oChef » Taquería El Farolito – San Francisco

Taquería El Farolito - San Francisco

2779 Mission St, 90110 San Francisco
Taquería El Farolito
7.3
von 10
Photo from Taquería El Farolito
How do the guests rate it?
Taquería El Farolito at a glance
San Francisco Mission District
€€€€€
Price per Person 11 – 20 €
mentioned by 140 of the guests
#309 von 500 Lokalen in San Francisco
#21 Mexican Restaurant von 28 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
7.9
Food
7.1
Service
5.6
Ambience
7
Value
586

Reviews

67.1%

Satisfaction

Often praised
  • Hearty food
  • Great value
  • Quick service
Frequently criticized
  • Cash only
  • Difficult parking
  • Sketchy area

The restaurant Taquería El Farolito is a beloved Mexican Restaurant nestled in the vibrant Mission District of San Francisco. When you’re craving authentic flavors, this spot offers a casual yet trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal.

You can enjoy everything from a quick bite to a full dinner, with excellent late-night food options and delicious vegetarian choices available. It’s a fantastic destination for a satisfying meal in the city.

Overview: Introducting Taquería El Farolito

Taquería El Farolito consistently delivers on its promise of satisfying meals, with many praising the delicious and generously portioned offerings. Diners often find the experience to be a great value, appreciating the substantial plates for the price.

The vibrant, authentic street food vibe also adds to its appeal. However, the dining environment can be a bit of a mixed bag, with some finding it less polished or the surroundings a little rough.

While the service is generally efficient, be prepared for potential lines and note that payment is often cash-only, which can be an inconvenience for some.

Good
7.3 von 10
586

Reviews

67.1%

Satisfaction

132

negative

61

neutral

393

positive

Taquería El Farolito achieves a respectable overall score of 7.3, indicating a generally positive dining experience. However, customer satisfaction stands at 67.1%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception despite the solid score.

This feedback comes from a substantial 586 customer opinions. The culinary offerings are a clear highlight, with Food scoring a strong (7.9), frequently described as delicious and generously portioned.

Service also performs well at (7.1), often noted for its speed and friendly staff. The establishment also provides good Value at (7), with many appreciating the affordable prices for hearty meals.

In contrast, the Ambience receives an average score of (5.6), reflecting varied opinions on the dining environment, which some find less appealing. Out of the total feedback, 393 comments were positive, while 132 expressed negative sentiments, painting a comprehensive picture of what to expect.

What people like
  • Delicious, hearty food
  • Excellent value
  • Efficient, friendly service
What people don't like
  • Cash-only payment
  • Challenging parking
  • Sketchy surroundings

If you prioritize satisfying, generously portioned Mexican fare at a reasonable cost, Taquería El Farolito is certainly worth considering. Its reputation for flavorful food and good value often outweighs its less refined setting.

Just be prepared for a casual, bustling atmosphere that might not suit everyone. With a solid Recommendation Score of 7.8, this spot is a strong contender for those seeking an authentic, no-frills meal.

However, if a polished environment or convenient payment options are crucial for you, it might be wise to manage your expectations or explore other options.

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Verdict: Our expert take on Taquería El Farolito

Food (7.9 von 10)

mentioned by 97% of the guests

When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at 78.1%, diners are mostly happy. Out of 315 comments, a whopping 246 rave about the delicious Mexican food, especially the burritos and tacos, often highlighting the generous portion sizes and fresh ingredients.

However, not every bite is perfect. Around 48 remarks point to some issues, with concerns about overcooked meat, bland flavor, or sometimes a less-than-ideal tortilla. While many find the food excellent, a few experiences suggest inconsistencies in preparation.

7.9 Food

315

Reviews

78%

Satisfcation

48

negative

21

neutral

246

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Authentic Mexican food
  • Huge portions
  • Delicious burritos
What people don't like
  • Overcooked meat
  • Lack of flavor
  • Stale tortillas

Often praised

  • food
  • burritos
  • burrito
  • tacos
  • Food
  • Mexican food
  • carne asada
  • huge portions
  • best burrito
  • good food

Frequently criticized

  • burrito
  • food
  • food quality
  • beans
  • meat
  • tortilla
  • Al pastor
  • breakfast burrito
  • burritos
  • calories

If you're craving hearty, authentic Mexican food with big portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that while most experiences are fantastic, there might be occasional inconsistencies in flavor or meat preparation.

Service (7.1 von 10)

mentioned by 52% of the guests

When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.1 score, showing a good overall experience. Many customers, in 55 positive remarks out of 88 total experiences, rave about the *fast* and *quick* service, often highlighting the *friendly staff* and efficient *line movement*. You can expect a welcoming atmosphere and accommodating workers who get your order right.

