Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Papalote – San Francisco
Papalote - San Francisco
Photo from Papalote
Papalote at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 107 of the guests
#1783 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#95 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
528
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Great burritos
- Signature salsa
- Welcoming service
Frequently criticized
- Undisclosed charges
- Flavor issues
- Water policy
The restaurant, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco’s lively Mission District, invites you to discover a culinary experience that caters to every palate. At Papalote Mexican Grill VALENCIA, you’ll find an impressive array of healthy and organic options alongside classic favorites, ensuring a delicious and quick bite whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply seeking fresh flavors.
This cozy and casual spot, known for its authentic dishes, makes Papalote a perfect choice for any meal.
Overview: Introducting Papalote
Papalote offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking flavorful Mexican cuisine. Many patrons consistently praise the delicious salsa and well-crafted burritos, often highlighting the generous portion size.
The welcoming staff also contributes positively to the overall dining atmosphere, making for a pleasant visit. However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks.
Some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality, with certain dishes described as bland. Concerns have also been raised regarding aspects of customer service, particularly around communication and the presence of unexpected hidden fees.
Finding convenient parking can also be a challenge.
Good
6.8
out of 10
528
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
150
negative
36
neutral
342
positive
Papalote garners a respectable 6.8 overall score, indicating a generally positive but not outstanding experience. Customer satisfaction sits at 64.8%, suggesting a mixed reception where many are pleased, but a notable portion finds areas for improvement.
This assessment is drawn from 528 customer opinions, with 342 positive remarks balancing against 150 negative ones. Looking closer, Food (7.5) stands out as a clear strength, consistently earning high marks.
Service (5.8) is perceived as average, while Ambience (5.2) also falls into the middle ground. The Value (4.9) aspect, however, appears to be a point of concern for some, indicating that pricing or perceived worth could be better aligned with expectations.
What people like
- Delicious burritos
- Excellent salsa
- Friendly staff
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Inconsistent food quality
- No free water
If you’re primarily seeking robust Mexican flavors, particularly their acclaimed salsa and burritos, Papalote is certainly worth considering. The 7.2 recommendation score suggests a solid choice for many, especially if you prioritize taste and don’t mind a casual setting.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in other dishes and check for any additional charges, as value can be a mixed bag. It’s a place that delivers on its culinary strengths, but might require a bit of flexibility regarding the overall dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Papalote
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.5 and a good customer satisfaction of 75.4%. Many diners rave about the amazing salsa and delicious burritos, especially praising the plentiful vegan options and overall flavorful dishes. With 261 positive remarks out of 346, there's a lot to love.
However, not every bite is perfect. Some experiences, accounting for 63 negative comments, point to issues like bland or weak in flavor food, occasional skimpy portions, and even receiving the wrong order. It seems consistency can sometimes be a challenge, particularly with certain dishes.
Food
346
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
63
negative
22
neutral
261
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing salsa
- Great burritos
- Plentiful vegan options
What people don't like
- Bland flavor
- Skimpy portions
- Wrong orders
Often praised
- salsaI've been coming here since it first opened and have always had a super great food experience, especially the super great salsa. It's fantastic that their salsa is now available in jars in stores!
- foodI've been coming here since it first opened and have always had a super great food experience, especially the super great salsa. It's fantastic that their salsa is now available in jars in stores!
- burritosDelicious burritos on par with the other great taquerias
- burritopapalote makes the best burrito i have ever had
- vegan optionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the best burrito in SF, and I was impressed by the lots of vegan options available. I particularly loved the soyrizo burrito, and adding guacamole with extra salsa made it even better.
- FoodFood:5
- portion sizeMore than enough, even for a 6'3" stocky guy
- Mexican foodI’d come here just for the Papalote sauce! It’s a great little stop for some good Mexican food, especially if you prefer to sit in a bright and colourful atmosphere. The food was excellent, earning a perfect score, and the atmosphere was equally impressive.
- chipsOn a positive note, the al pastor burrito was quite flavorful. The chips were relatively fresh, and the guacamole was fresh but lacked significant flavor. I really enjoyed the pepper roasted salsa for its gentle kick of spice and flavor, and you'll want plenty of it to compensate for the tofu.
- guacamoleThe order in polio asado burrito with guacamole and refried beans.
Frequently criticized
- burritoOne of the gems of Papalote was the red sauce. The burrito was so bland tasting. : (I asked an employee if it was possible to have the hot version of the Papalote sauce, and she pointed to a bottle of green hot sauce.
