Tacos El Patrón

This airy Mission spot has a great menu of taqueria classics like tacos with homemade tortillas, vampiros, and rich choriqueso. The shining stars on the menu, however, are the quesabirria tacos. Each crispy tortilla envelope is stuffed to the brim with juicy beef that blends perfectly with the melted cheese. We recommend getting at least three—two for now, and one for 15 minutes later. Other reasons Tacos El Patrón is the lunch and dinner MVP: free chips and salsa is still an art form, the portion sizes are huge, and you’ll always find a seat, even when this place is packed—and it usually is, since its greatness is no secret. 

photo credit: Brit Finnegan

Food Rundown

photo credit: Brit Finnigan

Quesabirria Tacos

Prepare to meet the best quesabirria tacos in the city. They’re meaty, and overstuffed with cheese, onions, cilantro, and thick globs of melted white cheese. Our only advice—aside from making sure they’re on your table—is to prep your post-meal nap location before you head here.

Choriqueso

Do you love taste of somewhat bland melted white cheese? This is your dish. Tortillas come on the side for cheese taco-making purposes.

photo credit: Brit Finnigan

Mulita

Couldn’t decide between a quesadilla and a taco? Turn to the mulita. It's slightly toasted, full of cheese and a meat of your choosing.

photo credit: Brit Finnigan

Tacos

These are solid tacos with solid, though at times dry, meats. They get the job done, but if you’re here for tacos then the quesabirria tacos are where it’s at.