There's a growing number of Yucatecan eateries in SF. The mission alone has a half dozen that I've been to. The Yucatán peninsula is very close to many Caribbean islands and also shares most of its border with Guatemala and Belize so there's a lot of Caribbean, Spanish and Mayan influence on its culture and food. Now normally you'd want to go to Yucatecan restaurants for food that's more unique to the region like Cochinita Pibil, Panuchos and Salbutes. This review is more about standard Mexican items though. I ordered Menudo, 2 Lengua tacos and a fresh orange juice for delivery. Menudo: 5/5 .. fresh pieces of honeycomb and blanket tripe and a right sized pata de res (foot with bone & gelatin) in a very flavorful and clearly long simmered broth. It's more red than usual perhaps because of the use of Achiote which is a red paste used primarily in the Yucatán. Interestingly it comes with chopped spring onions rather than chopped white onions which you normally expect / get. I thought it worked very well with the soup! Tacos: 4/5 .. the quality of the lengua was great but with street tacos each tortilla should have the right quantity of primary filling and essential garnish (cilantro, onions, salsa). The quantity of Lengua was at least double what it should be and there was an odd base of shredded cabbage. I feel like that is more appropriate in Baja with a fish taco. Anyway, they did send an excellent light Habanero salsa and I adjusted the amount of meat so all in all it was fine. Jugo Fresco de Natanhja: 5/5 .. very fresh OJ as good as it gets for $6.. would pay $10 at most juice places. Definitely planning to ltry the truly Yucatán dishes next time. read more

Castillito Yucateco - Killer Menudo! Comes with a side of chopped spring pinions. - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

For the price, the speed of service, and the surprisingly-fresh flavors, this is an unexpected five-star Yelp review. It was a random stock because we were hungry, but the dishes are flavorful and stuffing the tortillas with beens gives the panuchos a unique taste palate I really enjoyed. I'd definitely go back. read more

Castillito Yucateco - Panuchos - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Mission is known for its burritos. And while they are well and hearty - well and tasty - what have they really added to the culinary milieu other than blatant excess? The idea of wrapping a #1 Combination Plate into a bedspread of a flour tortilla is far out and groovy. But it's also stupid and monstrous. Although while I say this and also believe it, you can still find me at the counter in El Farolito placing an order for a Super Burrito. A human being is nothing if not a bundle of contradictions. No, the mission burrito is valid and certainly has proven itself the conquistador of the burrito landscape. It is a valuable moiety of the Mission District food melange. Another important piece to this microcosm is the proliferation of Yucatecan restaurants. Of all of them, I find the cooking at Castillo Yucateco to be the most skillful. It's doubly impressive the way they turn out pre-Columbian Mayan dishes while also serving more general Mexican dishes and even pancakes and french toast. What in the world are they thinking? You want to go here for the Yucatecan dishes. You want to pound the papadzules. These are similar to enchiladas, but the tortilla used to roll up the chicken and boiled egg is thicker and called a pim in the Mayan parlance. The papadzules are inundated in a sauce of pepita (gourd seed) and epazote (herb). It's a dish that's earthy. You also want to try the recado negro. Chiles are roasted to the point of total pyrolization: burnt to a crisp. They are then blended with epazote, and serve as the foundation for the sauce. What goes in the sauce are like course meatballs of chicken and egg. It's a very boiled egg friendly environment. This is a good time to acknowledge that in a perfect world, Castillo Yucateco would sub out its chicken for either turkey or Muscovy duck. These latter too are indigenous Mexican fowl and the old school Mayan papadzules could not have been stuffed with chicken because they did not exist in that society. And, concerning the bottom line, turkey and duck have much more flavor. But, alas, it's a flawed world we live in. Chicken will have to do. You may want an appetizer. You will want to skip the salbutes. "Salbutes" is another way of saying "tostada." You might argue with me and say something like "hey, I like tostadas!" Then order the salbutes. But I don't think you braved a trip into the Mission, replete with bridge traffic, BART inconveniences, and human excrement on sidewalks all for an order of tostadas you could have had anywhere. For antojitos, get the panuchos. They're these disks stuffed with white beans and meat and then fried. The dough must use some kind of grain middlings because it is the crispest, cracklingest, cruchiest dough wrapper I have ever encountered. The tamales are pretty good too. Splash everything with habanero salsa and pray the torrid heat won't kill you. read more