However, customer satisfaction sits at a more *mixed* 62.5%, indicating some room for improvement. About 24 experiences mentioned *long lines* and *waiting times*, with some frustration over *cash-only payment* causing delays. A few also noted slow *food preparation* or issues with *order accuracy*, suggesting consistency can vary.

7.1 Service

88

Reviews

62%

Satisfcation

24

negative

9

neutral

55

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Fast, friendly service
  • Quick line movement
  • Accommodating staff
What people don't like
  • Long waiting lines
  • Cash-only payment issues
  • Slow food preparation

Often praised

  • service
  • Service
  • Wait time
  • line
  • staff
  • workers
  • ATM
  • ATM inside
  • Juan Carlos
  • cashier

Frequently criticized

  • line
  • wait in line
  • attention to orders
  • bare hands and dirty fingernails
  • billing issue resolution
  • cash
  • cash payment
  • customer service
  • debit card
  • food preparation time

If youre looking for a quick and friendly meal, youll likely be pleased, especially if you catch them at a less busy time. Just be prepared for potential long lines and remember to bring cash to avoid any payment hiccups, as service speed can fluctuate.

Ambience (5.6 von 10)

mentioned by 50% of the guests

When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed experience with a customer satisfaction of 44%, and an average score of 5.6. Many appreciate the lively music and fun vibe, especially enjoying the cozy back patio. Its location near Dolores Park also adds to the appeal, making it a vibrant neighborhood gem, as noted in 44 positive remarks.

However, 40 opinions point to some significant drawbacks. Concerns include the entrance and overall cleanliness, with some finding it kinda dirty and small. The surrounding neighborhood can feel sketchy, especially at night, and limited seating can be an issue, creating a less-than-ideal atmosphere for some.

5.6 Ambience

100

Reviews

44%

Satisfcation

40

negative

16

neutral

44

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Cozy back patio
  • Lively, fun atmosphere
  • Great neighborhood location
What people don't like
  • Unsanitary conditions
  • Sketchy, unsafe area
  • Limited, dirty seating

Often praised

  • atmosphere
  • Atmosphere
  • patio
  • place
  • seating
  • Dolores Park
  • Mexican street food vibe
  • back patio
  • bar
  • city views

Frequently criticized

  • atmosphere
  • parking
  • atmosphere outside
  • atmosphere and environment
  • dog shat on the floor
  • easy parking
  • entrance
  • homeless people
  • inside
  • kid-friendliness

If youre looking for a lively, no-frills spot with a great back patio and dont mind a potentially gritty neighborhood, this place could be a fun stop. However, if cleanliness and a pristine environment are top priorities, you might find the ambience disappointing.

Value (7 von 10)

mentioned by 54% of the guests

When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark, earning a 7, which is a good score, though customer satisfaction sits at a 57.8%, indicating a mixed bag. Out of 83 opinions, with 48 positive and 20 negative, many rave about the great deal and reasonably priced items. Customers consistently find the huge portions to be worth it, offering excellent value for money that's hard to beat.

However, some experiences reveal a few bumps. A common concern revolves around the cash only policy, which can be inconvenient and sometimes leads to unexpected ATM fee charges. A few patrons also mentioned feeling overcharged or encountering discrepancies with menu price versus what they paid, highlighting issues with payment methods.

7 Value

83

Reviews

57%

Satisfcation

20

negative

15

neutral

48

positive

Rating distribution
What people like
  • Great value
  • Huge portions
  • Affordable prices
What people don't like
  • Cash only
  • Overcharged issues
  • ATM fees

Often praised

  • price
  • prices
  • great value
  • $10
  • Price per person
  • Cost $10.75
  • Great deal
  • affordable
  • bank for your buck
  • budget

Frequently criticized

  • cash only
  • ATM
  • ATM fee
  • CASH ONLY
  • added extras
  • cards
  • charging
  • credit card overcharge
  • menu price
  • overcharge regulars

If youre looking for fantastic portions at an affordable price, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be sure to bring cash to avoid any payment method surprises or ATM fees, and youll likely get a great bang for your buck.

Wie sind die Preise pro Gast bei Taquería El Farolito?

You’re looking at roughly 15 per person – reported by 140 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 spend in this 11 – 20 € range, but a good chunk also find great value in the 1 – 10 € bracket, showing there are options for every wallet.

Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 140 reviews.

How does this restaurant’s value stack up against similar spots in San Francisco?

Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican Restaurant. It offers good value, especially with those budget-friendly options available, making it accessible to many.

