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237 reviews
Neighborhood: Western Addition/NOPA
"This place is really good. The owner takes the time to source very high quality products and really cares that what he is doing is…" read more »
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a couple years ago while I was riding around drunk one day, I stopped here and got a couple fish tacos and my friend and I agreed that indeed, this tasted just like mexico does. I ordered my couple tacos and sat on the curb with my tall can of bud, and I've been going there ever since.
This is not a burrito joint! So don't order a burrito, don't order nachos. That is california food, not mexican food. Get a guarache or a pupusa with your order of tacos. And try the sauces they put out, sooooooo good!
After a half day at work, half a left over burrito, flying to Oakland, and taking BART into the city, I was famished and needed some food quickly. My friend met up with me and since we had dinner plans for later we decided on a quick taco out of the window.
I get my share of Lengua and Cabeza at my favorite taqueria at home so I stuck with the Carnitas, Carne Asada, and Al Pastor tacos. I was so hungry I could have eaten 8 or 12 of these wonderfully tasty creations. But I was going to dinner in a couple of hours so no sense in stuffing myself. Tasty tacos and Mexican Coca Cola with real cane sugar on a wobbly, rusty sidewalk table--can't beat it.
Only disappointment was the condition of the condiments kept on the counter by the window. It was well after the lunch hour and just before the dinner hour so my guess is they had been sitting out close to 5 hours so 'Fresh' is not how I would describe them.
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Again, another Yelp letdown. I was in the area looking for a bite to eat. Looked up El Cachanilla. 4.5 stars? C'mon. My buddy and I both got burritos. Although they both came with a bag of tortilla chips, they weren't super burritos and somehow they still came out to around thirteen bucks.
I tried to explain to the lady behind the counter that I didn't want salsa since I can't stand cilantro. And somehow it snuck its way in there. Thankfully, it wasn't that strong.
As for the restaurant itself, it's got a jukebox, a pool table, and a few random framed portraits on the wall, including one of JKF and Jackie O.
The burrito was big and rich, the rice had an especially buttery texture. The chunks of meat were hearty, and not overwhelming. On the other hand, the cost/taste ratio wasn't that great. Considering how far El Canchanilla is from my pad, I don't think it would be worth another trip.
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I used to go to the window for their Tacos de barbacoa but the guy that works there, the fat guy, is a jerk and charged me for the little plastic containers to put the salsa in. I won't go back.
I've never been in the restaurant itself because it looks like a gang hang out.
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Oddly, I have not had their tacos. BUT I can vouch for El Cachanilla that if you have a mean craving for nachos, this place won't disappoint. And not only that, they are CHEAP. Yeah, cheap! I got a jumbo order of veggie nachos with lots of melted cheese (yum!) and they only charged $3.50! Plus if you're looking to improve your Spanish look no further, of the 5 or 6 times I've ordered food from here, I don't think one person has spoken to me in English, I can now master basic phrases in Espanol, thanks El Cachanilla!
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Quite frankly they serve the BEST lengua taco I've had in my life! I've had lengua that comes in chopped up chunks, looking all gray and the taste buds still visible. Usually a bit chewy, but El Cachanilla gave me a huuuge strip of it and I swore it looked like a regular ol' meat from the body. It was absolutely tender and smooth. I was in love!
Al Pastor was sauteed with caramelized onions, something I never see in tacos. Great texture... a tad too greasy but it usually drips off on its own anyways.
They provide compartments of minced onions, cilantro, lime, and an assortment of salsa. Just help yourself.
They have something for each spice level. Regular tomatoes with onions and jalepenos, salsa verde and some bright atomic orange looking concoction. I tried that one sparingly and oh yeaaaah! I am gonna get some tingly farts tonight.
At $1.50 each I should have gotten a couple more. That's one of the cheaper tacos I've had in the city. Fun little window to order from and the griddle is just 2 feet away so the food comes out pretty warm when it hits your hands. A definite favorite!
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In early days, La Cachanilla was nothing more than a restaurant/bar joint that had nothing more to do with the neighborhood than it's drunks. I'm speaking of the mid to late 1990's. But later on, the owner, whom I happen to know, later on caught an idea that might have actually struck a lot of people as something straight from the streets of Mexico: create a hole in the wall. Think I'm kidding? Think again. The term itself comes from what this joint is actually is and is, along with it's other Mexican makeshift physical establishments, an authentic and literal "hole-in-the-wall". A true Mexican import.
