Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » El Farolito – San Francisco
El Farolito - San Francisco
Photo from El Farolito
El Farolito at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 99 of the guests
#1467 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#79 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
389
Reviews
70.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great value
- Flavorful food
- Vibrant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Parking issues
- Cash only
The restaurant El Farolito is a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s lively Mission District. You’ll find it’s a go-to spot for delicious, authentic flavors, especially if you’re craving a quick bite or late-night food.
This casual yet trendy establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy everything from hearty breakfast to satisfying dinner, making it a perfect stop any time of day.
Overview: Introducting El Farolito
El Farolito offers a compelling experience, often celebrated for its generous and affordable burritos that deliver on flavor. Many patrons find the overall value to be a significant draw, making it a popular choice for a satisfying meal.
However, visitors should be prepared for potential inconsistencies. Some experiences point to inconsistent service and challenges like finding parking, or even unexpected cash only situations, which can detract from an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Good
7.2
out of 10
389
Reviews
70.2%
Satisfaction
86
negative
30
neutral
273
positive
El Farolito garners a solid overall Restaurant Score of 7.2, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. This is further supported by a good Customer Satisfaction rate of 70.2%.
With 389 customer remarks, including 273 positive and 86 negative observations, the feedback provides a comprehensive view of what to expect. Delving into specifics, Value stands out with an impressive (8), closely followed by the Food (7.6), which is clearly a major draw.
The Ambience (6.9) is considered decent, contributing to the overall feel. However, Service (5.9) registers as the area most in need of attention, indicating room for improvement in customer interactions.
What people like
- Excellent value for money
- Delicious, generous food
- Lively, vibrant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service quality
- Difficult parking situation
- Occasional cash-only issues
If you prioritize hearty, flavorful food at a reasonable cost and don’t mind a bustling atmosphere, El Farolito is certainly worth considering. It delivers on its promise of satisfying meals, especially for those seeking good portions and taste.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.7, it’s a place that many would suggest. Just be mindful of potential service hiccups and parking challenges, and you’re likely to have a rewarding culinary experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Farolito
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid 7.6 score and 76.1% customer satisfaction, the food here is definitely considered good. Based on 175 positive pieces of feedback, many rave about the delicious and fresh burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, often highlighting the flavorful carne asada and generous portions.
However, out of 39 negative comments, some diners have noted inconsistencies. Concerns include the carne asada sometimes being dry, a general lack of flavor in certain dishes, and occasional issues with meat quality or overly salty food, suggesting some items might be a hit or miss.
Food
230
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
39
negative
16
neutral
175
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Food is delicious
- Portions are generous
- Burritos are great
What people don't like
- Meat can be dry
- Lacks flavor
- Can be too salty
Often praised
- foodThis is my go-to spot for food in the Mission. They are open late, the food is always good, and I have never waited more than 10 minutes, no matter how busy they are. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is clean.
- burritosTaqueria El Farolito is an institution and a pillar of society around the SF Bay Area, now also in South San Francisco. They serve distinctive Mission style Mexican food, with great burritos, tacos and platos. Don't walk, run to a Farolito around the bay!
- burritoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially for a late-night craving. I found it to be a great place to get a burrito in San Francisco at 1 o’clock in the morning. The prices are super reasonable for the generous size of burritos they serve.
- meatThe meat was tender and seasoned so good.
- tacosThe tacos very good with their spicy touch
- FoodThe Service, Atmosphere, and Food all received a perfect 5/5
- carne asadasuper burrito with carne asada everything extra avocado
- portionsI will avoid all other taquerias within an hour and exclusively go here. Prices are extremely reasonable, portions are large, and the flavor of the carne asada is second to none! Most locations are no frills inside and usually crowded, but the food is well worth it.
- salsatheir salsa is the best anywhere
- super burritoMy go-to is a super burrito with carne asada everything extra avocado
Frequently criticized
- meatWe always pass up that location even though it is so close to us because the food there is not as good as all the other locations. The meat doesn't taste the same nor do they use Avocado slices in their burritos, instead they use an inferior guacamole blend that isn't good. All San Francisco locations as well as the San Jose location is where you will find the best food.
- foodordered my food, they added chile
- tacospaid for 3 tacos and when I got home I realized there were only 2
- flavorAbsolutely no flavor
- Concord locationYou won't find a better taqueria in the entire Bay Area! On a side note, the Concord location does not serve burritos that taste the same as all of the other locations. We always pass up that location even though it is so close to us because the food there is not as good as all the other locations.
- al pastortheir al pastor is not my fave
- burritoWe got a sampling of everything -a burrito
- burrito al pastorI ordered a burrito al pastor, and it no longer has the quality it used to. This one contained little meat and a lot of lettuce.
- carne asadaCarne asada was a bit dry
- carrotsdon’t have the carrots 🥕 tho bums me out
If you're looking for generally good Mexican food with generous portions, especially their burritos and tacos, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might lack flavor or be a bit salty, so choose wisely.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining moments! With 44 positive remarks out of 82 total opinions, many customers rave about the quick and efficient service, often highlighting the friendly staff and their ability to get correct orders even when busy. It's clear that when things go right, they go very right.
