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oChef » Taqueria Mana – San Francisco
Taqueria Mana - San Francisco
Photo from Taqueria Mana
Taqueria Mana at a glance
San Francisco Union Square
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 110 of the guests
#334 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#14 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
397
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly service
- Tasty food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Dated interior
- Small portions
- Ambience issues
The restaurant Taqueria Mana invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Union Square. As a casual Mexican restaurant, you’ll find it’s the perfect spot for a quick bite, whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go or settling in for a relaxed dinner.
The atmosphere is laid-back, making it an ideal choice for a spontaneous meal where you can enjoy delicious food without fuss.
Overview: Introducting Taqueria Mana
Taqueria Mana offers a welcoming experience, often highlighted by its attentive staff and a cozy, clean setting that evokes a traditional family-run feel. Many appreciate the delicious food, especially the tacos and burritos, which are often praised for their authentic flavors.
However, some visitors have noted that the restaurant’s exterior might not fully reflect the interior, with occasional comments about the space needing interior updates. There have also been a few mentions of small portions or minor service hiccups, though these appear to be less common.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
397
Reviews
87.4%
Satisfaction
37
negative
13
neutral
347
positive
Overall, Taqueria Mana garners a solid 8.4 out of 10, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at a strong 87.4%, indicating that most patrons leave pleased.
This positive sentiment is supported by 347 positive comments compared to just 37 negative ones, out of 397 total observations, suggesting a well-regarded establishment. Delving into specifics, the Service shines with an excellent score of (9), often praised for its attentiveness.
The Food also performs well at (8.5), with many enjoying the authentic flavors. Value is considered good at (8.3), offering fair prices for the portions.
While still good, the Ambience (7.4) is where there’s a bit more room for enhancement, as some comments suggest.
What people like
- Attentive, friendly service
- Delicious, authentic food
- Excellent overall value
What people don't like
- Dated interior
- Small portion sizes
- Ambience concerns
Taqueria Mana is a solid choice, particularly if you prioritize excellent service and flavorful, authentic Mexican fare at a fair price. With a strong recommendation score of 8.7, it’s clear that many patrons find it a rewarding experience despite its minor imperfections.
If you’re seeking a casual spot with a warm welcome and satisfying food, this taqueria is certainly worth considering. Just manage expectations regarding the interior aesthetics and portion sizes, and you’ll likely enjoy your visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Taqueria Mana
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an impressive score of 8.5 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 90%. Based on 216 positive remarks, diners rave about the authentic Mexican food and delicious burritos, often highlighting generous portions and fresh ingredients that deliver great flavors and a truly satisfying meal. However, out of 240 total opinions, a small number of 18 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
A few experiences mentioned dishes being dry, tiny portions, or not flavorful, with one instance of food being microwaved. These seem to be isolated incidents amidst a sea of praise.
Food
240
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
18
negative
6
neutral
216
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Delicious burritos
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Dry dishes
- Tiny portions
- Not flavorful
Often praised
- foodWe just had a super meal here. Don't be put off by the exterior impression of the building; inside, it's very clean, the service is very friendly, and the food is delicious. We'd love to come back!
- tacosMy experience at this restaurant was outstanding. I hands down found the BEST tacos and Mexican fare in the Union Square area. I visit weekly for their delicious tacos, burritos, and soups.
- Mexican foodthe food was super delicious, exactly as I imagined Mexican food to be
- FoodFood was great!
- breakfast burritoI got the breakfast burrito and my friend got the super burrito. They were both so good.
- burritoTheir burrito and quesadillas are great
- vegetarian optionsthey also had a range of vegetarian options
- breakfast burritosOne of the best breakfast burritos I’ve ever had
- salsasalsa was nice and spicey
- al pastorMy favorite by far is the al pastor - it is much more like carnitas than most al pastors, but it's even better, for real.
Frequently criticized
- burritosthe burritos were tiny
- foodfood was microwaved in front of you, and tastes extremely bland
- Breakfast BurritosBreakfast Burritos were very dry
- camarones a la diablaThe sauce for the shrimp lacked flavor, and the portions were very small. While they offered camarones a la diabla, it was not the greatest. Overall, the food quality was not up to par.
- carne asada super quesadillaIts dry as hell.
- guac and sour creamless than a spoonful of guac and sour cream
- meat3 different types of meat and they were all super dry and tasteless
- portion sizeHowever, the burritos were disappointingly tiny and not even properly heated. The portion size was a significant letdown.
