Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » El Tesoro – San Francisco
El Tesoro - San Francisco
Photo from El Tesoro
El Tesoro at a glance
San Francisco Little Saigon
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 68 of the guests
#2237 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#128 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
307
Reviews
52.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic flavors
- Good vibes
Frequently criticized
- Order issues
- Poor value
The restaurant El Tesoro is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in San Francisco’s lively Little Saigon neighborhood. You’ll discover a cozy and casual spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Known for its delicious late-night food, this eatery offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can savor authentic flavors. Whether you’re looking for healthy options or vegan choices, El Tesoro has something for everyone.
Overview: Introducting El Tesoro
El Tesoro offers a taste of Mexico, with many finding the experience akin to being in a genuine `Mexican place`. Guests often praise the `delicious food`, particularly the `al pastor tacos`, which stand out for their authentic flavor.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies, with concerns about items being `overly priced` and occasional issues with the dining environment. While the `friendly workers` contribute positively to the overall feel, there are instances where service falls short, leading to frustration.
This blend of strong culinary points and areas needing refinement shapes the overall impression of El Tesoro.
Average
5.6
out of 10
307
Reviews
52.1%
Satisfaction
133
negative
14
neutral
160
positive
El Tesoro holds an overall `Restaurant Score` of 5.6, placing it squarely in the average category. This is reflected in a `Customer Satisfaction` of 52.1%, indicating a mixed bag of experiences among its patrons.
With 307 customer opinions considered, there’s a clear split, featuring 160 positive remarks against 133 negative ones. The `Food` (5.8) and `Ambience` (6.7) generally receive more favorable feedback, suggesting these are areas where El Tesoro often delivers.
However, the `Service` (4.9) and `Value` (4.8) scores are notably lower, pulling down the overall perception. This indicates that while the culinary offerings and atmosphere have their moments, the operational aspects and pricing can be points of contention for some diners.
What people like
- Authentic Mexican flavors
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent order accuracy
- Perceived poor value
- Unkempt environment
With a `Recommendation Score` of 5.8, El Tesoro presents itself as a place with potential, particularly if you’re seeking authentic Mexican flavors. It’s a spot that can deliver on taste and atmosphere, making it a worthwhile visit for those prioritizing a genuine culinary experience.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and value. If you can overlook occasional operational hiccups for a flavorful meal, El Tesoro might be a good fit.
If consistent service and perceived value are paramount, you might find the experience less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Tesoro
Food (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.8, placing it squarely in the average range. Customer satisfaction sits at 53.4%, indicating a mixed experience for many. Out of 191 customer comments, there were 102 positive remarks, often praising delicious items like tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, with many appreciating the authentic flavours.
However, 80 negative comments highlight some areas needing improvement. Concerns include small tacos and small portions generally, a noticeable lack of flavor in some dishes, and issues like soggy fries or even raw food. It seems consistency can be a challenge, leading to varied experiences among diners.
Food
191
Reviews
53%
Satisfaction
80
negative
9
neutral
102
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavours
- Delicious tacos
- Great vegetarian options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Small portions
- Lack of flavor
Often praised
- foodThis is a very Mexican place in San Francisco; it truly feels like a little piece of Mexico, which is incredibly valuable when you're outside the country. Furthermore, the food is delicious, possessing a flavor profile that is the closest to Mexico, even with foreign ingredients. The atmosphere is fantastic, rated 5/5, and the food is equally impressive, also rated 5/5.
- tacosMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found a solid selection of tacos, quesadillas, and other Mexican food. I really enjoyed the carne asada and al pastor tacos.
- burritosburritos, are very delicious!
- FoodFood:5
- Mexican foodBest Mexican food I've had in awhile.
- al pastor tacosal pastor tacos I offered are the best I've ever had
- burritoThe burrito & quesadilla is amazing
- quesadillaor the quesadilla! Both are super bomb
- salsasthe salsas are packed with flavour and spice
- super burritoGet the super burrito. Can't go wrong.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was overly priced and not the greatest Mexican food I've had. The tacos were small, and the environment inside was very dirty.
- burritoTonight, I was disappointed AGAIN. Instead of my specified burrito (meat, cheese, sour cream, refried beans – all on the side, which incurs an extra charge), my burrito came with so much dry rice I felt dehydrated, a small amount of carne asada, a splat of sour cream and cheese, and WHOLE beans instead of refried beans. Why is it so difficult to get an order right when the specifications are clearly visible?
- burritosWe received completely different burritos than what we ordered. We only noticed this when we got back to our hotel.
- quesadillala quesadilla estaba quemada y tenÃa sabor amargo y una cantidad excesiva de aceite
- guacamolethe guacamole and salsa had barely any flavor
- portion sizetoo expensive for this side of rice and beans
- tacosThe tacos were very dry
- wet burritoThe first was a burrito without sour cream, and the tortilla was burnt. For the second, I ordered a "wet" burrito without sour cream and pico de gallo; however, they added pico de gallo and a meat I didn't order. For the third order, I requested 2 "cabeza" tacos, but they were not the meat I had asked for.