- foodThe people were very nice, and the atmosphere was pleasant (rated 4/5). However, I didn't really like the food. While the chips and rice were good, the rest of our meals were not great (food rated 2/5).
- chipsMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a significant imbalance between food portions and value. I received one tiny salsa for a huge portion of underwhelming chips and two burritos. While I understand the salsa is popular, most taquerias offer more, and some even include it with burritos.
- guacamolepaid for guacamole and there wasn’t any in it
- tap waterIt felt a bit expensive, with the tacos costing around $13. Furthermore, there were significant service shortcomings: no horchata, no tap water, no plates, and no metal utensils were provided. Even though I was dining in, my food was served in bags, which detracted from the dine-in experience.
- Chile Verde burritoMy Chile Verde burrito lacked flavor and frankly tasted watery
- Papalote hot sauceI used to frequent Papalote once a week when I lived in the Mission. Tonight, I went for a pollo asada super burrito and was so disappointed in the Papalote hot sauce. The recipe has definitely changed and it isn't spicy at all.
- Spanish riceCame with no beans or rice
- al pastorWe received two burritos: one carne asada and one al pastor. The carne asada tasted like nothing but burnt grill, and the al pastor was hands down one of the worst things I’ve ever tried. I hate throwing food away, but this was truly inedible and had to be trashed unfortunately.
- beansbeans are too runny to order a burrito without rice
If youre seeking a place known for its fantastic salsa and diverse burrito options, especially if youre vegan, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention blandness or portion inconsistencies, so manage your expectations for every dish.
Service (5.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 50% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many customers rave about the friendly staff and fast service, often highlighting the owner and overall service experience. With 41 positive remarks out of 83 total, its clear many appreciate the effort.
However, it's a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.8 and customer satisfaction at 49.4%. Some experiences mention rude interactions, long waiting times, and even wrong orders, with 37 negative comments pointing to issues like a lack of customer service or basic amenities like water.
Service
83
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
37
negative
5
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Owner is great
What people don't like
- Rude staff interactions
- No free water
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceIt's a simple and old-school mission eatery that truly delivers on flavor. The atmosphere and service were both top-notch, contributing to an overall excellent dining experience.
- ServiceThe food was excellent, earning a perfect score, and the atmosphere was equally impressive. Service was also very good, rated at 4. The noise level was quiet, making it easy to talk.
- staffThe staff and owner were so friendly and welcoming
- attention for orderingThe burritos tasted very good and the portions were considerable. All the staff were very friendly and the attention for ordering was quick. You can order in English or Spanish without any problem.
- cashierThe cashier was very friendly
- counter staffThe counter staff was really nice
- fast and friendlySo fast and friendly
- order inCall your order in and it will be ready fast
- ordering aheadworth ordering ahead if ordering after work
- ownerThe staff and owner were so friendly and welcoming
Frequently criticized
- serviceatmosphere and service drag this rating down
- customer serviceUpon entering, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by the small size of the place. The customer service is definitely not the best; at times, it gives the impression of being bothered if you ask something. The food is tasty, but personally, I prefer to order it for takeout.
- wrong orderreceived the wrong order
- Google Maps hoursGoogle Maps hours were not updated either
- businessunprofessional way to do business.
- closing timeclosing time was recently changed and some of the staff and customers were confused
- complimentary cups of waterThe burrito itself was not bad. However, a significant point that detracted from the overall experience was that they unapologetically don’t offer complimentary cups of water. This policy brought down my review from what would have been 4 stars to 3.
- customer service interactionsterrible customer service interactions with this girl
- effortOh, and what’s with serving all orders, including dine-in, in a paper bag? There’s just so little effort being made here to provide attractive, tasty food or a pleasant dining experience.
- employeeThe burrito was so bland tasting. : (I asked an employee if it was possible to have the hot version of the Papalote sauce, and she pointed to a bottle of green hot sauce. I was disappointed because for years I came to Papalote for their homemade sauce, not a random chili sauce in a bottle.
So, should you go? If you're looking for quick, friendly interactions and are prepared for potential inconsistencies, it might be worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences can be frustrating, especially regarding wait times or basic amenities.
