El Farolito's super burritos are legendary — reviewers describe them as roughly the size of a newborn baby, stuffed generously with tender, well-spiced carne asada. The meat is perfectly cooked, and the balance of sour cream, guacamole, and cheese creates a rich, satisfying bite. This is what El Farolito is most famous for, and multiple sources call it the best burrito in San Francisco.
Tips from diners
Come after midnight when the counter is quieter but the kitchen is still in full swing. You'll get your order faster than daytime rush.
Bring cash — El Farolito is cash-only. There's an ATM inside, but expect to use it.
The carne asada here is tender and perfectly seasoned — a different animal from the tough, overcooked versions at many taquerias. El Farolito grills it with precision, keeping it rare-medium and juicy. The flour tortillas are soft and warm, and the minimal toppings let the meat be the star.
Tips from diners
Ask for your carne asada rare or medium — they can adapt to preference and it makes a big difference in tenderness.
El Farolito's carnitas are tender, well-spiced, and fall apart easily. Served on soft flour tortillas with raw onion, cilantro, and their house salsa, they're simple but let the quality of the meat show. Unlike most tacos, these are generous in meat — expect 2-3 bites of mostly pork per taco.
Tips from diners
Get 3-4 carnitas tacos instead of a burrito if you want lighter, cheaper food that still showcases the quality of the meat.
This is El Farolito's late-night rite of passage. The quesadilla is piled with seasoned, marinated pork (al pastor style), sealed with melty cheese, and finished on the griddle until the exterior is crispy-golden. Topped with sour cream and guac, it's indulgent but not heavy. Reviews consistently mention this as the go-to drunk order at 2 AM.
Tips from diners
Order 2 quesadillas and 2-3 super burritos to share and get a full tasting of what El Farolito does best.
The al pastor super burrito showcases El Farolito's signature generosity and technique. The pork is marinated with chilies and spices, then cooked until caramelized at the edges. Wrapped into one of their massive burritos, it's a complete meal. Reviewers note this rivals the carne asada for quality.
Tips from diners
The lunch crowd is lighter than dinner (5-8 PM) — if you come mid-afternoon you'll have shorter lines and quicker service.
El Farolito opened in 1983 and has become the standard by which other Mission taquerias are measured. It's a spartan, no-frills spot with a long counter where you order and eat at formica tables like a canteen, but the burritos are legendary. Cash-only and open until 2:45 AM most nights (3:45 AM Friday-Saturday), it's the late-night destination in the Mission. The Infatuation rates it 9.3/10 — their highest score for any SF taqueria.
El Farolito doesn't close until 2:45 AM (3:45 AM Fri-Sat) — it's the go-to late-night burrito spot in the Mission when everywhere else has shut down.
Cash only. There's an ATM inside, but bring cash if you want to avoid the hold-up. Payment method doesn't affect speed of service.
Order at the long counter and eat at formica-top tables. It's a canteen-style setup — no reservations, no table service, just food-first efficiency.
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