MAD MEAT GENIUS

MAD MEAT GENIUS
Chilebrown at home

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

TAQUERIA EL FAROLITO



Living in the Bay Area we are lucky to have access to hundreds of Mexican restaurants. We enjoy going to the ‘City’ (San Francisco) to taquerias that we have never tried before. Periodically, newspapers and magazines publish a ‘Best of’ list and ‘Taqueria El Farolito’ always makes the grade. We fueled the racing Honda and sped across the bridge. It was time visit the ‘Mission District’ and experience some authentic, urban, taqueria grub.


The Mission district is a colorful, ethnically diverse, crowded, gritty neighborhood. Parking is a scarce commodity in this area, so when we found a spot on the same block we considered ourselves very lucky. I had planned ahead with a pocketful of quarters. The meter would only allow us 30 minutes to dine. The clock began to tick.


We arrived to a short line inside a well worn dining establishment. You placed your order at the counter, helped yourself to the salsa bar and take a seat until your number is called. The prices were more than reasonable. The four salsas were fresh and vibrant. This was a great start to our meal. When a restaurant takes the time to make flavorful and fresh accompaniments, it is a good indicator of the food to come.


Steak burritos were our choice today. (Chile Verde was not on the menu). I do not like this word but it seems appropriate; quintessential burritos filled our plate today. Perfectly tender beef with the kiss of the grill flavor was the star. So many taquerias skimp on the carne but not today. Fresh avocado, sour cream, pinto beans (your choice), and rice all rolled up in a soft flour tortillas made for a very filling lunch. The clock was ticking. Should I run out and feed the meter?
    We finished our lunch and returned to the Racing Honda. The meter was flashing a bright red expired sign. Luckily the meter maid was probably enjoying a burrito herself. Taqueria El Farolito is a great place to grab a burrito.

2779 Mission St
(between 24th St & 23rd St) 
San Francisco, CA 94110

13 comments:

Ryan said...

You're killing me, this is my favorite taqueria in SF.

Chilebrown said...

Ryan, We have been to a few taqueria's and this may be my new favorite.

Dagny said...

I can't believe you've never been there. When I worked in downtown, my coworkers and I would hop on BART to head over there for lunch.

Chilebrown said...

Dagny, Me too. We finally made it. Where should we go next?

Aaron said...

What?!?!? No chile verde?!?!

Come to Farolito in Oakland- problem solved. Abundant parking to boot.

I am a staunch Farolito burrito loyalist. As it happens I had the chile verde burrito last night. Their chile verde is the best around for burritos.

Farolito fact- the carne asada is best in the quesadilla suiza.

Chilebrown said...

Aaron, Will burrito wonders ever cease to exist. I have journeyed up and down the East 14 corridor and do not believe I have ever stopped at this location. We now have a new destination.

Greg said...

Man you had great parking karma! I went there moons ago on BART. Definitely worth the trip.

Chilebrown said...

Greg, It may be Karma, but, I like to think that it is a variation of the 'Think System' that Professor Harold Hill taught the River City Marching Band. You think a parking spot and it appears.

Three Dogs BBQ said...

Another one for the Bay Area Bucket List. On the topic of Chinese, have you tried House of Nanking?

Chilebrown said...

Three Dogs BBQ, We have not tried House of Nanking. We have a very decent local place. We may have to pay HoN a visit if you recommend.

Three Dogs BBQ said...

Best Chinese ever, IMHO. It is in the Financial District.

Aaron said...

Spices! 3, 369 12th St, Oakland.

Szechuan shredded pork with explosive chile, mapo doufu, anything with a 2-3 chile rating really.

They bring serious heat.

Chilebrown said...

Aaron, Let's go.