Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » MARCELA’S TAQUERÍA – San Francisco
MARCELA'S TAQUERÍA - San Francisco
Photo from MARCELA’S TAQUERÍA
MARCELA'S TAQUERÍA at a glance
San Francisco South of Market
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 45 of the guests
#316 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#13 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
142
Reviews
83.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Service
- Authentic Food
Frequently criticized
- Limited Seating
- Dish Inconsistency
The restaurant MARCELA’S TAQUERÍA invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant South of Market neighborhood. This casual spot is perfect for a quick bite, offering a delightful selection of small plates that are ideal for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even breakfast and brunch options, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here.
Overview: Introducting MARCELA'S TAQUERÍA
Marcela’s Taquería offers a genuinely warm dining experience, often described as a neighborhood spot with an intimate setting. Many appreciate the friendly staff who contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making it feel like a home away from home.
While the food generally receives high praise for its authentic flavors and generous portions, some find certain dishes or ingredients less impressive. There are also occasional comments about the prices being a bit higher than expected for some items.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
142
Reviews
83.1%
Satisfaction
13
negative
11
neutral
118
positive
Overall, Marcela’s Taquería earns a solid 8.4 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at a good 83.1%. This positive sentiment is built on 118 positive remarks compared to just 13 negative ones, out of 142 total customer observations.
It suggests a generally well-received establishment, though there’s always room for refinement. The Service (9.3) stands out as excellent, consistently earning high marks for its attentive and kind staff.
The Food (8.4) also performs well, with many finding it good, though some specific dishes receive mixed feedback. The Ambience (7.6) is considered good, offering a cozy, intimate feel, while Value (7) is also rated good, despite a few comments on rising costs.
What people like
- Excellent, kind service
- Authentic, flavorful food
- Charming, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- Limited seating
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Pre-made beverages
With a strong 8.7 recommendation score, Marcela’s Taquería is generally a worthwhile stop, especially if you appreciate genuinely friendly service and a cozy, local feel. It’s a place that often delivers on its promise of good, authentic Mexican flavors.
However, be mindful of the compact seating and the possibility of encountering an occasional dish that doesn’t quite hit the mark. If you prioritize a warm welcome and a casual, intimate meal over expansive space or absolute consistency in every menu item, you’ll likely find it a rewarding experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on MARCELA'S TAQUERÍA
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, earning a 8.4 score and a fantastic 84.6% customer satisfaction! With 77 positive remarks out of 91 total, diners rave about the authentic Mexican food, especially the best burritos and delicious tacos. Many appreciate the fresh refried beans, homemade ingredients, and nice big portions that leave you satisfied.
However, not every dish hits the mark, with 10 negative comments noted. Some found certain items, like the carne asada or shrimp, to be bland or unmarinated, and a few mentioned cold tortillas. While these instances are few, they suggest there's a little room for consistency in every plate.
Food
91
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Delicious burritos, tacos
- Fresh, homemade ingredients
What people don't like
- Bland food
- Unmarinated meat
- Cold tortillas
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent over the past 7 years. I find myself returning 3 times a week because the tacos and burritos are always delicious. Thank you for the wonderful food!
- breakfast burritosIt's a perfect neighborhood spot with great people. I particularly enjoyed their breakfast burritos, which were the perfect size and mixed well. The salsa was fresh, the prices were great, and I appreciated that they offered wheat tortillas!
- Mexican foodTruely authentic mexican food!!
- breakfast burritoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had an excellent breakfast burrito, which was perfectly complemented by a spicy salsa. To cool down the heat, I enjoyed a refreshing horchata.
- breakfast tacosWe had the breakfast burrito and breakfast tacos
- burritosthe burritos and the tacos de pollo me gusta mucho
- salsaEverything in the plate was just amazing
- super burritoWe had the super burrito which was enough for the two of us
- tacostacos here had nice, healthy portions
- veggie burritoI really like their veggie burrito
Frequently criticized
- foodI really didn't like it. The staff were very friendly, but the food left nothing to talk about.
