Mission District:The Ubiquitous Tacolicious

Most summer afternoons, you will probably see me munching on tacos between 3-6 p.m. in the Mission. To me, it is truly a happy hour, a magic moment if you will, when, after putting in your requisite ten thousand steps, you are, all at once, primed to plunge into the ultimate California spicy, salty, delicious sensation, not on a budget. But Tacolicious accomplishes many things for a hungry walker or runner of any age and stripes.

First, Valencia Street is in a banana belt, which means, the sun is almost always present and shining on you when the rest of San Francisco is enveloped by Carl the Fog. You walk along the length from 28th Street all the way to Market and back and you earn at least five thousand steps, enough to fulfill half of your fitness goal for the day.

Second, although the sidewalks might be littered with unmentionables, and the mix of poo-smell and Le Labo scent of gentrified poshness permeate the vibe, the destination is certainly worth the journey. The crunchi-licous chips dipped in the sweet-spicy tangy salsa options of reds, greens and yellows will definitely make your aperitivo and margarita a heavenly experience that only Tacolicious can deliver.

Third, the actual meal we ordered, which, in this instance, consisted of tacos de pescado frito and carne asada and tamales doused with chipotle and salsa roja was enough to last us another future happy hour to look forward to.

Fourth, the service was fast, warm, and authentically south of the border bienvenidos all around. Outdoor or indoor, Tacolicious literally dishes out its unique handmade (the tortillas de maiz) flavors and cool, Northen California ambiance.

They also have a restaurante on Chestnut Street that Marina-dwellers also enjoy.