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El Buen Comer

3435 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
$$
Mexican, Cocktail Bars, Mexican

Master Critic Review

El Buen Comer 8.4
Bernal Heights
Homestyle Mexico City cooking—stews, braises, and handmade tortillas—served in a cozy, family-run room. Portions are generous and the menu rewards ordering a couple of cazuelas to share.
Must-Try Dishes: Pollo en mole rojo, Tinga de res cazuela, Sopes with house masa
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.9 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Scratch-made masa and slow-cooked guisados anchor the menu.
Who should go: Homesick DF comfort-food seekers
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for easiest seating
What to order: Mole rojo; tinga cazuela; sopes
Insider tip: Tortillas are pressed to order—ask for an extra stack for saucy dishes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Bernal Heights, especially after 6pm; allow time to circle or use nearby paid lots on Mission Street.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; jeans and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate – conversations are easy at most tables, though weekends can get lively.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple guisados, sopes, and enchiladas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – about 2–3 options like nopales and beans, but check with staff for preparation details.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are house-made and gluten-free, and many stews are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for a cozy, casual date than a formal one—warm atmosphere and shared cazuelas make it relaxed and intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weeknights. On weekends it’s safer to book ahead or arrive early around opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – family-run with a welcoming vibe. High chairs available and dishes like quesadillas and sopes are great for kids.
Best For
Better for: Homestyle Mexico City stews and tortillas made from scratch—perfect for comfort-food seekers.
Skip if: If you want a trendy cocktail program or a fast grab-and-go burrito, you’ll find better fits elsewhere.