Hold the phone ladies and gents, NorCal can officially do Mexican food right. Still, no rival to San Diego’s fish taco scene, but it is a very close second. If you find yourself wandering the streets of San Francisco, daydreaming about pico de gallo and guacamole, (as I so often do), then look no further mis amigos! Nick’s Crispy Tacos is sure to hit your Mexican food sweet spot, at a price point that will keep everyone shouting ‘¡Olé!’

First and foremost, I should tell you the most important detail: there are THREE of them. Nick’s Crispy Tacos is located downtown San Francisco in Russian Hill. The second, lesser known location, is located on Irving and 19th Ave near Golden Gate Park, under the code name: Taco Shop @ Underdogs. It’s the single best sports bar in SF in my humble opinion, and the parking is easy to come by, so it’s a win-win if you ask me. Lastly, there is a Mexican-Nantucket mashup called Tacko in Marina/Cow Hollow area on Fillmore St. Perfect for late night cravings after a night out at the local taverns.

All three spots are great options for a night out, it just depends what you’re looking for. Underdogs is more laid-back, sports bar-y, and Nick’s could be a happy hour/ kickstart to a night on the town. Tacko is a great end to the night.

The menu is straight to the point: tacos, burritos, sopas (thats soups, for all you amigos who need to brush up on your spanish skills). Everything you’d expect from a classic Mexican restaurant. However, their claim to fame is crucial: you absolutely MUST order your food “Nick’s Way”. When you utter these simple, magical words, the tacos come out crispy with jack cheese and guacamole. And they don’t skimp on the guac, either, which is very important to me (as I’m sure you have guessed, based on my code name ‘New Kid on the Guac’)! They lather you up with a heaping spoonful of delicious guacamole, which completes the entire dish. These are big tacos though, so when you set out to conquer 3-4 tacos, consider yourself warned. If you do accomplish this feat, hats off to you my friend, you are a unique breed.

Be sure to wash the tacos down with a strong pitcher of margaritas between you and a friend. Or maybe just you, nobody is judging here.