They have an idea of ​​what the food is, but I definitely don't know where the flavor went. The only good thing was the water, because the chicken has color, but not flavor. The meat is bland. They should find someone to season the food. The meat is very refrigerated, since the tortilla is good. The only thing that doesn't have flavor is the meat! Much room for improvement! read more

Castillito Yucateco - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

I've eaten here many times over the years and the food is consistently good. The menu features a lot of yucatecan dishes that make it stand out from other Mexican places. Don't sleep on the soup menu like the Relleno Negro de Pollo and the Pipian. Their Poc Chuc is also perfectly charred and delicious. Love those little red pickled onions on the side. The fresh tortillas are great with everything. It's usually locals and sometimes families there. People definitely come to hang with friends over a michelada, but it looks like they recently got a full bar, too. The service is friendly, though a little slow. The food has gotten more expensive (the platillos are all $19.99 as of today), but portions are big; everything is expensive everywhere so it's hard to fault them for that. It's still worth going back (again). read more

The best yucatecan in town hands down. And I am a born and raised yucatecan. Try pic chuc, pollo pibil , tamales or salutes

This is the best traditional food from Yucatán is SAN FRANCISCO! Probably the best of USA

I can't believe I've never tried this place before. I walk by it often, but never stopped in. This family-owned restaurant was recommended to me by a friend who told me to order the panuchos. They were so delicious: piled with grilled meat and served on a fresh corn tortilla with onions, green peppers and avocado. Even the rice was cooked with flavor. We over-ordered and also got the enchiladas yucatecas and poc chuc. I will absolutely go back for the enchiladas--the black sauce on top and the cheese and chicken were all cooked so well together. My partner really liked the horchata, too! The place was bustling with a good local energy. The waitstaff were super kind and helpful. read more

Castillito Yucateco - Enchiladas yucatecas - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

The food is tasty and definitely made by folks who know how Yucatecan style comida should be made. The tamales here take me back home (to the Yucatán) and the ambiance is lovely, should you decide dine in. Indeed, Spanish is the language spoken here so please don't presume that the shortness of response in English in indicative of the vibe and nature of the employees there. :) read more

As I like to say, we are Caucasian but we ain't WHITE. First thing the waitress did was ask I I speak any Spanish because she didn't speak English. I can get by, which was enough. She was somewhat overwhelmed at first, too. It took a while but we got there. We were in no hurry. Nice place, nice food, not anything like your usual Mexican plates. Never had Poc Chuc before and it was excellent. Guacamole was fresh made for us. Good margaritas if a little tame for $12. Good salsa. Lots of locals having Micheladas. We don't go to the Mission often but we'll be back. Interesting, widely varied menu. We liked it. read more

Yummy and unique Mex-Mayan cuisine! The menu is full of surprises and interesting dishes that I've never seen on the standard Mexican food menu before. Here they integrate ingredients like hard-boiled eggs, pumpkin seeds, and a black sauce to a variety of their entrées. I wanted to sample them all! The restaurant is open early enough for folks to grab breakfast /brunch. So if you happen to be wandering the streets looking for a place to eat, this is a great option. Tried their black sauce enchiladas plate (~$16) which comes with rice, salad, avocado, and bean soup along with 3 filling enchiladas stuffed with chicken and smothered in a savory black sauce + cheese. Very tasty and satisfying! Perfect to split between 2 people. The lady helping us was kind enough to give a warning beforehand that some folks find the black sauce a but spicy. I was hesitant whether or not to order, so she offered to get me a small sample of the sauce from the kitchens. By itself, the black sauce starts off slightly sweet and savory... But once it hit the back of your throat there's a slight kick that does go away over time though (versus a persistent building spice that's painful). However, when mixed with food, I didn't feel that spicy kick at all. I'd highly recommend trying out a dish with this sauce :) read more

Castillito Yucateco - Black chicken enchiladas plate (~$16). - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

The best Mexican food from Yucatán .100 % recommended. Love it ! Service is excellent

