Surprisingly tasty for a Pier 39 Mexican spot! Came by on a Fleet Week Saturday afternoon. Place was packed but we grabbed a window table. You order at the counter and then find your own table. *carnitas tacos: on a "puffy" tortilla, which is a lightly fried tortilla. Is it healthy? Definitely not. Is it tasty? Heck yes. Carnitas are on the saucier/juicy end which my kids really liked, and the cilantro onion garnish was fresh. Beans are whole black beans. Plates also come with a slaw garnish that provided a nice fresh crunch. *shrimp ceviche: a bit on the pricy end but it was good. Whole butterflied shrimp instead of chopped, with tomato/mango/cilantro/red onion. It didn't come with a ton of chips but it was enough. Chips looked like fresh fried halves of corn tortillas, so they are the much sturdier kind. * Jamaica agua fresca: on the tart end. Could've been a bit stronger but still refreshing. I appreciated the red AND green Cholula on tables. Love me some green cholula on beans. Solid casual place at the pier! Will be back next time I'm tired of paying an arm and a leg for the kids to eat calamari when we are playing tourist. read more

Came here on a Sunday afternoon, and the place was pretty empty. You have to order at the counter, and the staff wasn't particularly friendly. They also messed up our order, which wasn't a great start. We ordered the two-taco plate. The tacos were different from what I expected, served in fried taco shells with a pretty small amount of meat. The food tasted good overall, but it felt a bit pricey for the portion size. While the food was decent, I'm not sure I'd go back. Maybe if we're in a rush and just want a quick bite without having to go somewhere else, but otherwise, there are better options out there. read more

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Located on the end of pier 39 @Fishermans Wharf. I found this little Mexican gem. Decorated in a lively Mexican theme, you order at the counter and grab a table. It wasn't as crowded as other restaurants but that's what I wanted. With the wharf being so crowded, I wanted to enjoy a bite w/o the crowds. I only ordered a grilled shrimp taco, chips & salsa, and a Modelo. It came out fast and tasty! I would highly recommend coming here! read more

Taco Cantina - Grilled, shrimp taco, chips and salsa and a Modelo to wash it down - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

My family and I had a great time grabbing a midday lunch at Pier 39! I got a nice strong, delicious margarita. And we really liked the tacos and nachos, the portion sizes were big, good for sharing with family or friends. The service was fast and smooth, the staff were so friendly, bubbly, and welcoming. I would recommend this spot for anyone looking for a sunny lunch in San Francisco. read more

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We only tried the agua fresca, and it wasn't great, but the woman at the front was incredibly nice! read more

Taco Cantina - Aqua frescas - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Place below average! Always get a receipt!!!!! No one is making eye contact. Customer service is trash and they charge as a fine restaurant! We missed an order of steak tacos, we had to go to the counter to ask about our taco order, the guy actually came to our table to check before brining them out!! read more

Want Mexican food with an amazing view? Well this is the spot for it. Grab some drinks and sit on the patio on a nice sunny day. I enjoyed the carnitas Guadalajara plate over the nachos. Tender and flavorful. The nacho chips were very thin and was hard to eat the fillings with the chips. Thanks! read more

Taco Cantina - Chicken nachos - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I tried them for the first and I truly enjoyed their food. The service was quick and nice portion size. I would for sure go back again. read more

Taco Cantina - Chicken fajitas - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Not worth the price. Soooo over priced even for a tourist place. Save your money and go to the Italian place across the way from it read more

I was really excited to try this place as I was starving but it was disappointing. The place itself is clean and spacious. You order in the front, then find your table and they will bring the order out. We were there on a Saturday and there was maybe two other tables with people there. They have large selection but the costs and the taste don't match up. I ordered the Quesabirria, it is $9.75 for ONE taco, I am all for paying good money for good food, but that much for one? It is my fault for assuming it would be two as the word tortillas is plural. Elote - Corn on the Cob was $5.50 as you can see, there is not much of Mayonnaise and cotija cheese. There was a lot of tajin. Chips and Salsa was $3.95, this was good, the chips are thin ones and the salsa was pretty tasty. 2 Taco Plate with Carne Asada was good, he enjoyed the tacos, the black beans had no other flavor than black beans. The rice was dry and didn't have any flavor, we added the salsa from the chips and salsa and it was better. The costs for this meal is not worth the taste. We could have spent less money and had better tasting food. read more