Healthy? to the Whole Foods-going, Hybrid driving, "eco-consciense", locals? No, no it's not as it is not it's intention to be. Case in point: nachos, the nachos, from when this place opened back in late 2003/2004, were consistant of meat, chips, and some spicy, yellow, nacho cheddar sauce. Bad for the heart? Who cares! It's food from a hole-in-the-wall after all! All this with Sangria soda of which can be considered a holiday.
Their tacos are something else, their toppings are just each itching to take you in an acid trip that could only be best described as hypothetical movie by Robert Rodriguez done in the style of Kenneth Anger.
All this from a literal hole in the wall? Yeah...it's scary but yeah.
A local joint in it's form after redemption. And uh, as their bumper stickers that they used to sell (and I think they still do so ask whenever you go up to the owner-he's the round guy with black hair and mustache)
"Tienes Hambre? Sigueme a La Cachanilla!"
The chicken tacos were decent, but when I went today, there was no guacamole available. My major complaint, however, was when I ordered the "Nachos bolsa" - what I got instead of nachos was a bag of chips only. Last time I checked, "nachos" means chips *and* some other condiment, usually cheese. Plain chips are called just that, c-h-i-p-s, so: how about serving 'em like you advertise 'em?
my spanish is severely lacking but i think el cachanilla translates to:
"we ain't fuckin around"
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08/07/2007
They conveniently painted the menu on the underside of the awning. Pretty cool. 3 tacos and a super… Read more »
Good to see mostly positive reviews for El Cachanilla. Years back I would go inside and sit & watch a game of futbol while chowing down on the burrito's. I don't think they had the taco window then. If they did, it certainly wasn't the highlight it has become.
It was here that I discovered the "Guarache". Its served in one of those paper nacho containers. It has the same ingredients as a taco but they are served layered and the meat of choice sits on top.
I highly recommend trying the Guarache because it is damn good and its nice change-up from the taco. Unlike the taco, it costs a few dollars more but its larger.
If you do sit on the sidewalk chairs to enjoy your meal, be careful for the pigeons. They will hop onto your table if you let them.
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How good is "the taco window"? So good that I bought a house on the same block. The lengua is indeed excellent, al pastor is very good as well. The chicken and fish are sometimes a little dry, but for $1.50 each it's hard to complain. I haven't had the courage to try the eye or brain tacos yet. The burritos, nachos, and quesadillas are also quite excellent. Not the absolute pinnacle of best tacos in the world but certainly better than anything else within walking distance.
What more can you say...if everything is said already.
I just can confirm... best taco's in town for a non beatable price and lots of selection... Not to be beaten
This place has some sweet-ass fish tacos.
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Hummm... fish taco... with everything
The other tacos you can get are as follows:
Eye
Pork stomach
Cow stomach
Head
Brains
and various other typical meats, but by far the fish is the way to go.
They have a little sitting area, but no booze. So just make your order and then head across the street to the liquor store for liquid carbonated alcoholic beverages.
Lengua, Lengua, Lengua! I salivate when I'm waiting for this juicy, lean muscle at the street service window. Take the picture of tongue out of your head and dive in. Sometimes it helps to know a bit of spanish, depending on who's working the window. You won't be disappointed.
Don't have much to complain about for $1.50 tacos that doesn't get you sick. Felt like I was eating off a taco truck in Mexico!
JONASAPPROVED!
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con sabor! this place is excellent. i favor the taco window where you can get your cabeza on, but i usually go with the carnitas. for $1.50 a taco, this place can't be beat. this place is an old school shop, with friendly servers and a local latin crowd. on hot sunny days, the daughters sell flavored helado's on the corner.
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All the reviews of El Cachanilla are correct. The tacos are delicious. The meat is mouthwatering. The price is more than reasonable. I am a great tour guide. The only thing all the previous reviews seemed to have overlooked is the translation of BBQ on the awning.
Barbacoa = Barbacoa
Barbacoa = Barbacoa! I think that sums it up.
