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La Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
La Taqueria
8.9
Mission icon for riceless, tightly wrapped burritos griddled 'dorado' for a crispy finish. Lines move quickly and staff keeps families flowing through counter service without fuss.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Dorado Burrito, Carnitas Dorado Burrito, Grilled Jalapeños
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Riceless burritos finished 'dorado' for a crisped tortilla.
Who should go: Families wanting Mission-style classics fast
When to visit: Late afternoon before dinner rush lines spike
What to order: Carne asada dorado; carnitas dorado; grilled jalapeños
Insider tip: Say “dorado” to get your burrito griddled extra crispy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking along Mission and 25th; spots turn over fairly quickly mid-afternoon but get tight after 6pm. No private lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual — jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers are the norm. Family crowds and locals come as they are.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — it’s a busy taqueria with steady chatter and kitchen sounds, but you can still hold a conversation at your table.
Weekend wait: 25–40 minutes depending on crowd size; lines move quickly and turnover is high.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes during the lunch rush, often no wait before noon or after 2:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — beans, cheese, rice-free veggie burritos, and quesadillas are reliable choices.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with custom builds (no cheese/sour cream); bring your own hot sauce for extra flavor.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — corn tortillas are safe but cross-contact likely; not suitable for strict celiac needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates authentic, no-frills experiences — it’s more about shared burritos than ambience or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s all counter service; grab a number and wait for a table to open. Peak hours mean short waits but fast turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Definitely — families with kids of all ages are common. The quick service, simple menu, and casual seating make it stress-free for parents.
Best For
Better for: Crispy 'dorado' burritos and authentic Mission-style flavor with faster service than most sit-down spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet meal, cocktails, or an upscale dining environment — it’s loud, quick, and all about the food.
La Taqueria
8.9
Mission icon specializing in riceless, tightly wrapped Mission-style burritos with a signature griddled “dorado” finish. Lines move fast for carnitas and carne asada with bright salsas and no-frills counter service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada dorado burrito, Carnitas burrito (dorado), Add grilled jalapeños
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Riceless burritos and the crispy “dorado” finish.
Who should go: Burrito purists and first-time Mission explorers
When to visit: Late afternoon to dodge peak lunch and dinner lines
What to order: Carne asada dorado; carnitas dorado; grilled jalapeños
Insider tip: Say “dorado” to get it griddled extra crispy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking around Mission & 25th; spaces turn over but can be tight during peak meal hours.
Dress code: Ultra casual—come as you are; T-shirts and jeans are standard.
Noise level: Lively and bustling, especially during lunch; expect street-level chatter but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical; lines move fast due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes if you arrive before noon; peaks sharply from 12–1:30.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian burrito and quesadilla options available with beans, cheese, and salsa.
Vegan options: Limited—no dedicated vegan fillings but can custom order without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Corn tacos are gluten-free; burritos use flour tortillas only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal first date—it's a casual counter joint—but great for a low-pressure, shared-food experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken; counter ordering only. Grab a seat if one opens or eat standing at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick bites—simple menu, quick service, and casual seating make it fine for families with older kids; limited stroller space inside.
Best For
Better for: Crispy dorado-style burritos and classic Mission authenticity with lightning-fast service.
Skip if: You want sit-down dining, alcohol service, or a quieter atmosphere—try Lolinda or Prubechu instead.
La Taqueria
8.7
Counter-service Mission icon known for grilled meats and rice-less tacos and burritos. Lines move quickly and quality is remarkably consistent for decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos (crispy shell option), Carnitas tacos, Dorados-style taco-burrito mashup
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Rice-less, meat-forward tacos with crisped tortillas on request.
Who should go: Taco traditionalists and Mission first-timers
When to visit: Late afternoon to dodge peak dinner lines
What to order: Carne asada tacos; carnitas tacos; dorado-style
Insider tip: Ask for tortillas lightly crisped on the plancha for extra texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; typically available within a few blocks before 5pm, tight during dinner rush.
