Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » El Buen Sabor – San Francisco
El Buen Sabor - San Francisco
Photo from El Buen Sabor
El Buen Sabor at a glance
San Francisco Visitacion Valley
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 9 of the guests
#636 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#29 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
68
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Budget Friendly
- Tasty Tacos
- Good Service
Frequently criticized
- Poor Ambience
- Food Inconsistency
- Service Issues
The restaurant El Buen Sabor is a delightful Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Visitacion Valley. If you’re searching for an authentic culinary experience, this cozy spot offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
Taqueria El Buen Sabor invites you to savor its delicious small plates and enjoy a casual dining experience that feels just right. Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or dinner, you’ll find a friendly place to enjoy traditional flavors.
Overview: Introducting El Buen Sabor
El Buen Sabor offers a compelling experience for those prioritizing taste and affordability. Many appreciate the delicious tacos and the extensive food options available.
The friendly staff often ensures a quick and pleasant interaction, making it a convenient stop for a satisfying meal. However, the dining environment at El Buen Sabor might not suit everyone, with some noting a less-than-ideal atmosphere and issues like flies.
While service is generally quick, there have been instances of less welcoming interactions, suggesting some variability in the overall experience.
Good
8
out of 10
68
Reviews
80.9%
Satisfaction
11
negative
2
neutral
55
positive
El Buen Sabor earns a solid 8 for its overall performance, reflecting a generally positive customer sentiment. With Customer Satisfaction at 80.9%, most patrons leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 68 customer observations, with 55 positive remarks outweighing 11 negative ones, indicating a strong lean towards favorable experiences. The restaurant truly shines in Value (9.3), offering generous portions at fair prices, and its Food (8.4) is consistently praised for its taste and variety.
Service (7.4) is generally good, often described as quick and friendly. However, the Ambience (4.8) presents a notable area for improvement, as it falls into the average range and is frequently mentioned as less appealing.
What people like
- Exceptional Value
- Delicious Tacos
- Friendly Service
What people don't like
- Unappealing Ambience
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Service Lapses
If you’re seeking a meal that delivers on taste and affordability, El Buen Sabor is certainly worth considering. Its strong Recommendation Score of 8.4 suggests many find it a reliable choice for satisfying cravings without breaking the bank.
It’s a place where the culinary offerings often outweigh any minor inconveniences. However, manage your expectations regarding the dining atmosphere; it’s more about the food than the setting.
If a casual, no-frills spot with great value and often quick service appeals to you, then El Buen Sabor could be a regular stop. If ambience is a priority, you might find it less suitable.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Buen Sabor
Food (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food here, youre in for a treat! With a solid score of 8.4 and customer satisfaction at a strong 82.5%, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Out of 40 remarks, 33 rave about the amazing tacos, delicious steak meat, and generous portions, often highlighting the great value and tasty options like the spicy salsa and chicken pepian.
However, its not entirely without its quirks, with 5 remarks pointing out a few areas for improvement. Some found the burritos a bit messy due to loose tortillas, and wished for more generous salsa portions. There were also a few comments suggesting the Carne asada isn't quite as good as it used to be, possibly due to recent changes.
Food
40
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing tacos
- Delicious steak meat
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Messy burritos
- Small salsa portions
- Carne asada declined
Often praised
- foodMy kids like the food I like the food
- tacosMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the best tacos in town, and I highly recommend asking for the special sauce. When I'm craving something, I go for their amazing deal of more than 19 tacos for just 1 dollar each – they are huge!
- portionsgenerous portions
- Baby burritothe Baby burrito is really cheap
- TacosReally yummy Tacos!
- burritosbut they taste good
- chicken pepianchicken pepian, very tasty
- food optionsThe steak meat was incredibly delicious and never overcooked. I always stop by for lunch because the service is quick and the food options are endless and affordable.