- portionsportions were very small
- quesadillasThey provided a minuscule amount of guac and sour cream, and frustratingly, put them on the side. I've had better quesadillas from smoke shops with delis. This place deserves a maximum of 2 stars.
If you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions and great flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. While a few isolated comments mention dry or small dishes, the vast majority of diners leave happy and well-fed.
Service (9 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an excellent score of 9 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 92.2%, guests consistently rave about the experience. Out of 77 comments, a whopping 71 were positive, highlighting the incredibly friendly staff, attentive owners, and quick service.
Many felt the team was welcoming, helpful, and treated them like family. However, it's not entirely without its minor hiccups. A handful of the 77 comments (6 to be exact) mentioned a few areas for improvement.
Some guests noted that the restaurant tends to close early, and there were occasional mentions of order mistakes or inconveniences with online ordering. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than a widespread issue.
Service
77
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
6
negative
0
neutral
71
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Welcoming, kind owners
What people don't like
- Closes too early
- Order errors occur
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I had a very good breakfast burrito, which was served quickly and at a good price. Although the place is kind of hidden, it is definitely worth it.
- staffI haven't been to Mexico, but this place is delicious! The staff was very attentive, asking if I needed extra sauce and personally bringing it. Thanks to them, my craving for Korean food disappeared!
- ServiceThese folks & their food are wonderful.
- ownersowners were so sweet and welcoming
- attentionla atención muy buena
- familyFriendly family, welcoming and helpful
- peoplevery nice people who run the place
- EveryoneIt's a great spot to grab a quick breakfast burrito or lunch. Everyone was really nice, the portions were generous, and the food was tasty.
- attention to needsattention to meeting your needs
- cookThe hostess and the cook were both very sweet
Frequently criticized
- servicemessing up my order
- close earlyOnly downside is that they close early
- inconvenienceapologize for any inconvenience!
- mistakeswe have made mistakes with
- online orderlet me order online because the place said it was open
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this spot is definitely worth a visit. While there are a few minor operational quirks, the overwhelmingly positive and attentive service makes it a standout choice.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 7.4, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 68%. Many appreciate the cozy, homey, and authentic feel, often describing it as a nice and cozy place. Guests frequently praise the clean customer restrooms and the quiet noise level, making it easy to talk.
This positive sentiment is reflected in 34 positive remarks out of 50 total observations. However, there are some areas where the atmosphere could use a little polish, noted in 9 negative comments. Some find the building exterior unappealing, and the interior needs updating.
Issues like a sticky table and even flies impacting the atmosphere have been mentioned, suggesting a need for attention to detail in certain areas.
Ambience
50
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
9
negative
7
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, homey atmosphere
- Clean restrooms
- Quiet noise level
What people don't like
- Outdated interior
- Unappealing exterior
- Occasional flies
Often praised
- atmosphereThanks to them, my craving for Korean food disappeared! The atmosphere felt like a local Mexican family-run restaurant, just like you see on TV. If you're visiting San Francisco and want to eat tacos, I highly recommend this place.
- AtmosphereThese folks & their food are wonderful.
- locationIn a very prominent location
- placethe place is small and very clean!!
- cozy placeThis is a small but very cozy place with unbeatable service and exquisite cuisine. We ate tacos and chimichanga, and they were delicious.
- BathroomBathroom was nice as well.
- Noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- customer restroomCustomer restroom was clean and well stocked
- family owned placeFriendly family owned place
- hole in the wall placereturn to this "hole in the wall" place
Frequently criticized
- atmospherea bit warm inside
- building exteriorWe just had a super meal here. Don't be put off by the exterior impression of the building; inside, it's very clean, the service is very friendly, and the food is delicious. We'd love to come back!
- fliesHowever, it is a little pricey. The interior needs updating, and keeping the door closed would stop most of the flies from coming in, which impacted the atmosphere.
- interiorthe interior needs updating
- neighborhoodThe neighborhood is not the prettiest
- placewhen I got there it was all locked up
- tableI tried 3 different types of meat, and they were all super dry and tasteless. The table I was sitting at was sticky. I was extremely disappointed and now I just hope I don't get sick.
If youre looking for a cozy, homey spot with a relaxed vibe and dont mind a slightly dated exterior, you'll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. However, if a pristine, modern interior is a must-have, you might find some aspects a bit disappointing.
Value (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.3 and a customer satisfaction of 86.7%, its clear guests are thrilled. Many rave about the great value, low prices, and affordable price, finding the experience totally worth it.
