Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » El Faro – San Francisco
El Faro - San Francisco
Photo from El Faro
El Faro at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 42 of the guests
#1095 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#53 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
220
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Great value
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Long waits
- Microwaved food
- Poor decor
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican eatery in San Francisco’s Transbay neighborhood, invites you to discover its authentic flavors. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite, a satisfying lunch, or a delightful dinner, El Faro Restaurant offers a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
You’ll find it’s a great spot for families, with options for dine-in, convenient takeout, or delivery right to your door. Plus, you can easily grab a coffee to start your day or enjoy with your meal.
Overview: Introducting El Faro
El Faro generally earns praise for its satisfying food quality, with many appreciating the hearty portions and classic Mexican offerings like burritos and quesadillas. Customers often find the prices to be quite reasonable, making it a solid option for a quick and affordable meal.
However, some experiences at El Faro point to inconsistencies, particularly with waiting time and occasional issues with order accuracy. While many commend the friendly service, there are instances where the food preparation, including concerns about microwaved food, has left diners underwhelmed.
Good
7.6
out of 10
220
Reviews
76.4%
Satisfaction
41
negative
11
neutral
168
positive
El Faro achieves a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.6, indicating a generally good dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 76.4%, suggesting most patrons leave content.
Based on 220 customer remarks, with 168 positive and 41 negative, the feedback paints a picture of a reliable spot. The Food (7.8) stands out as a strong point, often receiving high marks for its quality and taste.
Value (8) also scores well, with many finding the offerings reasonably priced. While Service (7) is generally seen as good, some comments suggest it can be inconsistent.
The Ambience (6.9) is perceived as acceptable, though it doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the food or value.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Great value
- Quick, friendly service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Microwaved food concerns
- Unappealing ambiance
With a solid Recommendation Score of 7.9, El Faro is a place worth considering, especially if you prioritize good food and value. It’s a dependable choice for a satisfying meal, particularly if you’re in the mood for classic Mexican fare and appreciate reasonable pricing.
However, be prepared for potential waits during peak hours, and manage expectations regarding the ambiance. If you’re seeking a quick, no-frills meal with a focus on taste and affordability, El Faro could be a good fit for your next casual dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Faro
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
Hey foodies! The grub here is generally a hit, scoring a solid 7.8 and leaving 79% of customers satisfied. With 109 positive remarks, folks are raving about killer burritos, authentic Mexican food, and crispy veggie tacos, often calling the delicious food a real treat.
Many find the flavor phenomenal and the portions generous. However, not everyones taste buds were thrilled. Out of 24 critical comments, some found the "food" to be "dry and old" or even "microwaved food, " leading to "disappointing food" experiences.
A few also werent fans of the steamed tortilla or the overall quality.
Food
138
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
24
negative
5
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Killer burritos
- Authentic Mexican food
- Delicious food
What people don't like
- Dry, old food
- Microwaved food
- Disappointing quality
Often praised
- foodI have nothing but great things to say about the food. I was pretty ravenous when I stopped here, and the food did not disappoint.
- burritosWent here for burritos and quesadillas and loved it.
- Mexican foodI’ve been going to this place for forty-five years, and I’m not kidding – this is the best Mexican food in the world! I love the size of the plates of food.
- breakfast burritoBest breakfast burrito in San Francisco
- FoodFood:5
- baby breakfast burritoI get the baby breakfast burrito and I'm a big fan!
- baby burritoslike the baby burritos because you can actually finish them
- burritoAbsolutely loved the burrito
- food qualityThe food quality is excellent
- quesadillasIf you're looking for a better taste than Taco Bell next door, El Faro is the place to go. You can grab a large Jamaica or a delicious Horchata to accompany your dependable quesadillas. For those feeling adventurous, the new birria tacos, available on weekends, are possibly their most delicious items.
Frequently criticized
- foodOkay food, not spicy enough and pretty dry
- super burritoI ordered their super burrito and I have to tell you I was a little let down.
- Mexican enchiladasMexican enchiladas and they were terrible
- bugsThey made everything wrong with our order, and to top it off, they overcharged us. The food was dry and old, and to our disgust, we found bugs.
