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Azteca Taqueria - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
235 Church St(between 15th St & Market St)
San Francisco, CA 94114
Neighborhood: Castro
(415) 255-7330
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
97 reviews for Azteca Taqueria
Review Highlights
-
"Best burrito that I've found in SF." In 41 reviews -
"My GF and I split a plate of super nachos with carne asada." In 5 reviews -
"The super veggie burrito is my favorite at Azteca." In 5 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: Vegetarians go nuts for this spot. See more places they like.
97 reviews in English
-
Review from Daniel Z.
San Francisco, CA
10/1/2009
As per the other poster below me, Azteca has now become Chilanga. It's the same owner, but apparently, he decided to go high end. If you're still looking for an Azteca-ish fix, he also owns the taqueria up Church (by Burgermeister) that has the same menu.
As for Chilanga, it's all organic/free-range and the prices have been adjusted accordingly. I just got the filet mignon tacos... 3 tacos and a coke = $15. However, they are damn delicious and even their salsas seem to be upgraded. The salsa verde seems to have much more depth of flavor (maybe they're using organic tomatillos too) and the red sauce has a little of that smokiness I love.
Anyway, time will tell how this spot will do. I'll have to revisit it a few more times before I pass judgment. For now though, I'd recommend those that loved Azteca to check it out. -
Review from Cynthia B.
San Francisco, CA
1/24/2008
Azteca Taqueria is owned by the same guy who owns El Castillito (on Church near Safeway) and La Tortilla (on Castro St.), two other San Francisco taquerias. All three make their flan differently. The flan at Azteca Taqueria is excellent. Azteca taqueria's flan is boiled, the one at La Tortilla is baked in an oven and has a lot of caramelized sugar in it (and the top is of it is nice and cooked) and the flan at El Castillito (also baked in an oven) has some cheese in it. Try them all! Azteca Taqueria's flan has a really smooth and delicate mouthfeel and it fees so delicate in your mouth. It is similar to yogurt or a custard in texture, but thicker in consistency.
Azteca Taqueria has one of my favorite taqueria employees working there, the Iranian guy who used to live in Mexico and speaks perfect Spanish (and English and Farsi too). A lot of people mistake him for a Mexican I think. He is always so helpful and polite and he always puts a smile on my face. He is so enthusiastic about Mexican food and it makes for a good time. He is happy to be working where he is working and he is happy to be in San Francisco talking to different people and it is contagious and makes me happy too. -
Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
2/23/2009
I'm going to take a wild guess and assume this place is owned by the same people who own La Tortilla on Castro Street. There's nothing like cheap Mexican food amid all the overpriced fare in the Castro. In fact, that reminds me of a story.
Two-and-a-half years ago, I visited a friend who lives in Washington, DC. At the time, she lived in Dupont Circle, which is Washington's version of the Castro (or West Hollywood, which itself is L.A.'s version of the Castro). After hearing from many many many Washington people that if I was OK with the Castro I would be OK with Dupont Circle, I noticed something: Although Dupont Circle looks a little bit like the Castro in terms of the sheer number of gay men walking around, there's a huge difference between the two neighborhoods. In the Castro although many restaurants are overpriced, you can find cheap places to eat like Azteca and La Tortilla. In Dupont Circle, not so much. It's just overpriced.
Anyway, so I'm glad this place is here. The food is decent, and it's cheap. As in really cheap. It's not Mission good or Tenderloin cheap, but it is in a rather relaxed part of the Castro. -
Review from Jeff M.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2007
I got a burrito here while waiting to meet up with a friend nearby. When he showed up, I asked him how the burritos were, and he said it was the exact same as Casa Mexicana, and I thought to myself, "Well, that sucks but at least I can just copy & paste the review."
Thankfully, the burrito wasn't nearly as bad as Casa Mexicana's. It was still mushy, which bothers me, but Azteca did get the ingredients right, with lots of cheese... and I didn't have to repeat myself! The spicy chicken had plenty of spice to it, and also had a twinge of sweetness to it, which was actually pretty good.
While this was definitely better than Casa Mexicana, it's still a distant second to El Castillito, which easily reigns supreme in the Duboce Triangle Burrito Wars.
Edit, seven hours later: My insides feel funny, and I doubt it was the granola bar.Listed in: Duboce, Let the burrito wars commence!
