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    El Farolito

    4.2 (5.8k reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 3:45 AM (Next day)

    El Farolito Photos

    Business Info

    EL FAROLITO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Divey
    Classy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - El Farolito

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    Interior
    Jed O.

    Late night meal in the Mission! Cash only establishment but absolutely worth the visit. With very filling servings and plenty of seating inside and outside, you'll have a great authentic experience of the Mission culture here. We got the asada super burrito which was very worth the cost and comes with both green and red salsa upon request! Service is decently fast but can be long at peak service times

    Veg burrito
    Jessica L.

    The food is fantastic!!!! The super quesadilla with refried beans instead of meat was awesome! Also the veggie burrito was insanely good! We loved the green salsa and the service was friendly and quick. It was clean to eat inside and causal. I really really loved this food!!!

    Al Pastor Tacos
    Dave B.

    Best al pastor tacos I've personally had. The burritos weren't the absolute best, but they were near the top of the list. The place could be a bit cleaner and I wouldn't take my family there after dark due to the environment outside the restaurant.

    Camilla M.

    Good portions and reasonable prices. I am not sure if the chef is always a bit unfriendly, but he definitely does not seem to enjoy any modifications to the dishes. Overall, it is a good spot for a quick and tasty burrito, and the tacos are great for kids, although the fish was a little salty.

    Carne Asada Taco
    Yasmeen E.

    I've heard good things about this place and decided to try it out before a concert. My husband and I ordered super burritos. I immediately noticed and appreciated that all the proteins are the same price. They only take cash but there's an ATM machine in the restaurant. I don't normally eat burritos but this hit! The burritos are massive too. Although better fresh, I enjoyed my leftovers the next day too. There's a few tables but mostly limited space. The line goes by quickly.

    The menu
    Rachel H.

    The surrounding area is incredibly sketchy, and you'll probably have to avoid a few questionable puddles outside or accidentally walk into a little scuffle. But when you actually make it to El Farolito in one piece, hopefully you'll find the food is worth it! (lol) The burrito is quite good, but it isn't perfect. The meat is quite flavorful (but it could potentially be more so), and the tortilla had a little too much give (even though they put it on the griddle). Maybe this is just a me thing, but there was a bit too much rice for my liking. Seemed like they were not too generous with the meat. Okay - but it was like $12 so the burrito is fine for the price. The food came out within 6-8 minutes. Make sure to bring cash!!!!!!!!!

    Cooking it up!
    Norman W.

    Just got back from San Diego where I had some great burritos and outstanding Mexican food. Came back home and stopped at El Farito, was quickly reminded that Northern California is the best California! I've had burritos from Seattle to Sacramento to Sayulita and this place is up there with anywhere I've been. There may be a line but trust, the service is quick. Standard taqueria ambiance with a lil SF funk on it, just how I like it. Shrimp and Carne Asada burrito is my go to but chile rellenos are also off the hook. I brought someone here that ordered chorizo tacos, they took a bite and immediately got up to order more to go lol. If the aliens came down and asked me for a burrito, this is where I'd take them. Theres a few locations but I like this one. 5/5 pull up and get your issue

    Super Carne Asada Burrito
    Wil L.

    El Farolito is always a solid choice. The asada is great quality, and all the fixings are fresh and come together really well in the burrito. Service is quick and the staff are friendly, which keeps things moving without feeling rushed. They've even got an enclosed back patio, which is a nice bonus if you want to sit down and eat. Pro tip--always ask for a side of the green and red sauce to pour over your burrito, it takes it to another level.

    This place is a reflection of being fire
    Juan V.

    Rice is important in San Francisco. Going to different restaurants in the city rice is a staple for many different dishes. The local cuisine in San Francisco rice plays a big part for many dishes. San Francisco is known for rice dishes and I couldn't have clay pot or sushi without rice. I can't have gumbo without rice or curry without rice . You also couldn't have Fan Tuan without rice , chicken adobo without rice and I definitely cannot have an official Mission Style Burrito without rice. To me it's an easy choice on what a Mission District style burrito should contain. When it comes to rice I was raised eating rice and beans in the Mission District. A burrito without rice is an overgrown taco or quesadilla without soul . A burrito without rice is like the San Francisco 49ers without ever having Rice ( Jerry Rice). There is a place which makes one of the best Mission Style Burrito with rice and lots of other delicious fresh ingredients. It's called El Farolito and it's on Mission street in the Mission District. On a Mission stroll back to my stomping grounds you will find one of the best value and tasting burritos in all San Francisco is El Farolito. You can buy Filet-O- Fish sandwiches with cheese at the 24th and Mission street McDonalds across the street and it will still be better and cheaper to go to El Farolito. I came here morning and after midnight and the burrito here stays consistent over decades. A Mission Style Burrito shouldn't have one thing for sure and it's lettuce. Going to El Farolito I like ordering the Al Pastor Super Burrito. You get hella fresh ingredients like guacamole, rice, meat, cheese, and sour cream on a sometimes flakey tortilla like some in SF. El Farolito wins my award for the most tasty burrito . Remember cash only in SF but they have an ATM inside. Mission Burrito "advice"it better have some and "rice" it's tasty and good value and "price" and you can add the green or red salsa to add some " spice" Go on a Mission street "stroll" and watch the burritos at El Farolito get a "hand roll" when it comes to the Mission style burrito I am a real "all pro "and a so-called Mission style burrito with no rice has no "soul"