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As we were exploring Pier 39 we wanted some spicy margs and something to snack on. We went upstairs and came upon Taco Cantina. They do not take orders at the table but will bring it out to you once done. We grabbed a table outside- what a beautiful view. We ordered some tacos and nachos. I had the birria and carnitas tacos. I was pleasantly surprised- the tacos were both flavorful and the meat was juicy. We enjoyed our type so much that when we went back later in the week to get something that we stopped it again for some more margaritas. I definitely recommend it. It was a great option at pier 39. read more

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I know SF is anti big business or large chains, but this restaurant gives me a break from leaving the City to go to the burbs for fast food. Taco Cantina does the job. New, clean well maintained restaurant, located in the Pier 39 vicinity, its easy to order from a kiosk, food comes to you within 5 minutes. Cheap eat, but careful on add ons, i.e. extra beef or cheese or sauce. Check your order before submitting. I ordered a couple of beef burritos. Can get a little analysis paralysis moment. Attendant at bar area very personable, she makes the place more than just a fast food cantina. I'd go back. read more

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We enjoyed our stop into Taco Cantina. It's upstairs on the busy pier, but was surprisingly empty even though it has a great patio. You order at the counter and they bring you your food, which isn't my fave, but worked fine for lunch. We all loved our food. 5 stars for their guacamole and chips for sure. Their drinks are delicious too! Our outside server who brought our dishes was super kind, but the person who took our orders at the front was not. She didn't answer questions clearly, seemed annoyed by us taking any time to ask, and we felt rushed along. read more

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Food was 10/10, cleaned both my plates! Service was amazing, everyone was friendly and the food came out so quick! Everything is decently priced too for the location. The restaurant had beautiful views and was very clean! Def will come back to eat here! read more

Taco Cantina - Quessabiria - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Terrible experience, starting with the customer service. The young ambiguous looking girl who took our order had a very rude, off-putting attitude, and my order ended up being wrong. Honestly, based on the interaction, it felt intentional. The restaurant was extremely crowded, seating was a headache, and we were constantly being bumped into. The food was also very subpar for the high prices. I ordered two tiny steak tacos, my partner ordered enchiladas, plus chips and salsa, and two fountain drinks, and our total was around $60. Overall, definitely not worth the price or the poor customer service. We won't be returning. Hopefully management takes complaints seriously and provides better customer-service training. read more

I placed an order using an international credit card and the restaurant took my money and would not honour the order. If you are an international traveller avoid at all costs. No stars was not an option read more

The tacos here were ok, but it's around a tourist attraction, so be aware of that! Do come in here for the drinks! We ordered several tacos , including tacos de carne asada. Hmm, I'm very picket with my tacos, and when I taste tacos de carne asada that has no flavor then I get very disappointed. Aside from that, I do recommend this spot for a quick margarita drink...and maybe if you're really hungry and want a quick taco fix. We did have the guacamole, which was pretty good. It could be better if it was spicier, but that's me! The service was nice, they did come and check on us and refilled our water, which was nice of them. The ambiance was a nice and friendly. read more

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If you don't want to spend a ton of money and still eat well this might be the best spot on pier 39 to get a bite. You order at the counter but they also have a bar if you'd like to eat there and have a couple of drinks too. Bartender was kind, quick and accommodating. Don't expect anything too authentic here. Food was good, service was prompt and it didn't empty my wallet. What more could I want from such a touristy place? Also bathrooms available for customers. read more

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This is an amazing Mexican restaurant, we are from Mexico and finding tasty food is hard, AND something that is vegetarian for myself! My family and I had a variety of items and I can assure you it is an amazing place to eat. Loved it all! Clean, delicious and beautiful. Service is excellent too! read more

Taco Cantina - Imposible Beef tacos & mango margarita - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

I placed my order and received my food before my drink and the nachos were a little cold.

Excellent spot with great food and scenery! The staff was very friendly and helpful with questions about the Menu. I would highly recommend read more

Came in to get seated and order some tacos and was welcomed by the worst customer service I've ever experienced. Two young ladies were laughing back and worth looking at their phones and not once was greeted. While waiting to order I heard a slick comment saying "well they won't hurry up bro " very unprofessional, alongside that these prices were ridiculous and she rolled her eyes at me once I asked how many tacos came with each order because the exaggerated price. Will never attempt to come here again please support a better business!! read more

We came in with a big group and they were attentive and just started cranking out our food as far as they could. The food was DELICIOUS. Great atmosphere, great food, great service. Come here just to eat even if you don't do Pier 39, it's totally worth it!!! read more

I don't normally seek out Mexican food especially somewhere as touristy as Pier 39, but then I saw actual plant-based options at more affordable pricing, I was all set for the ride. Located on the second floor, Taco Cantina offers a full menu of tacos and side dishes that can cater to everyone's dietary needs. I was attracted to their cactus and impossible meat tacos, but ended up just ordering some guac to share with the table. The guac was a good portion size and there were plenty of chips provided to serve as your tool to get the avo mash inside your mouth. Food aside - the views of the San Francisco Bay while dining outside was breathtaking. It felt like an escape from the insane hustle and bustle of Pier 39 downstairs so it was well worth the lunch visit. If I ever wind up in the area again, definitely going to consider ordering a margarita and just relaxing upstairs even if just for a bit. read more

Taco Cantina - Menu - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Not cheap, but a great option if you aren't leaving the pier. My husband had the lobster taco and said it was good and better than expected. I appreciated they had two different options as vegan tacos- the cactus and mushroom were filling! read more

Seriously shocked how good this was! Corn tortillas seem homemade for tacos! it's expensive but you are paying for the real estate. But, in this case, I don't feel it is a tourist trap. I'm really pleasantly surprised:) Everything was delicious and tasted homemade. Including the salsa that had cumin flavor in it. chips were light and delish. Would definitely come back. Now.. off to the aquarium....its right next door!! read more

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Taco Cantina appears to be heavily priced toward tourists, and the value does not match the cost--especially for those unfamiliar with currency exchange rates. During my visit, I was charged $8 USD for a single small taco, which is significantly above what most people would reasonably expect. For context, in many places (including tourist areas), tacos typically range from $2-$4 USD, even for good quality. Charging double that for a small portion feels excessive. This kind of pricing can be especially misleading for international visitors who may not fully understand USD value. Someone converting from another currency might not immediately realize how expensive $8 per taco actually is, making it easy to overspend without noticing. Key Issues: Overpriced items relative to portion size Pricing not clearly justified by quality or uniqueness Targets tourists who may not understand local pricing standards Poor value for money Overall Impression: Taco Cantina gives the impression of a place that relies more on tourist traffic than fair pricing. While the food may be decent, the cost feels inflated and not aligned with what you receive. Recommendation: If you're visiting from another country, double-check prices in your own currency before ordering. There are likely better, more reasonably priced taco options nearby that offer much better value. read more

Taco Cantina - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Even for a tourist trap, the food portions here are crazy small. The food was good! But it absolutely does not justify the price for such a small amount. read more

Pretty disappointed. The food was bland and definitely overpriced for the quality. Decent service, but overall not worth it. read more

Taco Cantina - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

My family was down there for a memorial service. I contacted the restaurant and talked to the manager Brian to see if they could accommodate a large group (27). His immediate response was of course. I can tell you they did not disappoint!! Great food and excellent service!! Thank you again for making this day a bright spot. read more

The BEST!!! Fresh everything Best chips (very thin) and nachos we've had in many many years!! We will be back!! read more

This place sits right in the middle of Pier 39 and at the same spot as two other Cantinas that closed down in recent years. They had a lively atmosphere going with Selena music playing in the background. They have some pretty unique tacos served in a puffy flour tortilla paired with some delicious taco sauce. The other food choices are pretty standard. I do wish they have included some side dishes i.e. chips and salsa included with their meals instead of being an extra. Good selection of Mexican alcohol on tap so if you like to drink you won't be disappointed. They also have spectacular views of the Bay Bridge so definitely a good spot for a date. Overall I enjoyed the food and the ambiance here and would definitely recommend Taco Cantina. read more

