Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching and in previous years, it was a very festive time, not only in San Francisco but across the entire country. But this year is completely different, with shelter-in-place orders, social distancing and restaurants restricted to just take out or home delivery orders. Despite these obstacles, Mexican restaurants, particularly in the Mission neighborhood will be quite busy. Here the, are five of the best places to go for this year’s Cinco de Mayo. Please check the business websites for the latest, up to date information or call ahead.
Papalote Valencia
3409 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 970-8815
Frequently selected as the spot for the Best Burrito in San Francisco, Papalote will certainly be busy for Cinco de Mayo. Founded in 1999 by brothers Miguel and Victor Escobedo, Papalote will be open for take out and delivery service. Among the many favorite dishes for you to order are the Carne Asada Tacos, Chicken Mole Quesadilla and Pollo Asada Burrito. If you like seafood, go for the prawn burrito or the crab tacos. If you can’t make it over to the Mission District, Papalote also has a food truck. You can find the food truck in downtown, on Howard Street and Spear Street. For the latest, up-to-date information on Papalote, please call ahead or simply stop by.
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Taqueria El Farolito
2779 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 824-7877
www.facebook.com
One of the city’s best-known taquerias will be busy on Cinco de Mayo. After all, Taqueria El Farolito is consistently named among the best taco bars in San Francisco. Moreover, it’s been named the Best Mexican Restaurant in California by Stacker. There are too many popular dishes to list. However, among the popular items for you are crispy tacos, quesadillas and tortas. If that’s not enough, you can order burritos with carne asada, al pastor, carnitas or marinated pork. Regardless of what you order, you will know it will be delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. As a testament to its popularity, El Farolito has multiple locations in the Bay Area. In fact, there are two more El Farolito taquerias in the Mission District and another in Fisherman’s Wharf. Either way, El Farolito lives up to its reputation amongst the best taquerias in San Francisco and the entire Bay Area.
Taqueria Vallarta
3033 24th St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 826-8116
www.facebook.com
One of the clear standouts of many in the Mission District, Taqueria Vallarta will be accepting orders for takeout and delivery. Cash and credit cards are accepted. What makes this taqueria so worthwhile for Cinco de Mayo or anytime is a extensive menu of authentic Mexican cuisine. This includes breakfast items like Huevos con Chorizo, 2 for $5 tacos with chips and several different burritos, with nine vegetarian options. Additionally, fresh salsas are made daily and the taco bar offers 12 different meat varieties. Taqueria Vallarta also has breakfast items like Huevos con Chorizo and Huevos a la Mexicana. Taqueria Vallarta is among the most popular taquerias in the Mission District. As a result, you may encounter a long line of customers ahead of you. On the other hand, you’ll soon find out that it’s worth the wait.
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Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant
5929 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 387-4747
www.tommystequila.com
Although Tommy’s isn’t normally open on Tuesdays, the popular tequila bar and restaurant will be open on Cinco de Mayo for take out orders. Customers can order an extensive variety of authentic Mexican cuisine, like chicken enchiladas and beef or chicken tacos. Additionally, you can order your favorite seafood specialty or burrito. But what makes Tommy’s especially attractive for Cinco de Mayo are the margarita’s to-go, available only with food purchase. That’s not to mention Tommy’s tequila bar, often called the world’s best. Indeed, Tommy’s bar is mentioned in the Worlds50Best, with particular praise for its tasting sessions. That in itself, makes Tommy’s worth a visit or maybe two. Tommy’s is another outstanding Mexican restaurant not in the Mission District. In fact, you can find it along Geary Street, in the Richmond District.
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Uno Dos Tacos
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 974-6922
www.unodostacos.com
The Mission District isn’t the only spot in San Francisco for outstanding Mexican cuisine. Uno Dos Tacos is on Market Street but only operating out of Flores SF in the Marina for deliveries on Cinco de Mayo. A much larger establishment in comparison to most family owned taquerias, the SF taco bar offers a nice selection of gourmet tacos, burritos, side dishes and salads. Among the popular choices are the taco asada, pescado taco, carnitas burritos and vegetarian options. Uno Dos Tacos also offers a very impressive collection of tequilas and mezacal. If that’s not enough, you may just have to see for yourself. Also on the drink menu are premium beers and crafted cocktails.
About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012-2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS Local websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, he reportedly had a digital audience reach of 489 million and more than 5.5 million monthly visitors. His other stories have also appeared in the Daily Meal, Examiner.com, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget and Radio.com.