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ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Burritos in the Excelsior
Best Family Friendly Mexican in the Excelsior
Best Late Night Mexican in the Excelsior
Best Late Night Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Cheap Eats Mexican in the Excelsior
Best Cheap Eats Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Happy Hour Tacos in the Excelsior
Best Mexican in the Excelsior
Master Critic Review
El Farolito
8.6
Late-night institution serving griddled tacos with deeply seasoned meats and a no-frills counter setup. Lines move quickly and portions are generous, making it a reliable stop after games or shows.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada (al pastor) tacos, Carne asada tacos, Super quesabirria taco (weekend special)
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Open very late with fast-moving lines and dialed-in taco meats.
Who should go: Night owls and taco traditionalists
When to visit: Post-9pm for shorter lines and fresh griddle
What to order: Adobada taco; carne asada taco; lengua if available
Insider tip: Cash rules the pace—bring bills for fastest service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and side streets; can be tight after 8pm on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and late-night comfort wear are the norm.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours; expect sizzling griddles, music, and chatter—minimal conversation indoors.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during late-night rush; faster if you order to-go.
Weekday lunch: No wait—service is near-instant for walk-ups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos are available but cross-cooked on shared griddles.
Vegan options: Very limited—request veggie tacos without cheese or crema, but expect shared prep surfaces.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—corn tortillas are standard, but potential cross-contact with flour tortillas on the grill.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves no-frills taco counters and late-night street energy. It’s authentic, fast, and loud—not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations or formal tables—just a few counter seats. Most guests eat standing or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? During the day, yes—quick service and mild options for kids. Late at night, the crowd skews older and livelier.
Best For
Better for: Authentic, griddled street-style tacos served late into the night—faster and more flavorful than nearby chains.
Skip if: You want a sit-down dining experience, cocktails, or quieter atmosphere—opt for a taqueria with table service instead.
Hours
Monday10am - 2:45am
Tuesday10am - 2:45am
Wednesday10am - 2:45am
Thursday10am - 2:45am
Friday10am - 3:45am
Saturday10am - 3:45am
Sunday10am - 2:45am