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El Farolito (North Beach)
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
El Farolito (North Beach)
8.4
Mission-style taqueria outpost serving speedy tacos with griddled tortillas and punchy salsas. Lines move quickly and late hours make it a dependable finish to a North Beach night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Classic Mission flavors delivered late with brisk counter flow.
Who should go: Budget-minded taco traditionalists
When to visit: After 9:30pm for faster turnover
What to order: Al pastor, carnitas, carne asada
Insider tip: Order first, then scout seats near the counter for quick pickup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Columbus and Vallejo; can be tight on weekends, so expect a short walk or rideshare drop-off.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodie, jeans, or post-bar attire all fine.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, with steady music and chatter but still easy enough for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours, though lines move fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait unless there’s a local lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese tacos and burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—request no cheese or sour cream; rice and beans are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates classic taqueria energy—it's counter-service and casual, more for late-night taco runs than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken or needed. Grab a seat as soon as someone leaves; most eat quickly and move on.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime hours—simple tacos, quick service, and friendly staff. Late-night crowd can get rowdier, so earlier visits are better for families.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and late-night hours compared to most North Beach taquerias; reliable flavor and value.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down ambiance, cocktails, or a quieter dining experience—try a full-service Mexican spot instead.
El Farolito (North Beach)
8.4
North Beach outpost of the Mission classic turning out late-hour tacos and burritos with fast counter service. Lines move quickly and the salsas hit the right notes after midnight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada super taco, Suiza quesadilla (al pastor)
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Open late with Mission-style tacos and speedy counter flow.
Who should go: Night owls craving classic Mission flavors
When to visit: After 9:30pm for fastest turn and open seats
What to order: Al pastor tacos; suiza; horchata
Insider tip: Order first, then scout seats—turnover is quick near the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight after 8pm in North Beach, best luck on Stockton or Vallejo.
Dress code: Totally casual—hoodies and sneakers fit right in after hours.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—music and chatter mix with sizzling grills; not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes typical around midnight; lines move fast.
Weekday lunch: No line or minimal wait before 1:00pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos or burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but shared surfaces mean possible cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not really—it's counter-service, quick, and crowded. Better for a post-date taco stop than the main event.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations taken. Seats turn quickly, and most people grab-and-go or eat standing.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids or teens—quick food and open seating, but limited space and loud late-night crowds make it less ideal for small children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos that still taste fresh when most kitchens are closed—few spots in the city match the speed-to-flavor ratio after midnight.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, cocktails, or a quieter dining experience—this is a counter-service joint built for quick satisfaction.
El Farolito (North Beach)
8.2
North Beach outpost of the beloved SF taqueria turning out super burritos, tacos, and quesadillas at family-friendly prices. Counter service is efficient, and seating turns over quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super burrito (carne asada), Quesadilla suiza (al pastor), Carnitas taco
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Mission-style staples at the North Beach address with reliable speed.
Who should go: Burrito lovers and hungry teens
When to visit: Late afternoon or post-dinner rush for easier seating
What to order: Carne asada super burrito; al pastor suiza; horchata
Insider tip: Order at the counter first—scoring seats is easier once you’ve paid.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited metered spots on Columbus and Vallejo. Expect a short walk on weekends.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—come as you are; hoodies and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Lively but manageable—mostly takeout chatter and quick table turnover.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours, longer after bar closings.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; 5–10 minutes otherwise.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese burritos are reliable standbys.
Vegan options: Limited—veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream works fine.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available, but shared grill surfaces mean cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date loves casual taquerias—great for shared burritos after a late movie or show.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Always—it's counter-service only; grab a seat after ordering or take it to-go if packed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high stools and quick service suit families with older kids or teens; limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and larger portions than most sit-down Mexican spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a quieter, full-service dinner or cocktails—try Flores or Don Pisto’s instead.
El Farolito (North Beach)
8.6
Mission-style stalwart’s North Beach outpost turning out hefty, foil-wrapped burritos with well-seasoned meats and balanced salsas. Lines move quickly and late hours make it a go-to before or after the neighborhood’s nightlife.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Chile Verde Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Iconic Mission-style burritos with fast-moving lines and late hours.
Who should go: Burrito traditionalists and late-night crowds
When to visit: Late evening after bar rush for faster service
What to order: Super carne asada; al pastor; chile verde
Insider tip: Ask for extra crispy tortilla on the plancha for texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—limited on Columbus Avenue and nearby Grant Avenue, especially after 6pm. Nearest public garage is at 735 Vallejo Street, about a 3-minute walk.
Dress code: Totally casual—jeans, hoodies, and bar attire are all common. No need to dress up even on weekends.
Noise level: Lively, especially late at night with bar traffic. Expect background chatter but you can still hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes on average after midnight; earlier evenings can stretch to 30 minutes during peak rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually a short 5–10 minute line; fast turnover keeps things moving.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese burritos are core menu items with customizable toppings.
