Afshin A.
Yelp
We visited North Beach Cantina (1548 Stockton St, San Francisco) for the first time on a warm, sunny afternoon, and it turned out to be exactly the kind of casual, satisfying meal we'd been hoping for. We snagged a table in their parklet, which felt charming, great for people-watching, catching sunshine, and soaking up that lively North Beach energy.
We kicked things off with chips and guacamole. The guac was fresh and nicely seasoned, and the chips crisped to perfection. The salsa that came with them stole some serious spotlight: tangy, a little spicy, and very addictive. I regret not finding out its name, but it's definitely one of those things I'll be coming back for. The horchata was a nice counterpoint, creamy with just the right amount of cinnamon, clean on the palate, refreshing amidst all the savory.
For mains, we shared the California Burrito and their Street-Style Tacos. The burrito was all you'd want when you're craving comfort: generous portion, good carne asada, crispy fries inside, Pico de Gallo, and sour cream, hearty and hitting all the right notes. The tacos, though, those were the highlight. Three of them, each with tender, well-marinated meat, topped simply with onion, cilantro, and lime. The simplicity let the quality of the ingredients shine, no distractions, just good flavor.
I picked up on some things that I think people will appreciate: the service was warm and not rushed, which made it easy to settle in; décor is polished but relaxed (wood tones, clean lines, some fun murals), so the place feels welcoming whether you're there with friends or solo; and the menu has a nice variety--so even if you don't want a big burrito, there are lighter options. Also, pricing seems reasonable for what you get, especially given the location.
A bit of background: North Beach Cantina opened in 2022, taking over the former Tacolicious space. The team behind it includes folks with restaurant experience around the Bay Area (Underdogs Too, Underdogs Tres, etc.).
Overall, North Beach Cantina is casual and unpretentious, yet it shows genuine care in the food and atmosphere. We left satisfied and full, and I'm already thinking about what I'll try next time. This spot is worth visiting if you're in the area and craving good Mexican food in a relaxed setting.