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The City Taqueria - San Francisco
Photo from The City Taqueria
The City Taqueria at a glance
San Francisco Lower Pacific Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 73 of the guests
#1533 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#81 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
272
Reviews
66.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic food
- Generous portions
Frequently criticized
- Uninviting ambiance
- Value concerns
The restaurant The City Taqueria invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood. This casual Mexican restaurant is a fantastic spot where you can catch your favorite sports while enjoying delicious food.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here.
Overview: Introducting The City Taqueria
The City Taqueria offers a taste of Mexico with its often authentic atmosphere and frequently delicious food. Many appreciate the generous portions and the genuine flavors found in their tacos and burritos.
It’s a spot where the culinary experience often hits the mark, making it a popular choice for satisfying Mexican fare. However, the experience isn’t without its caveats.
While friendly service is often highlighted, some encounters suggest a need for more attentiveness. The uninviting dining area and concerns about overall cleanliness also temper the otherwise positive aspects of this establishment.
Good
7.1
out of 10
272
Reviews
66.2%
Satisfaction
69
negative
23
neutral
180
positive
The City Taqueria holds a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by 180 positive remarks against 69 negative ones, out of 272 total customer comments.
However, customer satisfaction stands at 66.2%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception despite the solid overall score. This indicates that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion of patrons have reservations.
Diving deeper, the Food (7.3) is clearly a strong point, frequently praised for its taste and portion sizes. Service (7.0) also performs well, with many noting the staff’s friendly demeanor.
The Ambience (7.1) receives a good score, often described as authentic. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.9), which falls into the average range, with some guests feeling the pricing doesn’t always align with the offering.
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Generous portion sizes
- Friendly staff service
What people don't like
- Uninviting ambiance
- Inconsistent service
- Value for money
With a recommendation score of 7.1, The City Taqueria is a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize flavorful, substantial Mexican dishes. It’s a solid choice for a casual meal where the food often shines, offering a satisfying experience for many.
However, be prepared for a potentially mixed experience regarding the setting and service. If you’re seeking a no-frills meal with good portions and don’t mind some inconsistencies, it could be a good fit.
Otherwise, you might find aspects of the visit less appealing.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The City Taqueria
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.3. Many customers rave about the delicious and authentic Mexican food, especially the tacos and burritos, often praising their generous portions. With 119 positive remarks out of 177 total, it seems many leave satisfied with the fresh and flavorful options.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 67.2%, as some experiences point to bland food, unremarkable meats, or a lack of authentic taste. A notable 40 negative comments mention issues like dry pastor, excessive onions, or poor overall quality, suggesting some inconsistency in the culinary experience.
Food
177
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
40
negative
18
neutral
119
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Generous portions
- Delicious tacos and burritos
What people don't like
- Bland or dry meat
- Inconsistent food quality
- Not authentic taste
Often praised
- foodI’m so happy we stopped here for lunch. We found good prices and excellent food with big portions too! I left feeling very full.
- tacosI just wanted to quickly pick up some food, so I took it to go. I opened the box when I got in the car and ate some awesome genuine tacos! I haven’t had tacos like this since I’ve been to Mexico!
- burritoThis burrito was delicious every thing paired well
- baby burritoI found the prices to be great, and the food was excellent. The baby burrito is a great value, and their chips are amazing. The atmosphere was also a 5/5, and I experienced no wait time.
- burritosThe burritos here are fantastic!!
- BurritoRecommended dishes:Burrito
- Mexican foodnever disappoints when looking for good Mexican
- habanero salsaThe habanero salsa is actually spicy
- portion sizeMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. I ordered the vegetarian baby burrito, which was very tasty and surprisingly pretty big. The staff was also very friendly, which added to the overall pleasant dining experience.
- portionsBig portions too!
Frequently criticized
- burritoI found it to be quite expensive, especially considering the portion sizes. For example, paying $20 for a burrito felt like a lot. It's a bit of a 'give us a break' situation when it comes to the cost.
- foodI revisited this restaurant after a few years, and my experience was just okay. It might have been an off day, but the food was pretty bland with an excessive amount of onions. The pico de gallo seemed to be mostly chopped onion with unripe tomatoes.
- tacostacos were so greasy they split at the bottom
- lettucestarted putting lettuce in the burrito now
- beansI would definitely recommend going to El Farolito over this place. To add to the negative experience, the staff member asked what beans I wanted and then forgot the beans. It's hard to comprehend how beans could be forgotten in a burrito.
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was quite negative; I felt sick after eating here. The food was overall really gross and not authentic Mexican. I was left wondering, "What did I just eat?
