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Al pastor and salsa in San Francisco

The combination of charred al pastor and a sharp, spicy salsa is the only thing on the mind.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
El Tepa Taqueria image 1
El Tepa Taqueria image 2
El Tepa Taqueria image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a clean, bright space with a family-oriented atmosphere and self-serve salsa bar. The vibe is calm and welcoming, with fresh, flavorful tacos and generous portions. It attracts those seeking authentic Mexican food in a neat, airy setting.

Tacos feature well seasoned, smokey, and tender al pastor meat. Burritos and quesadillas with al pastor come flavorful and filling.

Offers a complete selection of salsas that are consistently fresh and delicious.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be the very best in town."

"The salsas here are fresh, with a delicious citrus lime balance and jalapeรฑo kick."

"The Al Pastor tacos are flavorful and filling."

Good to know

1

The prices at El Tepa Taqueria are very reasonable.

2

Parking can be a problem; consider calling ahead to place an order.

3

The portions are large and generous.

02
Zona Rosa Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful, cozy space with Mexican music and a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ individuals. Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with standout Al Pastor and carne asada tacos. Prices vary, with some items noted as good value during specials.

Well marinaded meat gives the Al Pastor tacos a rich, authentic flavor. The tacos come with a super tasty profile that feels truly super Mexican.

Salsas here are fresh and packed with punch, especially the red and green varieties. The quality of salsa often signals how good the rest of the food will be.

People are saying

"This burrito is huge, delicious, and super filling."

"The salsa here is so fresh and packed a punch."

"I thought the Al Pastor tacos were some of the best in San Francisco."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for only $3 each.

2

Happy Hour is available on Taco Tuesday.

3

The restaurant has no restrooms available for customers.

03
Leoโ€™s Tacos Truck image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck with authentic kitchen setup and direct flame trompo cooking creates a cool vibe in a parking lot setting. Several steel and standing metal tables offer casual dining spots. Known for legendary Tacos al Pastor and quality carne asada, it draws a crowd seeking genuine flavors.

Tacos al pastor cook on a trompo with direct flame, giving them a distinct flavor. They come with pineapple and use top quality corn tortillas for an authentic taste.

Chips come with habanero salsa that has a strong kick and a taste like Mexico City. The agua de jamaica pairs well with the spicy salsa.

People are saying

"This Mexican food truck has the most authentic tacos al pastor."

"I thought the Al Pastor with pineapple was the best."

"The al pastor tacos here are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $3 each, but some meats like lengua cost $4.

2

Food is available until late at night, most nights until 11 pm.

3

There is an on-site parking lot and street parking available.

04
Al Pastor Papi image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with neat street theme and plentiful seating offers a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere filled with underground hip-hop music. The space feels spotless and hip, creating a relaxed vibe for quick bites or casual dining. It stands out for its authenticity and community focus.

Juicy, tender pork with fresh pineapple creates a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. Tacos come crispy and well flavored, topped with cilantro and onion for authentic Mexican street-style taste.

Red and green salsas taste creamy and slightly sweet. Chips and salsa come together as a very tasty combo.

People are saying

"These tacos are flavorful, filling, and uniquely delicious."

"I found the Al Pastor tacos to be the tastiest I have ever had."

"The Al Pastor here is flavorful and crispy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located just around the block from Union Square.

2

Expect limited seating, especially during peak hours.

3

Prices are reasonable for a sit-down restaurant near Union Square.

05
Tacos El Tucan SF image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, colorful Mexican restaurant with vibrant outdoor seating and a salsa bar. Atmosphere feels chill and welcoming, capturing Tijuana street food culture. Popular spot for late-night dining with a lively, friendly vibe.

Crispy and flavorful meat defines the Al Pastor tacos here. They stand out alongside other dishes like carne asada and shrimp tacos.

Variety of toppings and salsas creates a personalized taco experience. The salsa bar offers multiple flavorful options to choose from.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are insanely good."

