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oChef » Nick’s Crispy Tacos – San Francisco
Nick's Crispy Tacos - San Francisco
Photo from Nick’s Crispy Tacos
Nick's Crispy Tacos at a glance
San Francisco Cow Hollow
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 40 of the guests
#1577 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#82 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
433
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious tacos
- Lively atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Average value
The restaurant, Nick’s Crispy Tacos, is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located in San Francisco’s lively Cow Hollow neighborhood. You’ll find it’s a fantastic spot to catch a game, as sports are a key highlight here.
Whether you’re craving authentic Mexican flavors or looking for a casual place to unwind, this spot offers a welcoming atmosphere. You can enjoy a range of delicious offerings, from hearty meals to lighter bites, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting Nick's Crispy Tacos
Nick’s Crispy Tacos offers a lively setting where the culinary offerings generally hit the mark, making it a popular spot for many. Guests often commend the attentive staff and the overall fun vibe that permeates the space, contributing to an enjoyable visit.
However, some aspects of the experience can be a bit of a mixed bag. While the food is frequently a highlight, occasional inconsistencies in the dining experience, such as a sometimes-noisy atmosphere or minor service hiccups, are noted.
Despite these, the restaurant maintains a welcoming feel, with many finding it a reliable choice for a casual outing.
Good
7.1
out of 10
433
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
97
negative
26
neutral
310
positive
The overall experience at Nick’s Crispy Tacos registers a solid 7.1, with customer satisfaction standing at 71.6%. Both figures indicate a generally good reception, suggesting that most patrons leave content with their visit.
This assessment is drawn from over 400 customer remarks, with a clear majority expressing positive sentiments. Delving deeper, Food (7.6) is a standout, frequently earning praise for its quality and variety.
Ambience (6.9) and Service (6.5) are perceived as decent, though they present some areas for refinement. The Value (5.6) topic, however, garners more mixed feedback, indicating it’s considered average by many.
What people like
- Delicious tacos
- Attentive staff
- Lively environment
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Noisy atmosphere
- Average value
Nick’s Crispy Tacos is a worthwhile destination, particularly if you’re seeking a vibrant atmosphere paired with generally satisfying food. It’s a place that thrives on its energetic setting and popular menu items, making it a solid choice for a casual meal or a lively gathering.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.4, it suggests a positive experience for most. While some minor inconsistencies exist, the strengths in food and atmosphere often outweigh the drawbacks, making it a place worth considering for its specific appeal.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nick's Crispy Tacos
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot scores a solid 7.6, indicating a good dining experience, and customer satisfaction is also quite good at 77.6%. With 191 positive remarks out of 246 total, many rave about the delicious and massive tacos, often highlighting the fresh ingredients and generous portions. The margaritas also get a lot of love for being strong and tasty.
However, not everything hits the mark. Among the 40 negative comments, some found certain dishes, like the nachos, to be bland, while others were disappointed by cold burritos or dry meat. A few even reported issues with quality, including an unfortunate mention of hair in guacamole.
Food
246
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
40
negative
15
neutral
191
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tacos
- Strong margaritas
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Hair in guacamole
- Bland food
- Cold dishes
Often praised
- tacosMy experience at Nick's was great. I really like their reliable tacos, and the friendly service made the meal enjoyable. It's a place with plenty of space, making it a good spot to meet up with friends.
- foodNick's way is the only way! The food was so good. I remember partying in the old Rouge lounge, and this place still has the same vintage setup, which adds to the great ambience.
- margaritasMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the delicious tacos (Nick's style) and the super yummy margaritas. The fabulous staff contributed to an overall fun place to enjoy a laid-back, good time.
- chipsThe pescado and shrimp tacos were our favorites, though the fried chicken offered a unique and tasty option. I was completely stuffed after just one and a half tacos and some chips. We also enjoyed the elote.
- guacMy experience at the restaurant was great! I enjoyed the delicious tacos, quesadillas, chips, and guac. I highly recommend getting your tacos 'Nick's way'.
- horchataThe horchata was delicious and tasted authentically Mexican…. just the way I like it.