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Last time Elena and I were vacationing in the Mission, our tour guide Daniella took us to the taco window and boy were we in 7th HEAVEN!! Elena and I tried the "pollo" and the "al pastor" both of which were both MUY DELICIOSO, as the natives say!
Sometimes vacationing in the Mission can really put a strain on the ol' fanny pack, what with all the fancy restaurants and hip discos set up to trap unsuspecting travelers. Luckily, our trusty tour guide Daniella had the presence of mind to take us off the beaten path deep into the heart of Mission country, to the taco window where the prices drop as the quality rises!!
Gracias, Daniella, por todo su ayuda!! Vaya con Dios!
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I affectionately call this place The Taco Window. I skeptically walked by this place for years. I'm not one to eat from windows that look like someone's back kitchen. But then I thought about how I eat soul food from a woman's house in New Orleans, at the end of a Jazzfest day. Same same. So my neighbor got take away for us one day and it was so good!! Now I'm hooked. I've only had one kind of taco there, so I'm hardly an expert on the menu. I go for the al pastor, which is bbq pork taco. The tacos are $1.50, which you just can't beat. The walk up window is very convenient. This place gets my vote for quickie tacos from a window. Don't get to say that often.
Yes, the little taco window here looks and feels exactly the way you want it to look and feel. Right down to the "barbacoa = barbacoa" translation and all the other hilarious oddities that others have pointed out.
But the tacos themselves? Other than the barbacoa, don't get too excited. Beans on a taco? For shame! And don't get me started on those mammoth-sized onion pieces in the self-serve station. If I had a Mexican grandmother, she'd be rolling in her grave.
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My housemates introduced me to the window when I moved in. On occasion, though, I've had an experience (shared by others) of waiting at the window for ages before someone noticed me outside.
The other night I took some visiting friends to El Cachanilla, the restaurant, because it was raining and I couldn't think of another quick restaurant within walking distance. It almost didn't seem open - the gate was half closed and everyone inside was glued to the two tv screens showing the soccer game and a pay-per-view fight. We were the only people actually eating.
The woman who waited on us was friendly, sweet, and matronly. The food was delicious. I had the chili rellenos stuffed with cheese. It was spicy and tasty. My friends had other things, with meat (I'm not a vegetarian but I often eat like one), which they all loved.
I would definitely got back for non-burrito sit-down taqueria.
I live around the corner for this place, so I try not to over-indulge in it, b/c that would be really easy to do @ $1.50 per taco! It is one of my all time fav taco joints...yes, beans on tacos are good, and the 8 different sauce options are a super bonus. My favorite is the al pastor... yummioso!
Tasty innard taco! Huge tasty burritos! Great value and fast food the way it should be!
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People have different tastes in tacos, and I respect that, but El Cachanilla has the best tacos in town FOR ME. Okay. So if you think that YOUR taco tastes are similar to MY taco tastes, because maybe you say my picture or profile or something and you think "You know, I bet that guy has really good taste in tacos", then maybe just try out El Cachanilla. Some highlights (FOR ME):
The menu is written on little scraps of paper taped to the window
The menu is also painted onto the underside of the awning
The menu is mispelled
The eye tacos
The BRAINS
I believe tacos should have less meat, so you can have more tacos. At El Cachanilla, they clearly share my belief in less meat, more tacos.
The Taco Window. what distinguishes this taco window from all the other windows or counters in the Mission? It has got to be for me, the toppings. The taco's themselves are filled with fish, or chicken, or tongue (I have never gotten tongue) or beef or chorizo. and then some beans thrown on two corn taco's.
the toppings: salsa of many varieties. one that almost looks like red Asian sauce that you see in any Vietnamese or Chinese restaurant. There are of course pickled jalapenos, then there are onions, cilantro, lime and Guacamole. For $1.50 a piece, you get a grand old snack that almost seque's into being a full on meal. This place is only 2 blocks from my house (lucky me)
I have never eaten in the restaurant that seems to be attached to the window. For me, it is all about the window.
One thing, to the dude who was eating at the window and smacking his food like crazy and in my way of ordering, you can't do that. Just sit down at the table and eat your food quietly w/o telling me how it is the greatest and most authentic food in the mission! I already know that and have been dining at the window for years!!