Based on 26 positive comments out of 30, youre definitely getting a lot for your money here. However, a small handful of 4 comments out of 30 did mention some concerns. A few found it pricey or felt the pricing was slightly higher than expected, making them unsure if it was actually worth the price.
While these are minor points, it's worth noting for those on a super tight budget.
Value
30
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
4
negative
0
neutral
26
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Offers great value
- Prices are reasonable
- Budget-friendly options
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had incredible authentic tacos that were not a bad price, especially considering the location. If you're staying at the Grand Hyatt or the Taj near Union Square, this is such an easy walk.
- pricesWhile the atmosphere was just plain, the food quality made up for it. I also appreciated the great prices.
- PricesPrices are great, too.
- affordable priceGreat food at an affordable price
- budget friendly lunchbudget friendly lunch
- great valueMy experience at the restaurant was great! I had the baby burrito lunch special, which was a really good portion and offered great value. The food was excellent, and I also appreciated the atmosphere.
- low pricesMy first experience at a Taqueria was a truly hearty Mexican meal with low prices. I really loved the taste and their generous portions.
- place to eatI discovered this taqueria while on vacation in San Francisco, located in the Union Square area, right in front of the #30 bus stop. If you're looking for a good and cheap place to eat, I highly recommend taqueria Mana. The owners are kind and the food is so good!
- tremendous valueThis Mexican restaurant, hidden under the Stockton tunnel, is a masterpiece. I enjoyed fresh platas packed with well-prepared ingredients, served family style, offering tremendous value. I've been a loyal customer for years, consistently returning for the yummy carnitas quesadillas and the awesome guacamole.
- worth itis worth it
Frequently criticized
- lunch sandwich spotseems like a lunch sandwich spot
- priceunsure if it was actually worth the price
- priceyit is a little pricey
- pricingpricing is slightly higher than expected
If youre looking for a place where your money goes a long way, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Most diners agree youll find excellent value and generous portions here, making it a smart choice for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. While a few found it a tad pricey, the overwhelming sentiment is positive.
How are the prices at Taqueria Mana?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 110 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 are spending right in that $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices cluster nicely around the average rather than being spread across super cheap or very premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 110 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican spot in San Francisco. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Taqueria Mana
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
10
Great Food and Family Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was great, and the family that runs it made it even better. I received super nice and fast service.
I always make sure to stop here when I'm in town.
- food10
- family10
- service10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Awesome Food, Great Value!
I discovered this place while searching for restaurants open during lunch hour and was not disappointed at all. The food was awesome and priced right!
- food9
- price9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
3
Tiny, cold burritos, nice people
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The people here were very nice, which was a positive aspect of the visit. However, the burritos were disappointingly tiny and not even properly heated.
The portion size was a significant letdown.
- people9
- burritos2
- portion size2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Delicious Burrito, Pastor Could Be Better
My experience at this restaurant involved a big burrito. My only complaint was that the pastor (pork) didn't stand out as much as I'd hoped. However, the meal was quite delicious nonetheless.
- big burrito8
- pastor (pork)5
- quite delicious8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Shrimp Plate and Fish Taco!
I was initially in the mood for the chimichanga, but then I saw a waitress bring out a shrimp plate for someone else, and it looked delicious. I decided to get that and a fish taco, and they were both amazing! The shrimp plate came with warmed tortillas, and the mild spice was perfect!
- shrimp plate9
- fish taco9
- warmed tortillas8
What Taqueria Mana offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What are the parking and accessibility options at Taqueria Mana in Union Square?
Finding parking near Taqueria Mana can be challenging, with options including paid parking garages and paid street parking. However, you’ll find the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, offering both an accessible entrance and seating for your convenience.
Can you dine-in with kids at Taqueria Mana, and do they accept reservations?
Yes, Taqueria Mana is great for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs for your little ones. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner with seating available. They also accept reservations, making it easy to plan your visit.
How does Taqueria Mana rate overall?
Taqueria Mana holds a strong overall score of 8.4, with customer satisfaction at 87.4%. Its Service is excellent (9), Food is good (8.5), and Value is also good (8.3). The Ambience is rated good (7.4).
What kind of food can I expect at Taqueria Mana?
You can expect delicious and authentic Mexican food, with many praising the tacos, burritos, and even breakfast burritos. There are also vegetarian options available, and the salsa is often noted for its spice.
Are there any common concerns about Taqueria Mana's atmosphere?
Some customers have noted that the interior could use updating, and the exterior impression might not be the most inviting. There have also been occasional mentions of the space being warm or issues with flies.