Vegan options: Yes—request no cheese or sour cream. Rice and beans are cooked without lard, making vegan combos possible.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated prep area, but corn tortillas are available for tacos if cross-contact isn’t an issue.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates street-food authenticity over ambiance—it’s more about flavor than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it’s counter-service only with limited seating. Expect quick in-and-out dining or take it to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple burritos and quesadillas work well. Space is tight, so strollers aren’t ideal.
Best For
Better for: Bigger burritos, late-night hours, and consistent Mission-style flavor make it superior to most casual taquerias nearby.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, cocktails, or quieter dining—this is fast food with an iconic edge, not table service.
El Farolito (North Beach)
8.4
Mission-born taqueria’s North Beach outpost turning out hulking super burritos, grilled quesadillas suizas, and late-night tacos to steady lines. Cash-forward, no-frills counter with fast-moving service right off Grant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor super burrito, Carne asada quesadilla suiza, Lengua tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Iconic SF taqueria bringing its late-night burrito playbook to North Beach.
Who should go: Night owls and burrito loyalists
When to visit: Post-10pm or mid-afternoon to dodge the line
What to order: Al pastor super burrito; suiza quesadilla; lengua tacos
Insider tip: Bring cash and ask for extra grilled onions at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tough near Grant and Green, especially after 7pm; closest paid garage is at 735 Vallejo St (3-minute walk).
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, sneakers, and bar-hopping attire fit right in.
Noise level: Loud, especially after midnight with post-bar crowds and music from nearby venues.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, lines move quickly even late into the night.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though a short line forms around 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and quesadillas available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize bean burritos and tacos without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas available; avoid burritos wrapped in flour tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of romance is splitting a burrito after midnight—it’s casual, loud, and more fun than fancy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only with limited bar-style seating; expect to eat standing or take it to-go during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens who can handle the late-night bustle; no high chairs or dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Faster and more consistent late-night burritos than most Mission taquerias—ideal when you want flavor and speed after hours.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down meal, cocktails, or a quiet dinner setting—this is a grab-and-go legend, not a linger spot.
El Farolito (North Beach)
8.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Mission-born taqueria delivering hefty Mission-style burritos, tacos, and quesadillas at true late-night hours. Lines move quickly, tortillas griddled to order, and salsas bring real heat—exactly what Broadway-Grant crowds want after hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super al pastor burrito, Carne asada tacos, Quesadilla suiza
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Cash-friendly late-night burritos with speedy counter service.
Who should go: Night owls craving big, reliable burritos
When to visit: After midnight for shortest lines and fresh griddles
What to order: Super al pastor; carne asada tacos; quesadilla suiza
Insider tip: Ask for extra-crispy tortilla on burritos for better texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — limited on Broadway after 8pm, but metered spots sometimes open late near Grant or Columbus.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — hoodies, bar attire, or post-shift clothes all fine.
Noise level: Loud and lively — expect street noise and quick counter calls, not conversation seating.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes, but moves fast thanks to quick service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right up and order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, cheese quesadillas, and rice/bean plates available.
Vegan options: Limited — can customize burrito or tacos with beans, rice, and veggies (no lard in beans).
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are gluten-free, but shared prep surfaces may cause trace exposure.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — this is a quick-service taqueria built for post-bar hunger, not conversation. Better for casual hangs or late-night eats after a night out.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations. Counter-only service with a few seats; most people take food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? During the day, yes — simple menu and quick turnaround make it fine for families. Late night crowds can be adult and rowdy, so best avoided after 9pm with kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night speed and portion size — few spots in 94133 serve real burritos this late.
Skip if: You’re seeking a sit-down meal, cocktails, or quiet ambience — it’s strictly counter dining.
El Farolito (North Beach)
8.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
North Beach’s late-night taqueria turns out hefty Mission-style burritos and tacos until 2am, drawing bar-hoppers and service-industry regulars. Order moves fast at the counter, portions are generous, and the salsas bring real heat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super burrito al pastor, Carne asada tacos, Quesadilla suiza
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Open daily until 2am with crowd-pleasing burritos and tacos.
Who should go: Night owls craving big, reliable burritos
When to visit: After midnight to dodge early evening lines
What to order: Super al pastor; carne asada tacos; quesadilla suiza
Insider tip: Cash preferred—bring bills to move faster at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; most guests walk from Columbus Avenue or park in North Beach garages within 2–3 blocks.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and late-night attire all welcome.
Noise level: Loud and lively—expect crowd chatter, music, and order calls.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes between midnight and 1:30am; earlier evenings can hit 30+ minutes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 1pm; quick counter turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos or quesadillas available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask to omit cheese and sour cream; no dedicated vegan protein.
Gluten-free options: Limited—corn tortillas available, but shared grill and prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values authentic late-night energy and massive burritos over ambience; it’s more fun and flavorful than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it’s counter-service only. Grab a seat if available, but many eat standing or take to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal late-night; daytime visits are fine for older kids who can handle the bustle and spice.
Best For
Better for: Post-bar hunger, quick service, and unbeatable burrito size-to-price ratio.
Skip if: You want sit-down comfort, quiet dining, or margaritas—head to a full-service taqueria instead.