Tato

"At first glance, Tato might seem like another quick-hit counter-service place that’ll spit you out in 25 minutes. But you should actually save this Bayview Mexican spot for extra long lunches on extra sunny days, because their hidden back patio is a gem. It’s got a few picnic tables with floral tablecloths—the ideal spot to photosynthesize on a nice day—plus string lights overhead and enough space to fit a volleyball team and all your closest friends. Order a plate of palm-sized tacos and go to town." - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, patrick wong

"When you need to soak in the sun like a lizard, the back patio at this counter-service Mexican spot awaits. It’s a light-filled hideaway off 3rd Street, complete with floral picnic tables for big groups and string lights. It’s also inviting inside, thanks to booths and a huge “Hecho En Bayview” mural. Wherever you sit, just make sure the juicy slow-braised carnitas, or coffee-and-ancho-chili-rubbed salmon covered in chipotle aioli are on the table. Also, on Fridays, satisfying two-taco plates with rice and beans are pay-what-you-can." - ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1, lani conway

"Tato is a counter-service Mexican restaurant for quick lunches in Bayview (this spot closes by 4pm). They focus on tacos, burritos, and bowls that are easy to grab and take on the go, and are also customizable—you can get them with a variety of vegetables and proteins like carne asada, roasted carrots, and garlic shrimp. Go for the juicy slow-braised carnitas, or the coffee and ancho-chili-rubbed salmon covered in chipotle aioli. They do plates with three palm-sized tacos that are piled high with your chosen filling (plus rice and beans), and also serve burgers, and sides like esquites and tortilla soup. If it’s nice out, and you conveniently told your boss you have a dentist appointment, consider turning your trip here into an extra-long lunch on their sunny back patio with picnic tables.  " - Julia Chen

"This decadent taco destination lies on the historic Third Street business corridor in the Bayview. In 2023 the restaurant, named after owner Kristin Houk’s son, celebrated five years of powerful margaritas and mango coconut shrimp ceviche. Customizable tacos, bowls, burritos, and more are central here, and the outdoor patio is not to be missed." - Paolo Bicchieri, Eater Staff

"This hip, comfortable Bayview spot also came from Kristin Houk, a local booster and owner of nearby All Good Pizza. She’s based menu items like chicken tinga tostadas and mango coconut shrimp ceviche off recipes she learned from her son’s grandmother, a chef in Mexico City. Tato — a nickname for her son — boasts a full, inviting bar for margaritas and more. It also makes an effort to showcase produce from the neighborhood through vendors like Veritable Vegetable and Evergood Fine Foods meat." - Paolo Bicchieri, Eater Staff