Yeah, the Taco Window! The Taco Window has really great tacos, some of the best in the mission, for really cheap. Self-serve salsas, onions, and even guacamole. Big-ups for the guaraches, they're one of the only places around that has them, and they are sooo gooood. (It's like a doughy-mexi-tostadawhich.) I used to love walking by and seeing the "eye" listed in the meat options on the window, even though I'm vegetarian, it's just so gnar that it kinda rules. I've had friends who've rocked the ojo and say they are "surprisingly good, and kinda crunchy."
Not to be forgotten is the usually mysteriously empty interior seating next door to the Window proper. It's kinda dark and kitschy, but has one of my absolute favorite things in the whole Mission. There is this weird painting of presumably the owner of El Cachanilla with like one of those armed revolutionary ammo straps around his chest, dark sun-glassed and holding a kitten in his arms. A KITTEN!! There are a couple more portraits and paintings of the same guy in there. Seriously. Awesome.
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Taco window is a great motivator to learn Spanish. Although not a requirement, the language most helpful to coordinate your order. If you don't, bring a Spanish friendly friend. This would certainly speed up the ordering process.
The tacos are $1.50! Need I say more for those predisposed on a small expedition budget. Bring cash. Tip graciously!
The window is for tall people, so I opt to stand on the stair stoop on side to help me add hot sauce, fresh guac, onions, cilantro and pico de gallo. When facing the window, the hot sauces are to your left. The red is supa hot! Go green for me. Then there is the mild.
I say two tacos are enough to fill the belly of a small woman. Three to five tacos for the hunger intense.
I have had friends talk to me about this taco shop window, and last night I FINALLY went, and can't believe I have waited so long.
If you want TRUE Mexican street food tacos, come to this place. Literally you are buying the tacos out of a window. The choices in meats run from carne asada, al pastor, carnitas all the way down to fried fish tacos and tacos de ojo... thats EYE for the monolinguals. I have always been proud of the fact that I will try anything once, so I ordered up a taco de ojo, and it was DELICIOUS. You have to appreciate organ meat first of all; the meat is so soft and moist, like the texture of cabeza. The tacos come with beans, whole or refritos, and you can top with salsa, onions, cilantro, and guacamole.
El Cachanilla is in a residential area, kind out of the way, but you'll know you are there cause its a beautiful eye-sore. It looks like an altar to tacos, with a huge awning, and X-mas lights.
At 1.50 a taco you cant go wrong, coupled with a Jarritos de Tamarindo, at midnight, before trekking back to the East Bay... its perfect.
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Aye, Jesus
Just when you thought you found the perfect undiscovered place to write up, you find there are already 13 previous reviews. Well, that ought to tell you something about the quality and value of the food at the aptly named "taco window." In fact, all the reviews are pretty spot on. Honestly, El Cachanilla does not serve the best tacos in town, but I challange any pace to serve a better taco for $1.50 complete with home made sala and guac. Although they offer a number of meet selections, I usually order the carnitas and the carne asada. In addition to the tacos, I noticed that they also serve mexican sandwiches, although I have never ordered one or seen anyone order anything other than tacos.
Although most of the reviews have focused on the fact that the window is open late, not many focus on how great the place is for a satisfying weekend breakfast. Rather than slowly decompose waiting for a table at . . . . resturant, grab 2 tacos and wash them down with a cup of Phill's Coffee on 24th. Total cost $5.00. Now that rocks.
The underdog of all mexican food spots in the city. The walk up window is great if you're in a rush and there is almost never a line. Super cheap and friggin' delicious. I go for the taco's.
Cachanilla gets 5 stars on my list. I don't know about all that "taco window" stuff. To me, it's El Cachanilla, where they put frijoles enteros in your taco. PLUS they also have tacos en tortilla de harina. Now, if you're an avid taco eater (other than at home) how many places do you know will have tacos en tortilla de harina as an option & put beans inside. I'm undecided about the horchata. The last time I bought one it tasted like they make it from Elote instead of Arroz. It's worth a try anyway. My boyfriend likes El Pastor because it tastes authentic--including all the savory sweetness. Don't try the guacamole at the end of the day unless you're super drunk or hungry and could care less about eating browning guacamole.
I *heart* this place. You are hungry. You have $3.00. You are on the way home from a night in the mission. Fixed!