- aquas frescasthe aquas frescas are pre made served in containers
- beans and riceit only had a bunch of beans and rice
- burritos chips and drink$20 for burritos chips and drink. Plus tip. Pretty pricy
- carne asadaI had higher expectations. I ordered the carne asada with shrimp, and honestly, it wasn't what I expected. The meat wasn't marinated, and the shrimp tasted as if they were just boiled in water.
- leftover chickenThey put leftover chicken on it
- meatI ordered the carne asada with shrimp, and honestly, it wasn't what I expected. The meat wasn't marinated, and the shrimp tasted as if they were just boiled in water. I really didn't like it.
- shrimpI ordered the carne asada with shrimp, and honestly, it wasn't what I expected. The meat wasn't marinated, and the shrimp tasted as if they were just boiled in water. I really didn't like it.
- tortillasthe tortillas were cold
Overall, if you're craving authentic Mexican food with generous portions and fresh ingredients, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few dishes might not always live up to the high standards set by the majority, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.
Service (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 70% of the guests
If youre looking for a place where the service truly shines, youve hit the jackpot! The feedback on service here is overwhelmingly positive, with an excellent score of 9.3 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 93.1%. Guests consistently rave about the friendly staff, their kindness, and the quick service, making every visit a delightful experience.
Out of 29 comments, a remarkable 27 were glowing endorsements. What's even more impressive is the complete absence of negative feedback regarding the service. There were zero negative mentions among all the customer comments, which is a rare and wonderful thing to see.
It seems the team goes above and beyond to ensure every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for, leaving no room for complaint.
Service
29
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
0
negative
2
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Kind employees
What people don't like
Often praised
- serviceyou'll experience the kind of service many places only wish they had
- staffAs an English person, I'm not always sure what constitutes good Mexican food, but I must say the cuisine here was fantastic. The staff were lovely and helpful, and very friendly. The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5, and the food itself was equally impressive with a 5/5 rating.
- ServiceThe food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was great at a 4/5. Service was also excellent, with no wait time.
- EmployeesEmployees are helpful, patient and kind!
- MarcelaMarcela is consistent year after year.
- employeesthe employees are very friendly and attentive
- experienceThanks for the awesome experience!!
- kindThey are very kind
- lady at the counterThe lady at the counter was super helpful and polite
- peoplethe people are great
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
When it comes to service, this place is a definite winner. You can expect a warm welcome and efficient attention, making it well worth a visit if excellent hospitality is high on your list.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a solid 7.6 score. Many customers rave about the overall atmosphere, often calling it a hidden gem or a charming neighborhood spot. With 10 positive remarks out of 15 total, guests appreciate the intimate setting that feels welcoming, making it a great choice if youre looking for a quiet meal.
However, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.7%, indicating theres some room for improvement. A couple of voices, specifically 2 negative mentions, point out that the seating can be quite compact and limited. While the overall atmosphere is praised, this aspect might be a slight drawback for some, so be prepared for a cozy fit.
Ambience
15
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
2
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Hidden gem
- Intimate setting
What people don't like
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereIt’s very small — just three cozy tables for two — but that’s part of its charm.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- construction teamYou know it's good when the construction team is in there every day during lunch
- hidden gemHidden gem worth all 5 stars
- hole-in-the-wall spotsIf you care about burritos, you like hole-in-the-wall spots
- intimate settingthat’s part of its charm. The intimate setting makes it feel more like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home
- neighborhood spotPerfect neighborhood spot
- quietIf you’re looking for a quiet, heartfelt meal
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- seatingthe seating is very compact and limited
If youre seeking a charming, intimate hole-in-the-wall experience with a welcoming vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that the seating is quite compact, so its best for those who appreciate a cozy, rather than spacious, environment.
Value (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, with a 7 score indicating its good. Many diners appreciate the good price and find the prices to be quite reasonable, making it feel like a hidden gem. Out of 7 customer remarks, 4 were positive, suggesting a decent bang for your buck.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 57.1%, indicating some room for improvement. While most find the value good, theres one voice noting that prices have gone up, making some items feel pretty pricy. This suggests that while generally affordable, some recent changes might be impacting perceptions for a few.