- Super Burritoalmost disrespectful small
- al pastorla pedà de al pastor
If you're looking for a quick, casual meal and are willing to navigate a potentially inconsistent experience, this spot might be worth a try for its popular tacos and burritos. Just be prepared that some dishes might not hit the mark, and portions could be smaller than expected.
Service (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 54% of the guests
The service here offers a mixed bag, with a score of 4.9 placing it in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 46.4%, indicating a somewhat positive but not consistently great experience. Many appreciate the friendly workers and staff, often highlighting their kindness and the quick service they receive, especially for delivery and takeout. However, based on 69 pieces of feedback, with 32 positive and 36 negative, there are clear areas for improvement.
Some experiences mention rude cashiers, slow service, and issues with wrong orders or negligence in following instructions, which can be a real deal-breaker for some.
Service
69
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
36
negative
1
neutral
32
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Staff kindness
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Order inaccuracy
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceservice is always fast and friendly
- staffthe staff were very friendly
- ServiceService:5
- delivery and takeoutFine for delivery and takeout
- employeesThe employees are friendly
- female serverthe female server and male cooks were polite/pleasant
- forgivenessIt can make or break their spirit. Thank you for your kindness tonight El Tesoro and I appreciate your forgiveness. Food is wonderful as always.
- friendly workersGood attention friendly workers
- kindnessThank you for you kindness tonight El Tesoro
- ladies workingTonight I made a complete donkey out of myself. But the ladies working at El Tesoro was so kind and forgiving it almost made me cry. I ordered the pescado frito with a side of shrimp.
Frequently criticized
- serviceWe ordered the shrimp asada, but we never finished it. We waited for 2 hours, which is very unprofessional service.
- cashierThat wasn't an issue, as I thought they might be busy. Upon arriving to order, the cashier was not in a good mood and even rolled her eyes at me. I had ordered 3 meals, and all three were bad.
- customer ordersThis is a terrible place. They do not fulfill customer orders. The workers are always talking, and on top of that, they told me to find another place to get my order as I wanted it.
- DeliveryThis review is for a delivery order.
- arroganceI feel it's very unfair because I pay for my food, and it's not the first time. She has a lot of arrogance, and her service is terrible. She always works in the mornings there; I don't know her name.
- black guy insidewho's the black guy inside in the Mexican inside still ordering
- complaint handlingI call to complain they said it’s not there problem
- customer serviceCustomer service by the cashier was very poor
- cutting in long linespeople casually cut in long lines and the staff doesn't notice.
- delivery serviceDon’t recommend delivery they sent wrong order
If you're looking for quick takeout and a friendly face, you might have a great experience. But if you have specific requests or dietary needs, or are sensitive to occasional rudeness, you might want to proceed with caution.
Ambience (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 32% of the guests
Based on 29 comments, the ambience here scores a respectable 6.7, with many finding it a delightful small place to hangout with friends. The Mexican music and overall feel create a piece of Mexico, making it a beloved neighborhood restaurant. Plus, it's a hit for being open late, offering a cozy, authentic vibe.
However, customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 62.1%, indicating some areas for improvement. Several folks noted the atmosphere and environment could be sad looking or even dirty, raising hygiene concerns. The eating area is also described as narrow, which might not suit everyone.
Ambience
29
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
7
negative
4
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican feel
- Cozy hangout spot
- Open late hours
What people don't like
- Hygiene concerns
- Cramped eating area
- Unkempt atmosphere
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:4
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- El TesoroIf I'm a spanish speaking person and need them to know where I Live. I just tell them I'm by "El Tesoro"
- Mexican musicBackground mexican music gave good vibes
- Mexican placeA very Mexican place in San Francisco
- family run businessit has the feel of a family run business
- hangout with friendssit and hangout with your friends
- localsLots of locals.
- neighborhood restaurantGreat neighborhood restaurant
- open lateAt midnight it packed because open late
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is sad looking and under kept
- ambiancethe ambiance outside was not what I expected
- eating areathe eating area is narrow so it's hard to fit a large group
- environmentenvironment inside is very dirty
- hygienemuy poca higiene en local en el área de la cocina
- neighborhoodLOUSY NEIGHBORHOOD
If youre seeking a casual, authentic Mexican spot for a late-night hangout with friends, this place could be a good fit. Just be prepared for a potentially cramped space and dont expect pristine conditions, as hygiene and upkeep are noted concerns.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found plenty to cheer about, with 8 positive remarks out of 18 total. Many appreciated the good bang for your money and felt the prices are reasonable, especially noting options that were cheap or offered great food without the downtown price. It seems some items truly hit the mark for affordability.
However, the overall sentiment is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.8 (average) and customer satisfaction at 44.4%. On the flip side, 10 negative comments highlighted concerns about overly priced food and feeling like they paid extra for nothing. Some found the total expensive for simple orders, suggesting certain items might not be worth the money.
