The super burrito from Taqueria El Farolito is about the size of a newborn baby, and it never disappoints. We love getting it with carnitas or the tender carne asada. And if you’re still searching for your number one burrito in the city, coming here (for science) is never a bad call. You can also get quesadillas and nachos, or try one of each meat in taco form. FYI - it’s cash only, so come prepared.

El Mil Amores in the Mission focuses mainly on Mexico City-style breakfast and lunch plates. There are no overcooked eggs here, and only nonstop hits. The Yulis breakfast sandwich is a high pile of scrambled eggs, supple arrachera, cheese, and avocado between the softest telera-like roll. While the CDMX plate is a mix of chilaquiles doused in tangy salsa verde, soft scrambled eggs, and pillowy concha french toast.

This Mexican spot promises "good eats,” and that’s exactly what it delivers. From the moment you step into this homey space in Bernal Heights, everyone makes you feel like part of a family, and the fact that the menu consists mostly of homestyle guisados adds to that feeling. Whether it’s the spicy pozole, the rich chicken mole, or the tangy green pork costillas, the slow-cooked dishes make for the perfect pairing with the extra-corny homemade tortillas and fresh salsas.

When we’re craving carnitas and something quick, there’s only one destination we have in mind: El Gallo Giro. This food truck on 23rd Street in the Mission is serving carnitas tacos for which we’d endure 4x Uber surge pricing. The meat is crispy, the tortillas are pillowy, and the tomatillo salsa has a kick (but if you’re looking for something just as delicious that will also give your mouth third-degree burns, get the extra spicy chicharron).

This counter-service spot in the Mission makes Mexico City-style tacos that are the best in the city. Yes, that's a strong statement, and, yes, we stand by it. There are no wrong orders here. Wonderfully seasoned pastor spins on the spit in the back, the asada is perfectly charred on all sides, and the plump, creamy fish taco will teleport you straight to Baja. This place also has a breakfast menu, burritos, and massive tortas, but you’re here for those juicy tacos.

This upscale spot in West Portal is meant for sexy outfits and sipping on spicy margaritas under live trees and candlelight. It’s a vibrant, rowdy dinner party you’ll want to stay at until they kick you out. Luckily, the food is just as good as the scene. The pozole is rich thanks to the addition of pork trotters, the esquites arrive with bright kicks of lime, and the melty gobernador tacos are covered in a tangy green salsa that we’d love to pour on every dish

Have you ever had masa so outstanding you got the sudden urge to replace your dining chairs with corn stools? If the answer is no, go to Donaji. The Oaxacan restaurant in the Mission will make you want to become one with your chair and spend the rest of your days eating through their menu of fork-tender tamales, fried masa discs piled with juicy brisket, and tlayudas that are so thin you’ll wonder what sorcery allows them to hold up to the heap of toppings.

Nothing says “I’m cool and interesting” like knowing about the most exciting wine bar food in town. Cantina Los Mayas in the Richmond (the sister spot of Taqueria Los Mayas) focuses on Yucatecan specialties, including the juiciest cochinita pibil ever. As for the wines, they're exclusively Mexican, so you can swirl a glass of syrah from Valle de San Vicente while cutting into some mole-drenched chicken. This is the spot to keep top of mind for any and all future dates.

This taqueria in the Castro is one of the first places we tell people to go if they’re new to the city, or are visiting for the first time. That’s because they churn out fantastic burritos with cheese melted onto the tortilla and carnitas that set the bar high for all other carnitas in town. But even if you’ve lived here forever, you should still swing by on your way to Duboce Park, or anytime a burrito and agua fresca call.

La Palma is a tortilla factory, a grocery store, and a taqueria, all rolled into one. And while we’re no strangers to coming to this corner spot in the Mission for fresh masa, mole, tortillas, and chips, we will happily drop by for anything on their takeout menu. You can’t go wrong with their burritos and tacos, and you'll need to make sure to grab some chicharrones on the way out.