Stefanie from San Francisco
El Metate San Francisco
Authentic and simple
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.
Our San Francisco City Guide
Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe
Hits the spot!
Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
by
Nadine
Johnson
City Arts & Lectures
At the Nourse Theater
San Francisco loves City Arts and Lectures! And, I love it too. Now I can go to the Nourse Theater and enjoy inspiring speakers and discussions.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Swensen's Ice Cream
Same corner since '48
"Swensen's Ice Cream" in San Francisco hasn't changed since 1948. It's the chain's first store and I sill buy bulk ice cream here when I'm in the area...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Pug Sunday
Fun for dogs and humans
"Pug Sunday" in San Francisco is on the first Sunday of every month. Four-legged and two-legged creatures alike welcome the new month at Altaza Park.
by
Sasha
Sommer
Victoria Pastry Co.
All the major food groups
"Victoria Pastry Co." has prompted me to travel across San Francisco solely to enjoy one of its famed cannolis. Walking into it is a test of self-control.
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Oracle Park
Baseball by the bay
"Oracle Park" in San Francisco is one of the finest baseball stadiums in America. With panoramic views of the bay, it's uniquely San Franciscan...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
SOMArts
Some arts
"SOMArts" is a perfect example of what I enjoy about San Francisco. It's an old warehouse that's a boundary-pushing hotspot for local art & music...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Ocean Aquarium
Hidden fish store
"Ocean Aquarium" in San Francisco is a beautiful fish & aquarium store on the most unremarkable side alleyway you can think of. So glad we found it...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Liguria Bakery
A little Italy in SF
The focaccia at "Liguria Bakery" brings Italy to San Francisco. The place feels so familiar for locals. Everyone has a story about the first time they tried.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Golden Boy Pizza
A gold rush
"Golden Boy Pizza" is far and away the best pizza place in San Francisco. I know this is a bold claim, but everything about it is perfection...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
Heading to San Francisco?
158 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 158 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Restaurants
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