-
Review from Adam C.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2009
I lunch here a lot and I usually get the Enchilada plate. You get some free chips with your order and the taste is pretty good. I really like their spicy chicken.
The burritos are well sized, and they have tofu options if you are a vegetarian.
They also have Mexican Coke, you know the kind without Corn Syrup, it is sweetened with sugar and actually in a glass bottle. I get one everytime. -
Review from Jon H.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2008
(+)
- nice, cozy, comfortable dining area
- friendly, cheery staff
- big vegetarian menu, so your coward veggiehead friends have no excuse
- big plates
- big burritos
- reasonably priced (10 bucks will get you everything you could possibly want)
- fresh salsa bar
(-)
- no avocado option for burritos
- although friendly, staff rather absentminded (asked to eat in, packaged to go)
- a bit stingy on salsa cups
- chips dont taste fantastic
- burritos come with lettuce if you ask for the works (i FUCKING HATE LETTUCE IN BURRITOS)Listed in: Eat
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Review from Jessica K.
Santa Cruz, CA
6/18/2008
I schlepped myself all the way to the Mission after work today with the hopes of a) meeting up with my friends b) retrieving my left-behind-at-a-friends' rear blinky bike light and c) (while I was there!) feast on a burrito!
As I was crossing the don't-look-back-now point (you know, you already missed the turn to go straight home, might as well keep going), I realized that I decided not to bring my bike lock with me today. It's like a law of physics, I swear.
So, I couldn't find my friends where they said they'd be (Makeout Room), the friend who has my blinky wasn't home (damn!) and the place I wanted to get a burrito from (La Taqueria - Mission @ 24th) was closed! CLOSED? Lame.
So I decided to ride back toward home and pick something up near the 'hood. Decided to stop here, at Azteca, which I was glad I did. I hadn't been there in about 2-3 years, probably. They let me put my bike inside while I ordered. There was some confusion though, since the other customers were leaving I asked if they were closed (I dunno, La Taqueria closed at 9pm) and the nice man said "Oh, no! We're open until 11pm every night! Even if it's slow!" Now that's good business.
Contemplated sticking to veggie only but ordered the carnitas super burrito, black beans, wheat tortilla (duh) and freaked out a little when the huge, fatty chunks of pork were folded into the pillow of goodness. I told myself it would be OK, but when I got home I ended up plucking out a fair amount of the chewy bits. Oh well, it still hit the spot, and their salsa bar had good pickins. Nice and spicy with fresh cilantro, went well with the chips.
5 stars for service - thanks, nice dude!
3 stars for food
4 stars for atmosphere (although I took to go, its pleasant inside and they let me bring in my bike - extra kudos for that)
I'll def come back again (sooner than another 2-3 years!)Listed in: Burritos
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Review from Miriam W.
10/21/2005
Decent place for a burrito after working out at 24 Hour Fitness on Market.
Smile at the older gentleman who works the register and get unlimited free chips. -
Review from Jess R.
7/8/2007
I work at Castro and Market, and every lunch I find myself at Azteca.
Their prices are cheap, their food is delicious, and it lasts me all day.
I'm a vegetarian and love all of the options they have for me...
Especially the Tofu Ranchero Burrito.
Its a cream dream, my friends.
Recap: The food is great, is made quickly, and is next to nothing to get a full belly. -
Review from Sean S.
Oakland, CA
10/23/2005
Open til 11 on weeknights, this place is a treasure simply decorated with Frida Kahlo staring back at you from various parts of the place.
Brown rice , friendly staff, always sure to clear the grill before placing your vegetarian meal up there for the cooking, you can't go wrong with Azteca.
Their mushroom quesadillas can't be beat though they have turned me onto nopales as well.
Long day?
Tough gym workout and needing some but not too many carbs?
Azteca's the affordable place to go, time and again.
Plus free chips! Various free salsas. Good times, alone or with friends.Listed in: Cheap Date
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Review from Art A.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2009
Good burritos.
Very friendly. -
Review from John M.
Cambridge, MA
6/24/2008
I come here a lot because it's so close to home. There are plenty of other taquerias to chose from, but I keep coming here because it's a good experience most of the time.
I wish they had a better way of keeping their food hot. Sometimes food looks dried out, but that's not the case always.
Overall, they get my thumbs up.