"I enjoyed the salsa bar; it was a nice touch."

"The Al Pastor meat was so crispy and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost $3.50, which is reasonable for the area.

2

Expect a wait during busy dinner hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking can be tough to access or find near the restaurant.

06
Taqueria Chapala image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small storefront with ample seating and a neat salsa bar offers a variety of Mexican dishes including tofu, lengua, and buche. Atmosphere is clean but basic, mostly catering to takeout with meals cooked to order. Food features large, flavorful burritos and tacos with simple ingredients like grilled meat, onion, and cilantro.

Al pastor pork appears in tacos and burritos, including a super burrito version. The tacos and burritos with al pastor offer a delicious flavor profile.

Salsa bar offers salsa verde, salsa roja, and pico de gallo along with pickled jalapeรฑos, carrots, onions, and habanero. It complements dishes like the California burrito and super chicken burrito well.

People are saying

"This burrito is massive and packed with ingredients."

"The food here is fresh, tasty, and served quickly."

"The Al Pastor burrito is massive and packed with ingredients."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Expect a short wait as meals are cooked to order.

3

The restaurant accepts cash and offers discounts for cash payments.

07
El Rey Taquiza Artesanal image 1

Bright, clean space with handmade tortillas and a fresh salsa bar. Loud Mexican music and live mariachi create a lively, fun atmosphere. Large dining area welcomes groups, with bar seating and open kitchen views.

Al pastor cooks on a trompo, giving it a classic style. Tacos al pastor stand out as flavorful and often part of specials like Taco Tuesday.

A big salsa bar offers flavorful salsas with fresh accompaniments like pickled jalapeรฑos, cucumbers, cilantro, and onions. Salsas add brightness and depth to dishes, complementing tender meats and handmade tortillas.

People are saying

"I found the tacos amazing, especially with handmade corn tortillas."

"I thought the tacos were the best, so delicious."

"I thought the Al Pastor tacos were my favorite."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Karaoke happens every Friday night, starting at 9pm with a two-drink minimum.

3

The restaurant offers taco specials every day, not just on Taco Tuesday.

08
Taqueria Vallarta image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos with a dedicated taco bar serving various traditional meats. The space includes indoor and outdoor seating overlooking a lively street, creating a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere welcoming to the Latino community.

Al pastor meat on the spit is juicy and packed with authentic, flavorful spices. Tacos come with shaved pineapple, adding a unique sweetness that stands out.

A salsa bar offers a tasty selection with included chips. The avocado salsa verde is mild but enjoyable. Courtesy chips and salsa come with the order, showing attention to quality.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be the best."

"The salsa here is the spiciest with all the toppings."

"The Al Pastor meat is flavorful and juicy, especially with pineapple."

Good to know

1

The restaurant serves tacos until 2am during the week and until 2:30am on Friday and Saturday.

2

Parking in the Mission District is generally tough.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere late at night, especially on weekends.

09
Barrera's Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cozy multi-tier layout and an upper terrace offering outside views creates a warm and lively atmosphere despite loud music. The space feels like a chic, bustling living room with family-friendly energy. Handcrafted margaritas and outstanding tacos and chips complement the inviting vibe.

Marinated meat comes out succulent and flavorful, with a mix of sweet and spicy notes. Caramelized pineapple adds a tender, juicy contrast to the tacos.

A variety of specialty salsas offers options from mild to fiery heat. The tomato and Arbol salsa stands out as flavorful and addictive alongside tacos and chips.

People are saying

"The fish and shrimp tacos were fresh, grilled, and flavorful."

"The Al Pastor tacos are tender, sweet, and spicy."

"I love the spicy salsa here; it's got a real kick."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 25% off during weekdays from 4-6pm.

2

The restaurant does not serve alcohol but allows BYOB with no corkage fee.

3

Prices for entrees average around $15, making it affordable for most diners.

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