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oChef » El Gran Taco Loco – San Francisco
El Gran Taco Loco - San Francisco
Photo from El Gran Taco Loco
El Gran Taco Loco at a glance
San Francisco Excelsior
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#2231 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#127 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
239
Reviews
51.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Tasty tacos
- Clean atmosphere
- Friendly staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent food
- Poor service
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican spot in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood, invites you in with its cozy atmosphere. Here at El Gran Taco Loco, you can discover a menu brimming with delicious options, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving late-night food or a hearty breakfast, this casual and trendy eatery has you covered. You’ll find it’s a great place to enjoy authentic flavors.
Overview: Introducting El Gran Taco Loco
El Gran Taco Loco offers a mixed experience, with many guests appreciating the tasty tacos and the generally friendly staff. You’ll often find a clean atmosphere that locals seem to enjoy, making it a comfortable spot for a casual meal.
However, some diners have encountered issues, particularly with high prices and unexpected extra fees. There are also concerns about inconsistent food quality and occasional lapses in service, which can detract from the overall visit.
Average
5.6
out of 10
239
Reviews
51.5%
Satisfaction
102
negative
14
neutral
123
positive
El Gran Taco Loco holds an average Restaurant Score of 5.6 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction sitting at a mixed 51.5%. This indicates that while some aspects are well-received, there’s a notable portion of customers who leave less than fully satisfied.
These figures are drawn from 239 customer opinions, with 123 positive and 102 negative remarks. Looking closer, the Ambience (7) is rated well, suggesting a pleasant environment.
However, Food (6.1) and Service (4.9) hover around average, with Value (3) being a clear area for improvement, often cited for its high prices and additional charges. This blend of experiences contributes to the restaurant’s moderate overall standing.
What people like
- Tasty, fresh tacos
- Clean, welcoming space
- Friendly, quick staff
What people don't like
- High prices, extra fees
- Inconsistent food quality
- Rude, inattentive service
If you’re seeking a casual spot with a welcoming vibe and a craving for some potentially tasty tacos, El Gran Taco Loco might be worth a try. Just be prepared for a potentially average experience, especially concerning the cost and service consistency.
With a Recommendation Score of 5.7, it suggests the restaurant is a decent option but not without its drawbacks. It’s a place that could satisfy a quick craving, but you might want to manage expectations regarding overall value and service attentiveness.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Gran Taco Loco
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.1 (average) and customer satisfaction at 56.1% (mixed). Many diners rave about the delicious tacos, flavorful burritos, and fresh salsa bar, with 83 positive remarks highlighting items like quesabirria tacos, Mojarra Frita, and healthy portions. The great flavors and quality meat often exceed expectations.
However, there are also 51 negative comments, pointing to issues like bland meat, dry or soggy food, and small portions. Some found the quality of the food to be mediocre, with concerns about high prices for what was received, and even instances of spoiled chicken or hair in food. It seems consistency can be a challenge here.
Food
148
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
51
negative
14
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tacos
- Flavorful burritos
- Fresh salsa bar
What people don't like
- Bland, dry meat
- Inconsistent food quality
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodPreviously, we ate outside, but this time we ordered takeout for two individuals. The food was fantastic, and the service, though for takeout, was efficient. The atmosphere, even though we didn't dine in, is always great.
- burritoI've been a regular customer here for about a year, enjoying their awesome burrito. However, during a recent takeaway order, I noticed a staff member exit the kitchen without a mask.
- chipsThe chips was the only thing good
- tacosI opted for the regular tacos: Carnitas and al pastor, which came with a small amount of chips & salsas. The tacos were tasty 😋! I particularly preferred the al pastor.
- chickensome of the best chicken in the Bay Area
- great foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and the friendly staff. It's wonderful that they were able to open another store after the previous one burned down.
- tortillasThe tortillas were soft and fresh
- $2 street tacosenjoyed the $2 street tacos
- Al PastorQueso Barilla....Al Pastor
- Asada tacosWe got the Asada tacos.
Frequently criticized
- foodTwice now in a row, I placed an order through 2 Good 2 Go and was charged, only to arrive and receive no food. While I understand that things happen, the rudeness that followed is unacceptable.
- burritoI paid $15 for a burrito that wasn't even wrapped properly. When I was eating it, it fell apart completely.
- chickenThe chips were served with the bottom ones being hard and the top ones only slightly good. The chicken was served spoiled, slimy, and with a bad smell. This was particularly upsetting as the food was intended for my daughters.
- chipsThe taste of the food was better than I expected. I'm giving the food a four out of five because I did not like the chips at all. However, the food itself is very good, and the people working here are very nice.
- burritosTacos & burritos was dry and burned
- carne asadaConsidering the price paid, the portions were simply not worth it. The burrito was too thin, the carne asada was bland, and the fries were mediocre. While the staff was friendly, there was an issue with drink refills.