Ambience (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 41% of the guests
The ambience here offers a mixed bag, reflected in an average 5.2 score and 42.9% customer satisfaction. On the bright side, many find the atmosphere bright and colourful, often enjoying the fun music and the cozy place. Outdoor dining options like parklets and terraces are frequently praised, making it a pleasant spot for some, with 30 positive remarks.
However, the dining experience has its drawbacks, with 34 negative comments out of 70 total. Many mention issues like street noise and wind, the lack of proper indoor dining, and some even describe it as a dirty place with flies on the tables. The overall take-out only feel, even for those eating on-site, often detracts from the atmosphere.
Ambience
70
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
34
negative
6
neutral
30
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Bright, colourful atmosphere
- Enjoyable music
- Pleasant outdoor dining
What people don't like
- Dirty, flies present
- No indoor dining
- Take-out only feel
Often praised
- atmosphereI’d come here just for the Papalote sauce! It’s a great little stop for some good Mexican food, especially if you prefer to sit in a bright and colourful atmosphere. The food was excellent, earning a perfect score, and the atmosphere was equally impressive.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Noise levelNoise level was quiet, easy to talk
- bathroomthey have a good bathroom
- cozy placeIt is a cozy place
- dining roomI really enjoyed the pepper roasted salsa for its gentle kick of spice and flavor, and you'll want plenty of it to compensate for the tofu. The dining room is modest but clean, and the service was excellent. However, I was disappointed by hidden fees; the restaurant charges a dubious 'ordinance fee' not declared on the menu.
- love inlandsend some love inland
- musicreally fun music which was salsa music versions of '70s rock songs
- outdoor diningThe added outdoor dining perfected
- outdoor seating areaThere’s an outdoor seating area
Frequently criticized
- parkingI also dislike extra fees, especially undeclared ones. The parking can be difficult to find, requiring circling several blocks.
- atmosphereThat is not the restaurants fault, but it adds to the experience
- inside seatinginside seating which can seam a little dark inside
- outdoor seatingThere is only outdoor seating which is bar style and not individual tables.
- tablesThe service was indifferent, bordering on rude. While staff were whooping it up behind the counter, the tables were filthy. My very expensive pollo asado burrito was a flavorless mess.
- areathe area is kind of sketchy
- bathroom accessThe customer can't use the bathroom.
- boxes of supplies" It's primarily useful for takeout, as far as I can tell. To eat there, you sit among boxes of supplies, and you have to hunt down plasticware from someone behind the counter after receiving your food in a paper bag. While the food itself might be great (rated 4/5), the overall dining experience was a letdown.
- chillyIt can get a bit chilly out there.
- clienteleThe room's clientele was raucous and entitled
If youre looking for a quick bite with a potentially vibrant outdoor setting and dont mind a casual, sometimes rough-around-the-edges vibe, it might be worth a try. However, if a pristine indoor dining experience or quiet atmosphere is crucial, you might find yourself disappointed.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 4.9 but a poor customer satisfaction of just 34.5% based on 29 opinions. On the bright side, 10 positive remarks highlighted that many found it genuinely worth it and affordable. Guests often praised the fair prices and felt they got value for money, especially with generous portions.
However, 16 negative comments reveal significant concerns. Many felt it was simply too pricey or expensive, with prices seemingly on the rise. Specific dealbreakers included unexpected hidden fees like an ordinance fee and the added cost of things like guac or even having to purchase boxed water'.
Value
29
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
16
negative
3
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value
- Fair pricing
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Hidden charges
- Can be pricey
- No free water
Often praised
- pricereasonably-priced Mexican food
- affordableaffordable to boot
- price per personprice point of $10–20 per person felt reasonable
- pricesI found it to be one of my fave burritos in sf, and their salsa is truly bomb! The quality is consistent, the portions are good, and the prices are fair. Overall, it's just yummy Mexican food.
- valueAmazing burrito and value
- value for moneyI was particularly impressed with their epic salsa, which is so good you can buy a jar of it. While it's slightly more expensive than the average Mexican place in the Mission, the food quality makes it well worth it.
- well pricedreally really well priced
- worth itA little pricey but worth it
Frequently criticized
- priceI thought the price was a bit much for a burrito
- expensiveA bit expensive, ~$13 for the taco
- Rice and Beansadded Rice and Beans for which I was charged $4.75 each
- boxed waterHowever, the dining-in experience left a bit to be desired. They no longer offer a free water option, requiring customers to purchase "boxed water" for a few dollars, which was a disappointing change.
