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Welcome to El Faro

El Faro has been a cornerstone of the San Francisco dining scene since 1961, famously serving some of the first retail burritos. Nestled at 2399 Folsom Street, this vibrant Mexican eatery offers a delightful array of dishes, from classic breakfast burritos to their enormous super burritos, all crafted with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The inviting atmosphere and enthusiastic service make it a favorite among locals, fostering a sense of community. El Faro has truly influenced the Mission-style burrito movement, standing the test of time through changing tastes while maintaining its charm as a cherished neighborhood gem.

El Faro: Reviews & Ratings

David C.
David C.

Best service, fast! And best breakfast burrito I've ever had. Reminds me of Mexico, service is good and prices are affordable less than $13

Daniel M.
Daniel M.

Great taco ! Tasty and delicious. Service great! Spacious dining. Good atmosphere with the locals dining during their lunch breaks. I just went here for a quick snack and got one carne asada taco. that taco was really great.

Kim D.
Kim D.

Excellent burritos seasoned meat choices and you can have it made just the way you like it. No rice extra meat extra cheese with all the super trimmings. Delicious!!!! And the customer service is amazing.

Juan V.
Juan V.

There has been a long debate about the Mission style burrito birth place. It has been two burrito places which steak( stake) their claim to the original Mission Style burrito . In my old neighborhood if you went to Mission High or lived in the Mission Dolores or Valencia street area and around Mission street corridor you would say it was La Cumbre on 16th and Valencia. If you lived on 20th street side past South Van Ness and beyond and went to John O'Connell High School ( the only other regular Public High School in the Mission) you would say El Faro on 20th street and Folsom. This debate (since the schoolyard) has existed for decades but one thing is for certain that the Mission style burrito has gone nationwide and both La Cumbre and El Faro style has been influential in setting it off. I came back to visit the original El Faro with memories about their glory days and good memories of the neighborhood . Then there is bad news about three robberies happening at El Faro within a week. I had to try their chicken burrito once again since it's been a while. The chicken super burrito has chunks of boiled meat and came with beans, cheese , guacamole and rice. The boiled chicken pieces were tender and had good flavor mixed with the other ingredients inside the tortilla. What came first La Cumbre or El Faro is more of a friendly question and a neighborhood competition Between two restaurants in San Francisco who pioneered and influenced the burrito style straight out the Mission

Jennifer O.
Jennifer O.

El Faro has stood the test of time, "serving the first retail burrito on September 26, 1961." When Kennedy was President! And in this town that grinds down the best restaurants through large rent hikes and changing consumer tastes, I salute El Faro for serving up tacos and burritos to generations. My son loves this spot because the burritos are enormous and stuffed with the goods. He's had both the carnitas super burrito and the breakfast burrito, both gargantuan. It's almost the size of his shoe! I was less impressed with the agua fresca. We had the "Jamaica" flavor and it tasted like watered down high fructose syrup. Pork enchiladas were good, had a faint but distinct taste of cinnamon in the roasted pork that was interesting. I liked it, never had pork seasoned that way before. Service was alright, maybe they had a busy lunch rush and were tired. They also open **early at 7am, those ladies work hard! I didn't see a place to run credit cards and there's an ATM placed right before the window so it could be cash only? Luckily, I had enough. Recommend anything that has their delicious roast pork!

Victor M.
Victor M.

We have been going here for 30 years never let us down. Some things never change good service and great food . We live across the bay and still make the trip

Jennifer Nicole G.
Jennifer Nicole G.

AMAZING food, and service and super clean! I've been coming to this restaurant for YEARS and every time I visit the food is precisely as good as the previous visit! The papusa is made fresh to order and comes out quickly considering. And it's SO yummy. Don't know if I like the pork and cheese or the cheese better, both insane! I've literally came here my entire life and have since moved away but this is my first stop every time I fly in. All I can say is try it! Best burritos in town!!!

Christina H.
Christina H.

I love this Mexican Restaurant, people that works there are nice and good at what they do especially catering, also I saw the drinks and food it looks so yummy, I have a huge Burrito couldn't finish I will try their drink next time cuz this place is Bomb and Amazing Vibe

Kristina M.
Kristina M.

Very friendly staff, historic as the first retail burrito in SF, and the super breakfast burrito was AWESOME and very reasonably priced for the size. I really enjoyed the decor inside, especially the mariachi costume on display and the tile murals above the menu. The burrito itself was STUFFED with meat and beans, plus the salsa was absolutely excellent. The pico is very smooth, but balances it out very nicely.

Angela Y.
Angela Y.

I stopped here on a Friday afternoon with a taco craving, and El Faro did not disappoint! I ordered two taqueria tacos (one chicken, one pork), which came out to be about $9 total when paying with card. The staff here was very friendly and made sure to confirm which toppings I wanted and offered extra hot sauce for the road. The inside is pretty simple with a long counter and no seating. The taco price felt a little on the higher side, but I don't eat tacos too often so it was worth it to me. The meat was tasty and well-seasoned overall, but the chicken was a little on the dry side. I absolutely loved their corn tortillas - that was my favorite part of the taco. Overall, I'd definitely stop by when I'm in the area!

Location

  • El Faro
    2399 Folsom St San Francisco, CA 94110 Hotline: (415) 647-3716

Welcome to the vibrant world of El Faro, a storied cornerstone of Mexican cuisine nestled in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District at 2399 Folsom St. With a legacy dating back to 1961, El Faro has not only carved its niche as a purveyor of the iconic Mission-style burrito but has also become a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're seeking a quick bite to go or a sit-down meal with friends and family, El Faro delivers in every sense.

El Faro invites you to explore an extensive menu rich in flavors, featuring classic burritos—each one crafted to perfection. Their standout offerings include the Super Breakfast Burrito, overflowing with two eggs, a blend of ham, bacon, and chorizo, all wrapped snugly in a warm tortilla for just $6.99. The El Faro Regular Burrito, filled with your choice of carne asada or pollo, is another tantalizing option at just $5.99, complemented by beans and rice that elevate the dish. Those craving something enormous can dive into the El Gigante, where the portions are as generous as the flavors are bold!

  • Tacos are another highlight at El Faro. From the traditional Taqueria Taco, featuring your choice of meat topped with onions and cilantro, to the Taco Grande, which adds a deliciously soft tortilla and jack cheese, there's a taco for every palate.
  • Many reviews echo the sentiment of customers like Kim D., who praises El Faro for its "excellent burritos seasoned with meat choices" made exactly as desired. And with rave reviews regarding service, even during busy hours, El Faro is clearly committed to customer satisfaction.
  • Outdoor seating complements the divey atmosphere, providing a casual space for enjoying your meal while soaking in the local vibe.

El Faro isn't just about the food; it’s a celebration of culture and community. David C. described the atmosphere as reminiscent of Mexico, noting the fast service and affordable prices, while Daniel M. appreciated the inviting ambiance filled with locals enjoying their lunch breaks. This sense of belonging is palpable and undoubtedly contributes to the restaurant's enduring popularity.

As you step into El Faro, you’re not just dining; you're partaking in a culinary tradition that embodies the heart of San Francisco. Whether indulging in a hearty burrito or savoring a delicious taco, each dish offers a taste of Mexican heritage fused with the essence of the Mission. With a friendly nod to those who have made it a staple of the neighborhood, El Faro is more than just a meal; it's a memory.

Don’t miss out on experiencing this iconic eatery, where flavors mingle with tradition and every bite tells a story. For reservations or more information, give them a call at (415) 647-3716. Whether you choose takeout, delivery, or dine-in, El Faro promises food made with love and authenticity that keeps the spirit of the Mission alive.