As a SoCalian born and bred, I grew up surrounded by a rich variety of authentic Mexican food. Unfortunately, I didn’t truly appreciate that fact until I moved up north to Berkeley, where the Mexican food just can’t compare.
Sure, there are still some pretty tasty (and cheap) hole-in-the-wall places close to campus, but in order to get some amazingly good Mexican food, SF would be a great place to start.
El Farolito is a mini-chain with several locations in SF that serves just that – amazingly good Mexican food. After a concert, some friends and I stopped by the joint at 2 AM, and the place was still packed with people, despite the streets being completely deserted.
I ordered their Carne Asada Super Burrito, and along with the fresh avocados, tasty (and oily) grilled meat, and the usual burrito ingredients, I had a very satisfying late-night meal.
Definitely top notch and authentic, highly recommended!
Little lanterns at www.thefoodspotlight.com.