30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Eats Tacos in San Francisco
Best Cheap Eats Mexican in San Francisco
Best Family Friendly Mexican in San Francisco
Best Burritos in San Francisco
Best Tacos in San Francisco
Master Critic Review
El Faro
7.9
Old-school downtown counter turning out classic Mission-style tacos and breakfast plates since the ’80s. Early hours, brisk service, and honest pricing make it a dependable pre-meeting stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak taco, Taco dorado, Shrimp taco
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Legacy taqueria with straightforward tacos and downtown-friendly hours.
Who should go: Early risers and burrito traditionalists
When to visit: Breakfast and early lunch to skip peak rush
What to order: Steak taco, taco dorado, shrimp taco
Insider tip: Call in during the lunch crush—pickup window is efficient.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the FiDi is limited and metered; garages nearby like One Embarcadero Center are available but pricey.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, tees, and office attire are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; quiet in early mornings.
Weekend wait: Closed—this is a daytime counter spot.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak hours; often no wait before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—options like veggie tacos and breakfast plates with eggs.
Vegan options: Limited—can order bean tacos or customize, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Check website for updated information
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a quick, counter-service stop for tacos or breakfast, better suited to casual eats than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken. Seating is first-come, counter and a few small tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos or burritos; limited space and no high chairs make it less suited for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Classic Mission-style tacos and breakfast plates served quickly at old-school prices, especially convenient for downtown workers in the morning.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dinner, a large group gathering, or a menu with broad vegan/gluten-free coverage.
Hours
Monday7am - 7pm
Tuesday7am - 7pm
Wednesday7am - 7pm
Thursday7am - 7pm
Friday7am - 7pm
Saturday7am - 7pm
SundayClosed