0 Followers
El Burrito Express #1
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
El Burrito Express #1
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family-run Sunset standby serving Mission-style burritos, tacos, and plates since 1981. It’s the reliable, quick counter for generous portions and friendly prices right on Taraval.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Tacos, Chile Verde Plate
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Long-running neighborhood taqueria known for big, affordable burritos.
Who should go: Hungry burrito traditionalists on a budget
When to visit: Late afternoon to dodge dinner rush
What to order: Super carne asada; al pastor tacos; chile verde
Insider tip: Green salsa adds the right heat—ask for extra on the side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Taraval and side streets, though spots fill quickly near dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, shorts, and work clothes all common.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly takeout traffic and background kitchen sounds.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for takeout orders; seating usually open.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos or tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize burritos or tacos without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Limited—corn tortillas available but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both love casual taco spots—it's more about hearty portions than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only, with a few dine-in tables that turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—counter staff are friendly, portions are shareable, and there's room for strollers during off-hours.
Best For
Better for: Quick, satisfying burritos and tacos at low prices—ideal for takeout or casual family meals.
Skip if: You're looking for a sit-down experience with ambiance or craft cocktails.
El Burrito Express #1
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Sunset staple (since 1981) doing made-to-order Mexican classics with quick counter service. While famous for burritos, the tacos are reliable, generously filled, and priced for regulars on the Taraval corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada taco, Carnitas taco, Fish taco
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Long-running Taraval counter spot serving fast, affordable tacos.
Who should go: Budget-minded locals and students
When to visit: Late lunch before the dinner rush
What to order: Asada; carnitas; fish taco with extra salsa
Insider tip: Order ahead online during peak hours to skip the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Taraval; spots open up midday but get tight after 6pm near the L line.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are in jeans or hoodies; beachwear common on sunny days.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout traffic and quick eats so conversation is easy.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes at peak times; quick turnaround for takeout.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; orders move fast at the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese tacos are available and customizable.
Vegan options: Limited—veggie tacos can be made vegan by omitting cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard, but prep space is shared so not celiac-safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more of a casual grab-and-go joint than a sit-down atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. There are a few small dine-in tables that turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families with young kids; quick service, mild options, and casual seating make it easy for all ages.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling tacos at value pricing with consistent portions and friendly service.
Skip if: You’re looking for an elevated taco bar or craft cocktail setup—this is pure neighborhood convenience.
El Burrito Express #1
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Long-running Parkside counter spot (since 1981) known for generous Mission-style burritos with plenty of custom add-ins. Locals come for reliable value, fast service, and a build-it-your-way approach.
Must-Try Dishes:
El Norcal Burrito, Super Burrito (carnitas or pollo asado), California Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: 1981-born neighborhood stalwart serving customizable, hearty Mission-style burritos fast.
Who should go: Value seekers and classic Mission-burrito fans
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for steady pace and fresh turns
What to order: El Norcal; Super Burrito (carnitas); California Burrito
Insider tip: Ask for grilled tortillas and extra pico to balance richness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered and free street parking along Taraval and nearby side streets; usually available within a block except during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, or beachwear are all fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly takeout flow with occasional chatter from dine-in customers.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes max even at peak; orders move fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait—line moves continuously during lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—beans, rice, grilled veggies, and customizable no-meat burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—veggie burrito can be made vegan by skipping cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated prep area, but they can use corn tortillas upon request for tacos.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves no-frills local taquerias—it's more practical than romantic, best for casual hangs or shared post-beach meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system; seating is limited but turns over quickly since most customers take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families with younger kids; counter service is fast, and simple burrito/taco options suit picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more consistent portioning than most nearby burrito spots; strong value for under $12 meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for an atmospheric dine-in experience or craft margaritas—this is a grab-and-go local joint.
El Burrito Express #1
7.9
Straightforward Sunset taqueria known for hefty, no-nonsense burritos, tacos, and combo plates at family-friendly prices. Fast counter service and plenty of kid-approved options make it an easy weeknight stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super carne asada burrito, Carnitas tacos, Chicken quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Longstanding Taraval mainstay for generous burritos and quick, friendly service.
Who should go: Families craving reliable, budget burritos
When to visit: Early evening to avoid dinner rush
What to order: Super carne asada burrito, carnitas tacos, chicken quesadilla
Insider tip: Ask for salsa on the side to keep burritos from getting soggy on the ride home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Taraval Street and side streets; generally easy before 6pm but can fill during dinner hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, T-shirts, and post-beach wear all common.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations easy at smaller tables, mild kitchen chatter during rush hours.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes at peak times; quick turnover with counter service.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; orders ready within 5–7 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie burritos, quesadillas, and rice/bean plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available but kitchen not certified gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a quick, casual taqueria than a sit-down spot for atmosphere. Better suited for relaxed hangouts or post-beach meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—entirely walk-in counter service; tables turn quickly and are first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—very. Highchairs available, simple menu items like quesadillas and rice plates appeal to younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Speed, consistency, and family-friendly value—ideal for takeout or quick dinners.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, margaritas, or a sit-down dining experience; try a full-service Mexican restaurant instead.
El Burrito Express #1
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
Long-running Sunset taqueria (since 1981) turning out hefty Mission-style burritos, tacos, and plates at budget-friendly prices. A neighborhood standby for quick takeout with consistent portions and customizable fillings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas super burrito, Al pastor tacos, Pollo asado burrito
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-old Taraval burrito shop known for generous portions and price.
Who should go: Burrito fans on a budget
When to visit: Weeknights 6–8pm for shortest lines
What to order: Carnitas super burrito, al pastor tacos, pollo asado
Insider tip: Ask for light rice and extra salsa to balance richness.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Taraval and 19th Ave; can be tight during dinner rush but usually manageable within a block or two.
Dress code: Totally casual—come as you are in jeans, hoodies, or workwear.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly takeout traffic, so dine-in is generally quiet enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for takeout orders; seating available without wait.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, quick counter turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—beans, rice, and veggie burrito options are available with customizable fillings.
Vegan options: Limited—can build vegan burrito or taco if you skip cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partially—tacos and plates can be gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's more of a grab-and-go burrito joint with fluorescent lighting and counter seating. Better for casual hangs than romantic meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations needed. Limited dine-in tables usually free up quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and mild options like bean-and-cheese burritos make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling burritos at budget prices with decades of consistency and generous portions.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambience, margaritas, or table service—this is strictly a no-frills neighborhood taqueria.