- authentic Mexican foodDefinitely not authentic Mexican food
- authentic tasteFood did not taste authentic
- avacado and cream cheesemissing avacado and cream cheese
- carne asada burritocarne asada burrito was below-average
If you're looking for generous portions of flavorful Mexican food, especially tacos and burritos, this place is often a hit. However, be aware that some experiences mention inconsistent quality or blandness, so it might be a bit of a gamble.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The service here generally hits a good note, with a solid score of 7, indicating a good experience for many. Out of 51 total opinions, 34 were positive, highlighting friendly service, attentive personnel, and genuine staff warmth. Many appreciated the no wait times and the overall pleasant interactions with the crew.
However, customer satisfaction sits at 66.7%, suggesting a mixed bag for some. There were 16 negative opinions, with concerns about rude customer service, wait times, and even a cashier's attitude. Some experiences pointed to slow service and unprofessional staff members, indicating areas for improvement.
Service
51
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
16
negative
1
neutral
34
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Excellent service
- No wait time
What people don't like
- Rude customer service
- Long wait times
- Unprofessional staff
Often praised
- serviceThis is a tiny hole in the wall with DELICIOUS food and super friendly service. It's not fancy looking, but the food is amazing!
- staffThe staff was really good
- ServiceService:5
- attentive personnelthe attentive personnel is a plus!
- cashierthe cashier was very nice
- crewFriendly crew and patrons
- dine inthey let us dine in
- friendly serviceThe food was solid, and the portions were generous. I also appreciated the friendly service. It was great that they were open later than other places in the area.
- manager Michaelgracias al manager Michael por si increíble trato
- peoplePeople are extremely nice
Frequently criticized
- servicehe was offended that we wanted enough for everyone
- approach me to apologizethey were not able to approach me to apologize
- be a little more gentlebe a little more gentle
- be more carefulI had to eat the plate with the wire in it, and despite showing it to them, there was no apology. This incident was a call for them to be more careful and gentler when such situations arise. This star is for that unpleasant experience.
- cashier's attitudecashier acts like you’re asking him to run a marathon
- change my plateor change my plate
- customer serviceextremely rude customer service
- no apologybut no apology
- old manold man that works their is always in a rush
- staff memberI would definitely recommend going to El Farolito over this place. To add to the negative experience, the staff member asked what beans I wanted and then forgot the beans. It's hard to comprehend how beans could be forgotten in a burrito.
If youre looking for generally friendly and attentive service, youll likely be pleased, as many customers have had good experiences. However, be aware that some have encountered rude staff and longer wait times, so it might be a bit of a gamble. Its worth a try if youre feeling lucky!
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! This spot generally hits the mark with its atmosphere, scoring a solid 7.1, and customers are pretty happy, with satisfaction at 70.8%. Many folks really enjoy the authentic atmosphere, noting the cool Frida Kahlo art and the overall vibe.
With 17 positive remarks out of 24 total, it seems like a great little spot for a chill meal. However, not everyone is completely sold on the decor. There are 5 comments mentioning that the inside can feel a bit dirty or that the dining area and entrance arent particularly inviting.
So, while the authenticity shines through, some areas might need a little sprucing up to match the overall positive feeling.
Ambience
24
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
17
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic atmosphere
- Enjoyable vibe
- Frida Kahlo art
What people don't like
- Dirty inside
- Uninviting entrance
- Poor decor
Often praised
- atmosphereThe restaurant seemed VERY authentic; I felt like I was back in Mexico.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Frida Kahlo artFrida Kahlo art on the wall
- authenticityLove the authenticity
- clean upappreciated the aspect of being able to clean up after ourselves 😜
- dining areaAs far as a burrito mojado goes, I do wish they were just a bit more mojado, but that's just my typa burrito. Do yourself a favor and get an agua fresca or a corona and have a little seat in the modest dining area. It's a good place for a good chill and a good meal.
- great little spotJust great little spot to get food
- noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- open lateropen later for the area
- overall vibeMy experience at this restaurant was marked by its authentic atmosphere and overall vibe. The food was rated a 4, and the service and atmosphere also received a 4.
Frequently criticized
- decorNot a fan of the decor
- dining areaI hesitated to walk in as the front entrance and dining area is not inviting
- dirty small areaplace is in a dirty small area
- entranceI hesitated to walk in as the front entrance and dining area is not inviting
- insideit was dirty inside
If youre looking for an authentic, enjoyable atmosphere and dont mind a slightly rustic feel, this place is definitely worth checking out. However, if pristine decor and a grand entrance are high on your list, you might find some aspects a bit underwhelming.