- shrimp tacosThe shrimp tacos were to die for!
- BurritoReally liked their Burrito
- CarnitasCarnitas and fried chicken crispy tacos were muy Rico!
- burritosthe burritos are quite large
Frequently criticized
- foodlet down by food. It wasn't bad per say just not good either
- kids quesadillasThe kids quesadillas are a joke though
- tacosOnce in the back, there is a huge selection of tacos and burritos and pretty much most Mexican food options. The taco I had wasn't that great, but I was only able to try one kind. I did get the Nick's Way, which is a lot going on in a taco, but it is different, which earns some points.
- Mexican tacos and burritosThe burritos are quite large, they can feed up to 2 people. The only thing is that they clearly don't taste like Mexican tacos and burritos (they don't compare), and none of the salsas were spicy 🥺. The young man who served us was very friendly!
- Veg optionsVeg options also didn't come out great
- burritostwo burritos that arrived cold
- cabbageThe burrito was mainly filled with cabbage.
- carne asada quesadillaworst carne asada quesadilla I had
- cheesehardly any cheese in the quesadilla
- cheese quesadillaAvoid the cheese quesadilla though - it's literally just a thick layer of melted cheese between two plain tortillas
If you're craving delicious tacos with fresh ingredients and strong margaritas, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might be a hit or miss, and keep an eye out for consistency issues.
Service (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, its a bit of a mixed bag here. While the overall score for service sits at an average 6.5, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 63.8%, many guests truly appreciate the positive interactions. Out of 94 total remarks, 60 positive opinions highlight the friendly staff, attentive waiters, and excellent service, often describing the team as kind and accommodating servers.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing, with 31 negative opinions pointing to inconsistencies. Guests have reported issues like long waiting times, order mistakes, and a lack of acknowledging us. Some even mentioned disrespectful bartenders and staff with an attitude, suggesting there's room for improvement in ensuring a consistently positive experience for everyone.
Service
94
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
31
negative
3
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Attentive, quick service
- Accommodating servers
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Order mistakes
- Disrespectful staff
Often praised
- serviceThe aguas frescas were "off the chain, " with the watermelon and pineapple being particularly 🔥. The prices are great, and the service was wonderful. The food servings were generous and will definitely fill you up.
- staffI enjoyed the delicious tacos (Nick's style) and the super yummy margaritas. The fabulous staff contributed to an overall fun place to enjoy a laid-back, good time.
- excellent serviceExcellent service.
- Bartender DanielBartender Daniel was funny.
- Luis and AnaLuis and Ana were amazing
- accommodating serverHe was an accommodating server
- attentiveIt felt like being surrounded by seasoned professionals who anticipated my needs just by looking at me. The staff was extremely kind, absolutely courteous, and very attentive.
- courteousIt felt like being surrounded by seasoned professionals who anticipated my needs just by looking at me. The staff was extremely kind, absolutely courteous, and very attentive.
- customer serviceTop notch customer service
- eat inI've eaten in here
Frequently criticized
- servicethe lady on the phone said sorry. That’s was about it.
- orderMy order took a minute to get ready, and it was still wrong. However, the food was okay, and the employees were friendly.
- acknowledging usno one acknowledging us
- attitudethey had an attitude
- bartender acknowledgmentbartender failed to acknowledge me
- bartendersThe bartenders are extremely disrespectful
- be quiethe says “hysj” ( saying be quiet!)
- cashierwatch the cashier
- counter servicecounter service as well so it's expensive
- courierthe courier took a long time to deliver
Service here can be a bit hit-or-miss; you might encounter truly friendly and attentive staff, or you could face frustrating delays and unhelpful attitudes. If you're patient and hope for the best, you might have a great experience, but be prepared for potential hiccups.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
While the overall score for ambience sits at an average 6.9, customer satisfaction paints a brighter picture, landing at a good 74.6%. Based on 59 customer comments, with 44 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the fantastic vibe, outdoor dining options, and the vibrant bar scene. Many enjoy the fun atmosphere, cushy seating, and even the pet friendly policy, contributing to a lively and engaging environment.