    Torta
    Gladys E.

    We came here late on a Thursday night after being in the hospital for hour. We originally went to a different location that looked beyond sketchy! Casi nos moríamos por un burrito! Jajaj! So we left and ended up at their second or fist location, not sure which. This one was much better! The food was great. We enjoyed everything we had. The food tasted fresh. The service was good and they answered all our questions. I would have given 5 stars if the actual restaurant was a little cleaner, but honestly their food was sabrosa! I would go again if I was in SF.

    Tacos
    Robert C.

    Met some coworkers at this spot near the 24th St BART. The area is pretty dirty and grimy, but the food is good. Order at the counter inside and they bring it to you- we ate in the back patio which wasn't bad. Burritos and tacos are stuffed pretty full of meat. The salsa is tasty and spicy. Food comes out quickly. The prices are good. All in all, if you can stand the area, then it's worth the trip for their food.

    Philip W.

    El Farolito is my go-to spot when I'm on a mission. However, this time I was a bit disappointed because some of the meat was saltier than usual. Still, the shrimp tacos and chicken burritos were fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the line moves pretty quickly. I usually get them to go, but they do have seating. The ambiance is the best, but for satisfying burritos, I can't complain. If you're taking BART, it's near 24th Street and the BART station.

    They made sure I was able to carry it while my hands were full with my lil one
    Lily G.

    Was searching for a good burrito spot and had came accidentally this one I actually switched up and got myself a Birra Pizza you talking about delicious everything was to the T it was prompted service and I absolutely loved it hated that I bragged so much on it and went to take my daughter to get her a burrito and she was turned away because didn't have her meat of choice available.

    Quesadilla

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    El Farolito Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Farolito

    Is this vegan friendly? Are the rice and beans cooked with lard?

    This place is good for vegans.

    Is it cash only?

    Yes it is cash only

    Does El Farolito do catering?

    Yes, we've placed massive orders for pick up.

    What is the secret menu burrito?

    The heffa burrito. " the boss burrito" 2 meats with praws wrapped with 2 tortillas. Extra cheese inside and on top. This custom burrito is 25 bucks.

    Open for take out?

    Yes it's open for takeout

    So you serve chicken breast? Are tortillas homemade

    Shredded chicken is the Pollo option, none other. Tortillas are not handmade. -J-

    They open on Christmas?

    No. They are closed most major holidays.

    Do they make pollo asado (not shredded)?

    Yes they do, it is boiled chicken

    How much seating?

    It isnt very large, maybe a dozen tables

    Do they just change the owner? It looks like the staffs are different and the menu has slightly changed.

    No same guy

    Do they use lard in their beans?

    I hope so.

    Is it open christmas?

    Ah jitncrjsitnas

    Does this place take cards or is it cash only?

    They accept card now!

    Open on July fourth?

    Yes!

    How smelly is the place? I mean - do your clothes smell of taco after the visit? :)

    I mean... Is that a bad thing?

    View All 23 Questions

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    Olivier's Butchery

    4.7
    (276 reviews)
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    Olivier's Butchery is my spot for high-quality meats in San Francisco…read more The cuts are extensive here are and the meat is exceptional. Grass-fed options and dry-aged steaks stand out for their rich taste and are far superior to grocery store. They stock an impressive range, from beef and pork to poultry, and house-made sausages. Custom cuts and seasonal specials make it easy to find exactly what you need for grilling, roasting, or gourmet meals. The staff are knowledgeable pros who offer spot-on advice on prep, aging, and pairings without any upselling. They'll even break down a whole cuts to your specs on the spot, making every visit feel personalized and efficient.

    This is the fourth holiday season in a row I've gotten our prime rib roast from Olivier's, so I'm…read morelong overdue for a review. The quality is always on point (you get what you pay for) and the process is easy to preorder. The main thing to plan for is the long wait in line to pick up your preorder. In prior years, I've usually picked up on Christmas Eve and the wait can exceed 90 mins to 2 hours depending on when you arrive - this is the case even when you doorbust at opening time. This year, we picked up on the 23rd and arrived around opening time, and it only took 30 minutes. There are also very high quality pantry goods to peruse and purchase, including pasta, mustards, spices, tinned goods, etc. Onto the meat: I preordered late this year so got 21 day aged prime rib roast (would usually aim for 45+ days), but honestly it was hard to tell the difference. I ordered the roast pre seasoned, cradled and tied for ease and it was very high quality, easy to cook and delicious. Shoutout to the very friendly and hardworking staff at Olivier's - I see yall fighting for your lives trying to control that line every year (lol). Thank you for your service!

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    Olivier's Butchery
    Oliver's Butchery, get off the fence and check them out for yourself. They have a wonderful selection.

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    Oliver's Butchery, get off the fence and check them out for yourself. They have a wonderful selection.
    Brucato

    Brucato

    4.6
    (39 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Love this spot! A…read morefriend introduced me to this amazing distillery and restaurant. I had a flight of their amaros and loved them all, followed by some excellent cocktails that highlighted their products. Dinner menu is designed for sharing/family style. Everything was delicious and creative. We started with their crispy chicken skins, a bitter lettuce ceasar, octopus salad, and their duck confit with a surprising corn couscous. Our server was excellent, with full knowledge of their spirits and lots of guidance for tasting. Loved the bright comfortable dining room, with a bit of vintage flair.

    We were blown away by every bite and sip! First of all, the waitstaff were so kind to seat us in…read morethe back room when we arrived and couldn't easily squeeze into the main dining area with one of our party in a wheelchair. Very much appreciated that accommodation. Everything on the menu sounded delicious and tasted even better. There was a special with homemade focaccia, ricotta, pesto, and eggplant + tomato tapenade. I could have eaten a bowl of every ingredient individually, and together they were even better than the sum of the parts. We also had the curry chicken croquettes, citrus caesar, confit octopus, and gnocchi - all fantastic. And the drinks - next level. I had the Sam Fernando and it was dangerously drinkable, I had to order a second. My partner's Bird of Paradise bamboozled us with its clarified coconut milk - so wild to drink something CLEAR that tasted so much like a piña colada! Our other two party members had NA drinks that were also nuanced and delicious. I will very eagerly come back whenever I have the opportunity!

    Photos
    Distillery
    Distillery
    Brucato
    The fruitvale cocktail

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    The fruitvale cocktail
    Miller & Lux

    Miller & Lux

    4.2
    (485 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$$$

    Came with a group , we all enjoyed our meal, appetizers were mostly cold items (shell fish)…read more Someone was hoping for calamari or something cooked. Presentation on all meals were nice. Steaks were cooked perfectly service was good. Wasnt blown away by the meal but was very good. Would recommend

    The menu reads like a greatest hits of comfort food - steak, burger, truffle fries, mac & cheese…read more But there's a recurring theme here: a shocking fear of salt. Filet Mignon is Medium Rare Perfection... Beautiful pink center, warm red ring, crust that had a nice sear. The Bordelaise sauce was rich, slightly sweet, and had that deep red-wine reduction thing going on. But the steak itself had zero salt. The sauce tried its best, but a steak shouldn't need to be drowned to have flavor. M&L Burger. Juicy, But Also... Juicy? That's It. But again: no seasoning. The beef itself was bland. There was a bacon jam or sauce on it that added some smokiness, but when I took a bite without it (just to test), I was met with... nothing. Just wet, unseasoned meat. Parmesan Truffle Fries were legit, crispy, hot, tossed in enough parmesan and truffle. The portion was huge (feeds 2-3 easily). Black Truffle Mac & Cheese. First few bites? Creamy, luxurious, black truffle shavings. But by the fourth or fifth forkful, it got heavy. Missing acid. A little hit of something sour like lemon, would have saved it. Also, the pasta was overcooked. Peaches & Crème Tart was Aggressively sour. The peaches were fine, but the yuzu sauce underneath was so overwhelmingly acidic that it felt like a prank. My face scrunched up like I'd bitten into a live battery. The crème was there somewhere, but it got completely bulldozed. One bite was enough. I left the rest. My dentist would approve. If you do go, order the fries, bring your own salt grinder, and skip the tart unless you enjoy punishment. Service was great btw.

    Photos
    Such a fun bar to wait for your table.
    Such a fun bar to wait for your table.
    Amuse-bouches
    Amuse-bouches
    Brussels Sprouts, Mashed Potatoes, and Truffle Mac & Cheese..

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    Brussels Sprouts, Mashed Potatoes, and Truffle Mac & Cheese..

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