Restaurant
Zuni Café
Zuni Café is a Market Street institution open since 1979, known for its roast chicken for two with warm bread salad, oysters and a daily-changing menu.
La Taqueria
La Taqueria is a Mission District taqueria founded in 1973, famous for rice-free Mission-style burritos and named one of America's Classics by the James Beard Foundation.
At a glance
- Type
- Mission-style burritos
- Area
- Mission District, San Francisco, United States
- Price
- $ · Budget
Good to know
- Counter ordering
- Shared tables
Why we recommend it
La Taqueria has been serving burritos on Mission Street since 1973. It was founded by Miguel Jara, who grew up in Tijuana, emigrated to the United States in 1961 and opened the restaurant because he missed the food from home. In 2017 the James Beard Foundation named it one of America's Classics. In 2014 the data journalism site FiveThirtyEight ran a nationwide search for the best burrito in the United States and gave the title to La Taqueria.
The style here is the Mission burrito, but with one important difference from many rivals: there is no rice. Instead, the kitchen doubles down on the meat, packing it with beans, cheese and sauces into an extra-large flour tortilla, which is then wrapped in foil. The James Beard Foundation described La Taqueria as both an outlier and the standard-bearer of the style, and noted that its quality stays remarkably high. If you ask, the kitchen will finish the rolled burrito on the grill so the outside turns crisp and golden, an off-menu option known as dorado style.
La Taqueria is a casual place where you order at the counter and often share one of the weathered wooden tables with other diners. It suits budget travellers, families and anyone who wants a filling lunch between sights. Its awards mean it draws visitors as well as locals, and the wait to order at the counter has grown over the years, so allow time at popular hours. The extra-large tortillas make for a big meal, so one burrito is plenty for most people. Decide whether you want yours dorado style before you order, and check how you can pay before you join any line.
Opening hours are not published on an official website, so check a current listing or call ahead before making a special trip, especially early in the week or on holidays.
La Taqueria sits on Mission Street between 24th and 25th streets, in the Mission District. Building a visit around it is easy: come hungry at lunchtime, then spend the afternoon exploring the Mission on foot. If you are travelling as a group, one person can order while others look for seats.
La Taqueria FAQs
What is La Taqueria known for?
Mission-style burritos without rice, filled with meat, beans, cheese and sauces.
What does dorado style mean?
An off-menu option on request, where the rolled burrito is finished on the grill so the outside becomes crisp.
When did La Taqueria open?
In 1973, founded by Miguel Jara.
Has La Taqueria won awards?
Yes. The James Beard Foundation named it one of America's Classics in 2017.
How do you order?
You order at the counter and find a seat at the shared tables.
Is La Taqueria expensive?
No. It is a casual, budget-friendly restaurant.
Where is La Taqueria?
At 2889 Mission Street, between 24th and 25th streets, in the Mission District.
Does La Taqueria publish its opening hours?
There is no official website with hours, so check a current listing or call before visiting.
Do the burritos contain rice?
No. La Taqueria's burritos are made without rice.