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L'Avenida
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
511 Irving St(between 6th Ave & 7th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
Neighborhood: Inner Sunset
(415) 681-1246
- 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
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
123 reviews for L'Avenida
Review Highlights
"good burritos and excellent huge mexican salads."
(in 38 reviews)
"Your chicken and carne asada are oh-so-tasty."
(in 7 reviews)
"Good home made salsa and friendly staff."
(in 30 reviews)
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123 reviews in English
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Review from Christine K.
San Francisco, CA
8/15/2011
L'Avenida... aka that awesome burrito joint next to The Yellow Submarine.
Burritos come in so many flavors and varieties and they are a dime a dozen in the city, but for the last 15 years my heart has a special place for this burrito joint.
Yes, it's a little small (especially since it shrunk to half its size over the years). Oh and by small, I mean literally a handful of tables. BUT your chips are fresh and warm. Your chicken and carne asada are oh-so-tasty... and really, I just love your burritos!
Get the super. Eat it right away (these aren't so great the next day since the tortilla is a bit thin and can't handle all that goodness that's packed in after a day).
DEE-LISH!
And yes folks, there is more than just Gordo's in the Inner Sunset... go here! -
Review from Michelle G.
San Francisco, CA
12/22/2011
Very tasty burritos! Comes with chips and salsa. Staff often times seems preoccupied and unfriendly, but the food makes up for it.
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Review from Quinn L.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011
I consider L'Avenida to be the best place for Mexican food in the Inner Sunset. The food isn't super expensive, but it's of the best quality. The staff is also super friendly and always quick to prepare your food. ¡Que Rico, L'Avenida!
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Review from Ryan S.
San Francisco, CA
12/14/2011
Another dime a dozen burrito joint here in SF, squirt bottle guacamole etc. This place is a little below the average crapy mexican place you will walk into around here Gordo etc, unfortunately prices at Avenida are a little above average. Sad to say you can get better mexican food at the food court at UCSF (Carmelina's), which also sucks. If you are desperate for mexican food in the Sunset try La Fonda.
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Review from Preston B.
San Francisco, CA
6/4/2011
I know everyone has their favorite burrito joint, which I suspect is usually influenced more by it being nearby than "best," but I have to say that L'Avenida is among my favorite in the city no matter the criteria. Intimate space with few tables means it lends itself more to neighbors who can take it home, or you can walk your burrito into Golden Gate park 2 blocks away and have an impromptu picnic.
Chips are fresh, unlike other burrito shops who let theirs go rubbery. Their mushroom burrito is the best in town, no one else has even come close on this one. And the most important thing for me is that the chicken is gristle free. This is where other places often lose me as a customer, even if they manage to hit all the other notes correctly. L'Avenida has never let me down. -
Review from Chelsey G.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2011
Better than Gordo's. Camerones Buritto was very average. Nachos are super packed and delicious. But the winner is the mushroom quesadilla. Small little spot. clean. what is up with the weird sliding door though?
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Review from Serge S.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love'enida! There goes my lame attempt at being funny for today.
I am so glad to have found this place. After being a devout Gordos follower for decades, I've decided to venture out and try other taquerias.
First thing you'll notice is that they have a double-paned sliding patio door for their main entrance, and that it is extremely small inside, but do not let that dissuade you.
My absolute favorite thing to get is the Quesadilla Suiza with either carnitas or carne asada. I then ask for them to put the rice and salsa into the quesadilla, much like Gordos. Pair that with a drink, the complementary chips and hand-made salsas, and I'm a happy camper!
Who says you have to go to the Mission to have good Mexican food? -
Review from Christian M.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Every time I come here the food is great. Authentically prepared all the meats are well seasoned and flavorful not like other chain restaurants.
The super burritos are awesome and tortillas are individually grilled so not soggy. Had the horchata once and it was a little sweet but realized it wasn't mixed well. The place is small so if you are stumbling in here with friends after drinking at fireside expect it to be tight. Very nice ladies that work here. Gave me an extra tortilla rolled with cheese when I was waiting.
The place has the best Mexican staples in the area bar none. -
Review from Tommy B.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2010
When I have a hankering for nachos, I come here because that's about the only thing they do ok. The other places in the hood - Gordo and La Fonda - are 10x better, La Fonda is also about 10x more expensive, just kidding.
The staff is a bit... well... I'm definitely not naive (I did read Kitchen Confidential!) but it's a little off-putting to see someone handle money, sneeze (thank you for covering your mouth, though), and then make your food (oh, so much for covering your mouth!) without washing their hands. -
Review from Steve E.
