A Mission District legend in San Francisco, El Farolito serves some of the city's best super burritos — enormous, packed flour tortilla creations stuffed with meat, beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Open late and always busy.
El Farolito on Mission Street is a Mission District legend that has been producing some of San Francisco's most celebrated burritos since the 1960s — an institution so embedded in the neighborhood's culture that discussing San Francisco Mexican food without mentioning it is essentially impossible. The super burrito is the reason people make the trip: a large flour tortilla filled with your choice of meat (carne asada, carnitas, al pastor, or lengua), whole pinto beans, Mexican rice, guacamole, sour cream, jack cheese, and house salsa. The tortilla is griddled briefly after assembly, giving it a slightly charred, crisp exterior that holds together even as the generous contents press against it. The carne asada — charcoal-grilled skirt steak cut fresh to order — is the most popular filling and the best expression of the kitchen's direct, flavorful approach. Al pastor, marinated pork carved from a trompo spit, is the alternative standout. The quesadilla filled with carne asada and cheese, griddled on a flat-top, is a substantial second option. El Farolito at 2779 Mission Street operates until 2 a.m. daily and serves as a natural late-night destination for the Mission's bar scene. Cash is preferred. Multiple locations exist in the Mission District and across San Francisco, California, but the flagship on Mission Street between 23rd and 24th streets is the original.
Location
2779 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Highlights
- Mission District burrito institution since the 1960s, producing San Francisco's most celebrated super burritos for six decades
- Super burrito with carne asada, beans, rice, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa in a griddled flour tortilla — the essential order
- Al pastor carved from a trompo spit and carne asada char-grilled to order are the two standout meat fillings
- Carne asada quesadilla griddled on a flat-top is a popular alternative to the burrito format
- Open until 2 a.m. daily — a celebrated late-night Mission District destination for over 50 years
Tips for visiting
- Order the super burrito — it's enormous. Cash preferred. Open late for post-bar food.
Accessibility
El Farolito at 2779 Mission Street is on street level with step-free access from the sidewalk. The dining area accommodates wheelchair users; the space can be crowded during late-night peak hours but the counter and tables are generally navigable.
Frequently asked questions
What is a super burrito at El Farolito?
A super burrito at El Farolito is a large flour tortilla filled with a choice of meat plus whole pinto beans, Mexican rice, guacamole, sour cream, jack cheese, and house-made salsa. The tortilla is briefly griddled after assembly, giving it a slightly crisp exterior.
What is the best meat filling to order?
The carne asada — charcoal-grilled skirt steak cut fresh to order — is the most popular filling and widely considered the best expression of El Farolito's kitchen. Al pastor, carved from a trompo spit, is an equally celebrated alternative.
Is El Farolito open late?
Yes. El Farolito on Mission Street is open until 2 a.m. daily, making it one of San Francisco's best late-night food options. The restaurant is particularly busy after midnight on weekends when the Mission bar scene winds down.
Is it cash only?
Cash is the preferred and most reliable payment method at El Farolito. Some locations may accept cards, but bringing cash ensures smooth service, particularly during busy late-night periods.