0 Followers
Taqueria El Buen Sabor
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Taqueria El Buen Sabor
8.0
Compact Valencia counter serving balanced Mission-style burritos with bright salsas. Kid-friendly seating and fast ticket times make it an easy family stop before neighborhood strolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Carne Asada Burrito, Pollo Asado Burrito, Al Pastor Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Bright, punchy salsas and tidy, fast builds.
Who should go: Parents with kids in tow
When to visit: Early evening before bar rush on Valencia
What to order: Super carne asada; pollo asado; al pastor tacos
Insider tip: Request extra pico for a fresher, brighter bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Valencia and adjacent side streets; spots turn over frequently before 6pm but get tight later at night.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, tees, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively counter chatter and music, but still easy to talk at your table.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak 7–8pm hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, quesadillas, and tacos are made fresh on request.
Vegan options: Limited — veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream works well; ask for extra pico and guac.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas available, but cross-contact possible in shared prep areas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date, but great for a casual meet-up or quick bite before exploring Valencia Street.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — counter-service only; seating is first-come and usually turns over fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — plenty of kid-appropriate options like quesadillas and mild tacos; highchairs limited but staff accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and brighter salsas than most Mission burrito counters; great for families on the go.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down dinner with drinks — head to Puerto Alegre instead.
Taqueria El Buen Sabor
7.7
Compact Valencia counter turning out straightforward Mission-style burritos with bright salsas and quick service. A dependable stop before shows or when you need a fast, filling wrap.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super carne asada burrito, Pollo asado burrito, Al pastor burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Speedy Valencia Street burritos with bright, punchy salsas.
Who should go: On-the-go diners near Valencia
When to visit: Early evening before the bar rush
What to order: Super carne asada; pollo asado; al pastor
Insider tip: Ask for extra pico if you like a fresher bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; spots on Valencia and 22nd can fill fast after 6pm but turnover is steady on side streets.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate buzz from counter traffic and takeout orders, but conversation stays possible at the small dine-in tables.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes at most, even during peak hours thanks to quick counter turnover.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food comes out within 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and cheese burritos are always available.
Vegan options: Limited—veggie burrito can be customized by skipping cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Tortillas contain gluten; tacos are a safer bet for those avoiding it.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates low-key Mission taqueria energy—fast, casual, and focused on flavor over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-up only with a few stools and standing counter space. Grab-and-go is the norm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals—simple menu and mild salsas work for families, but space is tight and there are no high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Faster and cheaper than trendier Mission burrito spots, with consistent flavor and no long lines.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down experience or specialty fillings like birria or mole—head to La Vaca Birria or Papalote instead.