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El Farolito
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
El Farolito
8.7
Mission late-night standby known for tightly wrapped burritos griddled dorado and generous portions. Lines move fast after midnight and the salsa bar keeps flavors bright.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super carne asada (dorado), Al pastor taco, Chile relleno burrito
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Iconic dorado-style burritos served deep into the night.
Who should go: Night owls craving classic Mission burritos
When to visit: Post-midnight for peak late-night energy
What to order: Super carne asada dorado; al pastor taco; aguas frescas
Insider tip: Ask for “dorado” to crisp the tortilla on the plancha.
El Farolito
8.4
Mission Street standby for late-night tacos and burritos griddled to order. Lines move quickly and portions stay generous for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Super taco (asada), Carne asada quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Cash-only counter slinging fast, flavorful tacos deep into the night.
Who should go: Night owls and burrito traditionalists
When to visit: After 10pm for peak late-night flow
What to order: Al pastor taco, super taco, asada quesadilla
Insider tip: Bring cash; order tacos first, then hit the salsa bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—scarce and competitive after 7pm, especially weekends. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are. Most guests arrive in streetwear or post-bar attire.
Noise level: Loud and bustling during peak hours; minimal seating means more ambient street noise than conversation space.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, lines move fast thanks to counter efficiency.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; grab-and-go pace.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos or tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream is an option.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free prep; corn tortillas are available but cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves authentic Mission street eats—it’s lively and affordable, but not intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come, first-served with quick turnover. Most guests eat at the counter or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for daytime visits—simple menu and quick service. Late nights get crowded and rowdy, less ideal for young kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burrito runs and quick taco cravings—fast service, authentic flavor, unbeatable value.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down comfort, quiet dining, or a full bar—this is pure counter-service energy.
El Farolito
8.6
Mission standby since 1983 known for late-night tacos and burritos with well-seasoned carne asada and al pastor off a busy flat-top. Lines move quickly and the counter turns out consistent, no-frills plates long after midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Carne asada taco, Super taco con todo
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Iconic late-night taqueria turning out fast, flavorful tacos since the ’80s.
Who should go: Night owls craving classic Mission tacos
When to visit: Post-10pm to catch peak late-night energy
What to order: Al pastor, carne asada, super taco
Insider tip: Order at the counter first—cash usually speeds the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — can be tough after 9pm along Mission Street. Easiest spots are a few blocks west near Bartlett or 22nd.
Dress code: Casual. Hoodies, jackets, and late-night attire all welcome — this is a taqueria, not a white-tablecloth spot.
Noise level: Loud and lively, especially after midnight. Expect street noise and the hum of the flat-top.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak late-night rush, shorter after 1am.
Weekday lunch: Usually under 10 minutes even during lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean, cheese, and veggie burritos and tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited — can customize veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; no separate prep area, so cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates classic Mission grit and late-night energy — it’s more about flavor than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always. It’s first-come, first-served counter service with limited seating; most grab food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime hours, yes — families stop by for quick tacos. Late night gets crowded and rowdy, better for adults.
Best For
Better for: Speed, portion size, and late-night consistency — few taquerias match its after-hours reliability.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, cocktails, or upscale ambiance — this is a no-frills classic built for quick eats and authenticity.
El Farolito
8.6
Cash-only late-night stalwart near 24th Street BART with generously filled tacos and a quick-moving grill. Expect a narrow room, bright salsas, and steady crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos off the trompo, Carne asada tacos, Suadero-style grilled beef taco
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Open late with meaty, well-sauced tacos at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Night-owl taco runs with friends
When to visit: After 10pm; lines move faster than expected
What to order: Al pastor; carne asada; lengua if available
Insider tip: It’s cash-only—use the nearby ATM before joining the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Mission Street, especially at night. The closest paid lot is on Bartlett between 21st and 22nd streets.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are. Streetwear, hoodies, and late-night attire are all welcome.
Noise level: High during peak hours due to the griddle and crowd chatter; not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes after midnight; faster than it looks thanks to quick counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 1pm, light flow from locals and workers.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—bean and cheese burritos and veggie tacos available on request.
Vegan options: Minimal—can customize with beans, salsa, and guacamole but cross-contact likely.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but the grill is shared with flour tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves authentic Mission taco culture and doesn’t mind a loud, casual vibe. It’s more street-food energy than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted. Seating is first-come, first-served at narrow counters. Most guests take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes, but space is tight and lines can get rowdy late. Best for quick early-evening family stops.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco cravings, generous meat portions, and quick service near BART.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down meal, quieter setting, or broad vegetarian options.