- food preparationthey do it justt how you want it
- fulli get full so much
Frequently criticized
- Carne asadaThe Carne asada is not nearly as good as it used to be
- burritosProbably not the neatest burritos
- new foodThe restaurant has new owners after years of great tacos. Hey, maybe I just got used to the old owners' style, but the new food is not as good to me. The Carne asada is not nearly as good as it used to be.
- salsa portionswish they were a little more generous with their salsa portions
- tortillasthe tortillas are wrapped a bit lose making for a messy meal
If you're looking for delicious, generously portioned food, especially tacos and steak, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for potentially messy burritos and perhaps manage your expectations for the Carne asada.
Service (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of 76.9%, its clear most folks have a good experience. Based on 10 positive remarks, many rave about the friendly people and staff, often highlighting how quick the service is and that theres not much of a wait.
However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Out of 13 total comments, 3 did point out some bumps in the road. A few customers mentioned the service being the worst, with concerns about waiting time and even some instances where staff gave them attitude.
It seems like consistency might be a small area for improvement.
Service
13
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Staff attitude
Often praised
- serviceThe steak meat was incredibly delicious and never overcooked. I always stop by for lunch because the service is quick and the food options are endless and affordable.
- peoplethe people are very nice
- friendly peopleloved the friendly people
- friendly staffThe staff was friendly
- not much of a waitnot much of a wait
- person taking orderLa persona que toma la orden muy amable
Frequently criticized
- attitudethey gave me attitude
- serviceservice was the worst
- waiting timeMy experience at the restaurant was not great. They took more than 30 minutes to make my food, and when I received it, the staff gave me attitude.
Overall, you can generally expect a good experience with friendly and quick service here. While a few isolated incidents suggest occasional attitude or longer waits, the positives strongly outweigh the negatives. If youre looking for efficient and pleasant interactions, its definitely worth a try.
Ambience (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
Lets talk about the vibe! Many guests appreciate the atmosphere here, describing it as a relaxing dining area thats also very clean. This contributes to an average score of 4.8, and while customer satisfaction is a mixed 50% overall, these positive points, from 3 favorable remarks, certainly stand out.
On the flip side, the ambience isnt without its issues. Some found the atmosphere a bit run down, and there were notable complaints about flies and even fly bites'. These concerns, from 3 negative remarks, clearly impacted the overall mixed satisfaction.
Ambience
6
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxing dining area
- Very clean space
What people don't like
- Run down feel
- Flies present
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere: 4
- cleanvery clean
- relaxing dining arearelaxing dining area
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereIt's a bit run down.
- fliesFlies were attacking me at the register.
- fly bitesGot a couple fly bites on my leg while I was waiting.
If a relaxing dining area and clean space are your priority, you might find some appeal here. However, be prepared for a potentially run down feel and the possibility of flies detracting from your experience.
Value (9.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! Customers are absolutely thrilled, with an excellent 9.3 score and a perfect 100% customer satisfaction. Based on 9 positive remarks, diners consistently rave about the affordable food , cheap prices, and amazing taco price and super burritos deals.
Youre getting a lot of bang for your buck here. Interestingly, when it comes to value, theres absolutely nothing to complain about. With 0 negative comments, patrons found no issues with the pricing or portion sizes, indicating a universally positive experience regarding how much you get for your money.
Value
9
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable food
- Great prices
- Generous portions
What people don't like
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The people were very nice and the portions were generous, all at a fair price. While the burritos weren't the neatest, with tortillas wrapped a bit loosely leading to a messy meal, they tasted good.
- affordableThe steak meat was incredibly delicious and never overcooked. I always stop by for lunch because the service is quick and the food options are endless and affordable.
- affordable foodI love this taqueria and its people. Thank you for the years offering delicious affordable food! It's the best.
- cheapreally cheap five dollars
- pricesThe service was always friendly, and the food was good. They offer fair prices, which is a big plus. If you enjoy spicy salsa, the red one is definitely worth buying a container of.
