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Carne asada spots in San Francisco

Carne asada that is charred and seasoned with intention rather than just being another filler for a burrito.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated June 2026
01
Ingredients image 1
Ingredients image 2
Ingredients image 3
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Restaurant

Small space with cozy, modern ambiance and calming colors creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Quiet neighborhood setting encourages relaxed, extended meals. Known for creative global dishes with local influences and top-quality meats and seafood.

Food features a perfect blend of global cuisines with a light touch that keeps dishes easy on the stomach. The menu offers excellent flavors and consistent quality across all items.

Carne asada comes cooked to perfection with a rich, savory flavor. It stands out alongside dishes like branzino and seared ahi for a solid, satisfying choice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and comforting."

"The wine selection here is excellent and reasonably priced."

"The Carne Asada is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Ingredients is a family-owned restaurant with a kid's menu available.

2

The pricing is reasonable for the quality and portions offered.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger parties, especially during holidays.

02
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.

Mexican food here is delicious and served quickly. The menu features tacos that impress even critical eaters, with a vibe that reflects its street food origins.

Grilled perfectly and full of flavor, the carne asada shines in tacos and burrito bowls. It pairs well with other fillings like chicken and prawns, offering a delicious and satisfying option.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious, especially the tacos."

"The Carne Asada tacos were grilled perfectly and flavorful."

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.

03
El Tepa Taqueria image 1
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.

Mexican food here is consistently good with generous portions, especially on lunch plates. The dishes match quality found in California, the southwest, or Mexico and come with excellent flavor.

Super burritos stand out with carne asada or grilled shrimp fillings. The Super Carne Asada taco and burritos pair well with horchata and deliver solid flavor.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I love the super burritos with carne asada."

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.

04
Leo’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.

Food comes out hot and fresh with clear care in preparation. The pickled onions with habaneros and orange habanero sauce add a spicy kick. Service is quick even when busy, with meals ready in 10 to 15 minutes.

Carne asada features high-quality meat that is perfectly cooked and sliced. It is not fatty or greasy, with a texture that is neither too chewy nor too soft.

People are saying

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

"I found the parking available to be surprisingly varied and great."

"The tacos here are flavorful, fresh, and some of 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.

05
La Vaca Birria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an upscale interior and clean, well-maintained seating offers a chill, easy vibe with loud reggaeton music. Atmosphere varies from insanely chilly to very hot, affecting comfort. Known for authentic halal Mexican food grilled over charcoal, it attracts those seeking quality and a lively setting.

Halal authentic Mexican food grilled over charcoal stands out here. Portions are very tasty, filling, and made with intention and care.

Grilled over hickory charcoal, the carne asada offers a distinct smoky aroma and tender steak. Options include tacos and a smoked carne asada burrito praised for its fire-grilled flavor.

People are saying

"The tortillas here are perfectly cooked and crispy with a subtle beef fat flavor."

"I found the best Halal Mexican food I've ever had."

"The Carne Asada has a distinct smoky flavor and tender meat."

Good to know

1

Prices for most menu items are over $20, with some items being more expensive.

2

The restaurant is now completely self-service with an iPad for ordering.

3

Parking in San Francisco may be difficult, so plan accordingly.

06
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.

Food offers authentic Mexican cuisine with delicious flavors that satisfy without being fancy. Meals come at a solid price and service includes table delivery and a small outdoor parklet.

Carne asada shines in the Fire Carne Asada Super Burrito and the Carne Asada Red taco. The ElTucan fries with carne asada add a flavorful twist to the menu.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are insanely good."

"The food here, especially the tacos and burritos, is seriously good."

"The Carne Asada tacos are seasoned and cooked to perfection."

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.

07
Cholita Linda image 1
Latin American restaurant

Wide open seating offers stunning bay views and a breezy outdoor patio. Lively Latin music creates a chill, Cuban-inspired atmosphere. The place draws a mix of locals and tourists enjoying casual, self-service dining by the water.

Food here is juicy and flavorful with a focus on Latin and Mexican dishes. Prices stay reasonable while the quality remains consistently delicious and tasty.

Tasty, juicy meat fills the carne asada tacos, making them more expensive but generously portioned. They stand out for their rich flavor compared to other taco options.

People are saying

"These fish tacos are out of this world."

"The fish tacos here are tender, flaky, and perfectly fried."

"The Carne Asada taco was tasty, juicy, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Cholita Linda does not provide table service.

2

Cholita Linda is handicap accessible.

3

There are no restrooms inside the restaurant, but public restrooms are available at the ferry building.

08
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.

Food arrives fresh and well prepared with consistent quality. Dishes are delicious and served on time in a casual setting.

Carne asada shows up in tacos, burritos, and vampiros with rich flavor and consistent quality. Taco Tuesday offers a special deal with carne asada and al pastor tacos, making it a popular choice.

People are saying

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

"The food here is really tasty and fresh."

"The carne asada here is super tasty and flavorful."

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.

09
Taquería Las Katrina's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and Day of the Dead decorations creates a cozy atmosphere with soft background music and dim lighting. The space feels inviting and reflects Mexican culture through colorful murals and tasteful design. It suits quiet meals or gatherings with friends and family.

Authentic Mexican food stands out with exquisite flavors and tasty dishes. The menu offers a consistently excellent experience.

Succulent carne asada appears in tacos, nachos, and a perfectly cooked, enormous super burrito.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is amazing, especially the burritos."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The Carne Asada here is served with such friendly service."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of menu items including burritos, quesabirrias, and molcajetes.

2

Expect generous portion sizes that leave you satisfied.

3

Prices are reasonable, with a typical meal costing around $18.50.

10
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.

Everything comes out fresh and hot with a big dash of authentic Mexican flavor. Tacos, burritos, and fruit juices all hit the spot quickly, even during large crowds.

Carne asada shines in tacos and burritos with rich flavor and generous portions. Tacos come loaded with everything, making them a standout choice.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"I loved the carne asada tacos with everything."

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.

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San Francisco, California

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