- salsasall of their salsas are SPICY. Except for the green salsa
- Al pastorAl pastor 👎🏻 - flavorless
- Mexican foodthe worst mexican food I ever tried
- Sopa de 7 MaresDon’t waste your money en una sopa de 7 mares
If youre craving specific items like their highly praised tacos or Mojarra Frita, it might be worth a try, but be prepared for a potentially inconsistent experience. Its a place that could hit the spot, but also has some notable areas for improvement in food quality and value.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
Many guests have experienced excellent interactions, with 20 positive opinions highlighting the friendly staff and quick service. Customers frequently praise the efficiency of the team, noting how fast their food arrives and the overall pleasant quality of service, even for takeout or delivery. On the flip side, 25 negative opinions point to significant issues, contributing to an average score of 4.9 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 44.4%.
Concerns range from rudeness and unprofessional conduct to frustrating waiting times and even worrying observations about staff hygiene.
Service
45
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
25
negative
0
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Great catering
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Poor hygiene
- Long waits
Often praised
- servicePreviously, we ate outside, but this time we ordered takeout for two individuals. The food was fantastic, and the service, though for takeout, was efficient. The atmosphere, even though we didn't dine in, is always great.
- staffThe staff were very nice and super quick
- deliverythey have never let me down.
- DoorDashI ordered this on DoorDash
- Friendly peopleFriendly people
- customersganaron +2 clientes
- friendly staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and the friendly staff. It's wonderful that they were able to open another store after the previous one burned down.
- girl who served usThe girl who served us tonight was a very kind woman
- great cateringIt's wonderful that they were able to open another store after the previous one burned down. I also appreciated their great catering services.
- people working herevery nice people working here
Frequently criticized
- serviceI would not bother coming here. The food was nasty and the service was very rude.
- staffI've been a regular customer here for about a year, enjoying their awesome burrito. However, during a recent takeaway order, I noticed a staff member exit the kitchen without a mask. A quick scan of the restaurant revealed that masks were not being worn by staff or customers ordering.
- attentiondeberían atender mejor y ser más cuidadosos
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was horrible. The customer service was terrible; when I asked for extra salsa, the lady working there got an attitude. It also took her 5 minutes to take our order, and her coworker had to alert her to our presence.
- customers orderingcustomers ordering didn't have a mask on
- fix itasked them if they could fix it, and they just told me to scoop it off
- food preparationpreparing the food took his mask of and atarted talking on top of thr food
- girl with short hairalways a girl with short hair who is always bad-tempered and rude
- napkinsMy experience at the restaurant was very poor. The service was bad; they didn't provide napkins. The chips were served with the bottom ones being hard and the top ones only slightly good.
- orderMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently disappointing. I've placed several pickup orders, and each time, my order has been incorrect. The quality of the food has never been good.
If youre hoping for quick and friendly service, you might be in luck. However, be aware that theres a noticeable chance of encountering slow or rude staff, which could definitely impact your visit.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place scores a solid 7, with customer satisfaction at a good 78.9%. Many folks (15, to be exact!) rave about the spotless and welcoming atmosphere, often noting how well-maintained and spacious the place feels. It sounds like a great spot to settle in!
However, not everyone is completely charmed. A few voices (4, specifically) pointed out some concerns, with lack of COVID-19 compliance being a notable issue. There were also mentions of the atmosphere needing to be a little less uncomfortable and even some unpleasant observations like flies hovering all around, which is definitely something to consider.
Ambience
19
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spotless interior
- Welcoming vibe
- Well-maintained space
What people don't like
- Poor COVID compliance
- Flies present
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was fantastic, and the service, though for takeout, was efficient. The atmosphere, even though we didn't dine in, is always great.
- placeel lugar super limpio
- cleanlinessalways maintains cleanliness
- dining roomClean dinning room
- interiorhas an impressive interior
- local spotFantastic local spot in the Excelsior
- locals loveyou could tell locals live this place
- spacious atmospherespacious atmosphere
- spotlessThe place was spotless
- welcoming atmospheresuch a welcoming atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- COVID-19 compliancelack of COVID-19 compliance
- atmospheremake it a little less uncomfortable
- taco jointFor just 4 items, I paid 46 dollars. To make matters worse, there were flies hovering all around. San Francisco has lost it.
- worse placeMy experience at this restaurant was the worse place I’ve ever been. I would not recommend bothering to waste your money here.
Overall, the ambience here is generally positive, scoring well with most visitors. If youre looking for a clean, welcoming, and spacious spot, its likely a good bet. Just be aware that a few guests have noted issues with cleanliness and comfort, so keep an eye out for those details.
Value (3 out of 10)
mentioned by 35% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found some bright spots. Out of 27 total opinions, 5 noted that certain items, like tacos, offered a great value at a regular price, with some even praising reasonable prices. It seems theres potential for good deals if you know what to look for.
