El Farolito

They have the best strawberry drinks.
And their cheesy super burrito is superb. Service is quick and friendly.
It satisfies my late night craving.
It is my to go place for mexican food

It’s okay not as good as guadaljizzles across the street. But each to their own. I mean I don’t always see a line at el farolitos but you know nothing can compete with guadaljizzles.

Let me start by saying that I’m not sure if I went on an off night or something was just not right tonight, this place was definitely not what I expected especially after reading the other reviews. I had a steak quesadilla and it was flavored less :(. The salsas also did not help definitely disappointed. Giving them two stars because we did enjoy the pineapple and strawberry water and that the restaurant was really clean and staff were friendly.

I have been there a few times with a friend who lives in SF. I do live in LA, so our thing out here is Mexican food. I know when it is good food or not really. I have been here twice and it is awesome I have to tell you. I had a Torta de Carne Asada as recovery food for the SF Marathon the last time I had some. My friend always goes here for Mexican food and she always says how awesome it is. I always want to tell people if they want to get away from the city core up in the Mission and Downtown and explore another neighborhood, to just come to the Excelsior and to come and eat there. I have to say that it is great.

There’s really nothing much to write… because it’s EL FAROLITO.
The BEST steak and cheese quesadillas and burritos. They’re open super late night which is awesome!!!
The workers are also friendly which is nice.

Let me just start this review by saying I’m personally not the biggest fan of Mexican food but this place blew my socks off! Definitely a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant.
I got a super burrito and I swear it was the best burrito I have ever had. The rice was soft and the meat was juicy. Everything worked really well together and nothing was so overpowering. And I also liked how they wrapped the burrito in foil so nothing would fall apart and it made it easy to cut in half.
In addition to the amazing food they also give you complimentary chips and salsa bar. The red salsa is actually really spicy gives everything a nice kick.
Only complaint is that the tables were a little small but over all ¹⁰⁄₁₀ would come back!

Perhaps nostalgia makes these burritos taste so great, but let’s review what makes El farolito one of the best spots in sf for taqueria food.
I’ve had probably 3 cows worth of carne asada in my life so far. El farolito does not give you burnt to a crisp, dry, sitting out for a while carne asada. It’s actually moist and chewy, cooked to order.
Parking is feasible for this location. Hint. Just north is a burger king parking lot if you go through this tiny driveway between buildings. The minimum wage employees couldn’t give two fucks if you park there. Street parking is usually plentiful around.
Super burritos are always a safe bet. Get half shrimp half carne asada. Why? It’s harder to meter out half portions so you usually get more. If you’re ordering a regular burrito, you’re un-​American, but it’s still good.
The tacos are just a bit pricy compared to locations in the mission, but the meats are good quality. Personally I love tacos de lengua.
Oh and don’t forget the salsa bar. And get a monster cup of horchata.

We just missed brunch by a few minutes after 2pm on a Saturday afternoon at the Doctor’s Lounge, and I was surprised to see an El Farolito this close by, so decided to eat here instead as I was a huge fan of the El Farolito just off the 24^th St Mission BART station. This place didn’t disappoint as it satisfied my hunger and food cravings. My friend got their Carne Asada super burrito, and I got their chicken super quesadilla. Both orders were huge and extra filling with extra guac and sour cream. It tasted just as delicious as I remembered. Prices still remained cheap, under $ 10 for the super portions and under $ 8 for the regular portion.

Ordered a few tacos. The carne asada and carnitas are good here.

One of my go to spots if you want some bomb ass Mexican food. Been coming here for years and has never disappointed me. There’s also another location on Grand ave in South San Francisco. I usually get the super burrito which is pretty dam fat and pretty cheap. And there chips are cracking! Haha The only draw back is parking. Since its on mission street which is a busy street parking can be tough.

It’s 2am. Just left the lounge and I feel like sh! t for mixing Hennessy and a Moscow Mule. Where else to go to fix the feeling?
Drunk and ready to sleep but all your friends wanna eat… Lol, the struggle is sooo real.
Anyways what else is to describe el farolito other than they’re open late and their food is ALWAYS BOMB.
Right now I’m at the gym as I’m writing about this… Cries*

How have I not written a review for this place sooner?
This is the only place that can satisfy my burrito phases/​cravings. I can’t describe what it is about this place, even though they give me whole beans instead of refried beans whenever I ask, the burrito is still THAT DAMN GOOD. Orders are made fairly fast, if not there are plenty of spots to sit and wait. Parking can be a hassle, depending on what time you go there.
My usual is the super shrimp and lengua burrito with everythaaang. Surf & Turf is the way to go! I feel extremely lucky that this place serves lengua too because it’s not always a common thing on menus and lengua is relatively more expensive than other meats. Although the hot sauce they put in the burrito is almost non-​existent, you can always take a few steps to your left and fill up the to go canisters with their infamous green sauce that packs a good punch. Bag of chips do come with your burrito order and I believe they are made in house.
I have ordered their tacos before but have had better elsewhere. Quesadillas are pretty packed full of cheese and the works depending on what you order.
The frescas are pretty good as well. Their strawberry one seems to be most popular, although packed full of sugar.
I don’t think I’ll ever like burritos anywhere else… El Farolito, you have stolen my gut and soul. I am faithfully. forever yours.
On a side note to the employees… please try to stop overcooking my shrimp though… just sayin.
P. S. — To the progressive house heads in the EDM scene, this spot is Kaskade approved. :)