However, 12 negative observations highlight some areas for improvement. Some found the atmosphere to be basic or a sonic nightmare due to un-synched TVs and music that was CRANKED to unreasonable levels, especially when it transforms into a club-like setting at night.
Ambience
59
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fantastic vibe
- Outdoor seating
- Vibrant bar scene
What people don't like
- Loud, un-synced TVs
- Overly loud music
- Basic atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The place itself is spacious with a fun vibe/atmosphere. I found the tacos to be quite delicious.
- vibeThe vibe was pretty good from outside
- ambianceThe red walls and chandeliers are a fun touch
- environmentThe environment is lively and upbeat, great spot for games
- interiorMixed drinks and interior make it worth a visit
- spaceI really like their reliable tacos, and the friendly service made the meal enjoyable. It's a place with plenty of space, making it a good spot to meet up with friends.
- ambienceAmbiente muy bueno
- barwith a great bar
- club type musicMy experience at this restaurant was interesting and fun, with a club type music atmosphere. The food is good.
- cool neighborhood vibeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and a cool neighborhood vibe. However, my only ding is for the numerous reserved tables that remained empty throughout our entire visit.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereit was a sonic nightmare inside with un-synched tvs and rap music
- musicWhile the food has consistently been good, they've been altering their operating hours, now opening at 5 pm on weekdays. During a recent visit, we opted for takeout because the interior was a "sonic nightmare" with un-synced TVs and loud rap music, which was disorienting. I hope they can resolve these issues soon.
- bar entranceyou come into the bar that is not associated with the actual restaurant.
- basicVery very basic.
- experienceExtremely over hyped and not worth it
- men's restroomThe men's restroom not been cleaned
- rude peoplePeople here in this city are super rude
- tables and floorsWhile I've been here before, the crispy fish tacos I always ordered seem to be less substantial each time, and the tortilla is not as crispy as it used to be. It appears that many people have been sticking their gum under the tables, and both the tables and floors feel sticky. Furthermore, the men's restroom has not been cleaned.
- tvun-synched tvs
If you're looking for a lively spot with outdoor seating and a vibrant bar scene, especially for a fun night out or with your pet, this place could be a great fit. However, be prepared for potentially loud music and a club-like atmosphere later in the evening, which might not suit everyone.
Value (5.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot gets an average score of 5.6, with many customers finding things to love. Based on 34 comments, a good number of folks appreciate the reasonable prices and even call it cheap, especially when taking advantage of happy hours or the popular taco Tuesday deal. Generous portions often add to the feeling of getting a good bang for your buck.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as customer satisfaction for value sits at a mixed 44.1%. With 15 positive remarks against 14 negative ones, its clear some patrons find the place a bit expensive or pricey. Concerns about hidden fees and a confusing cash-only policy for food also pop up, leading a few to feel it was a waste of money.
Value
34
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
14
negative
5
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Taco Tuesday deals
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Cash-only policy
- Can be expensive
Often praised
- priceWhat was my experience at the restaurant? It's a very nice place, the food is okay and the price too. The burritos are quite large, they can feed up to 2 people.
- pricesHe was a truly accommodating server. The food was delicious and offered at fair prices, making it the best option for Mexican cuisine on Polk Street, for sure!
- cheaptacos to be good and cheap
- $2 beersTaco Tuesdays are quickly becoming a tradition. I experienced great food, $2 beers, and a fantastic vibe. Staying until 10 PM allowed me to witness the place transform into a nightclub.
- add rice, beans, and a delicious salad for $3.50 extraadd rice, beans, and a delicious salad for $3.50 extra
- happy hoursvisiting during happy hours for these deals
- reasonable pricesThe habanero salsa is fire! Everything was super good and at reasonable prices.
- restaurant paymentRestaurant accepts both cash and cards
- taco Tuesday dealDecent taco Tuesday deal.
