Best Burrito In The Mission
San Francisco's Mission District is known for its vibrant culture, unique architecture, and delicious food. But if there's one dish that has become a staple of this eclectic neighborhood, it's the burrito. The Mission's burritos are famous for their generous portions, fresh ingredients, and bold flavors. But with so many options to choose from, where can you find the best burrito in the Mission? In this article, we'll explore some of the top contenders and help you discover your new favorite spot.
What Makes a Great Burrito?
Before we dive into the best burrito spots in the Mission, let's first talk about what makes a burrito great. At its core, a burrito is a simple dish that consists of a flour tortilla filled with various ingredients. But the key to a great burrito is the quality of those ingredients. A great burrito should be made with fresh, high-quality ingredients that are cooked to perfection. It should also be generously portioned, so you feel satisfied after just one burrito. Finally, a great burrito should have bold, complex flavors that leave you wanting more.
Top Burrito Spots in the Mission
Now that we've established what makes a great burrito, let's explore some of the best burrito spots in the Mission:
La Taqueria
Ask any San Franciscan where to find the best burrito in the city, and chances are they'll point you in the direction of La Taqueria. This iconic Mission spot has been serving up delicious burritos since 1973. What makes their burritos so special? For one, they use only fresh, high-quality ingredients. They're also known for their unique approach to the burrito-making process, which involves steaming the tortilla before filling it with ingredients. This results in a burrito that's warm, soft, and packed with flavor.
Papalote Mexican Grill
Papalote Mexican Grill is another Mission favorite that's known for its delicious burritos. One of the things that sets Papalote apart is their dedication to using organic ingredients. They also have a wide variety of fillings to choose from, including vegetarian and vegan options. Their signature burrito, the "Salsa Papalote," is a must-try. It features marinated chicken, black beans, salsa, and guacamole, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.
El Farolito
If you're looking for a burrito that's big enough to share (or save for later), look no further than El Farolito. This Mission spot is known for its massive burritos, which are packed with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. One of their most popular burritos is the "Super Burrito," which comes with your choice of meat, sour cream, cheese, and guacamole. Just be prepared to take some leftovers home!
Final Thoughts
While these three spots are some of the most popular burrito joints in the Mission, there are plenty of other great options to choose from. No matter where you decide to go, just remember to look for fresh, high-quality ingredients, generous portions, and bold flavors. With so many delicious burritos to try in the Mission, it's easy to see why this iconic dish has become a culinary icon of San Francisco.