Value
18
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value options
- Reasonable prices
- Cheapest meal found
What people don't like
- Overly priced food
- Too expensive items
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- pricePrice $23 dollars per person with water included
- pricesTheir prices are decent
- CheapThey have Coronas and the Mexican drink I can't remember its name. Cheap. What's not to like?
- downtown priceGreat food without the downtown price
- good bang for your moneyGood bang for your money
Frequently criticized
- pricethe total was a bit expensive for such simple orders
- money$16 don't waste your money.
- $17 bucksI payed around $17 bucks for it.
- burritoan $18 burrito should fill you up
- extra chargespaid extra for nothing
Overall, value here is a bit of a gamble. While some find it surprisingly affordable, others feel its overly priced for what you get. If youre looking for a cheap meal, you might find a gem, but be prepared that some dishes could feel like a waste of money.
How are the prices at El Tesoro?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 68 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average hovers around 21$, most diners actually spend a bit less, with the biggest group (50 out of 68) landing in the $11–$20 bracket. This suggests a good mix, where you can enjoy a tasty meal without breaking the bank, even if some folks opt for a more premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 68 reviews.
How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?
Considering the vibrant food scene in San Francisco, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant. It offers good value, especially since many guests find great options in the $11–$20 range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Tesoro
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Inconsistent Quality, Great Quesadillas
My experience at this restaurant has been varied, as the quality of the food depends on what you order. While the sides were not great – described as dry, small, and a little cold – the main dishes I've tried have consistently been excellent. My absolute favorite is the chorizo quesadilla, which is generously stuffed with fillings and boasts a very rich flavor.
- main dishes8
- chorizo quesadilla10
- sides2
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Delivery
2
Chlorine Taste in Quesadillas
My experience with this restaurant, ordered through DoorDash, has been mixed. The first time I ordered, the food was okay. However, on my second order, the food tasted like chlorine.
I had their quesadillas and taco salad. The taco salad wasn't as good as other options in the city. The quesadillas were good in concept, but the overwhelming chlorine taste detracted significantly from them.
- taco salad5
- quesadillas5
- food2
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait for Shrimp Asada
My experience at the restaurant was very unprofessional. We ordered the shrimp asada, but we never finished it. We waited for 2 hours, which is very unprofessional service.
- shrimp asada2
- waiting time1
- service1
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Serious Health and Food Safety Concerns
I've eaten here a couple of times, and it's never my first choice due to several issues that need improvement and put the health of customers at risk. Firstly, temperature control is a major concern. I've observed that cold prepared foods are never refrigerated; for example, sauces are prepared and put into 2 oz containers, left on the table all day.
Similarly, hot, potentially dangerous foods are not kept at safe temperatures. I saw grilled meat accumulated in containers that were neither refrigerated nor kept hot. I was there for about an hour, and during that time, they didn't even use that meat, which I found very concerning.
It wasn't just the meat; I saw cheese handled the same way. Secondly, there's very little hygiene observed in the kitchen area. Thirdly, my food was bad, and I even got sick that night.
I bought food on July 5, 2025, at 8: 15 pm for takeout. I ordered a quesadilla and nachos. When I got home, to my surprise, the quesadilla was burnt, tasted bitter, and had an excessive amount of oil.
I didn't sleep that night; I had stomach discomfort until July 6th. I wouldn't buy from this place again. I didn't want to complain because it felt pointless for a $15 quesadilla, and it was late, and I was hungry.
However, if the restaurant manager sees this, I would like a refund and some advice: take care of your business, as no one else will do it for you.
- temperature control1
- hygiene1
- food1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Best Mexican Food in a While!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found the food to be really tasty, easily the best Mexican food I've had in a while. It was much better than other Mexican places I've tried recently.
The food received a perfect score of 5, while service and atmosphere were rated at 3.
- food10
- Mexican food10
- service7
What El Tesoro offers
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere does El Tesoro Taqueria and Grill offer?
At El Tesoro Taqueria and Grill, you can enjoy a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for any meal. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with catering services. You’ll find comfortable seating whether you’re dining in or grabbing a quick bite.
Is El Tesoro Taqueria and Grill suitable for families and accessible for all guests?
Yes, El Tesoro Taqueria and Grill is very family-friendly, offering a kids’ menu and high chairs, making it a good choice for children. Additionally, the restaurant features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating to accommodate all guests comfortably.
What is the overall customer sentiment for El Tesoro?
El Tesoro has an overall Restaurant Score of 5.6, indicating an average experience. Customer Satisfaction stands at 52.1%, suggesting a mixed reception. While Food (5.8) and Ambience (6.7) are generally appreciated, Service (4.9) and Value (4.8) often receive lower marks.
What are the standout food items at El Tesoro?
Many customers praise the authentic Mexican flavors, highlighting the delicious tacos, especially the al pastor tacos, and burritos. The salsas are also frequently mentioned for being packed with flavor and spice.
Are there any common issues to be aware of when visiting El Tesoro?
Some customers have reported inconsistencies with order accuracy, particularly with burritos, and concerns regarding the perceived value for money. There have also been occasional comments about the cleanliness of the environment and slow service.