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El Farolito
Master Critic Reviews (9 Lists)
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.
El Farolito
8.5
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Excelsior outpost of the Mission classic delivering hefty, saucy super burritos with charry al pastor and grilled steak. Lines move quickly and the value-to-size ratio is strong, especially late.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor super burrito, Carne asada super burrito, Shrimp super burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Classic Mission-style super burritos with late-night hours.
Who should go: Night owls and post-shift crews
When to visit: Late night weekdays to avoid weekend rushes
What to order: Al pastor super; steak super; shrimp super
Insider tip: Cash moves fastest; have small bills during peak times.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—tight during peak late-night hours; easiest near Geneva Avenue side streets before 9pm.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; workwear and hoodies fit right in.
Noise level: Lively with constant kitchen clatter and music, but still fine for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during late-night rushes after 11pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk right up and order.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—solid options like veggie burritos and quesadillas with guacamole or grilled veggies.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Tortillas are not gluten-free; only partial accommodations available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves burritos and doesn’t mind a loud, no-frills vibe—more fun than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter-service only. Grab a stool or eat standing; no reservations accepted.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for quick family meals earlier in the evening, but gets crowded and noisy late at night.
Best For
Better for: Bigger burritos and faster late-night service than most Mission-style competitors in the south of the city.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down experience, cocktails, or quiet ambiance—this is grab-and-go energy.
El Farolito
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
No-frills taqueria known for hefty Mission-style burritos, late hours, and fast counter service. Families lean on the reliable pace and straightforward menu when everyone wants something different.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Super Burrito (dorado), Super Quesadilla Suiza, Carne Asada Tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Classic Mission-style burritos with speedy, late-night service.
Who should go: Families wanting fast, filling burritos
When to visit: Early evenings before peak or late-night
What to order: Al pastor burrito; suiza quesadilla; carne asada tacos
Insider tip: Ask for dorado style for a crisped burrito shell.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Mission Street and surrounding residential blocks; metered spots fill up fast on weekends.
Dress code: Totally casual—jeans, hoodies, and workwear are all common; no dress code enforced.
Noise level: Lively and bustling, especially during lunch and late-night hours—expect to raise your voice a bit.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; late-night crowds can double that wait.
Weekday lunch: Usually quick; 5–10 minutes at most for counter orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie burritos available; can customize most orders.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream; no dedicated vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; corn tortillas are gluten-free but cross-contact likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values flavor over atmosphere—bright lights, fast service, and crowded tables make it more about burritos than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service only, so you’ll just need to wait for an open spot or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families frequent it for quick, familiar food; no high chairs, but portions are easy to split and service is fast.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burrito cravings, quick family meals, and reliable portions under $15.
Skip if: You’re after a quiet sit-down meal or dietary accommodations beyond basic vegetarian options.
El Farolito
8.5
Cash-only, no-frills taqueria turning out hefty Mission-style burritos and tacos well past midnight. Lines move fast and portions run large, making it a reliable late stop after games or gigs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor burrito (dorado), Suiza quesadilla, Carne asada tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Late-night Mission-style staples with quick, efficient counter service.
Who should go: Night owls craving big burritos fast
When to visit: After 10pm to avoid peak dinner lines
What to order: Al pastor burrito, suiza quesadilla, carne asada tacos
Insider tip: Ask for it dorado for a crisp-seared tortilla.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited after 7pm, but nearby residential spots open up past 11pm.
Dress code: Casual — hoodies, jeans, and late-night comfort wear are the norm.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with constant order calls and music, quieter after midnight.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes in line; moves quickly once ordered.
Weekday lunch: Usually no line, immediate service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, quesadillas, and tacos available on request.
Vegan options: Limited — veggie burrito without cheese or crema works; no dedicated vegan prep area.
Gluten-free options: No — tortillas and prep surfaces contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values great food over ambiance — it’s fluorescent lighting, loud, and purely about the burritos.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but seating is first-come and limited; most eat quickly or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for small kids late at night — counter seating and standing space only. Better for older teens or quick takeout.
Best For
Better for: Massive, flavor-packed burritos served fast after midnight — no other local spot stays this consistent that late.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining, table service, or alcohol; nearby sit-down Mexican spots fit that bill better.
El Farolito
8.5
Cash-only taqueria turning out late-night tacos with fast, efficient counter service. Locals lean on the al pastor and carne asada, plus a crisp ‘dorado’ finish on request.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Dorado-style suiza quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Late-night Mission Street standby known for quick, satisfying tacos.
Who should go: Night owls craving fast tacos
When to visit: After 10pm to skip dinner rush
What to order: Al pastor tacos; carne asada; dorado suiza
Insider tip: Ask for tacos ‘dorado’ for a crisp-seared tortilla.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; can be tight after 9pm but usually opens up by midnight.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and late-night comfort wear fit right in.
Noise level: Lively and bustling with kitchen sizzle and music; expect a quick-service taqueria vibe, not quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes in line, often spilling onto the sidewalk between 9–11pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or 5 minutes at most before the counter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie tacos are available, but no dedicated prep zone.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize veggie tacos without cheese or crema, but shared grill surfaces.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas are gluten-free, but cross-contact with flour tortillas is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves authentic street-style tacos and doesn’t mind eating standing up—great for casual food runs, not romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, all first-come counter seating; most people eat quickly or take it to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids comfortable in a busy, late-night environment; no high chairs or kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Late-night speed, value, and classic Mission-style al pastor flavor that beats pricier sit-down taquerias.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet ambiance, table service, or extensive vegan options—this is about speed, spice, and satisfaction.