San Francisco, CA
9/5/2011
Summary: Really good Mexican food in the Inner Sunset!?! YES!
I'm a fan of L'Avenida. The quality of the ingredients and the quantity/size of the portions are excellent. The beefsteak items (burritos, nachos, tostadas...) are very flavorful. I generally fancy the non-meat items, and especially dig the super-veggie tostada or burrito. The nachos are a huge serving and super-yummy. Oh, and the quesadillas are a nice hangover remedy.
I came close to giving this review 5 stars but their food - while excellent - isn't quite as good as the best spots in the Mission (e.g., Poncho Villa's), but it's very, very close and by far the best Mexican food in the Inner Sunset. -
Review from Kyle M.
Rocklin, CA
6/20/2011
I truly got lucky, I was on a belated fathers day trip with my dad and we were driving around just exploring the city, saw the place and decided to grab a bite, always a risky venture but L'Avenida looked promising. It turned out amazing. The lady behind the counter was super friendly and gave my son, he is two, some chips even before we ordered. We placed the order and sat down with the chips, very fresh, and dug into the freshly made salsa. The flavor was superb. Then the lady brought us the Agua Frescas we had decided to try. The Cantaloupe flavor was amazing, very refreshing it was fresh cantaloupe blended into the water and juice. Then my Veggie Burrito came. M-freaking amazing.... Fresh Fresh Fresh, this place is authentic and delicious . If you are in the area strongly recommended.
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Review from stevie b.
Westside, CA
8/9/2010
I've been coming here for years...but only for their tostadas, which are delicious.
Anything else on the menu is pretty much blah...
Last time I was here I decided to change it up with a super chicken burrito with black beans...first few bites were pretty much just rice. Super dry, not enough meat, super dissapointed.
The folks working here are cool though, and the environment seems to always change everytime I come back. I guess now they have a sliding door as the entrance? wtf?
If you are looking for a real burrito, this is NOT the place to come to.
I would only come back to fulfill my tostada cravings and that is all. -
Review from Trav W.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's official--you can not get a standout burrito in the 9th Ave. & Irving corridor. After so many filling yet lackluster visits to Gordo and a couple of hopeful but ultimately disappointing ventures to La Fonda, I completed the neighborhood trifecta of taquerias with less than satisfying results.
My L'Avenida burrito was roughly 75% rice and beans, and they were not even the kind of beans I ordered. I think rice is the worst burrito ingredient on which to overdo it. It was an unwieldy bastard too, large and loose like a heavyset prostitute. The chips almost certainly came out of a large plastic sack. It's unfortunate, I wanted so badly to like this place.
F this bunk burrito B.S., I'm moving closer to the Mission (not joking).Listed in: The Hardest Working Man in…
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Review from Travis H.
San Francisco, CA
7/8/2011
Went there for a quick Thursday snack with my girlfriend last night. I got a veggie burrito and she got the the burrito mojado. My burrito was so-so (solid though) but the burrito sauce my gf got on the mojado was really good. I'm definitely getting that next time I go back!
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Review from Wes P.
San Francisco, CA
8/30/2009
ssshhh **whisper** Whisper**... Hey.... You.... Ya, you! Come here.... I have a secret to tell you.... I just found the BEST mexican food this side of the park... but don't tell anyone, i don't want it to get packed....
I want to keep a secret, but I can't. L'Avenida is just too good!
I have been searching and searching for a great mexican food spot close to home. I find the choices in the inner sunset are few at best. I also find that when I eat at other local mexican joints in my hood I am disappointed... until NOW!
L'Avenida does everything right. First off the staff is extremely friendly. Every time I go in I am always greeted with smiles and quick service. The place is small and cramped but they work through the lines well. It is extremely clean inside too. The food is always GOOD!! The nachos and burritos are BOMB!! So good in fact I felt like I was in the mission at some amazing taqueria. Luckily, I was in my own part of town enjoying this goodness!! I've also heard through the grapevine that the carnitas here is great. Something I will try next time for sure.
All in All I am coming back here often! I am so thankful i found this spot. -
Review from James M.
San Francisco, CA
5/17/2007
When you're in the mood to get hit port side by a silver mexican carb torpedo, this is the place to anchor.
I usually get it to go, but I've actually sat down in the restaurant portion and watched part of a football game on their big screen tv. Burritos are pretty good generally, but I think my favorite is the fajita burrito. A bit more expensive, and it takes a good 10 minutes to cook, but you can taste the difference. The enchiladas were also quite tasty. Good, but small selection of aguas frescas (pero simpre horchata).
