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VietnameseLower Pac Heights
Saigon Sandwich in San Francisco is the Larkin Street banh mi window: six bucks for a roll, with a fast line out the door by noon every weekday.
OrderPork banh mi number one with extra pate, and a Vietnamese iced coffee.
TipCash only; order four at once and bring them home; the bread stays good for three hours wrapped.
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Mexican TaqueriaThe Mission
Taqueria Cancun in San Francisco is the Mission taqueria on 16th and Mission, the baseline burrito mojado the city falls back on, open late every night.
OrderThe burrito mojado, smothered in three sauces (guacamole, sour cream, salsa roja) and a side of horchata.
TipMission and 16th is the busiest of the three locations; the 24th Street branch at 3211 Mission has a shorter line at lunch.
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MexicanMarina Cow Hollow
Tacolicious in San Francisco is the Mexico City-inspired taqueria on Chestnut Street in the Marina, with a Mission-style sister on Valencia.
OrderA trio of al pastor-ish chicken, shot-and-a-beer braised brisket, and the guajillo-braised chicken.
TipThe bar pours a sharp tommy's margarita; sit there for walk-in tacos before the dining room fills.
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MexicanThe Mission
Taqueria San Jose in San Francisco is a Mission taqueria serving Jalisco-style cabeza, lengua and al pastor on doubled corn tortillas since 1980.
OrderA trio of cabeza, lengua and al pastor on doubled corn tortillas, with a horchata.
TipHalf a block from the 24th Street BART; the new 2839 Mission space sits across from the original storefront.
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Mexican TaqueriaThe Mission
Taqueria El Buen Sabor in San Francisco is a family-run Valencia Street taqueria at Valencia and 18th, serving the Mission since 1995 at sub-twelve-dollar.
OrderThe carne asada super burrito with everything and a cold horchata.
TipOpen 11:00-21:30 daily; busiest at 13:00, quieter for an early dinner at 17:00.
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Mexican TaqueriaThe Mission
La Taqueria in San Francisco is Miguel Jara's Mission taqueria, James Beard America's Classic, with no-rice burritos and doubled corn tacos since 1973.
OrderThe dorado-style burrito: rolled, then crisped on the plancha with a sear.
TipCash and card accepted; the line moves fast even at 13:00 because each taquero builds with both hands.