Toma

When we tell people that Toma is our favorite spot for quick Mexican in the Marina, the response is usually a blank stare or an attempt to correct our seemingly obvious error. "Oh, you mean Tacko?" No. We don’t mean Tacko. Tacko is the San Francisco version of George R.R. Martin’s naming convention. It’s like they just wanted to name the restaurant "Taco" but decided that wouldn’t fly, so they messed with the spelling. Total Uncle Kevan move.

Anyway, we love Toma and we mean it. We aren’t confused. And while we don’t want it to turn into a lines-and-waits kind of place, the small taco shop deserves some attention. The people are nice, the salsa is fantastic, and the tortillas are cooked to order. And the tacos are awesome and ring up at under $5 each.

The spot is easy to miss, since you enter through a nondescript door on Steiner Street, which has just a few chairs outside when it’s nice out. Roll up and order tacos at the counter—we’re partial to the carne asada. But on the occasional hungover weekend afternoon when getting here is half the battle, we order a breakfast burrito, which is the best you’ll find on this side of town. The breakfast burrito is available on weekends until 1pm, too, but expect to go to sleep after—it's heavy. Maybe a good work from home move.