Question: The name confuses me a bit. I didn't think they used the apostrophe abbreviation in Spanish. Shouldn't it be "La Avenida"? And is this a play on words? On an "avenue" but also "agreeable"?Listed in: The InSet (Inner Sunset)
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Review from Brandon B.
El Cerrito, CA
8/29/2006
Ahhh. I just devoured a chicken quesadilla in about 30 seconds. *Burp* I kinda feel like I'm gonna throw up in my mouth a little, but in that good I-just-ate-fucking-Mexican-food-way-too-fast-cause -it-was-muy-deeelicious kinda way. That was probably the best quesadilla I've ever had. And for six bucks they give you beens, guac, sour cream, chips and not one, but TWO kinds of salsa.
Oh, and the mustache rides are free on Tuesdays. Say what? -
Review from ryan t.
San Francisco, CA
1/6/2010
The Carnitas Super made me pee out of both holes.
Food poisoning is pretty much a non-starter.
It gets 2 stars only because they "allegedly" use Niman Ranch meat, and the salsa verde is decent with tomatillo's
Regardless, this place was great 2 re-models ago....but the last two times.....dare I say..I might be forced to say even Gordo is better.
Sad to say....but no good logs this side of Stanyan.
It's on the list. -
Review from Johnny C.
San Francisco, CA
3/20/2006
"One time, in band camp...." First time I went to L'Avenida I made the mistake of ordering a burrito "con Pollo" to go. Brought said burrito to a friend's house to watch American Pie. Five hours later my stomach felt like it was a Vegas cage-fight. Eight hours later I was in bed with the line "One time, in band camp" repeating itself in my head over and over and over again between hurl sessions for an entire morning. Thanks for the memories L'Avenida.
Six years later, I braved going back there with an insistent friend, even though I kept muttering "The Horror. The horror.".....Ate a veggie taco and survived. They get two duckets for that Taco.Listed in: And Mayhem Ensues:
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Review from John S.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2008
I've only eaten takeout from here, and I wasn't even the one who went into the store to pick up the burritos, so this review only applies to the burritos themselves.
The burritos are well assembled, which means they don't fall apart easily. Beyond that, they're OK. I had a super vegetarian, which I usually get the first time I try any taqueria. It was good, but not stunning. Next time, I'll get it with whole pinto beans (I had black beans).
If you're in the neighborhood, it's worth walking down the street to Gordo's.Listed in: Burritos of San Francisco
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Review from Nivek M.
Pacifica, CA
7/8/2007
I take no delight in writing this review with its two stars since this has been my favorite taqueria for years and years. However, something sad has happened and the quality just isn't there anymore.
The last time I went (a couple of days ago) I got a regular grilled chicken burrito and my friend got the super chicken nachos. The first sign that things were different was that I didn't recognize anyone working behind the counter. Then, as I watched the woman make up my burrito, I kept thinking "more chicken, more chicken" but it was not to be--I ended up with a ton of rice and a scattering of chicken and pinto beans. Eating it was a pretty salty experience and the lack of chicken made me feel (as they say in parts of Kyushu) tozennaka--very lonely. :(
My friend's super chicken nachos weren't as bad as my burrito, although they were also lacking in the pollo department. The surprisingly worst part was the NASTY guacamole spread all over the top of the chips. The strong chemical taste seems to indicate that this guac came out of a bucket not out of the kitchen of a nice old abuelita making it by hand.
I'm sticking to two stars for now with the hope it will be better next time; otherwise this may flip to a "Texas" (i.e. Lone Star). -
Review from Alyssa F.
Sacramento, CA
1/7/2010
Hi, can you say "food poisoning"?
I got the vegetarian super burrito, fiance got the carnitas super burrito. My burrito was decent enough, minus the scary-tasting guac, when all I wanted was real avocado, but fiance got REALLY bad food poisoning that had him out for days. And guess who had to take care of him that whole time? Me, that's who.
Thanks a lot, L'Avenida. -
Review from Jason R.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2007
I know a bunch of Mexicans, and I eat with several of them often, but none of them live in city.
So I was hanging out at my brother's house the other day and he's got a Mexican friend who's sister lives in the city. I've been eating in the Mission forever, but sometimes you want some Mexican without going below Market.
Can anyone feel me on that?
So I asked her where she goes and she said L'avenida. I'd never heard of it. I asked her, "Is it muy Mexican?" And she assured me it was.
I've been twice now and I like it.Listed in: Burritopedia
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Review from Tracie P.
San Bruno, CA
12/6/2005
I can tell you the meat is great and the prices are still the same (read all reviews). Its newly remodeled with a cozy fireplace and table service instead of just the counter line.