- valuea good value
Frequently criticized
- pricePrix un peu élevé par rapport à la quantité et qualité
- $15 nachos$15 nachos and tipped $5 prior to our very disappointing order
- Nick's waycost extra and doesn't add anything
- cash only for foodCash only for food
- extraI'm not really sure what's special about the "crispy" part of the taco. You have to pay extra to have it, but it wasn't particularly impressive.
- hidden feesa decent amount of hidden fees
- payment policyThey charge differently if you pay cash vs pay by card
- time and moneyWaste of time and money
- valueTaco bell has better for less and you get more!
- worth goingNot really worth going.
If youre looking for a deal, aim for their happy hours or Taco Tuesdays, as many find those offerings to be great value. However, be mindful of potential hidden fees and check their payment policies, as some items and situations can feel overpriced. Its a mixed bag, so choose your timing wisely!
How are the prices at Nick's Crispy Tacos?
You’re looking at roughly 23 per person – reported by 40 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 23, most guests actually spend between 11 – 30 $, with a good number even finding options in the $11–$20 range. So, while there are a few premium experiences, the majority of prices cluster around that accessible mid-range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 40 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Mexican spot in San Francisco. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially with options available across a nice mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nick's Crispy Tacos
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Bussin' Chicken and Shrimp Tacos
My experience at the restaurant was pretty bussin. The chicken was mild but served in decent portions. I particularly enjoyed the shrimp tacos, which were very good and plentiful.
- chicken7
- decent portions7
- shrimp tacos9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Takeout
10
Best Tacos, Support Needed!
I highly recommend this place! It's one of the best tacos in San Francisco. They need our support because they recently moved from Broadway and Post, and are going through a tough time right now.
Please go and buy a crispy taco!
- tacos10
- crispy taco9
- support9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
6
Food Good, Atmosphere Challenging
I'm concerned about Nick's. While the food has consistently been good, they've been altering their operating hours, now opening at 5 pm on weekdays. During a recent visit, we opted for takeout because the interior was a "sonic nightmare" with un-synced TVs and loud rap music, which was disorienting.
I hope they can resolve these issues soon.
- food9
- burritos8
- hours3
- atmosphere2
- tv2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
3
Poor Service, Incorrect Order
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the service. The guy at the counter was completely uninterested and unwelcoming. To make matters worse, he got my order wrong even after I repeated it twice.
The food was decent, but the overall experience was marred by the poor service.
- food5
- guy at the counter1
- order2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Club atmosphere, disappointing food
My experience at this restaurant was that it felt like a club during the night, and they were attempting to operate as a restaurant. While I wouldn't mind the club-like atmosphere so much if the food wasn't pretty disappointing, it was. I would definitely pass in the future.
- food2
- atmosphere1
What Nick's Crispy Tacos offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
FAQs
Does Nick's Crispy Tacos cater to specific dietary needs?
Yes, at Nick’s Crispy Tacos, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your preferences. They offer delicious vegan options and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can also explore their organic dishes for a fresh and wholesome meal.
What dining and service options are available at Nick's Crispy Tacos?
You have several convenient choices at Nick’s Crispy Tacos. They provide no-contact delivery, takeout, and traditional dine-in service. For a relaxed experience, outdoor seating is available, and you can even bring your dog along. They also accept reservations for your planning convenience.
What is the overall customer impression of Nick's Crispy Tacos?
Nick’s Crispy Tacos generally leaves a good impression, with an overall Restaurant Score of 7.1 and Customer Satisfaction at 71.6%. The Food (7.6) is highly rated, while Ambience (6.9) and Service (6.5) are decent, and Value (5.6) is considered average.
What are the standout menu items at Nick's Crispy Tacos?
Customers frequently praise the delicious tacos, especially the ‘Nick’s style’ options, shrimp tacos, and carnitas. Margaritas and aguas frescas are also popular choices, with many enjoying the chips and guac.
What is the atmosphere like at Nick's Crispy Tacos?
The atmosphere at Nick’s Crispy Tacos is often described as lively and upbeat, with a fun vibe and spacious interior. However, some guests have noted that it can be a ‘sonic nightmare’ due to loud music and un-synched TVs, especially later in the evening.