Mexican Restaurants in San Francisco

If you’re craving Mexican food in San Francisco, you’re in for a treat. The city’s got everything from no-frills taquerias to places serving up fresh Oaxacan moles and made-from-scratch tortillas. And some of the best spots aren’t always the ones with long lines or fancy interiors,they’re often the small, slightly tucked away places in the Mission or near Dolores Park where you’ll find a real sense of what SF Mexican cuisine is about.

One thing I’ve learned living here is that taco stands like La Taqueria on Mission between 24th and 25th can give you ridiculously good carne asada tacos that’ll ruin all others for you. And you don’t always have to eat everything with chips and salsa,the tamales and quesadillas here can be killer, too. Pro tip: try to visit during the week to avoid a giant crowd, especially for brunch.

If you want to branch out, hit up places like Nopalito, which nails fresh, seasonal ingredients with a slow-food vibe. Or if you want a little something fancy but still authentic, Cala by the water is definitely worth a visit and you’ll love their ceviche. Mexican food in San Francisco feels alive and unpretentious,just like the city itself. So get ready to stuff yourself with real flavors and maybe a michelada or two.