- disgusting enchiladasmost disgusting enchiladas
- enchiladaUpon arrival, I witnessed the staff microwaving my food right in front of me. The takeout boxes were so flimsy that my enchilada started soaking through. The food itself was strangely wet/soupy, leading me to believe it's likely reheated frozen food.
- flavourfulI was expecting something flavourful and got something not all that great.
- guacamoleit's a little thin for my taste
- how good it used to beWhen I finally managed to order after two hours of trying, and on the only day they decided to take my order, the food took forever to prepare, even though I was the only customer. This experience made me feel really sad, as it was not even close to how good it used to be. With a heavy heart, I don't think I will be returning.
- microwaved foodstaff microwaved my food right in front of me
If you're craving authentic Mexican flavors and hearty burritos, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistencies in freshness or preparation, so set your expectations accordingly.
Service (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits a good note, scoring a solid 7. While customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66%, many folks appreciate the friendly staff, quick service, and attentive crew. With 31 positive remarks out of 47 total, theres a clear appreciation for the quality service and how quickly the line moves, especially for those busy work event orders.
However, there are some bumps in the road. About 12 opinions mention issues like long waiting times, slow service, and logistical challenges, particularly with ordering and response times. Some found the service speed too slow, especially during peak lunch hours, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency and efficiency.
Service
47
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick line movement
- Excellent communication
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Slow service speed
- Logistics issues
Often praised
- serviceimpressed with the service—it was truly 5-star
- staffpolite and quick staff deliver quality service
- ServiceService:5
- Family ownedFamily owned and operated since forever
- attentive staffthey are very attentive
- communicationThey offer two sizes and use freshly cracked eggs. We recently placed a 250 burrito order for a work event, and the El Faro team was incredibly easy to communicate with. They were quick to respond and executed perfectly, even starting at 4 am!
- consistencyYum. The staff are very attentive, the food is delicious, and they never fail to impress.
- crewhard-working crew
- friendly serviceFriendly service from everyone
- friendly staffFriendly staff with cheerful smiles
Frequently criticized
- waiting time30 minutes to order, another 15 waiting
- callingtried calling at least 30 different times
- everything wrongThey made everything wrong
- linethe line goes out the door
- logisticsLogistics make this place untenable
- longer hoursit should be open for longer hours
- make my foodtook forever to make my food
- ordernot allowed to order two hours after they had opened
- serviceBasic counter, no smile, service
- service speedThe service was too slow, and the food was disappointing. If you serve lunch downtown during the week, you have to go much faster than that.
If youre looking for generally friendly and attentive service, youll likely be pleased. Just be prepared for potential waiting times or slower service during busy periods, so maybe avoid peak lunch rushes if you're in a hurry.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
Alright, lets talk ambience! This spot generally hits the mark, with a solid score of 6.9 and a good 72.2% customer satisfaction. Based on 13 positive remarks out of 18 total observations, many folks really appreciate the overall atmosphere, often noting how clean and spacious it feels.
Plus, who doesnt love a place where you can enjoy watching the traffic and people pass by? However, its not all sunshine and roses. With 4 critical comments, some have found the restaurants general appearance to be a bit ugly, and the location itself leaves a bit to be desired.
It seems the specific Folsom location was a point of contention for some.
Ambience
18
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good atmosphere
- Clean and spacious
- Great people-watching
What people don't like
- Ugly restaurant
- Poor location
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cleanthe place is clean
- family-run operationlooks like a family run operation
- favorite spotmy favorite spot
- lunch spotA great little lunch spot
- people passwatching the traffic and the people pass the window.
- spaciousnessI also love it’s spaciousness so I can sprawl
- visitThe prices are affordable, and the food tastes good. It's a little hole in the wall, but definitely worth a visit.
- watching trafficEnjoying watching the traffic and the people pass
Frequently criticized
- Folsom locationFolsom location which has since changed owners
- locationLocation leaves a lot to be desired
- placeThe place looked a little dirty
- restaurantVery ugly restaurant
If you're looking for a place with a generally pleasant vibe, especially if you enjoy a clean, spacious setting and people-watching, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be aware that its exterior or specific location might not impress everyone.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 30% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly delivers! With a good score of 8 and customer satisfaction at 88.2%, most diners are clearly pleased. Out of 17 total remarks, 15 highlight the relatively inexpensive and affordable prices, often calling it a bargain or great value for the quality.