Can’t believe there is a location within a mile of my house –game changer. Forget postmates, this changes how one satisfies after midnight cravings. The people are great, they are smaller so don’t move the line as fast as the location on 24^th and mission but it feels more local and homely here with enough tables for families to to sit down and have dinner. Anyways, my favorite burrito and $ 5 ceviche in town.
Ask for a foil bag and bring home lots of the sauce — I could seriously drink that sauce it’s so good.

my spot!
Best Al pastor anything.
I love the super Quesadilla suizas de Al pastor… (day dreaming)
That salsa chunky salsa roja they have is oh so good!

It’s either this place or In n out for me. Hands down. Let me know when you find another place that makes the meatiest cheesy quesadilla or fresh and filling combo plates. The meat… the salsa…(might have gotten a little spicier…) goodness. glad i found you.
Favs. Super steak quesadilla & Alambres– pork and steak but sometimes i get just the steak and it hits the spot.

There is nothing much more to explain, this place gets 5 stars for me. Best Super Carne Asada burrito I’ve ever had the pleasure to devour.
My favorite go to right now is the Alambres plate (extra meat). Pair that with multiple scoops of their house made green salsa and you’re in for a treat. Doesn’t help that this place is open super late, I’ve come here many a times past midnight to get my drunk grub on.

This was always my go-​to for late night Mexican. They’re open until 3am.
The line can get pretty long at night, but they make your food pretty quickly. I usually order a carne asada quesadilla suisa. The tortilla is toasted to perfection with a generous amount of meat! Huge portions with plenty to take home for next-​day leftovers. My friends always opt for burritos and enchiladas– I’m not really a big fan of either.
The employees are kinda creepy but who cares? They make a mean quesadilla (or burrito or enchiladas or tacos, for that matter). They’ll give you free chips too with a variety of different salsas.
Actually, any time of the day is perfect for El Farolito’s!
Street parking is only available, but it’s not too bad. The interior is a bit rundown, but it’s San Francisco. The best restaurants are the rundown or the hole-​in-​the-​walls.

If I had to choose one place to eat for the rest of my life, it would be here!
This is my go to place any time I need to feed the beast that is my belly. When I come in, I feel like I’m part of the family. Always greeted, the guy that usually stands at the register remembers me and my boyfriend. He let’s me practice my Espanol and restrains himself from bursting out laughing.
The food is always fresh, they cook it right in front of you. Since you can clearly see the food area, you never have to worry about spit in your food or having your food be picked off the floor. You may think I exaggerate, but let’s face it, if we learned anything from the movie «Waiting» or «Still Waiting…» We never know what is happening behind the closed doors of a restaurant. Some guy could have touched his sweaty balls and then continued to cook your food without the washing of hands. Or perhaps, you did something truly awful or perhaps your are just a crappy human being, dandruff and lugies could get on your food. Though, let’s face it, you probably deserve it. But still, you get the point (I hope), transparency is great!
Honestly though, the best food in town is right here! Fill that hunger hole with a side of Coca– Cola de Mexico and you’ll be in greasy heaven for the rest of your day!

My usual spot for laaaaaate night taco & burrito missions. The Carnitas and Pollo Asada are my go to options and the Carne Asada is on point as well. The lines can be long at times, especially after the bars in the area shout out for last call and the crowds spill onto Mission street. Regardless, the food will assist you in your ever lasting quest to sober up and then continue to party.
Make sure to get your Salsa Verde on as it’s one of the best options at the salsa bar. There are at least 6 options to satisfy your desires. This location is far less busy than the 24^th and Mission restaurant so let’s keep that on the down low… (just between us). Quesadilla’s are stuffed and also well worth the money.
Just do yourself, and the rest of the people in line behind you a huge favor… Please make sure you speak clearly and concisely, and tip the staff once your order has been placed, as they have probably already served enough people in their shift to be ready at the drop of a dime to let you know how they really feel about you stuttering and swaying side to side while trying to collect your thoughts and make a conscious decision on what you and your comrades asked you to order for them before you stepped in the door. Good luck!

This is the spot. Food is so on point!
My favorite meats to choose are carne asade and al pastor. I always get tacos with extra cilantro. There tacos are served on two corn tortillas, your meat of choice, cilantro, onion and hot sauce. They have other selections of tacos but the original is the best. It’s definitely a must try because it’s simple but flavorful.
I always come here and it never disappoints. Strawberry agua fresca is great to wash everything down.

No need to embellish the best burrito joint north of the border with a witty, lengthy review. Just go there around midnight with your drinking crew and say this:
«Que pasa primo? Un super burrito de carne asade con todo, y con ahuacate. Tambien dos tacos al pastor, con cebolla y cilanto, y un orden de alhambres con tortillas de harina. Y una fresa grande, por favor. Gracias primo»
Google Translate if you want, but just say that and you’ll see why I can never trust another burrito joint again.

It’s el farolito.