2024 review. They charged me incorrectly and the food was cold. The entres are a bit over priced - about $20 per plate

THE best! i am from Yucatan and this is my favorite spot to go for authentic yucatecan food. my faves are: Poc Chu Pollo Pibil Salbut Panucho and Sopa de Lima! everything is good though!... maybe the fried food is slightly dry like the empanadas and the kibis. read more

This is a hidden gem! Such good panuchos and ceviche. This is the place I go when its late and want a good meal when no other places are open. Great service and comfy dining ambiance! This place made me appreciate platos yucatecos! read more

Want a cheap but hearty breakfast in the Mission? Go to Castillito Yucateco. Their breakfast portions are large and only cost from $9 to $12. This restaurant is long and thin, with the thin side facing the street. There is never a problem finding a seat. PRO-TIP: Order the breakfast waffles with fruit. You get two - yes two - 7-inch waffles that are topped with blueberries, strawberries, and bananas. Then they add a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a dollop of whip cream. All that... just $9. The service here is good. They are able to answer any and all questions you may have about the menu. Its not a date spot, but a great place for a casual meal in the heart of the Mission. read more

Castillito Yucateco - lots of seating - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Nice little place in a loud part of SFO Mission St. Inside a nice batch of people for casual dining and drinking , the food however is not casual it's quite elevated flavors of Yukatan. Loved the appetizer Panicho, great flavor if you like tortillas and beans as it's a nice mix of tortillas beans and your choice of meat The plate that caught my attention and tasted awesome was the pollo Pibil. read more

Castillito Yucateco - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

This place doesn't deserve my time to review further than a single start and it doesn't deserve your money either go somewhere where else you will get sick and frustrated I can resume this review in two frases mediocre service The most horrible disgusting food I've tried. read more

This restaurant has not change there ways Still carting ice for their beverages With no cover to protect from germs and dirt Accumulating. The employee carts this ice for half a block. Do not eat here read more

See all

As a yucatecan, this is my favorite restaurant in the Bay Area. I love this place, the food is really amazing. My favorite dishes are the poc chuc and tamales ! If you want something really good, with big portions this is the place. And unlike Taco Bell, it won't give you stomach ache the next day read more

AMAZING DELICIOUS AUTHENTIC FOOD! Definitely a spot for those who want some OG food as this spot has indigenous dishes not found in most typical taquerias. Highly recommend the poc-Chuc and the black enchiladas. Great quality food, great serving sizes, and friendly staff. Sometimes the wait is a little long, but it's completely worth it every time. read more

Castillito Yucateco - Poc-chuc served with tortillas on the side; LOVED IT (that's a chicken empanada in the corner ordered separately) - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Had some food here. It was delicious. Highly recommend. It had great selection of deserts and regular food.

Very good food love the cochinita the relleno negro bad was no dessert I always coming back read more

See all

They said La Mission has the best burritos in town, we give this place 5 Stars, the California Burrito and the "huevos con nopales " were the Best !! Quesadilla yucateca delicious !!! read more

Best brunch in the Mission! We got the eggs with Chaya leaves and the centroamerican breakfast. Both were delicious. Típico Yucateco plate has a nice variety for more adventurous eaters. Worth the wait time between ordering and getting the food. A hidden gem. read more

Castillito Yucateco - Huevos con chaya - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such amazing panuchos and the service is very amazing and quick! Over all food is very good!!

My friend brought me here to show me what a panucho is and I am so glad I had some. It's so amazing. The taste of the beans in the fried tortilla is so good. I could probably eat a hundred of the tortilla alone. read more

Castillito Yucateco - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

One of the best Yucatán foods in the Bay Area! I love their enchiladas, very flavorful! They make their tamales using banana leaf.. (I'm used to the corn but theirs is different!) I highly recommend! read more

