Nick's Crispy Tacos
Mexican restaurant · Union Street ·
Signature 2-tortilla tacos, vibrant bar, great guacamole
Signature 2-tortilla tacos, vibrant bar, great guacamole
"Nick’s Crispy Tacos in Russian Hill has mirrored walls, red everything, crystal chandeliers, plush drapes, and a singular disco ball, and feels like a club. So, yes, it's the perfect spot for a taco. And not a bad taco at that. There’s also excellent guacamole, cheap beers, solid quesadillas, and the miracle of engineering that is the corn on a stick. But, ultimately, all that good stuff is burdened slightly by a weak burrito game. So go ahead and fill up on decent tacos and guacamole, they will definitely hit the spot. If you want to eat the same food nearby, but in a classier atmosphere, consider heading to Tacko in the Marina—they swap the red upholstery of Nick’s for nautical flags and sailboat paintings. Food Rundown Chips & Guacamole The chips are legit homemade, not out of a bag. The guacamole is out-of-control good, served half guac, half fresh, chunky pico to mix together. I would eat this all day. Black Bean & Grilled Corn Taco Salad Do not attempt to be healthy at Nick’s. You will fail. And end up with a sad salad of corn, beans, romaine and pico, resting under a thick armor of tortilla strips. The dressing is nice and tangy, but you might as well just get another order of the chips & guacamole. Tacos Nick’s goes the extra mile and gives you two tortillas per taco to prevent sog, a nice touch, but this tends to accentuate the blandness of the flavors. Pescado and camarones tacos are worthwhile - well-cooked, seasoned and for the pescado, perfectly fried. The grilled fish is too dry, and pollo asado lacks zing - with the actual chicken hiding in an unruly mess of tasteless cabbage slaw. Getting tacos “Nick’s Way,” which includes cheese and guac, definitely improves the experience, mostly because you’re eating more delicious guacamole. Burritos I wish these were better. The carnitas burrito doesn’t taste bad, but it also doesn’t taste like anything. The texture is like eating a wrap filled with baby food - something I never intended to do after my 2nd birthday. The fish and shrimp burritos are kicked up with onions and cilantro, but stick with tacos when you’re at Nick’s and you’ll go home a happy camper." - Taylor Abrams
"After closing its Polk Street location, Nick’s Crispy Tacos announced plans to move into a bar in Cow Hollow; the move is part of a long, complicated, and litigious backstory involving former partner Nick Fasanella, who later parted ways with the business and founded Tacko." - Lauren Saria
"I learned that after more than 20 years of serving fried fish and guac, Nick’s Crispy Tacos closed at the end of December 2022 but is set to make a comeback in the Marina inside Rockwell bar and lounge; an opening date should be announced in the coming weeks. It will join Rockwell’s existing 2,300-square-foot space at 3200 Fillmore Street, provide the food for the bar and lounge, and reportedly keep the menu more or less the same with a few surprise additions." - Paolo Bicchieri
"I learned that Nick’s Crispy Tacos announced the business would 'give up the ghost,' closing on December 28; it occupied the fishy, fabled corner at Broadway and Polk that is now being eyed by new operators." - Paolo Bicchieri
"I was disappointed to learn that Nick’s Crispy Tacos announced on Facebook on December 21 that lease renewal negotiations failed and the restaurant will close as of December 28. After more than a 20-year run in its quasi-Marina, quasi-Russian Hill home, the owners said they intend to find a new home for their stuffed tacos and cheap-ish drinks. Fans know to order the tacos “Nick’s Way,” meaning fried crispy and stuffed to the gills with fish, guac, and all kinds of fixings; the business will be missed, and the owners wrote, “We have made so many wonderful memories through the last 20 years, and we will cherish them forever.”" - Paolo Bicchieri