Customer Reviews: what people think about Taquería El Farolito

Price per Person
  • 1 - 10 €
Service Intent
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Akhil Nair (Aki)
Bewertung abgegeben: 01.11.2025
8
Flavorful Burritos with Parking Challenges
I tried the Al Pastor burrito, a supreme pollo burrito, and a breakfast burrito. My ranking for the burritos would be: 1. Al Pastor, 2. Pollo, 3. Breakfast. The Al Pastor had the most flavor by far. The pollo burrito was still good, but had less flavor in the meat. The breakfast burrito was a tad odd, as the rice threw me off more than expected. It's important to note that parking is very hard to find. The area is surrounded by street vendors selling regular grocery items for cash, but it’s not dangerous at all.
  • Al Pastor burrito9
  • supreme pollo burrito7
  • breakfast burrito4
  • parking3
Price per Person
  • 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
  • Tourist Experience
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Nick
Bewertung abgegeben: 24.10.2025
9
Consistently Great Burritos in SF
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently positive, especially with their super burritos. Whenever I visit San Francisco, I make it a point to come here. The food is excellent, and the atmosphere is very enjoyable.
  • super burritos9
  • food10
  • atmosphere10
Price per Person
  • 1 - 10 €
Service Intent
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Dinner
Noise Level
  • Moderate
yegfoodiecrew
Bewertung abgegeben: 23.10.2025
2
Disappointing Burrito Experience
I'm not sure what the hype is about; this was probably one of the worst burritos I've ever had lol. The beans were undercooked and hard, the carne asada was dry, and overall everything was bland.
  • beans2
  • carne asada3
  • everything2
Price per Person
  • 1 - 10 €
Service Intent
  • Food Exploration
Service Type
  • Dine-in
Kate McFarland
Bewertung abgegeben: 22.10.2025
9
Fresh Salsas and Perfect Burrito
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The salsas were incredibly fresh and delicious. I had a classic bean cheese crema burrito, and it was perfect, featuring an ideal chewy tortilla.
  • salsas10
  • bean cheese crema burrito10
  • tortilla9
Price per Person
  • 11 - 20 €
Service Intent
  • Quick Meal
Service Type
  • Takeout
Meal Type
  • Lunch
Wait Time
  • Moderate (16–30 min.)
I V
Bewertung abgegeben: 20.10.2025
8
Reliable Taqueria with Fresh Ingredients
El Farolito's is definitely a "no fail" taqueria. You cannot go wrong with this place; its Mexican food is great! They do not skimp on the meat, and the meat is always fresh. This freshness is maintained because it's turned over constantly, with a line of people always inside and out. This means the meat isn't just sitting in a hot pan. At Farolito's, the cooks are never waiting for customers; it's always packed! While the food is generally good, it could use a little more flavor, as it can be a bit bland compared to some other Bay Area Mexican food staples like Tati's Tacos. Although El Farolito's is always busy, be mindful that they only accept cash. There is an ATM inside if you forget. Overall, El Farolito's is a must-try if you are in San Francisco. I actually prefer it over any other Mexican restaurant in San Francisco for fast food, which is exactly what it is – great Mexican fast food! Consider takeout, as there is no parking, and the inside is a bit disheveled, often surrounded by homeless people and peddlers, though they are generally harmless.
  • Mexican food8
  • meat9
  • flavor5
  • cash payment3
  • parking2
  • inside3

Das erwartet dich bei Taquería El Farolito

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Crowd

  • Tourists
  • Groups

Children

  • Good for kids

Popular for

  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Solo dining

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Late-night food
  • Beer
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Quick bite

Dining options

  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Dessert

Service Options

  • Dine-in
  • Delivery

Parking

  • Paid street parking

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Trendy

FAQs

What kind of dining experience can you expect at Taquería El Farolito in San Francisco?
At Taquería El Farolito, located in San Francisco’s Mission District, you can enjoy a casual and trendy Mexican dining experience. They offer a range of options including lunch, dinner, and even late-night food, perfect for a quick bite. Vegetarian options are also readily available for you.
Yes, Taquería El Farolito provides flexible service options including dine-in and delivery for your convenience. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a great spot for families looking for a delicious Mexican meal in the Mission District. Paid street parking is available.
Taquería El Farolito holds an overall score of 7.3, with its Food (7.9), Service (7.1), and Value (7) receiving good marks. Ambience (5.6) is considered average, contributing to a mixed customer satisfaction of 67.1%.
Customers frequently praise the delicious and generously portioned burritos and tacos, often highlighting the carne asada and al pastor as particularly flavorful options.
A frequent point of feedback is that the restaurant is cash-only, which can be inconvenient for some. Additionally, finding parking nearby can be challenging, and the immediate surroundings are sometimes described as sketchy.
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday
10:00 AM – 2:45 AM
Friday – Saturday
10:00 AM – 3:45 AM
Sunday
10:00 AM – 2:45 AM