Tacos Del Barrio

In a city not known as a taco town, Tacos Del Barrio is a beacon of taco consistency. Gone are the days of texting your friends to figure out which meat is good at which taqueria—every kind of taco at this Mission spot is an award-winning artist. Whatever you order will equal success. 

Stroll up to this bright orange counter-service spot and follow your heart. Asada, pastor, carnitas, suadero, shrimp, fish—all the fillings are phenomenal. The asada is chopped up into big chunks and perfectly grilled. The caramelized pastor is masterfully spit-roasted. The carnitas are nice and moist, but have that tiny bit of char that gives them that white whale crunch. And the fish tacos are so good you’ll pretend you’re in Baja for a minute—you can get these grilled or fried (but you’re gonna want it fried), and they’re coated in oh-so-tangy chipotle crema and a juicy slaw. Take it over to the promised land (a.k.a. the salsa bar), squeeze on lime, and throw on some green salsa for the perfect bite. 

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

In fact, take everything you order to the salsa bar. We’ve been to too many disappointing “just one red and one green” salsa bars to count, but this one is different. There are five salsas for every mood: fresh tomatillo, blended avocado, fire-roasted red, smoky chipotle, and sometimes a fatty peanut. You'll want to bottle them all up, take them home, and put on everything. And because this is the best salsa bar ever, go for plenty of the other accoutrements—pickled onions, jalapeños, and carrots galore—it’s okay, really, no one is watching. 

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

While the (slightly thinner-than-average) burritos, quesadillas, piled-high tortas, and quesabirria are great, they’re not necessarily what makes this place special. If you are going to deviate from tacomania, breakfast is a good bet, and full of saucy chilaquiles and Mexican-style french toast. It’s also often on the quieter side, making it perfect for a last-minute “I don’t have a reservation but am with eight friends” Saturday brunch. 

No matter the time of day, Tacos Del Barrio will enlighten you and welcome you to SF taco bliss. Grab as many as your stomach can handle, and enjoy them alongside one of the rotating agua frescas or a michelada from the bar in the back. This isn’t just a taco place—it's a taco experience.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Tacos

These tacos are the main character of the San Francisco taco scene, the rookies of the year, and the MVPs. Come here for them, and keep coming back here for them.

photo credit: Carly Hackbarth

Burritos

This is a good burrito on a soft flour tortilla, but you can get a great burrito around the block, and we prefer trying all the great meats in taco form.

Los Toxicos

A slight variation on chilaquiles, with two whole tostadas instead of chips, both red and green salsas, and eggs in any style you like. This is the perfect hangover cure (or just what’s needed to get the darty started).

Bolillo Tostado French Toast

This Mexican-style french toast is made up of fresh bolillo that’s sliced, toasted, and egg-washed before being cooked and covered with strawberries, blueberries, maple syrup, and powdered sugar—simply decadent.