The Mission burrito is San Francisco’s most famous contribution to American food: a giant flour tortilla, steamed until soft, wrapped around meat, rice, beans, salsa and more, then rolled tight in foil. It was born in the taquerias of the Mission District in the 1960s and 70s, and arguing about the best one is a local pastime.
In this guide
This guide is part of our best restaurants in San Francisco hub. For the neighborhood itself, see our neighborhood guide.
What makes a Mission burrito
A Mission burrito is bigger than most burritos elsewhere. The tortilla is steamed so it stays soft and folds without tearing, and the filling usually includes rice, beans and salsa along with your choice of meat. A super burrito adds cheese, sour cream and avocado or guacamole.
Ordering is fast. Choose your meat, say whether you want it regular or super, pick beans (pinto or black, whole or refried) and choose a salsa. Most taquerias let you watch it being built.
The classics
- La Taqueria, Mission Street at 25th: famous for leaving out rice, so the meat and beans shine. Ask for it dorado style, crisped on the grill. Expect a line at lunch.
- El Farolito, Mission Street at 24th: huge, messy and open late, a favorite after a night out.
- Taqueria Cancún, on Mission Street: a long-running local favorite, known for its carne asada and vegetarian burritos.
- Taqueria La Cumbre, Valencia Street: one of the places that claims to have created the Mission burrito in the late 1960s.
- Pancho Villa Taqueria, 16th Street: big, fast and a good pick near the 16th St Mission BART station.
How to choose your fillings
Carne asada (grilled beef) and al pastor (marinated pork) are the most popular orders. Carnitas (slow-cooked pork) and pollo asado are good alternatives, and most places have a solid vegetarian burrito with grilled vegetables or extra beans.
If you want to taste the meat rather than the rice, try La Taqueria’s rice-free style or order a smaller taco plate alongside.
Tips for a burrito crawl
Most taquerias are walkable from the 16th St Mission and 24th St Mission BART stations. Burritos are big, so share or split one between two people if you want to try several places. Lines move quickly, prices are still lower than sit-down restaurants, and many spots are open late. Check hours before you go, since they change.
After lunch, walk it off at Mission Dolores Park, or look at the murals on Balmy Alley and Clarion Alley. See our list of hidden gems in San Francisco for more nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous burrito in San Francisco?
La Taqueria on Mission Street is the most famous, known for its rice-free burritos.
What is a super burrito?
A super burrito adds cheese, sour cream and avocado or guacamole to the standard fillings.
Where was the Mission burrito invented?
Several Mission District taquerias claim it, including Taqueria La Cumbre on Valencia Street, which dates the style to the late 1960s.
Are Mission burritos expensive?
They are one of the best-value meals in the city, usually much cheaper than a sit-down restaurant.
Photo credits
Featured image: The Erica Chang / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0; How to choose your fillings: BaduFerreira / Wikimedia Commons, CC0.