[UPDATE: I decided to boost Azteca one star up because my boyfriend and I started to mix salsas in our cups (as their sign recommends) to create unique flavors. It is damn delicious and fun. Also, there's never a mariachi singer screaming in my ear as is the case at other Mission taquerias, so I've come to appreciate its relative peace. I still wish they had a better way of keeping their food hot though.] -
Review from Boxxxman J.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2008
3.5 Pretty good. Consistency was good in all my 5 spaced-out(time wise, not stoner-wise) experiences except once the al pastor was a little too fatty. Many taquerias fuck up al pastor and chorizo with too much salt, or no one orders it so it is nast, or it can be overcooked as well. What is consistent here is that they always distribute your ingredients in and roll your burritos perfectly. The spicing is ALWAYS just right for me and a few other taqueria heads in my posse.
I will repeat my belief that in this and many other eateries, usually, if you feel skimped on or there is no sign of romance or passion in the making of your item, it is because you don't tip well or you smell or someone just doesn't like your face. If you don't tip well, I think the latter 2 of you myself! -
Review from Megan D.
7/30/2006
It's obviously no Taqueria Can-Cun, but Azteca can make burritos happen good and cheap in the Castro.
The staff is friendly and the menu is comparable to any other burrito joint in a 5-square-block radius, but my favorite part is that they use brown rice. (I know, I know, if you're going to eat a burrito as big as your head, you might as well go all out. . .but the brown rice makes me feel a tiny better about the indulgence and is tasty!) -
Review from Orin Z.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2008
Hmm... you are difficult to read.
On the one hand you make one mean burrito. Not many stock poblano, and even fewer stock cactus. Your Azteca burrito is awe-inspiring, like a Super burrito but edible by fork only. Spinach tortilla? Praise.
But... no, I'm just *asking* about the cactus burrito, I don't want to... no, no, poblano... ok, well I see now that you just dumped the burrito I wanted. I guess it's loud in here. This mixup does not bode well for your future.
Difficult. Three, or four? One lost burrito does not a bad restaurant make. I'd edge on the side of caution, seeing as how the only reason I rejected this cactus I see out-of-hand is that it looked like week-old Chinese leftovers--soggy and faded. These are not good signs for your future.
These are not things that are, but things that might be... for you, at least. -
Review from Shawn K.
Oakland, CA
12/31/2008
This wonderful place has the best food!! I got my service super fast, everything was fresh, they have extremely cheap food, and their employes have very sweet personalties. This place is just wonderful. I love the bright room. It's a wonderful, amazing, beautiful place, last but not least, it has undoubtful service!! Nice portions, free chips, what next? A free dog with every purchase?!?! It can't get any better!!
P.S rated #3 best mexican food in U.S!!!! And I think to top it off it's funny to see how they try to make the place look so fancy although its not the fanciest place ever. It's also kind of cool to hear them say "fo heere o to go?"
But thats just my opinion. Even though it's probably right. :) -
Review from I Love Beef C.
New York, NY
12/27/2005
This place is a waste of space. I like burritos... and unfortunately, there aren't too many options in the Castro. Although enticing by its aroma of grilled meat and the bright, cheery sign above its doorway, Azteca seems like it should be good. Alas, it isn't.
San Francisco is spoiled with so many taquerias that it shouldn't give you the excuse settling for an Azteca burrito with bland, chewy meat and mediocre salsa. If you have to stay on Church, I suggest walking to El Castillito a block up/west of Safeway. Bueno. -
Review from Stephen P.
Boston, MA
2/15/2009 1 photo
Large portions, decent taste... fun counter crew... fair prices...
Not the best in the area, though... -
Review from Rich S.
San Francisco, CA
4/19/2006
McMexican as far as ordering and ambience goes - but the taste is pretty damn good.
Number of times visited: 1 -
Review from Alice A.
San Francisco, CA
7/7/2008
I'm new to the neighborhood and after a long day of moving, I was starving and looking for a late dinner (10pm) and Azteca totally came through for me!!!
The veggie burrito was wrapped in a spinach tortilla and had the perfect ratio of rice/beans/veggies. I was very impressed!! It was a clean burrito with no sloppy mess all over my mouth and fingers, a major plus for me.