In addition to being low cost, the tacos are very good. If you are brave you can try the busca, ojo, tripa or lengua. For the rest of us there are carnitas, al pastor, pollo asada and pescado. They include a truckload of condiments on the counter top near the tiny window. If you like - cilantro, rockamole, onions, pico de gallo, salsa fresca, salsa roja, tomatillo salsa and on rare days sour cream atop your taco, then you are in luck. The people that work there don't speak great English, but speak great Spanglish. That is kind of the point. You can go inside and drink a beer if you wish. It is open on the weekends and a mere taco from here cures all hangovers. If you look for this place in the early evening, you can acquire a nutritious and deeelicious meal and not be broke and dying of old age as you wait 12 centuries to receive a great meal. Go there!
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Hands down, without a doubt THE BEST taco stand in all of San Francisco if not the Bay Area. "Taco Window". This place is worth breaking out your best spanish. Can't you see the rays of light beaming down from the heavens as you read this?! Plenty of flavors to choose from, but I get the carne asada every time, without beans. Why? because I need room to fill my taco from the window counter with onions, salsa, GUACAMOLE, hot sauce, and whatever else they have there. They're are only $1.50 each with self serve on the condiments. Get 4 of them and pile on your fixings! Mark my words, "Eat at Taco Window or Burn in Hell my Brothers and Sisters". But if you forget how to get there, don't come crying to me.
Comete lo Guay!!!
Oooh, the Taco Window. This is one of the places that 95% of the population know ONLY by its nickname, like the restaurant at 15th and Church.
Extensive list of meaty fillings (yes, tongue brain eye... "and I'll form the head!") on wee tortillas with the barest of extras, like just beans, onion and cilantro if my memory serves. Your choice of salsa from the cubbies. Each taco is $1.50 (went up a quarter last year, totally excusable) and the lovely thing is they give you two tortillas per taco - so if you can do your goodie transfer properly (careful! small plate!) you basically are getting two tacos for 75 cents each. Go with a friend to take advantage of this, as $3 each enables you to nosh through four different fillings!!
Bear in mind, of course, these are not Tacos del Grande Supremo Americano, more like two bites each. Much more satisfying. Just a reminder that the experience revolves around purchasing one's food through a WINDOW. Keep an eye out for the lovely minimal artwork of the dishes, each one is composed of like, two brushstrokes.
a little walk-up counter next to a restaurant that serves excellent fish tacos. i actually have to visit again because i was distracted with a phone call when i ate here and thus, did not make the appropriate amount of yummy noises.
this place is also famous (infamous?) for their ojo tacos, which we've never tried. and of course, any place that has ojo tacos would have all the other hardcore meat options, e.g. cabeza, sesos, tripas, etc...
anything but the fish tacos and you won't be disappointed. got that? don't get the fish tacos (go to 24th and mission and get those from taqueria san jose instead). otherwise, super convenient "bike by" window for a quick snack pick-up, a healthy dollop or two of fresh guacamole (part of their condiment selection! aaaah!!!) and hot salsa and off you go! still cheap, still tasty. just don't. get. the. fish. tacos.
this place is legit. admittedly, ive only had the chicken, carne asada and carnitas tacos, but the fact that a) those were the best mission tacos that ive had and b) they offer eye, brain, head, etc... means that i give this place high marks. one of these days ill sac up and try the domepiece taco.
its cheap ($1.50 a taco) but the tacos arent miniscule and they give you free rein over how much salsa, cilantro and guacamole you want to add. nice touch.
also open til 1 am, always a plus
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A friend of mine introduced me to this place last Fall and I got around to going back last night. I ordered "dos tacos al pastor" and then went crazy on the "add-ons". First off, I love this place because it has such a great laid-back vibe, but mainly I love the fact that there is PINEAPPLE in my taco! Seriously, it gives the pork a really nice sweet / salty flavor. And, how can you go wrong for $1.50 per taco!
This is the kind of place you go when you want to drop out of sight for a meal. A friend eats here at least once a week. The portions are huge. The nachos are delicious. Didn't realize at first that the two sidewalk tables and the lounge at the corner are part of the same operation. The restaurant and lounge are mostly empty, it has mildy tacky decor and there's usually a soccer match on tv.