However, the overall service experience is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 5.9 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 53.7%. There are 33 negative comments pointing to issues like frustrating waiting lines, occasional rude staff, and even problems with wrong orders or misleading closing hours.
Service
82
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
33
negative
5
neutral
44
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Quick service
- Friendly staff
- Correct orders
What people don't like
- Long waiting lines
- Rude staff
- False closing hours
Often praised
- serviceservice and atmosphere were also top-notch
- ServiceThe salsa is also quite special and worth trying. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was very enjoyable, contributing to a great overall dining experience.
- staffIf you have never tried this place, I encourage you to go. The food is delicious, with excellent prices and very good staff! Be prepared to wait a little bit longer because it's crowded all the time.
- customer serviceVery quick customer service
- WorkersWorkers are kind and respectful
- afternoonquick fast in the afternoon
- correct orderThe food was delicious and offered great value. Despite not speaking Spanish, I was able to get the correct order, which speaks to the helpfulness of the staff.
- efficientlyI got them efficiently
- fastincredibly fast
- foodFood came out fast
Frequently criticized
- cashierthe cashier is kind of rude
- orderthey got our order wrong entirely
- ordersthey never do the orders right
- serviceIt's definitely a local staple, and I wouldn't change anything about it. You come here for the food, not for the service or the atmosphere.
- staffone guy that is dealing with stocking and serving the entire place
- ATM was brokenATM was broken too.
- advertisementdisappointing due to their false advertisement regarding their closing hours
- cashier ladyone cashier lady who is incredibly rude
- closing hoursMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to their false advertisement regarding their closing hours. They were not open as late as they stated, and it seems they close when they please. I would advise against making a special trip here unless you plan to visit early.
- computer was brokenMy experience at this restaurant was a huge waste of time. I waited in line for over 20 minutes, and after ordering my food, I was told they were cash only because their computer was broken. To make matters worse, the ATM was also broken.
If youre looking for a quick bite and catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy the speedy and friendly service. But be prepared for potential long waits or occasional hiccups with staff and order accuracy, especially if you visit during peak times or later in the evening.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot scores a solid 6.9, leaning towards good, with 62.5% customer satisfaction, suggesting a mixed but generally positive experience. Out of 40 total opinions, 25 highlight a vibrant ambiance and great atmosphere, especially praising its wheelchair accessibility and the authentic Mission District feel. Many found the overall atmosphere enjoyable and top-notch.
However, 11 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Issues like difficult parking, a loud restaurant, and even a lack of heating during winter were mentioned. Some also noted a less-than-great atmosphere and even dirty tables, suggesting inconsistencies in the overall experience.
Ambience
40
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
25
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Accessible seating
- Enjoyable vibe
What people don't like
- Parking is tough
- Can be loud
- Dirty tables
Often praised
- atmosphereWhile it might not be the absolute best Taqueria we've ever been to, it was honest and cozy. Plus, Bachata music played all evening, creating a wonderful atmosphere! In conclusion: I would immediately make the 40-60 minute bus trip to the Mission again to eat here.
- AtmosphereThe salsa is also quite special and worth trying. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was very enjoyable, contributing to a great overall dining experience.
- Mission Districtyou have to go to the Mission District! The culture, the vibe, the murals, the atmosphere!
- ambianceThe ambiance truly captures the neighborhood's vibrant energy
- busyless busy
- great placestill a great place
- peopleit's always full of people
- reputationThe reputation of this place definitely leads
- restaurantThey are open late, the food is always good, and I have never waited more than 10 minutes, no matter how busy they are. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is clean. You will be happy with whatever you get.
- wheelchair accessibilityTables are places in a way that gives disable people chance to be part of the dine in party.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe quesadillas are great and never soggy. The atmosphere is a little lacking, but I'm hoping it was just the day/time I was there.
- parkingtrying to find parking is so difficult
- ParkingParking space:Difficult to find parking
- dirty tablesput up with the dirty tables that are barely ever cleaned
- heatingIt was winter and they had no heating. I had to eat in a hurry, but even so, the food got cold.
- locationThe location isn't the best
- restaurantThe restaurant was very loud
If youre looking for a lively spot with a genuine neighborhood feel and dont mind a bit of a hunt for parking, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. However, be prepared for potential noise and perhaps some minor comfort issues, as its not always a perfectly polished experience.
Value (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines, earning a solid 8! Customers are clearly happy, with a 78.4% satisfaction rate, and its easy to see why. Many rave about the "affordable burritos" and "great value, " often highlighting the "reasonable price" and "price-performance" as unbeatable.
Out of 37 customer comments, a whopping 29 praise how much bang you get for your buck, making it a top pick for budget-friendly eats. However, its not entirely without its quirks. A small handful of 3 comments mentioned concerns about menu prices being a bit high or the owner seeming cheap regarding portions.
