Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Mission-style tacos are the doubled, soft, charred-corn-tortilla tacos served the length of 24th Street and Mission, with lengua, carnitas, al pastor, asada and pollo.
The city's tacos draw on two distinct Mexican waves: post-1910 Revolution arrivals from central Mexico, who set up the early taquerias, and a 1970s and 1980s influx from Jalisco and Michoacan that brought al pastor and carnitas to the same blocks. La Taqueria on Mission, opened by Miguel Jara in 1973, treats the meat with restraint (no rice, no beans, doubled corn tortillas with a touch of cheese and avocado), and the room won a James Beard America's Classic in 2017. El Farolito on 24th, opened in 1980, runs the late-night standard. The taco here is not a tasting room project; it is a 24-hour ledger of immigration.
5 editor picks for Mission-style tacos in San Francisco, ranked by editorial score. All San Francisco signature dishes · Mission-style tacos across every city.
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.
El Farolito in San Francisco is the Mission's all-night taqueria, opened in 1980 on 24th and Mission, with the super burrito that set the modern bar.
OrderSuper burrito al pastor with everything, plus a horchata.
TipOpen until 02:30 on Friday and Saturday; the 23:00-01:00 window has the fastest line of the night.
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.
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.
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.
Mission-style tacos makes more sense with someone from San Francisco explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Guided tour · 3h 30m
Join a guided walking tour of San Francisco's Mission District and immerse yourself in the culture of this area by exploring its food and history.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Savor 6 iconic dishes on a guided tour of San Fran’s Mission District. Taste burritos, quesabirria, sweets & more while exploring vibrant murals and rich cultural hist...
Guided tour · 3 hours
Explore the history-rich restaurant scene of North Beach in San Francisco on a curated, multi-course food tour. Enjoy appetizers, an entree, and a dessert as you disco...