What is amazing is that the have kept the same staff for the last 15 years which may be a fine testament to good management. At least I hope so. Black beans, excellent nachos, lots of veggie options, and lots of traditional plates. Last I was there, the special was a chili verde plate and it was very yummy.
They also do party catering (read taco bar) at very reasonable prices.Listed in: I will drive to the City to…
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Review from M S.
San Francisco, CA
6/3/2011
Rather expensive for what you get. I got an Azteca taco with steak that was pretty good but their guacamole is dreadful. It tasted watered down and I can make better at home with the packet from the grocery store. The staff is friendly though and food was out fast.
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Review from Latrice W.
South San Francisco, CA
10/8/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I love this place. But let's not ignore the obvious. The older lady that works there is R.U.D.E. She acts like giving a little extra cheese or rice comes from her kitchen at her house LOL.. And that is everytime I go. And Igo like oncea week.
But thier chicken burritos are OFF THE HOOK. I love them. I havent tasted any better- except in Las Vegas LOL..
I love the place.
I like the space before the remodel where we could actually sit down as a group and eat.
But bottom line the food is great1!!!!
LOVE THE BURRITOS-YUM!!!!!! -
Review from Andrew M.
Palo Alto, CA
7/9/2007
Meh.
I've been here twice, the second time just to make sure it really was that bad. I honestly can't say I've had anything worthwhile from here. That includes the chips, the salsa, their tacos, their enchiladas, the beans and the rice. From what I've read the burritos are hit and miss too so I'd rather not find out.
Aside from the food, the restaurant is pretty nice. :P Good service, and easier parking than further down Irving. Too bad. -
Review from Geoffrey D.
Princeton Junction, NJ
9/6/2006
Uh oh... something is amiss. I've been living in the neighborhood and coming to L'Avenida for years, but in the past few months, the food has gone WAY downhill. I am going to give this place one more try, but if I have another experience like the last, that may be it.
As for the specifics - they have somehow gone from making one of the best carnitas plates around, to making carnitas that tastes like warmed tuna from a can. I was miffed the first time, but the next time, it was worse.
Now, the plates tend to come out with a random assortment of sides - sometimes they forget the sourcream, sometimes the guac, who knows what.
The salsa; dont know what they did on this either. It is now too salty (as are the chips) too hot - someone must be f-in with the habanero, because I like hot and this is getting silly hot. It's also too chipotle, as in beyond smoked, but sort of burnt. Not good.
The burritos, also, are something to behold. They have become thick skinned, and yuk inside.
What happened here? Ive noticed different servers, but havent been able to tell if there are different owners or managers or what. But something is definitely wrong.
For now, avoid, or try at your own risk, or better still, help me do some research and find out what happened. So sad....
Update : Spring 07 - it struck out for the third time. I'm not going back. -
Review from Ashley K.
San Francisco, CA
5/19/2010
This place is great, though I have to admit I was a bit confounded by the sliding glass door at first.
The food is fresh and cooked really quickly, and I was surprised by how cheap everything was. I ordered a quesadilla which came with beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and chips all for a little over $5 and it was more than I could finish.
The people are very sweet and polite, definitely great for take out or a quick meal if you're alone or with a small party. Don't come with a lot of people expecting to squeeze in, it's a bit of a tight fit. -
Review from Madeleine K.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/18/2009
I recently moved back to this side of town, and gingerly approached L'Avenida LITERALLY the day I moved in. I was nervous, as my last 2 experiences had left me sad and empty...but THEY'RE BACK!!
I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but they finally got used to the smaller kitchen! I've been 3 times in the past 3 weeks, so I know they got the magic back!Listed in: If you drive me here, I'll…, Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/26/2007
UPDATE 12/26:
I'm amazed at how awesome this place is on a consistent basis. Eat in or take out, the… Read more »
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Review from Emily L.
New York, NY
3/9/2006
I'm sort of indifferent to most of menu, but I do recommend the rotisserie chicken plates. They come with beans, rice, chips and salsa which are okay, but not great. The chicken itself is juicy, flavorful and a half-chicken meal will only set you back $6 or $7. Not too bad.
I usually get my food to go, but they do have a cozy dining room. The flat screen TV in the corner is kind of random though. -
Review from Wes M.
San Francisco, CA
8/30/2009
I never thought I'd be missing the Miraloma Park culinary scene, but having been to all 3 of Inner Sunset's taquerias, it's clear none of them is quite going to replace Miraloma Market for a delicious take-out burrito at the end of a long day.