Azteca will definitely be my go-to burrito place from now on! -
Review from David Y.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2006
My favorite burrito place in the city, and I'm willing to take MUNI to get there, even after work. I think I've had their mole chicken burrito at least 25 times last year. But hey: one time, I did get really sick, but I wasn't sure it was the burrito -- I noticed that another reviewer mentioned a similar experience below, and I'm starting to wonder... (1/25/2006)
(Update: I've since been back another 15-odd times and never got sick again. I assume it was something else.) -
Review from Jeff S.
San Francisco, CA
3/16/2007
I've lived around the corner for a couple of years now. Personally I think their food is pretty good but the place has potential to be much better. The vent in the roof by the grill is pretty fucking gross and the general cleanliness is worse than some of the shady spots on the mission [EDIT: They've had their vent cleaned up and the place has generally improved. Now I've got no reason to give them a proper 4 star rating!!!]. I have no clue why they don't fix it - the place would seem 50 times cleaner.... but now, onto the good:
The burritos are huge and they've got a wide selection of meat. I've only tried the grilled chicken & carnitas and theyre both good (but not great). I like that you can get your burrito wet (cheese & enchillada sauce) for no extra cost. They don't stick you with a certain type of beans, they've got Pinto Beans, Refried, Black, or refried black.
Not the best in the city but if you're looking for a monster burrito to fill you up that won't break the wallet, check it out. -
Review from Joshua E.
San Francisco, CA
8/10/2007
Yummy burritos, and big too.
Azteca is a pretty good burrito joint... I especially like their variety of vegetarian burritos, especially the broccoli burrito. It's basically a regular beans, rice, and cheese burrito, but they throw some broccoli in when they steam the tortilla, as well as the cheese which gets all melty.
The super veggie is great as many say too, it was huge, and tasty.
Free chips and salsa bar, always good.
My favorite taqueria on Church near market. -
Review from Darrin G.
San Francisco, CA
12/17/2008
I went here last night, and was very pleasantly surprised. I hadn't been here for 4 or 5 years, so I remembered nothing about it.
I'm not vegetarian, but I have a lot of people in my life who are. I was amazed to re-realize that they have more options for different vegetarian burritos than they have for meat burritos, so it's a really vegetarian friendly establishment
I'd never had spicy guacamole in a burrito before, it's pretty good :) -
Review from indojin i.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2007
the tacos are perrrffeect
I've never tried their burritos, but of the three places on church near market (the other two are casa mexicana, castillito), this is definitely my favorite.
The carne asada is done just right (too crispy at casa mexicana), and the salsa options are better than castillito. Consistently excellent.
es mi favorito
I siempre get tacos con asada y chorizo...a great meal at only $4.88, with tax -
Review from Matt V.
San Francisco, CA
2/21/2008
Carnitas burrito was quite tastey!
Horchata was good too...
no complaints from moi! -
Review from Val C.
San Francisco, CA
9/22/2008
My friend would probably shoot me if I gave Azteca only two stars, since it's her favorite burrito place EVER (she makes trips from the east bay to eat here).
But let's be honest, it's definitely a disappointment.
Okay burritos: 3 stars
No lengua (what kind of taqueria is this?!): -1 star
Seriously. A burrito with lengua is that good. -
Review from Ryan R.
Costa Mesa, CA
8/12/2008
One of the best mexican joints in the city, and I'm a pretentious asshole when it comes to south-of-the-border dining. Go for the cochinita pibil, mayan tamales, or the breakfast burritos (which I've usually hated). Or you know...for some chips.
And they have cactus fruit. Couldn't get more badass. -
Review from Jared N.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2007
I also love this taqueria. I have been here a few times after drinking, and the staff is great :) I guess they are used to it. But I love their Carne Asada burrito, and the spicy chicken is enough to make your nose run hehe mmm.. and the hamicha is yummy *spelling on that* They always treat me very well when I go there.
- Jared -
Review from Noah K.
San Francisco, CA
4/7/2008
I tried this for the first time on Saturday, and I was quite pleased with Azteca Taqueria.
My GF and I split a plate of super nachos with carne asada. It was huge and only $6 bones!
I'll definitely be back to thgis place, any time I have to go to Crossroads on Market with my GF. -
Review from Gourmet G.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2005
A nice selection of decently prepared and well-priced Mexican platters, gringo-style. They could be more generous with the chips, but the burritos are hefty and definitely will tide you over until dinner. You'll find better in the Mission, but as long as you're here, it'll do.
