Puesto at the Headquarters

While El Gordo feeds the late-night masses with Tijuana efficiency and Señor Taquero handles the breakfast burrito rush, Puesto operates in a completely different lane. This is the Mexican spot where ingredients drive the price point, not location markup. Blue corn tortillas made in-house, filet mignon cooked to order, short rib that actually justifies enchilada form—the kitchen treats every taco like it matters, even at $10-12 each.

The bi-level space at the Headquarters opens to the harbor, floor-to-ceiling windows making outdoor seating the obvious move when weather cooperates. Taco Tuesday cuts prices in half and pulls the neighborhood's biggest crowds, though service stays weirdly attentive even when slammed. Staff will walk celiacs through the menu without making it feel like an imposition.

The Cali Bowl shows up in reviews more than any single taco—filet mignon over avocado, beans, and whatever seasonal produce they're running that week. It's the kind of thing that sounds precious but eats like a proper meal. For actual tacos, the blue corn makes a difference you can taste, especially with their filet preparation. The short rib enchiladas pull the slow-cooked move without going mushy.

Dessert here isn't an afterthought: pistachio tres leches runs rich enough to split, actually worth the stomach space. The esquite starter could feed two if you're doing it right. Passionfruit mules lean refreshing over sweet.

Parking at the Headquarters works better than most waterfront spots—validated structure right there. Reservations matter for dinner and absolutely matter for Taco Tuesday. This isn't where you stumble in after bar-hopping; it's where you plan to eat, then maybe hit a bar after.