Still, at least L'Avenida is quick, a shorter walk than Gordo (only 2 blocks from home!), and a step up taste-wise from the underwhelming La Fonda. It's practically a take-out only spot, with just two tables in the tiny beige-tiled interior. So I have a feeling I'll be stopping by here on those (fairly rare) occasions when I'm too tired to cook, too impatient to sit through a "real" dinner out, and not in the mood for Lime Tree.Listed in: Inner Sunset \ UCSF
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Review from Jessica W.
San Francisco, CA
10/27/2006
I wanted to write a bad review about L'Avenida on my way home. I was so angry. I ordered nachos with jalapenos and red enchilada sauce. Easy, right? I noticed she didn't put red sauce as she was putting it in the oven, so I said, "with red sauce". Yes, she nodded, she understood. Okay, great. Comes out of the oven and i get some guacamole. I tell her I want red enchilada sauce several times and she says "yes" and closes the container. Then the lady at the cash register is like, "anything else?" Yes, I wanted jalapenos and enchilada red sauce. Then she gets it and talks to her coworkers in Spanish about how people should order what they want in the beginning. (I speak Spanish, but look super gringa) Then she comes back and asks me to please order what I want at the beginning because now I have to have cold sauce on my nachos.
COLD SAUCE ON MY NACHOS.
That was why I was upset. I DID order before, I told her. Then she apologized and I took my cold nachos home. They were pretty good, though, so I've been back a few times. For real, though, make sure you watch them when they are making your order to check if you get what you ordered.
UPDATE
I've been back so many times and these people always have an attitude and I can't seem to get my food without some kind of issue. Booooooo. Just not worth it as far as I'm concerned. -
Review from Patrick B.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2007
As a consumer of many burritos and much other mexican fare every year, I'm always game to try out new places. I'd lived in the Inner Sunset for nearly a year before I went here and I was somewhat underwhelmed.
The portions in everything I've had have been reasonable, but there's just something...blah...about it all. I wasn't kicked in the palate by their food. I had hoped for some great tastes, unique spices and at least decent salsa and I didn't really get any of those. Sure, I was full, but not satisfied.
I'd rather go to La Fonda if I had to stay in the 'hood. Better yet, sack it up and go to the Mission and get some real Mexican food. -
Review from Sharon W.
San Francisco, CA
2/29/2008
Bleckh!
I had a regular California Mix Vegetables burrito and I was so excited about all the veggies - broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, and I don't remember what else, but it was so salty!
The chips were also really salty!
At least the employees were friendly and we were able to sit next to a toasty gas fireplace. -
Review from Mitch L.
San Francisco, CA
5/8/2011
I wasn't wowed. The burritos were decent but they lacked the attention to give me what I asked for. A great burrito place would still produce a delicious burrito without all the toppings you requested. This was not the result here. Oh well.
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Review from Molly M.
San Francisco, CA
9/16/2008
Small...very small & cozy!
I was a bit disappointed when they moved from their spot next door, but not a problem.
The burritos are pretty good. I'm a fan of anything vegetarian....and although they no longer put steamed veggies in the vegetarian burrito - I still love it. They also use Niman Ranch meat ...
Every time I have been in there, a regular comes through and the staff immediately begins making their order without a word uttered, of course other than a 'hello'!
...to me, that says plenty! -
Review from Audrey B.
11/20/2006
I hear that eating here can be sort of hit or miss - guess I got a miss....My burrito was slopped together with a lack of care usually exhibited by high school cafeteria workers in hairnets. The tortilla actually broke and they didn't even switch it out, which made eating it a big pain. And the chicken was dry and the rice was crunchy.
You can get a more authentic burrito at the corporate chain Chipotle...won't be back. -
Review from Ryan D.
San Francisco, CA
2/1/2011
I'm from San Diego. I have a mexican food degree. I didn't like this place or any place in San Francisco for the longest time. That is until I asked these guys to hold the beans. San Diegans don't put beans in burritos. Bamm!! Instant love. (Tip: Order a steak taco with beans on the side. It comes with chips and way too much steak and fillings. Take half the fillings and put it on top of the chips with the beans. Instant combo meal for total of $5). The staff here is friendly. I'm still trying to get them to make Carne Asada Fries. Everyone help me with that. Ask for the Carne Asada fries when you're here. OK then...Go here. It's Awesome!
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Review from Mark W.
San Francisco, CA
3/26/2008
Haven't been here recently since it is a bit farther from my old digs but I used to always like coming here to pick up a burrito to go or to grab one and take a seat here.
Their food was always very Fresh and it was definitely a step above some of the other burrito joints I have tried.
They may not be quite a 4 star in my book but they are definitely not a 3 either so since I have to choose a rating, I will go with the higher of the two since none of my experiences have been bad here so far.....
