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.