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Lucia’s Mexican Snack Cart: Authentic Mexican Treats in San Francisco

At Lucia’s Mexican Snack Cart, a charming food stand nestled at the bustling intersection of Mission and 21st in San Francisco, the essence of authentic Mexican street snacks comes to life. Proprietress Lucia, a shy yet inviting presence, serves up three signature treats that captivate the taste buds. Thickly sliced cucumbers and mangoes are lovingly doused in lime juice, salt, and a kick of chili powder, perfectly packaged for on-the-go enjoyment. The standout is the buttery corn on the cob, topped with chili powder and grated cheese—a must-try for spice lovers. Each bite takes you back to vibrant memories and the simple joys of flavorful, wholesome snacking.

Photos & Gallery

Lucia’s Mexican Snack Cart: Reviews & Ratings

Paula Rosado
Paula Rosado

They were a little short staffed but they communicated well and I’d say the service is excellent. Really nice atmosphere and the watermelon margarita was delicious. The food was ok: you can’t really go wrong with queso fundido, it was delicious! The tuna tostada was quite good. The tacos on the other hand were only ok, a little meh, they have a lot of competition in the Mission for excellent tacos and these were average … Heart broken after only one dessert choice.

Obie Tric
Obie Tric

Came in on a Friday night and had a great experience. We ordered 10 tacos (2 chicken, 2 beef, 1 carnitas, 1 vampiro, 2 fish, 2 shrimp) and had 1 strawberry margarita and 1 pineapple. The service was amazing. Glasses never ran dry, always asked if we needed anything and the food came out quickly as well. The chips and salsa (complimentary) were really good the first round, the second round the sauce viscosity was to liquid The only complaint I have about the dinning experience was a group who were louder than the rest of the establishment combined. This kind of made for an annoying dinning experience.

Cynthia De Las Salas
Cynthia De Las Salas

Tacolicious is an understatement! Oh my goodness these tacos were so delicious. And each of them had different flavors that left us wanting more BUT we just couldn’t. I’m telling you go in hungry and be ready to eat. Then, for good measure take a walk because you’re going to need to walk off those calories! I’m so glad we chose this place. As fair warning the tacos are spicy so if you’re sensitive to spice let them know ahead of time. Other than that I’m so hopeful you’re going to #enjoy your experience here

Reinier CC
Reinier CC

Loved our dinner at Tacolicious! Tacos were fresh and flavorful (especially the carnitas and fish taco). Friendly staff, great vibe — definitely a place to check out if you’re craving Mexican food in San Francisco!

Ghidossi Paul
Ghidossi Paul

I'm pushing towards five stars because I think they deserve it I went in during happy hour and had two little crispy tacos with chicken that were actually really good. The chips and salsa that they give you to start...is perfect... The chips feel fresh and the salsa is that really good kind... Check out the picture. I didn't get any drinks with alcohol but they looked good as they passed by. The OJ and lemon soda was yummy. The environment is comfortable. Forget about parking, play the car far away and walk. The street of Valencia is slowly decomposing... It's unfortunate but hopefully it can survive.

Ray Alan
Ray Alan

Celebrated a birthday party with friends unfortunately my reservation was not ready when we got there but it did clear out shortly after ordering drinks in the bar at Mosto drinks are really good. Portion size to value has decreased recently but I really did enjoy my tamales and everyone else seem to enjoy their drinks and tacos. No one left hungry which was good. Service was really good but sometimes it can get really slow but the bar and restaurant took care of that for me so there are no complaints here. Happy to go back in an instant.

Arjun Trivedi
Arjun Trivedi

We went to Mission for dinner and decided to go Mexican. And this was a great choice as we were looking for assorted tacos. I liked the ambiance - we sat in the open patio with some cheerful lighting and frescoes. The service was quick and the staff were attentive and caring too. After munching through a bowl of fresh nachos with their home-made salsa, we ordered a pitcher of margarita and an assorted plate of tacos. All of them were great and we were glad we ordered the assortment of different tacos. Great place to visit with a nice cheerful crowd!

Baochi N.
Baochi N.

This is an unusal review because Lucia's isn't an actual restaurant...it's literally a cart parked at the busy intersection of Mission and 21st. The proprietess is a pretty and shy Mexian woman named Lucia who sells three traditional Mexian snacks, all of which involve chili powder and salt. Lucia's three trademark items are: - thickly sliced cucumber doused in lime juice, salt and chili powderr packaged in a sandwich bag. - sliced mango also doused in lime juice, salt and chili powder packaged in a sandwich bag. - hot boiled corn on the cob smeared with butter, chili powder, and grated Mexican cheese. By the way, you can opt to omit any of the seasonings but I always request EXTRA seasoning. I'm quite familiar with these healthy Mexican snacks from my childhood days of roaming the San Jose flea markets. Plus, these mix of ingredients are quite similar to some Asian snacks. Many of you will find the idea of mangoes sprinkled with salt a little odd, but surprisingly, the salt enhances both the sweetness and the flavor of the mango. Chili powder will simply appeal to those of you with a need for spice. And there's nobody who can argue with buttered corn...just try it at least once with the grated cheese...you'll be surprised at how good it is.

Location

Welcome to the vibrant world of Lucia’s Mexican Snack Cart, an unassuming but delightful food stand nestled at the bustling intersection of Mission and 21st in San Francisco. This charming cart is run by Lucia, a shy but warm-hearted woman who expertly crafts traditional Mexican snacks that awaken the senses and evoke nostalgic memories.

Lucia’s selection may be small, but it is mighty in flavor. Each of her offerings features a unique blend of vibrant ingredients that celebrate the heart of Mexican street food. Below are the three signature delights that you simply cannot miss:

  • Thickly Sliced Cucumber: Refreshingly crisp cucumbers are doused in fresh lime juice, sprinkled with salt and chili powder, and cleverly packaged in sandwich bags. The combination is not only zesty but also incredibly satisfying, making it a perfect summertime snack.
  • Sliced Mango: This tropical treat is elevated by a sprinkle of lime juice, salt, and chili powder. The fusion of sweetness with a touch of salt and heat creates a tantalizing experience that is reminiscent of Lucia’s own childhood wandering through flea markets.
  • Hot Boiled Corn on the Cob: Perhaps the star of the show, this richly flavored corn is slathered with butter, chili powder, and grated Mexican cheese. When you take a bite, it’s an explosion of savory goodness that dances on your palate. Don’t hesitate to order it with extra seasoning—you won't regret it!

Lucia’s Mexican Snack Cart is an embodiment of the vibrant culture and culinary richness of Mexico. As you savor each bite, you’ll be transported back to street corners filled with laughter, sun-soaked days, and a spirit of community. For those who are adventurous in their palate, the pairing of mangoes with salt and spices will surprise you, deepening your appreciation for the versatility of flavors.

In a world where food often becomes overly extravagant, Lucia’s cart serves as a beautiful reminder that simplicity can shine. With every offering, you'll discover that these authentic bites offer more than just nourishment—they tell a story, one that captures the essence of Mexican flavors and Lucia's passionate spirit. So, if you find yourself wandering in San Francisco, make it a point to experience the magic of Lucia’s Mexican Snack Cart—you won’t be disappointed!

Business Information

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Has outdoor seating
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments