Being a native Bay Area person, I always heard about the burrito wars in San Francisco's Mission District. Over the years I've found myself drawn to the other contender in the Mission way more than El Farolito, so I decided it was time to head back to try this legendary burrito shop. Getting to this location is super simple as we took BART and got off at the 24th Street Mission BART station and from there it's a very short walk of less than a block to get to El Farolito. Walking into the shop one is just slapped in the face with the beautiful smells of the carne asada cooking on the grill right by the door-it's wonderful. It's a modest place that you can definitely tell was built many years ago,so no overly modern amenities-this place cares about the food, not the ambiance. We ended up going with a couple of super burritos of Carne Asada ($11.25) & a regular burrito of Al Pastor($10.25) & also added two tacos one with Al Pastor and one with Carne Asada($4.75) They had beers at $4.75-so we grabbed a couple of Modelos. First the tacos-they were just ok,the tacos were crunchy and I don't know kind of gave Taco Bell vibes. Burritos though-that's a whole different animal. The burrito was so well made from the chew of the tortilla to the seasoning of the carne asada to the perfect balance and mix of all the other ingredients.I judge a burrito harshly if the mix isn't right and you don't get every ingredient in every bite and the mix at El Farolito was flawless. The price point was pretty impressive as well. In closing, El Farolito has always been in the mix as one of the top burrito spots in the Mission, and I can say with confidence that it's in my Top 2 in San Francisco currently. It's an incredible burrito and a true "must-visit" spot when visiting San Francisco. P.S. Just a slight heads up when visiting , it's not the safest neighborhood in the world, so just keep your head up when visiting-this is a place one visits for the food experience not the ambiance. read more

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I called ahead to place my order because I saw the line was massive and figured calling in advance would save me some time. After waiting about 30 minutes, I assumed my order would be ready when I arrived. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. They don't actually prepare the order ahead of time you still have to wait in the long line, then pay and apparently have the order made afterward. Honestly, what is the point of calling ahead if you're still required to stand in the same line and wait? I understand that they may be busy, but the whole purpose of calling ahead should be to make the process quicker and more convenient. The food may be good, but the ordering process was frustrating and completely defeated the purpose of calling ahead. Two stars from me based on the experience. read more

The super burritos here were fantastic. We all ordered carne asada burritos, and even our kiddos completely devoured them instantly. Even my picky eater, who wouldn't normally choose anything but meat and cheese, ate his as they come. The line here was long, but moved surprisingly fast, and our orders were still good and hot when we got back to our hotel. Street parking is a beast, just like anywhere else in this city. If I was looking to pack on several pounds, I'd eat here every day. read more

I am stunned by the value and quality as prices are driven up everywhere else for meager offerings lol. They are cash only! They do have an ATM inside if you need to withdraw cash. The restaurant is located right outside 24th St Mission BART station, and there is almost always a line out the door. Goes by fast though! There are additional benches outside in a small courtyard, so don't be deterred by the narrow space inside. A small detail I liked was the sink was outside the bathroom so I didn't have to wait in the bathroom line just to wash my hands :P I truly underestimated how much they will stuff in one taco ($4.75) and one super burrito ($11.25). Like truly, oh my gosh. I was full off two tacos, to give you some perspective. I saved my other two tacos and burrito to share with my parents, and all 3 of us were full. Off 2 tacos and 1 burrito!! Amazing. So much bang for your buck! I don't think you can go wrong with any of the meat options, but I can personally vouch for the tripas (intestine), cabeza (beef head), lengua (beef tongue), and al pastor (marinated pork). The tacos come with hot salsa inside of them, so I would order them without it if you don't like spicy. I also loved the two hot sauces it came with to pour over! My cousin, a food snob, raved about their super quesadilla ($11.25) so I'll have to try that next :) read more

El Farolito - Menu July 2026 - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place has amazing burritos. The portion size of the super burrito is big enough for two people to share, especially with a side of the 75¢ chips. The carne asada was flavorful. My boyfriend loved everything about the super burrito. We will miss it back on the east coast. Make sure you have cash as it is a cash only establishment. Highly recommended if you are in the Mission area or downtown as it is a quick ride on the Bart. read more

El Farolito - Carne Asada Super Burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Looking for a great burrito late night in San Francisco!?!? Totally worth its hype. The meat is cooked fresh for you to see while in line. The few times I have been here - I got ceviche, tacos & burritos. This particular time I got a shrimp & carne asada burrito. Ummmmm there was no skimp on the proteins wrapped tightly in the fresh tortilla. The orders are set out even with volume of guests they have late night. It's in a questionable area & most likely if you're there late the after bar crowd is there. But all for the love of a good burrito I am down to go. P.S. CASH ONLY read more

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Super Quesadilla -- great taste, great portions, great price. Very tasty but a tad salty. Large enough to feed 2 adults. All for just $11.25. Oh, and they're open past midnight. Cash only. ATM available in the restaurant. read more

El Farolito - Entrance - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

I really wanted to get it this time, but after my second visit to El Farolito, I'm starting to think this one just isn't for me. We got the al pastor super quesadilla and the al pastor super burrito, and unfortunately both were a letdown. Everything came out really wet, which threw off the texture of both dishes, and the al pastor itself just didn't have much flavor. For a meat that should be punchy, savory, and a little smoky, it fell pretty flat. When the star ingredient doesn't shine, it's hard for the rest of the dish to carry it. I'll give credit where it's due because El Farolito is fairly affordable and for the price point you're getting a lot of food. Just a heads up that it's cash only, so come prepared. But honestly, affordability can only go so far when the food doesn't hit. I gave it a second chance hoping the first visit was just an off day, and I'm not sure a third visit is in the cards. Sometimes the hype just doesn't match the experience and that's okay, but for now I'll be taking my al pastor cravings elsewhere. read more

Unassuming and small but the burrito is anything but. We got the carne asada burrito. Super big and filling and delicious. Over all I wish the salsa was spicier but it was a good stop nonetheless. Line moved quick too. Cash only read more

El Farolito - Rice and beans Carne Asada Super Burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

From a San Diegan: - Absolutely bomb horchata. - super carne asada has outstanding meat. Mission burrito's aren't my go to's, but you can't deny this is a good burrito. Definitely wish there was more carne asada, but SF is gonna SF. Cash only is fine, there's bank a block away. I'd go back here for sure. read more

Came here late at night! Kinda Sketchy at night but the Food was so fire! Worth the risk. Cash only!

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. read more

El Farolito - Carne Asada Taco - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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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!!! read more

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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 read more

El Farolito - Interior - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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. read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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!!!!!!!!! read more

El Farolito - The menu - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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 read more

El Farolito - Cooking it up! - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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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. read more

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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. read more

El Farolito - Super Carne Asada Burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

I went here on the recommendation to get some carne asada tacos and I was not disappointed. Price was good and the service was fast. This place is cash only though so keep that in mind. No frill taqueria if that is what you are needing in your life. They have seating outside in the back which is where I would recommend to sit. Felt less cramped. read more

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" read more

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It's one of those true IYKYK moments for native San Franciscans: when you want the best Mexican food in the city, El Farolito is always in the conversation. They've been a steady favorite for years, serving some of the best super chicken burritos and enchilada plates I've had anywhere. There's something special about being called Mejía by the busy cashier who somehow stays polite while keeping the whole place moving. The restaurant is always buzzing--any hour, any day--with its classic lunch tables, bench seating, colorful Latin artwork, and lively salsa music (complete with the occasional sing-along). I stopped in to grab dinner for the family--burritos all around. I went for my usual, the enchiladas plate, and it did not disappoint. Everyone was happy, and that complimentary salsa bar is always a bonus: the red is muy caliente, and the green is milder but still packs a kick. Nostalgic, delicious, and exactly what we were craving. read more

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This was one of the worst experienced I had at a Mexican taco place. The meat was questionable and possibly even old and smelly. I could not eat it after the first bite. No words to say except distrusted and disappointed. read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

I ordered: Super burrito with carnitas The meat was a bit dry and i had to keep putting on sauce to mitigate but it was tasty overall read more

El Farolito - Carnitas super burrito with cheese - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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. read more

El Farolito - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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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. read more

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my 1st time at the Mission Street location, got there post 9pm on a Tuesday night, and found parking across the street, with the line to order only extended to the entrance door upon my arrival. I waited patiently and put in my order for a Super Steak Burrito, normally I frequent their shop on 24th street but wanted to check out if this location was different. For me the Green Salsa takes the Burrito to another level. plenty of customers were eating in though I got my order to go. would happily come back to the mission street shop. it's hard to beat El Farolito in my opinion. read more

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Fire Mexican food at an unbeatable price. Line can get a little long, but it's worth it. They have a variety of different meats, and portions are large. The strawberry drink was also super refreshing. Some tables inside but also a nice park nearby to sit at eat. No frills staple of the mission! read more

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Number one spot for burritos! Took my family to try El Farolito on a Saturday around 11am and it wasn't too crowded then. We got 3 super veggie burritos (two with spinach tortilla - one with no rice, and one with wheat tortilla) and requested for lots of extra sauce on the side. They only accept cash but there is an atm inside. Food was ready within 10 minutes! Super Veggie burrito (5/5): Huge portion size! We were so full to the point where we could barely walk afterwards. The burrito was filled generously and all the ingredients were seasoned well. The sauces were also very tasty! Amazing bang for buck (less than $11!) and good flavors. Will definitely return! read more

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This is the spot. Best burritos in SF, and their prices haven't changed much over the years. Cash only! Super burrito and super quesadilla are both massive and delicious. I'm sure their other menu items are tasty too, but the super burrito or super quesadilla are the items I always get. There's some seating indoors but not a lot. There are more tables outside in the back. read more

El Farolito - Carne Asada Super Burrito without beans - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Everyone says to try the mission burritos here, so we did. While chips aren't free anymore, we just got an Al pastor super burrito to share. It came out super quickly and was really tasty. A little messy to eat since we cut the burrito in half. Asked for it to be dorado style but it wasn't that crispy. Overall, still really delicious and great price! read more

El Farolito - Al pastor supreme burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

May 2026, visiting from LA and am a feign for good Mexican. After seeing a bunch of YT videos decided that the super quesadilla (carne asada) was the one and even with all the expectations and hype, it far exceeded and was blown away by how frickin good it was. First the flour tortilla was grilled to a nice crisp with a crunch on the edges but not dry. Like a good crust on a pizza, the outer edges had a nice crisp and crunch but also a very nice chew. Super thin and perfect texture. The carne asada was super flavorful and juicy and seasoned that you could just eat the asada and it still tastes great. Very impressed with the asada quality and taste. Generous quality cheese, and the pico de gallo was on point. The green and red house made salsas were super flavorful and had a good spicy kick. Not crazy spicy but good enough and with great taste. Also nice ripe chunks of avocado as well. For $12, it was a a super deal and well worth the money. Service is quick and efficient and the ambience is definitely hole in the wall but this is all about the food here. Highly recommend. Best quesadillas hands down anywhere. Paired with a Mexican coke and I was one happy dude. This spot is legit even by LA Mexican food standards. read more

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Hole-in-the-wall taco spot with friendly staff, but the food didn't really deliver. I had the Super Carne Asada Burrito (super = +avocado and sour cream), and it was pretty mid overall. I tried both the spicy tomatillo salsa and the green salsa -- neither had much flavor, and the "spicy" one was not spicy. My date ordered carnitas tacos and an al pastor taco. The al pastor was aiiiight, but not memorable enough to make us come back. The carnitas tacos were mid af -- very oily and lacking flavor. The people working the counter were nice, though, which was probably the best part of the experience. read more

El Farolito - Carnitas tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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. read more

El Farolito - Al Pastor Tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Quick service. Delicious food. No frills. We opted for burritos - shrimp super burrito and carne asada burrito. Overall delicious and flavorful. The shrimp was a tad dry. Agua frescas are premixed with ice. I went with the tried and true horchata and my partner had strawberry. Overall check it out if in the area. read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

My wife wanted to get La Taqueria, but the line was absurd. So we came here instead, a place I had been meaning to try. We spilt a regular carne asada burrito. I had not had red meat in a week, so maybe my taste buds were extra appreciative, but this was one of the best burritos that I have ever tasted. The meat and beans were super tasty. Service was good, they have indoor and outdoor seating in your basic no frills taqueria setting.. They are cash only. read more