El Farolito
8.6
Excelsior outpost of the local favorite serving generous, rice-less Mission-style burritos and tacos late into the night. Lines move quickly and portions stay consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super burrito dorado (al pastor or carne asada), Quesadilla suiza, Adobada tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Big, rice-less burritos with a crisp dorado finish served late.
Who should go: Night-owl burrito devotees
When to visit: 10pm–12am for fastest counter turnaround
What to order: Al pastor dorado, suiza quesadilla, carne asada tacos
Insider tip: Cash moves faster; ask for dorado for a crisp tortilla sear.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; typically available within 1–2 blocks after 9pm.
Dress code: Casual; locals come in hoodies and jeans—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; expect a constant hum of orders and chatter but manageable for casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on burrito rush hours; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or less than 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple options like veggie burritos, quesadillas, and cheese enchiladas.
Vegan options: Limited – can customize veggie burrito without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partially – corn tortillas available, but shared griddle use means cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates classic SF burrito culture—it’s bright, crowded, and casual, better for shared late-night comfort food than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; it’s counter-service only. Grab a spot if one opens, or plan to take your order to-go—turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle a bustling taqueria; limited seating and high pace make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night, generous burritos with quick turnaround and authentic Mission-style flavor.
Skip if: You want a quiet, sit-down Mexican restaurant or need guaranteed gluten-free prep.
El Farolito
8.6
Excelsior outpost of the SF favorite turning out griddle-seared tacos late into the night. Portions are generous, lines move fast, and the al pastor stays the draw.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos (dorado finish), Carne asada tacos, Super taco al pastor
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Crisp-seared tacos and late-night hours with rapid counter flow.
Who should go: Night-owl taco loyalists and burrito devotees
When to visit: 10pm–12:30am for shortest lines and fresh griddle
What to order: Al pastor dorado; carne asada; super taco
Insider tip: Ask for “dorado” to get a crisp tortilla sear.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks; easier after 9pm but can fill up around closing.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; late-night crowd skews relaxed and informal.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — music and order calls mix with the crowd, still possible to chat at close range.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes depending on line length; faster after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, but expect a short line during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — bean and cheese tacos or burritos available, plus veggie options by request.
Vegan options: Minimal — can request no cheese or sour cream, but grill and prep are shared.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, but cross-contact on the griddle is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves authentic tacos and doesn’t mind counter seating or a bustling, casual vibe. Great for a spontaneous late-night stop, less so for conversation-heavy evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s all counter service with first-come seating. Expect to eat quickly or take it to go during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for daytime visits; families come early for quick meals. Late-night hours draw more of a crowd scene, so earlier is better for kids.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco cravings, fast counter flow, and crisp-seared al pastor tacos unmatched in 94112.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet dining, extensive vegetarian or vegan options, or table service.
El Farolito
8.3
Beloved Excelsior taqueria known for meaty, griddled street-style tacos and late-night hours. Lines move fast and portions are generous, making it a reliable stop for after-work taco runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos with pineapple, Carne asada tacos, Suadero tacos
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Late hours and griddle-seared tacos with classic salsas.
Who should go: After-work and late-night taco seekers
When to visit: Late afternoon or late night to avoid peak rush
What to order: Al pastor, carne asada, suadero
Insider tip: Ask for extra crispy on the tortilla for better texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks, but it can be tight after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are, jeans, hoodies, and work gear all fine.
Noise level: Lively and bustling, with constant kitchen sounds and conversation — not ideal for quiet chats but fine for casual hangs.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical at peak; lines move quickly with counter service.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 1pm; short line mid-afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, burritos, and quesadillas available on request.
Vegan options: Limited — can customize veggie tacos without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact likely on shared surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates authentic street tacos and a casual vibe — it’s more about flavor than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-serve. Most guests take food to go or eat quickly at shared tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals — simple menu, fast service, and lively setting; just expect limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs, authentic griddled meats, and quick counter service with unbeatable value.
Skip if: You’re seeking sit-down dining, cocktails, or a quiet, polished setting — this is pure street taco energy.
El Farolito
8.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Beloved Mission-born taqueria’s Excelsior outpost known for hefty super burritos, late-night hours, and fast-moving lines. Expect griddled tortillas, well-seasoned meats, and consistent execution that keeps locals returning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Burrito al Pastor, Carne Asada Quesadilla, Chile Verde Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Late-night, griddle-driven burritos with dialed-in fillings.
Who should go: Burrito loyalists and night owls
When to visit: Early evening or very late to avoid peak lines
What to order: Al pastor super burrito; carne asada quesadilla; cabeza taco
Insider tip: Ask for a light toast on the tortilla for extra texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Mission Street but generally available a few blocks away on Geneva or surrounding residential streets. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Totally casual — come as you are. Most guests are in jeans, hoodies, or workwear.
Noise level: High energy, especially late at night with steady music and kitchen sounds; not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect 20–30 minutes in line after 8pm, longer on Fridays and Saturdays.
Weekday lunch: Usually 5–10 minutes, even during rush hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean, cheese, and veggie burritos and tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited — can request no cheese or sour cream, but cross-contact likely.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but shared surfaces are used.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates no-frills, late-night taqueria energy. It’s more about flavor than atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s first-come, first-served counter service. Tables turn over quickly, but expect to hover during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for daytime visits; casual seating and simple food. Late-night crowds make it less suited for young children.
Best For
Better for: Burritos and tacos after hours — no one in the city matches the combination of size, flavor, and speed at this price point.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal or craft cocktail — this is about fast, flavorful street-style Mexican, not ambience.