If I could give them a 3.5/5 I would. This was my first time at Castillito Yucateco and my first time dining at an exclusively Yucatan cuisine restaurant. I had heard that the food was good and I should try it because it wasn't like the typical Mexican food we know here in the states. We ordered the Tipico Yucateco plate and a shrimp cocktail to share. I figured the sampler plate would give us a good idea of that the Yucatecan food is all about. The Plate is HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE and comes with two of everything. It has tamales (chicken and vegetarian), taquitos, empanadas, tostadas. All the items were tasty and I loved the tomato sauce that came with the items. As you try the various appetizers, you quickly spot a pattern. The items are all corn based, and fried, except for the tamale. The toppings are pretty much the same too. There is chicken and some pickled onions and pickled jalapenos and the tomato sauce. I wish the sampler plate included more variety so you can get a better idea of the traditional cuisine. One plus is that even though most of the items are fried, there is a delicate quality to them and they are not overly greasy. The cocktail was good as well. It had great flavor. The texture of the octopus was a little too tough for my liking but the shrimp was good. The service was fine and the place looks clean. The total for the two dishes plus a tamarindo was $38.00. I will definitely be back to try some different items like the fried fish. I don't recommend the tipico yucateco unless you have a big group with you. Hopefully my next visit will be better and I'll be able to give them a higher rating. read more

See all

Castillito Yucateco is an inconspicuous little dive in the Mission where the tables are almost always full, the music is almost always a little too loud, and the food is consistently delicious. Yucatecan cuisine has recently captured my heart and Castillito Yucateco has just the cure for my cravings. The panuchos are amazing; decadent but made with quality ingredients and only fried just enough to give them a nice, crisp texture. The empanada would be perfect if I was ever in the mood for dessert (albeit a savory one). I haven't been able to make it past the panuchos, tacos, salbutes, and tamales to get to the main courses but, given that the tacos can be made with meat from those bigger plates, I'm sure they're just as good. read more

The service is terrible , we ordered 2 things a tamales and some french toast and it took more than an hour to serve it , I had never waited son long is not recommended read more

Nice little hidden gem in the Mission. I was referred to it by someone else who lives in the Mission. Food was great. I got the Menudo which was good, though I personally won't order it again (not a huge fan of Menudo but wanted to try it here). My GF got the Enchiladas and thought they were great with big portions for the price. I also got a pork empanada which was A1. read more

Castillito Yucateco - The Menudo - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

See all

Great food! Ordered breakfast here and the price was good, plus they included a few extras (like plantains!) Would definitely recommend (could be spicier tho ;) read more

I adore this place. I love the fried plantains and cream breakfast, and i love the tzik - light fresh spices with pork. Most of the people in this restaurant are looking for some home cooking away from home, which shows how legit this place is. read more

Great quality food - can definitely see why this is trending nowadays in San Francisco. I liked pretty much everything I tried. You can taste the love in the food and the spices and sauces were all interesting and different from what you might be used to. Could use some of this cuisine to make it's way over to Tampa. read more

Popular restaurants/cafes in a great location at 16th and Mission. One of only a few sit down places in SF that prepares tamales and empanadas. I tried one of each and found them a little too dry with too much dough. Nevertheless, I will return to see whether that experience was common or unc read more

My parents are from Yucatan. I was born and raised in LA, recently moved to SF. Growing up in a home where traditional plates are always cooked, lets just say this feels like home! read more

First time here. I brought my grandmother in her wheelchair and they accommodated us quickly. Service wasn't too bad, but could be better. We ordered coffee and they brought us chips and salsas and the salsas are awesome! I ordered the Tzic, which is shredded beef over a bed of a cabbage and radish salad plus liquified beans. My grandmother ordered the pork and black beans soup and it came with salad and rice. The meal also came with handmade corn tortillas. It was all delicious! Will definitely return again and again! read more

Got the appetizer plate. A lot of food for two people! And a great sampler of the foods here. Would come back to try they caldo negra. The black Mayan sauce had a delicious unique earthy flavoring. read more

We ate here on Sunday after church. Sat ourselves. Muisc, tables and decor were decent for a whole in the wall restaurant. Waitress/Hostess was fast and attentive throughout the meal. Three of us shared The Tipico Yucateco (I think it was called) a combo of tamale, salbutes,tostadas, empanadas and cositos. We also had an order of fried plantains with black beans. Everything was good a well priced. We are from Yucatán and recently were there for 3 weeks last December. Needless to say we know authentic food and good food from Yucatan and this was. The parking on the street may be a bit challenging with a busy mission neighborhood but the food was worth it. read more