- guac$2.50 to add guac to a burrito
- hidden feesThe dining room is modest but clean, and the service was excellent. However, I was disappointed by hidden fees; the restaurant charges a dubious 'ordinance fee' not declared on the menu. I know vegetarian and vegan food can be as good as meat-based dishes, but here, the meat dishes seemed to have superior flavor.
- ordinance feecharges a dubious "ordinance fee" that is not declared on the menu
- price per personIt was not the right meat, and I did not receive the green gold that I paid extra for. Given the price per person was $100+, this was a significant issue.
- pricesWith the prices continuing to climb
- priceyA little pricey but worth it
If you're looking for generous portions and generally fair pricing, you might find some good value here. But be warned: hidden fees and rising costs, especially for add-ons, could quickly make your meal feel overpriced.
How are the prices at Papalote?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 107 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.
Most guests stick to this sweet spot, though a few venture into slightly higher price points, showing a nice mix of options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 107 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, especially given the range of options available. It’s a good spot if you’re looking for a reliable mid-range meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Papalote
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Papalote's Burritos: A Must-Try!
I've been a devoted fan of Papalote since discovering their jarred salsa in 2015, and it's been our family's go-to ever since. My first visit to the restaurant was with my sister when she moved to the city for college. While I could rave about the amazing meat, friendly service, and efficient staff, I believe the salsa is the most crucial ingredient in a great burrito.
The fresh salsa here is even better than the already excellent jarred version. These "artists" have created an excellent restaurant that feels like an institution. My only suggestion for improvement would be to bring this culinary gem inland; if we had something like Papalote in Sacramento, I doubt I'd go anywhere else for a burrito.
- meat9
- service9
- staff9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Bomb Burritos, Huge Portions!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The burritos were absolutely bomb, and they were incredibly huge because we stuffed ours. I would definitely come again.
- burritos10
- portion size9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Return to Papalote
My recent experience at Papalote was really disappointing. As a long-time fan, this first order in several months was a letdown. The food was generally 'meh, ' a stark contrast to my memory of flavorful dishes.
My Chile Verde burrito lacked any discernible chile flavor and tasted watery. The Carne Asada Tacos, which came with added Rice and Beans for $4. 75 each, were not as expected; the charge was for the included rice and beans, not side orders.
This visit has completely put me off the place going forward, and I'd suggest trying the food truck across the street instead.
- Carne Asada Tacos5
- food3
- Chile Verde burrito2
- Rice and Beans3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was great. I particularly enjoyed the food and the servicio, which was very friendly and kind. I like you Radha.
Please repl.
- food9
- servicio10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
1
Overpriced and Tasteless Taqueria Experience
My family and I visited this restaurant after seeing positive Yelp reviews, but I honestly don't understand how it has more than one star. It's overpriced compared to other taquerias in the Mission. We ordered two burrito bowls, one with shrimp and one with chicken, and two tacos.
The girl taking our orders was extremely impolite and rude. The food itself was tasteless; the beans and rice tasted like canned food. The bowls were filled with 90% lettuce and a sprinkle of protein.
We paid $61 for two bowls and two tacos. Adding to the unpleasant experience, there were flies all over the place. It was not a good time, and I would never come back.
- price2
- order taking1
- food1
What Papalote offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
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
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Papalote Mexican Grill VALENCIA accessible and does it offer parking?
Yes, Papalote ensures a comfortable visit with wheelchair accessible entrance and seating. You’ll also appreciate the convenience of free street parking available nearby, making your trip to this Mission District gem hassle-free.
What kind of dietary options and dining experiences can you expect at Papalote Mexican Grill VALENCIA?
At Papalote, you’ll find a wide range of choices including healthy, vegan, and vegetarian options, with many organic dishes. You can enjoy a quick bite, a casual dine-in experience for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even utilize their catering services.
How is Papalote rated overall?
Papalote has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.8 and a Customer Satisfaction of 64.8%. Its strengths lie in Food (7.5), with Service (5.8) and Ambience (5.2) being average, and Value (4.9) needing improvement.
What are the standout menu items at Papalote?
Customers frequently praise Papalote’s delicious salsa, which is even available in jars, and their flavorful burritos. Many also appreciate the availability of various vegan options.
Are there any common concerns about Papalote's service or pricing?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in customer service and have expressed disappointment over hidden fees, such as an ‘ordinance fee’ not declared on the menu. Additionally, the policy of not offering complimentary tap water has been a point of contention.