It wasn’t easy to say goodbye to North Park’s beloved coffee house Claire de Lune when it closed last year—but still, locals were eager to know what would fill the vacant space. In April, Tamarindo Latin Kitchen & Bar opened, touting Elliott Townsend (The Pearl) as chef de cuisine and Mark Broadfoot (George’s California Modern) as mixologist. The space feels like a taqueria, sports bar, and gastropub in one. Order at the bar, stock up on the self-serve tortilla chips and salsas (we love the chunky verde that has a little kick), and take a seat in one of the booths or on the dog-friendly patio.
Your order? The avocado crab tacos. Think of it as a fish taco, but flipped. The crab meat lends softness, but the crunch—which typically comes from fried fish—is actually tempura avocado. It’s topped with cabbage, crema, and pico de gallo all wrapped in a corn tortilla. Wash it down with their cocktails, which incorporate mezcal, rum, and sustainably sourced tequila. Tequila Tuesdays, anyone?
2906 University Avenue, North Parktamarindonp
Very Important Taco: Tamarindo’s Avocado Crab Taco