-
Review from Andy S.
San Francisco, CA
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Review from Theo R.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2008
Other than the late night variety; no Mexican food joints are going to receive more than four stars in San Francisco from me.
This place has very delicious and consistent food.
The price is on the wrong side of unbelievable, but hey; when in Rome - right?
Their vegetables are FRESH - mostly, and that really sets them apart from the crowd.
Okay, let me explain why this ain't gettin' five stars:
The proprietors of burrito shops here in Nor-Cal hail mostly from the Yucatan Peninsula. While that's fine, I have been utterly spoiled by the fact that I grew up in San Diego, where most of the taquerias hail from Mexico proper.
The carne asada is much more well done up here and ripped of their juices.
The guacamole here is flat, with no spices or tomatos.
Sour cream tends to be over used and mixed in with other sauces.
The cheese is sharper and melts way worse here.
Rice. *sigh*
I defy you to find a place in San Diego that puts rice in your burrito without requesting.
Every place here stuffs a bunch of cheap, over heated brown rice in their burritos.
Oh, they will leave the rice out if requested, but then they still get the proportions wrong.
It's not this place or any in particular - it is EVERY JOINT UP HERE.
A tragedy to be sure.
I'd like to say that the resulting difference is akin to Italian and Sicilian food.
Sadly though, it's more like the difference between French Cuisine and English bar food.
Truly, the taquerias up here are Megadeth, and those in San Diego are Metallica.
Some prefer Megadeth - and you rock on.
But come on, we know where the real double bass kick is at.
I do like Azteca more than most though.
Thanks for reading! -
Review from Jin W.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2007
I think it used to be much better and that they went downhill after getting too popular which is the fate of a lot of good small restaurants in SF. I love the super vegetarian burritos but always ask for extra salsa. The staff is very friendly and quick even when it's so crowded and annoying people are pushing you to get in line. I strongly discourage the meat burritos. They were impossible to chew.
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Review from Mick F.
Oakland, CA
6/13/2005
A great, cheap place for a huge burrito, chips salsa and a beer for about $9. Excellent selection of fresh ingredients. Highlights, chicken mole burrito and fish tacos.
Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Chris G.
Los Angeles, CA
10/13/2007
Only in San Francisco would there be a plethora of taquerias that offer spicy tofu in their burritos. The super veggie burrito is my favorite at Azteca. Their massive burritos are stuffed to capacity with tofu and your choice of beans. I am one of a few people who really like their refried black beans. I also like the regular black beans. The chips and salsa are good. Although the seating is high school cafeteria style, the rows of tables provide ample seating if you're with lots of friends. I usually own a huge table when I eat there. The food is the cheapest you'll find on Church Street next to the Muni station. The burrito is only $5 so you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
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Review from Adrian N.
San Francisco, CA
2/16/2006
Their salsa bar is what upgrades this place to four stars, otherwise it would be your typical taqueria. Five different salsas for YOU to drench your assembly line produced tacos. Finger lickin' good.
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Review from Cristina R.
San Francisco, CA
1/27/2009
I used to come here all the time about 10 years ago! I am so sad to say, I stopped by a few days ago and got a chicken en salsa roja to go and I got sick out of it. Not a pleasant experience. I won't go back. Too many great taquerias in SF to waste your time getting food poisoning from this one.
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Review from Mark A.
Los Angeles, CA
12/29/2006
Okay, so i'm a bit of a freak when it comes to CHICKEN MOLE. You know---that semi-sweet, mildly chocolatey sauce when mixed with tender white chicken meat can explode in a cataclysmic, mouth-watering meal of ecstasy (when done right.) Well, believe you me, i've gone all around this city and just about tried them all. Azteca DELIVERS the goods when it comes to their mole sauce! In fact, it's perfect!!! I usually order a Chicken Mole burrito w/ black beans, cheese, and a little mild salsa (the idea being not to overwhelm the mole flavor experience). NOTHING works for me more. I wish i could recommend their other dishes but i only go there for their Mole burrito. (And sometimes their steamed broccolil & cheese burrito which rocks too.) Enjoy!
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Review from Anthony B.
Sacramento, CA
1/4/2008
Azteca has the best tofu burrito I've ever had. That gets it five stars. I try to eat here at some point when I'm in the city.
