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Let’s be honest: a lot of the restaurants at Fishermans Wharf are really just tourist traps. I’m not saying ALL of them, but … many of them.  The people running them are not interested in serving you great food – they’re interested in taking tourist’s money.  And, no one who lives in SF ever says, “Honey, let’s go to Fishermans Wharf for lunch/dinner today!”  Well, gratefully, TANGUITO is the exception to the rule.

No clam chowder, no fried fish, no crab cakes – just great food at extremely reasonable prices, ESPECIALLY given the rip-off prices prevalent at so many Fishermans Wharf spots.

I’m really proud of this episode because it’s a return to the true spirit that launched Food Dude, namely: turning you on to places that make great food at reasonable prices, spots that you might not have discovered on your own.  Tanguito is all of those things.  The owner/chefs, Stephen and Bettina, are two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.  They love cooking, they love making people happy with the food they prepare.  Their prices cannot be beat, and the quality, taste, flavor is top notch.  Honestly, where in SF can you get a GOOD Burger with fries and a soda for $8???

Standout dishes include the Spanish Tortilla (which they can totally modify using any meat, or make vegetarian style) and any of the empanadas.  In particular, the Ham and Cheese empanada is something special.

You must go, you must tell them you heard about it on Food Dude.  Just remember one thing: good food at cheap prices doesn’t happen quickly.  Be prepared for a wait.  But hey, if you live in SF, you’re probably used to that, right?  I see people standing in line for 45 minutes for ice cream at the Bi-Rite Creamery, or a sandwich at Ike’s Place.  As a wise man once said, “Good, Fast, Cheap – pick two out of three.”

Shot by Matt Davis and David Pond
Edited by David Pond