Taco Cantina - Chicken tacos in puffy shell - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Food and service was awesome!!!! We ordered too much plus "Mexican lemonade " so when we had a lot of leftovers they asked if everything was ok and it was, we just ordered too much. 10/10! read more

Stopped here on a Sunday afternoon because it was one of the few places that didn't have a wait. I loved that you were able to order at the register, pay and then they bring the food to you. I hate having to wait on a server, especially in a busy tourist place such as the Pier. Our total was around $80 with tip for 4 tacos, fries, a soda and a beer. I think the prices were a little high but I understand it given the area. The lobster taco was $10 which seemed a little extreme. The food was delicious! Fresh meat, fresh tortillas, fresh produce and crispy fries. The fries were definitely the star of the show in my opinion. Crunchy fries, cheesy savory queso, and fresh protein on top! They have indoor and outdoor seating, clean restrooms, and a full bar. I definitely recommend checking this place out if you're looking for good food and quick service. read more

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A surprisingly good spot! We randomly saw this place when looking for a spot to eat on the pier, and decided to check it out. It's located on the second floor in an area that also happens to have a pretty good view. The inside is quite spacious and you first order at the counter and then choose your seat. They'll bring the food out to you when its ready. I got two tacos, the baja fish and pork al pastor. It came with a small side of cabbage and some other veggies. The table had the classic green and red salsas that you add yourself, and I particularly liked the green one over the red. The tacos were really good too! The fish taco came on a puffy taco shell which I've never had before, but it was really yummy. Soft and flavorful to perfectly wrap the tender fish. The al pastor had really good flavor as well and was served on a corn tortilla which was also super delicious. Prices weren't too unreasonable either which is hard to find in this area. I did think it was interesting that chips and guac were a whole $7 more than chips and salsa which deterred me from getting it, though I would have loved to try. read more

Taco Cantina - Fish and al pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Súper delicious a little pricey but well worth it. Very authentic Mexican food, and a soft not salty queso that pairs great with everything. The concept of the puffy tacos makes it taste light and tasty. Wishing well on the business! A little understaffed it seems which is why its order first and then seat but the service is super welcoming read more

Taco Cantina - Quesabirria SÚPER AUTHENTIC best birria I've tried in a while! - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Honestly some of the worst Mexican food I've had and I've had some pretty bad Mexican food the waiters were rude and with attitude the food was cold and overall my expirience was horrible might give it one more chance. read more

Ideal place to get something light to eat to refuel while visiting Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. Located on the second floor, nice views of the bay and marina with seating outside when warmer outside. Walk in and order at the counter, take a number and sit at a table. Food will be delivered to you when ready I had two pork al pastor and one chicken fajita taco. These came with one shell each, which were sturdy and held the juices well. Lots of flavor and not lacking on the fillings! Some of the other tacos come with two shells or puffy shells so there is a variety. Also had the horchata to drink. My only comment here would be more cinnamon, but the tacos were the star. read more

Taco Cantina - Horchata - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I rarely write reviews, but I had such a bad experience I have to share. My boyfriend and I stopped by this place for the first time. It was cold, we were hungry, and it was the only place that didn't have many people inside. We ordered the nachos (no meat or anything, just the regular queso, pico, and Cotija cheese that's listed). However, when we got our plate, the queso was cold. We asked if they could reheat it or something, we even mentioned we wouldn't mind if they popped it in the microwave. The waiter responded, "We don't have a microwave, it's all stove cooked" which is nice to know. However, the server then went back and forth with us with some serious attitude insisting that it was "made fresh" and that there was nothing they could do to heat it up. Since the queso is 90% of these nachos, we asked if they could make a new, warmer plate. Yet again, after some back-and-forth conversation, she took our plate to the back. While we were waiting for a new plate, the manager came out asking "if there was a problem" because he's the manager and "all the food is fresh. I watched them make it myself" He said this while fixing the chairs at the table we were sitting at. He then walked away and started whispering and laughing with the two young servers, glancing at us every so often. It was an extremely hostile and uncomfortable environment, so we just asked for a refund and decided to leave. read more

if you're looking for a quick place to eat, this could possibly work for you the chicken was decent, but the steak tasted like raccoon ankles. Wouldnt reccomend spending $45 for 5 tacos. read more