San Francisco, CA. I was skeptical. The bright dining room was packed with hip urbanites swilling Sunday Funday margaritas, a sunny oasis brimming with positive energy and the aroma of grilled meat. The clever logo, a simple semi-circle evoking a taco shell, was...fun? And the name, oh the name! Tacolicious. Insert arched eyebrow here. This certainly wasn't your neighborhood taqueria, or your favorite street taco cart; it couldn't possibly be any good.
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Fried Local Rock Cod Taco [Photo by: Andrew Y.] |
However, with just one bite of my Fried Fish Taco–a crispy, chunky love letter to the rock cod from whence it came–I was hooked. Dressed with cabbage and crema, it was perfect. My Carnitas Taco was a similar taste of heaven, the bits of pork as tender as a contented sigh. The fresh tortilla chips and guacamole were fantastic, and the large full-height windows at the front of the Mission location's dining room served up a veritable feast of people-watching.
Traditional Carnitas Taco |
Like Tinga and Malo in Los Angeles, Tacolicious proves that tacos needn't come from mom-and-pop stands or streetcarts to be considered any good. An urban, sophisticated taqueria is not an oxymoron, and became a satisfying final stop on our #FoodTour: San Francisco II. Olé!
Tacolicious - Valencia
741 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 626-1344