"One of the newest additions to the Castro eating scene is this fun, Puerto Vallarta-inspired taqueria, right up the block from the bustling intersection of 18th and Castro. The counter-service restaurant, complete with heated patio, has a full bar and a selection of house cocktails like the Playas Conchas (tequila, lime, salted grapefruit), and the Las Animas (gin or tequila, maraschino, lemon, grenadine). The menu is brief, with some solid ceviche, excellent guacamole (served in a generous portion along with house-made salsa), and mix-and-match combo platter options with tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas. The sweet and spicy carnitas is great in quesadilla form, and the pescado frito (fried fish) works best as a taco or tostada. Note that for Pride weekend they’ll be hosting special parties: Speedo Saturday and Sloppy Seconds Sunday, featuring shot boys and other “surprises.”" - Jay C. Barmann