Many find the pricing competitive. However, its not entirely without a hitch. Just one comment among the 17 mentioned being "overcharged us, " suggesting a minor hiccup in an otherwise stellar value proposition.
This isolated incident is worth noting, but it doesnt overshadow the overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Value
17
Reviews
88%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable prices
- Great value
- Competitive pricing
What people don't like
- Risk of overcharging
Often praised
- pricesI often come here before work, and they never disappoint. The service is quick, the place is clean, and the prices are reasonable. I'm a big fan of their baby breakfast burrito!
- priceThe size portion and price of the super burrito was decent
- bargainsone of the best bargains in the area
- lunch placesThis is one of the less expensive lunch places in Soma. However, be prepared for a line that goes out the door during the lunch rush.
- relatively inexpensiveIt's relatively inexpensive
- valueGreat value especially considering location
Frequently criticized
- overcharged usthey overcharged us
If youre looking for a place where your money goes far, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Youll likely find excellent food at great prices and affordable options, making it a real bargain. Just keep an eye on your bill, as there was one isolated report of being overcharged.
How are the prices at El Faro?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 42 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the bigger picture, most diners spend between 1 – 20 $, with the largest group falling right into that $11–$20 sweet spot. So, prices are pretty consistent and cluster nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 42 reviews.
How does this spot stack up against similar restaurants in San Francisco?
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a solid mid-range option without stretching your wallet too thin.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Faro
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Best Burritos in Town!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had some of the best burritos in the city. The food was excellent, and I don't understand why anyone would go to the Chipotle down the street.
The crew is small but works hard, so be patient if there's a line. Overall, a great experience with delicious food.
- Mexican food10
- burritos10
- crew8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Lunch: Flavorless and Slow
My experience at this restaurant for lunch was disappointing. The super burrito was a flavorless wet mess, and it took 15 minutes to make. The service was too slow, and the food was disappointing.
If you serve lunch downtown during the week, you have to go much faster than that.
- super burrito2
- waiting time2
- food2
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Best Tacos on California Road Trip!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the tacos with carne asada, and I was thoroughly impressed by the taste of the meat and salsa of these tacos 🤤. The prices are very competitive too.
Overall, it was a great find during our road trip through California.
- tacos with carne asada9
- taste of the meat9
- salsa of these tacos9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was underwhelming. The food was not spicy enough and quite dry, and I wished they had offered some salsa or anything to improve it. The service was basic and lacked warmth; it was a simple order, sit, and leave experience with no smiles.
The restaurant itself is very ugly, though I understand that's not the primary reason for visiting.
- food3
- salsa4
- service3
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Disappointing Takeout Experience
I learned that this restaurant is not affiliated with El Farolito. My experience involved an online order for takeout. Upon arrival, I witnessed the staff microwaving my food right in front of me.
The takeout boxes were so flimsy that my enchilada started soaking through. The food itself was strangely wet/soupy, leading me to believe it's likely reheated frozen food.
- microwaved food2
- takeout boxes2
- enchilada2
What El Faro offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does El Faro Restaurant offer?
At El Faro Restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of dining options throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For your convenience, the restaurant provides dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, making it easy to savor their Mexican cuisine wherever you are.
Is El Faro Restaurant accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, El Faro Restaurant is designed to be welcoming for everyone. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring comfort for all guests. Additionally, it is considered good for kids, making it an excellent choice for family outings in the Transbay neighborhood.
How does El Faro generally score with customers?
El Faro holds a Restaurant Score of 7.6 and a Customer Satisfaction of 76.4%. Its Food (7.8) and Value (8) are highly rated, while Service (7) and Ambience (6.9) are considered good but have room for improvement.
What kind of food can I expect at El Faro?
Customers frequently praise the food quality and enjoy items like burritos and quesadillas. While generally well-received, some opinions mention issues with dry food or concerns about microwaved food.
Is El Faro a good value, and how is the service?
Yes, many consider El Faro to offer reasonable prices and great value. The service is often described as friendly and quick, though some patrons have experienced long waiting times during busy periods.