Value (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag here. Many customers rave about finding good prices and an excellent-value meal, often feeling its "worth the money" for generous portions. With 10 positive remarks out of 20 total, theres definitely a sense that you can snag a great deal, especially for authentic Mexican food.
However, the value score sits at an average 5.9, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 50%, suggesting not everyone agrees. Some folks found items super pricey and felt they didnt get their "moneys worth, especially with mentions of a credit card surcharge adding to the overall price" concerns. There were 8 negative comments, indicating these aren't isolated incidents.
Value
20
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
8
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good prices
- Worth the money
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Super pricey
- Not worth price
- Credit card surcharge
Often praised
- pricesI’m so happy we stopped here for lunch. We found good prices and excellent food with big portions too! I left feeling very full.
- pricenot pricey
- excellent-value mealI will definitely be coming back again. If you're looking for a no-frills, excellent-value meal, this is the place to come.
- good priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great spot for authentic Mexican food, offering good prices and consistently delivering when I'm craving Mexican cuisine. I visit at least twice a week because my school is conveniently located nearby.
- worth the moneyI ordered the shrimp breakfast burrito, which was incredibly delicious and a very generous portion size, as big as my face! Visiting from Colorado, I found it to be definitely worth the money. The staff were all friendly, and the shop atmosphere was just right, described as quiet and easy to talk.
Frequently criticized
- priceFor $16, I should get a hefty “super” burrito.
- credit card surchargea 4% credit card surcharge is crazy
- moneyThey have also started adding lettuce to the burritos now. This was a complete waste of my money, and I do not recommend eating here.
- money's worthI don’t feel confident coming back here and getting my money’s worth
If youre looking for a no-frills, generous meal at a good price, this spot could be a real winner for you. Just be mindful of potential upcharges or higher prices on certain items, as not everyone feels they get their moneys worth.
How are the prices at The City Taqueria?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 73 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 indeed spending within this $11–$20 sweet spot, though there are a few options for both lighter wallets and those looking to splurge a bit more.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 73 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Given the mid-range pricing for a Mexican restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers good value without breaking the bank for a meal in San Francisco.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The City Taqueria
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Authentic Mexican Gem!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's an authentic Mexican place with extremely nice people. I absolutely loved it here, and they have a super good Mexican place.
- authentic Mexican place9
- people10
- Mexican place10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Tasty Food, But Wire Incident Ruined Experience
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The food was very tasty, and the service from the cashier was very good and kind. However, I encountered a significant issue when I found a wire in my food.
Unfortunately, the staff were unable to approach me to apologize or offer a replacement plate. I had to eat the plate with the wire in it, and despite showing it to them, there was no apology. This incident was a call for them to be more careful and gentler when such situations arise.
This star is for that unpleasant experience.
- food8
- service of the cashier9
- wire in the food2
- approach me to apologize2
- change my plate2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Authenticity and Service Issues
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to the lack of authentic taste in the food. The salsa appeared very old, resembling jello. Additionally, the cashier's attitude was unhelpful when requesting extra plates or limes, making it feel like an unreasonable demand.
- authentic taste2
- salsa1
- cashier's attitude2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Lunch Experience!
I ducked in here for lunch on a quiet afternoon and IT WAS SO GOOD! The pollo and carnitas were amazing. I can’t wait to go back!
- pollo10
- carnitas10
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Spicy Salsa and Satisfying Burrito!
My experience at the restaurant was great! The habanero salsa was genuinely spicy 🤌🤌. I also enjoyed the baby burrito, which was just the right amount of food and tasted so good!
- habanero salsa9
- baby burrito10
- amount of food9
What The City Taqueria offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and food options does The City Taqueria offer?
At The City Taqueria, you can expect a casual atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. They offer a variety of options including alcohol, late-night food, beer, and small plates. If you have dietary preferences, vegetarian options are also readily available for you to enjoy.
Is The City Taqueria accessible and suitable for families with children?
Yes, The City Taqueria is designed to be accessible for everyone, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. It’s also a great spot for families, as it’s good for kids and provides high chairs to ensure comfort for your little ones.
What is the overall rating for The City Taqueria and what are its strongest aspects?
The City Taqueria has an overall score of **7.1**. Its **Food** (7.3) is highly rated, followed by **Ambience** (7.1) and **Service** (7.0). **Value** (5.9) is considered average.
Are the portions at The City Taqueria generous?
Yes, many customers frequently praise the generous portion sizes and the excellent food, noting they leave feeling very full.
What are some common concerns about The City Taqueria?
Some customers have noted an uninviting dining area or issues with cleanliness. There are also occasional reports of inconsistent service and concerns about the overall value for money.