El Farolito - Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

Date: Saturday March 29th, 2025 Time: around 10:45pm Party of: 2 Meal: Dinner Takeaway Note: Cash Only *Enchiladas - Pollo / Chicken, Refried Beans, no Sour Cream ($12.50) *Super Burrito - Carnitas / Deep Fred Pork, Refried Beans, no Sour Cream ($9.99) *Regular Taco ($4.25 each) x6 - Al Pastor / Marinated Pork, Carne Asada / Steak, Lengua / Tongue, Pollo / Chicken, Cabeza / Beef Head, Tripas / Intestine The hubby and I were running an errand in the area and decided to grab some takeout. He had looked at the menu prior, so knew what he wanted. Dropped me off and I headed in to order. He actually found parking down the street so just waited for me in the car. The line wasn't too long so it didn't take that long to order. Tho it is kind loud and hectic in here, so I feel like I was screaming my order thru the glass dividing the cashier and me. You don't get an itemized receipt so you never know if they got your order correct. After placing, you get your number and just find a place to wait out of the way. I think overall, it took about 15+ mins to get our takeaway. I adore variety, so tacos are the way to go for me. I got the six above. The lengua was good - soft and tender. The tripas was a little too oily for me. I could have had it crispier to avoid that. My less adventurous side enjoyed the chicken and steak. All tacos were a good size. But at $4+ a taco, I would have expected them to be. It was fun to visit an old stomping ground. It's been a while since I was in the mission trying to grab some late night tacos. El Farolito is still a solid spot. REVIEW #3748 read more

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When I told my friends I was visiting SF, one of the first things I was told was that I needed to get a world famous burrito. Luckily, I was staying with friends near the Mission, so when I was taking the BART in from SFO airport, I was busy googling various locations nearby. I ultimately chose Farolito based on the reviews and proximity, and when I shared a photo of the interior with a friend who'd lived here in the past, he regaled his fond memories of coming here as a poor grad student. For a lot of people, El Farolito brings up that nostalgia. These high expectations set a high bar for this Mexican hole in the wall. Upon entering, you'll pass by the familiar buffet style plexiglass counter with the workers moving rapidly and efficiently through orders. Even at 3 PM on a random Wednesday, there were at least 8 parties, half order and half waiting. I went for the Al Pastor super burrito for ~11$ (just 1$ more than the regular burrito, so why not), which was in my hands in about 10 minutes; it came with your characterstic green sauce (milder) and red sauce (more savory and hotter). I liked that the wrap wasn't really concentrated at the ends, like it usually is - I often gnaw off this extra carb and spit it out, but this one didn't need that. The meat was juicy and flavourful, and there were the characteristic tiny pineapple chunks to add sweetness and tart to the burrito. I got pinto beans, so they were your usual mush, without being too wet. Overall, the burrito was fine, but I expected muchb better from the Bay, based on what people had said. I know El Farolito isn't necessarily the place to get burritos, but it did pop up as an "institution", but it just didn't measure up to the Mexican food I've had back home in NY hole in the walls. read more

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Stopped by El Frijolito on 24th & Mission and let me just say, this spot delivers--on flavor, value, and service. I went with a super burrito with steak (asada), no sour cream, but kept the guac/avocado. It was a beast--big, packed, and super tasty. The steak was juicy, beans and rice were fresh, and everything held together nicely. Sometimes Mission spots will skimp, but not here. The real shocker? Price. * Super burrito: $9.99 * Large melon agua fresca: fresh, ice-cold, flavorful--two thumbs up * Total: $13 and some change. Where else in SF can you still score a super burrito AND a drink for under $15? Usually, that's the price of a burrito alone in the city these days. Absolute steal. The agua fresca de melón was a great call--super fresh, tasted homemade, perfect sweetness. Heads-up: The spot is small and fills up quick, so seating is limited. I got lucky and grabbed a table just as someone was leaving, but within minutes there was a line of people waiting to sit. If it's busy, just grab it to go. The staff here are really friendly and courteous too, which always makes a difference. Final verdict: Great food, unbeatable price, and legit Mission flavor. If you're in the area and hungry, hit up El Frijolito--you'll leave full and happy, and your wallet will thank you. read more

El Farolito - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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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. read more

El Farolito - They made sure I was able to carry it while my hands were full with my lil one - Mexican Near Me - San Francisco, California

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