Dress code: Completely casual; come as you are—jeans, shorts, and tees are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate; lively counter chatter and kitchen sounds, but conversation is manageable.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours, faster for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minute line; moves quickly due to efficient counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several options including bean and cheese burritos or veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify vegetarian tacos by removing cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partially – corn tortillas are gluten-free, but shared surfaces are used.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates legendary local spots and doesn’t mind a no-frills setup—great for casual comfort, not formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted. It’s counter-order only, and most customers eat quickly, so turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and mild flavor options make it fine for families, though seating is limited and high chairs are scarce.
Best For
Better for: Unmatched in classic Mission-style tacos and burritos—especially for authenticity and perfectly grilled meat.
Skip if: You’re seeking sit-down service, alcohol, or quieter ambiance; try a full-service taqueria instead.
La Taqueria
8.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Iconic Mission counter known for dorado-style burritos and well-seasoned tacos. No rice in burritos keeps fillings focused and flavors bright.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dorado burrito (carne asada), Carnitas taco, Agua fresca
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Dorado-crisped burritos and classic tacos at a beloved Mission institution.
Who should go: Burrito purists and first-time visitors
When to visit: Mid-afternoon to dodge peak lines
What to order: Dorado asada burrito, carnitas taco, fresca
Insider tip: Ask for dorado (griddled) for a toasted, crisp tortilla finish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; expect difficulty during dinner rush and weekends. Nearby paid lots on 22nd and Bartlett are an option after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual – jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers are totally fine. It’s a counter-service taqueria with no formality expected.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversations can happen but expect the energy of a bustling Mission landmark.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during prime hours; lines move steadily but can wrap around the corner.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes on average, slightly longer on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetarian taco and burrito options, including bean, cheese, and veggie fillings.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify veggie burrito or tacos by removing cheese and sour cream; no dedicated vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible since flour and corn tortillas share prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual and local. The no-frills setting and line-out-the-door vibe make it more about shared burrito enthusiasm than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – it’s first-come, first-served. Expect to hover for a seat during peak times or take your food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – kids love the tacos and burritos. Limited seating and loud energy mean it’s better for older children than strollers.
Best For
Better for: La Taqueria excels in classic Mission-style burritos with rich flavor and clean fillings—perfect for those who prefer substance over toppings.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down experience, alcohol service, or broad menu variety; try Loló or Prubechu for that.
La Taqueria
8.9
Mission landmark serving rice-less burritos and tacos griddled to order with charry, well-seasoned meats. Lines move fast at the counter and turnover is quick, but quality and freshness stay remarkably high.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada burrito (no rice), Carnitas tacos dorados, Quesadilla suiza
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.5
What makes it special: Iconic Mission burritos and tacos done with precision and speed.
Who should go: Burrito traditionalists and taco fans
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to shorten the line
What to order: Asada burrito; carnitas taco; quesadilla suiza
Insider tip: Ask for your tacos dorados (crispy-griddled) for extra texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in the Mission, especially evenings; meter spots can sometimes be found within a few blocks. No valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are standard.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; you can hold a conversation but expect background chatter and counter noise.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on rush, since it’s counter-service with quick turnover.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes on average, lines move fast even when crowded.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian burritos, tacos, and quesadillas are available with beans, cheese, and guacamole.
Vegan options: Limited—bean burritos or tacos without cheese and crema are the main options.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, though the kitchen is shared and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal first date—it’s counter-service and casual. Better suited for a low-key, fun outing with someone who loves tacos.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations, and seating is first-come, first-served. Turnover is quick so tables usually open up within 15 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual setting with simple tacos and burritos that kids enjoy. No dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs, but families often dine here comfortably.
Best For
Better for: Fast, consistently excellent tacos and burritos with a reputation as one of the Mission’s must-try spots.
Skip if: You want a sit-down, slow-paced meal with full table service or an extensive beverage program.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11am - 8:45pm
Thursday11am - 8:45pm
Friday11am - 8:45pm
Saturday11am - 8:45pm
Sunday11am - 7:45pm