- super burritosWhen I'm craving something, I go for their amazing deal of more than 19 tacos for just 1 dollar each – they are huge! Additionally, their 5 dollar super burritos on Tuesdays are unbeatable. I wholeheartedly recommend this place and suggest bringing your family over.
- taco priceonly 2.50!!! not baad at all
- tacos19 tacos 1 dollar a taco
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for incredible deals and generous portions that wont break the bank, this place is a must-try. Customers consistently praise the fantastic affordable food and cheap options, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious diners. Youll definitely feel like youre getting great value here.
How are the prices at El Buen Sabor?
On average, you’ll spend around 30 per person here, based on 9 guests. That places it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, thats comfortably mid-range.
Interestingly, while the average is 30, most diners actually spent less, typically in the $11–$20 range. But dont be surprised if you see some higher-end options too, as a few guests spent quite a bit more, even over 101 $! Since this data is from a smaller group of 9 customers, it’s a good indication, but keep that in mind.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 9 reviews. This data is from a smaller group, but it gives a good indication of spending habits.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, especially since they seem to cater to both budget-conscious diners and those looking for a more premium experience. It’s good to know you have options!
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Buen Sabor
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Friendly service, good food, fair prices!
My experience at this restaurant was great! The service was always friendly, and the food was good. They offer fair prices, which is a big plus.
If you enjoy spicy salsa, the red one is definitely worth buying a container of. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
- service10
- food9
- prices8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Best Place, Exactly How I Want It!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the #1 best place for me because they prepare everything just how you want it, all the way around. The service was rated a 5 and the atmosphere a 4.
- service10
- atmosphere8
- food preparation10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Delicious Food, Fast Service, Great Value!
My experience at this taqueria was fantastic! The service was always the fastest, and the food portions were good and very tasty. I love this taqueria and its people.
Thank you for the years offering delicious affordable food! It's the best.
- service10
- food10
- portions9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Generous Portions, Fair Price, Good Taste
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive. The people were very nice and the portions were generous, all at a fair price. While the burritos weren't the neatest, with tortillas wrapped a bit loosely leading to a messy meal, they tasted good.
I appreciated that they included lettuce in their burritos. My only wish was for more generous salsa portions, as I like to drown my food in the green salsa. Despite this minor point, I'm a happy customer.
It's important to note this restaurant is called San Marcos Restaurant, NOT El buen Sabor.
- people9
- portions9
- price8
- burritos4
- tortillas4
- salsa portions5
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
7
Amazing Food, But Flies and Run Down Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was absolutely amazing, with the soup being a standout 10/10, the atmosphere was quite disappointing. The place felt a bit run down, and the presence of flies was a significant issue.
I was attacked by flies at the register and even got a couple of fly bites on my leg while waiting. Despite these drawbacks, the quality of the food made it a memorable meal.
- food10
- soup10
- atmosphere2
- flies1
- fly bites1
What El Buen Sabor offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Small plates
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is Taqueria El Buen Sabor accessible for all guests?
Yes, Taqueria El Buen Sabor is committed to accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Taqueria El Buen Sabor?
At Taqueria El Buen Sabor, you can enjoy a cozy and casual dining experience perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s also a great spot for families, offering high chairs and a kid-friendly environment.
What is the overall verdict on El Buen Sabor?
El Buen Sabor receives an overall score of 8, indicating a good dining experience. Its strengths lie in Value (9.3) and Food (8.4), with Service (7.4) also performing well. However, Ambience (4.8) is an area that could see improvement.
What do customers particularly enjoy about the food at El Buen Sabor?
Customers frequently praise the delicious tacos and the wide array of food options available. Many highlight the generous portions and the fact that the food is often prepared just how they like it.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by diners?
Some diners have noted issues with the restaurant’s ambience, describing it as run down or experiencing problems like flies. There have also been occasional mentions of inconsistent food quality, such as the Carne asada not being as good as it once was, and instances of less friendly service or longer waiting times.