito, this is the place to come because they can't hear.
The food received a score of 3, service a 1, and atmosphere a 2.
- order accuracy1
- communication1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Small Micheladas, Big Disappointment
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the portion size of the micheladas. They were very small, almost like only half a beer was served. I believe they should be served in a larger glass.
- micheladas2
- portion size2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
2
Disappointing Enchiladas and Beans
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I ordered the enchiladas de pollo, but the chicken tasted old and the enchiladas were cold. The refried beans also tasted a bit off.
The enchilada sauce reminded me of something from a can and tasted a lot like ketchup. I hope I don’t get sick. 🤢
- enchiladas de pollo2
- chicken1
- enchiladas1
What Taqueria Vallarta offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Taqueria Vallarta?
At Taqueria Vallarta, you can enjoy a casual dining experience perfect for any time of day. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a versatile spot for your cravings. Whether you’re dining in for a full meal or grabbing a quick bite, the atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming.
What are some of the popular offerings and accepted payment methods at Taqueria Vallarta?
Taqueria Vallarta is known for its delicious Mexican cuisine, including small plates and late-night food options. You can also enjoy a selection of beer and other alcoholic beverages. For your convenience, they accept various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
What is the overall dining experience like at Taqueria Vallarta?
Taqueria Vallarta has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.1 and a Customer Satisfaction of 47.5%. While the Ambience (8) is highly rated, Food (5.2) and Value (6) are average, and Service (3.4) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Taqueria Vallarta?
Many customers appreciate the clean restaurant atmosphere and the authentic Mexican food offerings, particularly specific tacos like Al Pastor. The friendly people working there are also a positive point for some.
What are the main concerns customers have about Taqueria Vallarta?
Key concerns revolve around Service, with reports of messed up order and communication issues. Some also note lacked flavor in certain dishes and inconsistent Food quality, such as stale chips or cold items.