Jun 10, 2025

El Metate San Francisco

Authentic and simple

""El Metate" San Francisco is my favorite place for tacos. And as local as it gets. I take tacos very seriously. Some may say too seriously..."

I take tacos very seriously. Some may say too seriously, if such a thing is possible. So when someone asks, "Which restaurant has the best tacos?" I don't hesitate - El Metate.

The Mission is chock full of taquerias and Mexican restaurants abound, so what makes El Metate so special? Two words: salsa bar. El Metate offers 6 different fresh salsas every day to go with their delicious chips and tortillas made fresh and by hand every day on site. If you have never had a handmade tortilla I apologize in advance, and warn you that once you have, you will never want to go back to store made again.

El Metate has a wide menu offering Mission style burritos, classic tacos, and tortas. A true creature of habit, I always get a taco plate with carnitas and a glass bottle of Pepsi. The Pepsi is imported from Mexico and made with Mexican sugar. However, my usual lunch companion favors horchata and shrimp tacos. Both are good options.

Staying true to tradition, tacos are served on corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, salsa brava. They do not come with cheese so you must request it with your meal. But if you are going to spend the extra dollar, get the avocado instead. This is California, after all.

Located on the very edge of the Mission, El Metate is about as locals only as it gets. The average lunch crowd is made up of people who live and work in the neighborhood.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

2406 Bryant St

Taco platter:

US$

12

4156417209

Find your way with 157 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our San Francisco guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco

The Palace of Fine Arts

Afternoon with the Gods

The "Palace of Fine Arts" in San Francisco comprises the only surviving structure from the Pan Pacific Exhibition in 1915. Such beauty, available for free!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Kathleen

Messmer

Jul 22, 2025

Home Coffee Roasters

Friendly vibes all around

"Home Coffee Roasters" in San Francisco isn't like other coffee shops. Where else are you sure to get an inviting "welcome in" when you go inside?

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jul 21, 2025

Stanyan Tree

Unexpected and wonderful

This beautiful strong tree between two apartment buildings in San Francisco just stopped me in my tracks when I saw it. It's beauty in the little things...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jul 21, 2025

Portrero Hill Community Garden

Green thumbs

The "Portrero Hill Community Garden" in San Francisco is an unexpected surprise when you walk around the neighborhood. It reminds me of my grandpa...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Brooke

Ekdahl

Jul 21, 2025

Heading to San Francisco?

157 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to San Francisco?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

157 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Restaurants

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
64
Made with the 💚 of 495 Spotters.
Filters