Value
7
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
1
negative
2
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Prices increased
- Can be pricy
Often praised
- pricethis spot is absolutely worth a visit.
- good priceOh my, what a hidden gem of a Mexican food place! The menu is basic but includes vegetarian options, all at a good price. We had the super burrito, which was enough for the two of us for lunch.
- pricesthe prices are great
Frequently criticized
- pricesprices are UP. $20 for burritos chips and drink. Plus tip. Pretty pricy
Overall, if you're looking for generally good value, especially for basic menu items, this place is worth checking out. Just be aware that some recent price adjustments might make a few specific items feel a bit steeper than expected.
How are the prices at MARCELA'S TAQUERÍA?
You’re looking at roughly 20 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.
Looking at what people spend, most guests stick right around that average, with 35 out of 45 diners spending between 11 – 20 €. So, prices definitely cluster, showing a pretty consistent experience rather than a wild mix of cheap eats and premium splurges.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 45 reviews.
A comparison of value for money at this restaurant versus similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a mid-range Mexican spot. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about MARCELA'S TAQUERÍA
Price per Person
- 61 - 70 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Absolutely the BOMB.COM!
My experience was the BOMB. COM! The tenderloins were incredibly lucky to be part of this tasty yummy Mexican taqueria.
Thanks for the awesome experience!
- tenderloins10
- Mexican taqueria10
- experience10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Breakfast Burritos!
My experience at this restaurant has been great, specifically with their breakfast burritos, which I've only tried so far. I believe they are the best in San Francisco. The staff is very kind and always really quick with the service.
- breakfast burritos10
- best in San Francisco10
- kind9
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Stupendous Mexican Cuisine and Lovely Staff
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely stupendous. As an English person, I'm not always sure what constitutes good Mexican food, but I must say the cuisine here was fantastic. The staff were lovely and helpful, and very friendly.
The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated 5/5, and the food itself was equally impressive with a 5/5 rating. Service also received a perfect 5/5. It was a dinner meal with no wait time and a price range of $10–20 per person.
- Mexican food10
- cuisine10
- staff10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Best Burrito I've Had!
I work across the street from this tiny taqueria and get lunch here multiple times a week. While I eat burritos often at many different spots around the city, the regular burrito, al pastor, spicy pico, refried beans from Marcelas is the best I've had. You know it's good when the construction team is in there every day during lunch.
The red and green salsas are also some of the best I've had in the city. If you care about burritos and like hole-in-the-wall spots in a neighborhood that's off the beaten path, you need this burrito.
- regular burrito10
- al pastor10
- spicy pico10
Price per Person
- 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Authentic Mexican Food, Consistent Quality
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently excellent over the past 4 years. Marcela provides truly authentic Mexican food, and her quality never wavers. I make sure to visit every time I'm in San Francisco.
Gracias Marcela for being unique!
- Mexican food10
- Marcela10
- Food10
What MARCELA'S TAQUERÍA offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What service options does MARCELA'S TAQUERÍA offer for your convenience?
MARCELA’S TAQUERÍA provides a range of flexible service options to suit your needs. You can enjoy no-contact delivery or standard delivery, opt for easy takeout, or dine-in for a casual meal. This ensures you can savor their Mexican cuisine however you prefer.
Is MARCELA'S TAQUERÍA accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, MARCELA’S TAQUERÍA is designed to be welcoming for everyone. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. Additionally, it is considered good for kids, making it a great choice for family outings in San Francisco.
How does Marcela's Taquería rate overall?
Marcela’s Taquería holds a strong overall score of **8.4**. Its **Service** (9.3) is excellent, **Food** (8.4) is good, **Ambience** (7.6) is good, and **Value** (7) is also rated good.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Marcela's Taquería?
Customers frequently praise the excellent and kind service, the authentic and flavorful Mexican food, and the charming, intimate atmosphere that makes it feel like a welcoming neighborhood spot.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Marcela's Taquería?
Some customers note the limited and compact seating. There are also occasional comments about inconsistent dish quality, such as unmarinated meat or cold tortillas, and the use of pre-made beverages.