However, the overall picture isnt as rosy, with a poor score of 3 and a very low customer satisfaction of 18.5%. A significant 22 negative opinions highlight concerns about generally high prices, feeling it's a waste of money, and unexpected upcharges for beef, service charge, or credit card fee.
Value
27
Reviews
18%
Satisfaction
22
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable item prices
What people don't like
- High overall prices
- Unexpected extra fees
- Value often disappoints
Often praised
- pricesLos precios razonables
- Price per personPrice per person:$1–10
- great valueit’s a great value
- regular priceHowever, their tacos were excellent! I was hoping to visit during happy hour to try their various meats, but the regular price for the tacos was still reasonable. I will return for the tacos and might try their taco salad or super nacho fries next time.
Frequently criticized
- pricesIn my opinion, they have very high prices and the food is not good. If you want to eat something good and with a better price, look for other places.
- pricepor los $ 21 dólares que pague quedé muy insatisfecho
- 4 itemsFor 4 items , I paid 46 dollars
- carne asadaCharged extra for carne asada
- credit card feeCharged an extra fee for using a credit card but no sign was posted
- customerslos clientes pagan para algo bueno no una miserable hamburguesa
- menu itemadd 3.99 percent on each menus item
- overall experienceTotally got ripped off. Unacceptable!
- price paidthe price paid is simply not worth it
- service chargethey add a service charge
If youre looking for a bargain, this spot might be a bit of a gamble. While some find specific items reasonably priced, be prepared for potentially high overall costs and unexpected extra fees. Its worth considering if you're set on a particular dish, but otherwise, you might find better value elsewhere.
How are the prices at El Gran Taco Loco?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 45 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.
Most guests find themselves spending in the $11–$20 range, showing prices generally cluster around this average, with a few venturing into slightly higher or lower price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Mexican spot in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Gran Taco Loco
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Terrible Service and Food Quality
My experience at the restaurant was very poor. The service was bad; they didn't provide napkins. The chips were served with the bottom ones being hard and the top ones only slightly good.
The chicken was served spoiled, slimy, and with a bad smell. This was particularly upsetting as the food was intended for my daughters. Most of the time, I have the bad luck of something going wrong.
Overall, it was bad service.
- service1
- napkins1
- chips2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Disappointing Quesadilla for the Price
What was your experience at the restaurant? Antigua mente, it's a very nice place. Today I went for a super quesadilla with shrimp.
However, it was not 'super' at all. It only had cheese and shrimp, and instead of avocado, they used the same green salsa they give with the chips. A proper 'super quesadilla' should include the meat of your choice, pico de gallo, avocado, cream, and cheese.
For the $21 I paid, I was definitely very unsatisfied. It's a shame they charge you and sell you something else.
- place3
- quesadilla2
- price2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Spicy Salsas and Great Taco Deals!
My experience at this restaurant was great, especially with their Taco Tuesday and Thursday deals! I enjoyed the $2 street tacos, which were served with generous portions of cilantro and onions. They also came with a free side of tortilla chips.
Yummy! A heads-up for fellow diners: all of their salsas are SPICY, with the exception of the green salsa, which is just regularly spicy. Be warned, the other salsas are intensely spicy.
The restaurant is suitable for all group sizes, with indoor dining available and a price per person of $1–10.
- Taco Tuesday and Thursday deals9
- $2 street tacos9
- healthy portions8
- salsas3
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Worst Food Experience Ever
My experience at this restaurant was terrible. The food was the worst I have ever had; it felt like I was eating dust. I instantly felt sick to my stomach after just two bites and had to get rid of it.
- food1
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
9
Delicious Burrito with Nacho Cheese!
My experience was with a burrito ordered via DoorDash. I specifically chose steak and added nacho cheese, which I'm glad they offer. The burrito itself was great & flavorful ♡.
- burrito9
- nacho cheese8
What El Gran Taco Loco offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at El Gran Taco Loco?
At El Gran Taco Loco, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, with options for small plates and late-night food. It’s a great spot for a quick bite or a relaxed dining experience with seating available.
What service and accessibility options are available at El Gran Taco Loco?
El Gran Taco Loco offers convenient service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, and no-contact delivery. The restaurant is also fully wheelchair accessible, featuring an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What is the overall customer impression of El Gran Taco Loco?
El Gran Taco Loco has an average Restaurant Score of 5.6 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 51.5%. While the Ambience (7) is generally good, Food (6.1) and Service (4.9) are average, and Value (3) is a notable concern for many.
How do customers feel about the value at El Gran Taco Loco?
Customer opinions on value are quite negative, with many mentioning high prices and unexpected extra charges like credit card fees or service charges, leading some to feel the price paid is not worth the experience.
What are the common comments about the food quality?
While some customers praise the tasty tacos and fresh tortillas, others report inconsistent food quality, citing issues like spoiled chicken, bland carne asada, dry burritos, and flavorless Al Pastor.