There was also a brief mention of a cash only situation, which could be a minor inconvenience for some. Overall, these are minor blips compared to the overwhelming positive feedback on its affordability.
Value
37
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
3
negative
5
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unbeatable price-performance
- Affordable, quality food
- Great value overall
What people don't like
- High menu prices
- Cash only policy
Often praised
- priceThe atmosphere was also great, rated at 4. While parking can be difficult to find, the overall value for the price, which is $10–20 per person, makes it worthwhile. For vegetarians, there's a vegetarian menu or section, and it's somewhat recommended.
- pricesI will avoid all other taquerias within an hour and exclusively go here. Prices are extremely reasonable, portions are large, and the flavor of the carne asada is second to none! Most locations are no frills inside and usually crowded, but the food is well worth it.
- valuetrès bon rapport qualité-prix
- Price-performanceIn conclusion: I would immediately make the 40-60 minute bus trip to the Mission again to eat here. Price-performance + taste unbeatable!
- affordable burritosTheir Mission-style burritos, generously filled with rice, beans, cheese, and grilled meats, even earned Esquire's "most life-changing burrito in America" title in 2013. Today, this family-operated chain boasts a dozen Bay Area locations, all still managed by Lopez's descendants, serving massive, affordable burritos late into the night. My go-to is the boss burrito, a surf and turf combination of shrimp and beef, paired with their unlimited house-made salsa verde.
- affordable pricesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the great food and affordable prices. It's located right in the heart of the Mission District and offers delicious options like burritos, tacos, and chile rellenos.
- burritohappy to be able to still get one here for $10
- burrito and a drinkthat burrito and a drink comes out too under $15
- burritosthe burritos were cheap
- cash and creditAccepts both cash and credit
Frequently criticized
- cash onlylady said their computer was broken. Cash only.
- menu pricesIt seems the cooks are particularly argumentative with women. I'm unsure if the ownership has changed, but the menu prices are high, and the current portion sizes are very small. The owner appears to be CHEAP!
- ownerOwner is CHEAP!
If youre hunting for a fantastic meal that wont break the bank, this place is definitely worth a visit. Youll likely find the "price-performance" unbeatable, offering delicious food at a "reasonable price. " Just be prepared for the rare "cash only" moment, but dont let that deter you from a great deal.
How are the prices at El Farolito?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 99 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests spend right in this sweet spot, with the bulk of prices clustering around the average. There are a few options for those looking for a cheaper bite, and a very occasional splurge for a premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 99 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It hits that sweet spot for a casual, enjoyable meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Farolito
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Best Deal for Mexican Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's the best deal for Mexican food in SF. I particularly enjoyed the ceviche tostada, torta, and soups.
Honestly, everything is good and cheap 😌!
- ceviche tostada8
- torta8
- soups8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Cash only disaster, no warning
My experience at this restaurant was a huge waste of time. I waited in line for over 20 minutes, and after ordering my food, I was told they were cash only because their computer was broken. To make matters worse, the ATM was also broken.
I only had $10 with me, and there was no sign or warning about the payment issue. I will never be going back!
- waiting time1
- computer was broken1
- cash only1
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Amazing Burritos, Worth the Wait!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially with their amazing burritos. They are packed with a generous amount of meat and very little filler, making them incredibly satisfying. The price is right, and you're guaranteed to leave feeling full.
It's a great spot to grab and go. Don't forget to pick up some chips; their green salsa is on point! The wait time was minimal, up to 10 minutes, and the food quality received a perfect score of 5.
- burritos10
- meat9
- price9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Horrendous Experience, Avoid This Place
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely horrendous. I cannot fathom how people compare this place to "La Taquera" up the street. The meat was dryer than beach sand and had absolutely no flavor.
It seems like people lack experience outside their homes or a single corner stand, as I've tasted better from food trucks. I will not be returning for a second chance; La Combre is a better option than this establishment.
- meat1
- flavor1
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Rude Service, No More Visits
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. They apparently close at 11: 45 PM, and the staff was rude about it. I have been a loyal customer for years, but after this experience, I will not be returning.
My visit was on September 11.
- closing time6
- staff1
What El Farolito offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Late-night food
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you expect at Taqueria El Farolito?
At Taqueria El Farolito, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, with late-night food options available. You’ll find a great spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Does Taqueria El Farolito offer convenient service and accessibility?
Yes, Taqueria El Farolito provides various service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom. Paid street parking is also available for your convenience.
How does El Farolito generally perform?
El Farolito maintains a good overall score of **7.2**, driven by strong **Value** (8) and flavorful **Food** (7.6). While **Ambience** (6.9) is decent, **Service** (5.9) could see improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about El Farolito's offerings?
Many customers praise the **affordable burritos** and **large portions**, highlighting the excellent **value** and delicious, well-seasoned **meat** and **salsa**.
Are there any common frustrations visitors experience at El Farolito?
Some visitors encounter **inconsistent service**, difficulties with **parking**, and occasional issues like being told it’s **cash only** due to system problems.