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Papalote Mexican Grill
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
3409 24th St(between Valencia St & Poplar St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 970-8815
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- 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
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
1481 reviews for Papalote Mexican Grill
Review Highlights
"The salsa is the bomb-diggity-bomb-bomb."
(in 910 reviews)
"Amazing carne asada, sooooo frickin good."
(in 207 reviews)
"and the equally amazing soyrizo burrito (soy chorizo."
(in 59 reviews)
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1481 reviews in English
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Review from David G.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 2/8/2012
Dinner 02/04/2012
Mexipino Burrito = Adobo chicken with garlic rice. Slammin! Much better than I would have though. Garlicky sauce, chicken adobo good, everything else mixed in really well.
VERDICT = Would order again next time here, although that won't be for a while.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/26/2008
Soyrizo Burrito - 4.5/5!!! Soy Chorizo in a delicious savory sauce with the usual burrito fillings.… Read more »
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Review from Jermery F.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2012
While no one can beat Tacolicious for authentic mexican food, Papalote Mexican Grill come real close to what an aficionado expects.
Why does Papalote rock so hard
- They beat that master of mexican cooking Bobby Flay and were on Food Network, a clear sign they are better than all the other burrito places in the Mission
-they don't added a ton of hot seasoning to the carne asada knowing that us missionites want to be able to taste the grass fed goodness.
-there always a crowd of local mission folks and it fun to pretend to be looking at your iphone but be checking out that girl with those jeggings, super unique black glasses and plaid shirt.
-20 dollar triple threat burrito, need I say more, clearly if you have to spend 20 DOLLARS for a burrito it's far better than some 6 dollar burrito on Mission street. But don't worry about it being huge, it's still the same size as the rest of the burrito.
-The salsa, no matter how dry the meat, undercooked the bean you can always just dump the awesome salsa on it. So what if it doesn't taste like salsa you would get at most tex-mex places. That's what makes it special!
-they have soyrizo and tofu on the menu as well as other authentic things like jack cheese on everything and guac in the burritos.
The only thing was they really haven't put a lot of thought into the design and it was hard to understand some of the staff. I think they had accent or something. -
Review from Raina B.
San Francisco, CA
1/31/2012
SOYRIZO. SO GOOD.
When I need a burrito fix (that isn't at 2am after a night checking out mission bars - go to Cancun for that), I go to papalote every time. They use fresh ingredients and have the most amazing veggie options you could ask for.
Also, I could drink jars of their salsa. Okay, a lie, but its damn good. -
Review from John K.
Millbrae, CA
2/8/2012
Excellent burritos with grilled ingredients and fresh salsas on the side. Non-greasy feel to the food. Nice warm chips. We split the Triple Threat burrito and walked away satisfied.
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Review from Nadeem A.
Union City, CA
1/28/2012
In what turned out to be the last installment of The Mission Burrito Experiment, I visited Papalote Mexican Grill. I was new to the Mission burrito scene and needed to decide if I like Mission burritos or not by visiting a few of the burrito joints in the Mission. Some may argue that Papalote's burritos aren't quite Mission burritos, but I decided to give them a chance as part of my experiment.
So, I got close to my standard burrito; carne asada, pinto beans, super, no rice. It was damn good. It was very similar in flavor to the previous Mission burritos.
As mentioned, this was the last installment of The Mission Burrito Experiment. This whole time, I was comparing each burrito to my favorite burrito of all time, the carne asada burrito at Mondo in Santa Clara. And I decided that I'd rather have that burrito than a Mission burrito. It was fun while it lasted, and I'm sure I'll be back for a Mission burrito again! -
Review from Shirleyanne Z.
San Francisco, CA
Papalote is one of the best burrito places I have been to. I've been to this place a couple times and I have never been disappointed.
Here's why I gave them FIVE stars:
Plus one star for the portion size. I was looking around the restaurant and the portions that they give patrons are pretty hefty. I'm such a piggy that I love big portion sizes (but of course without sacrificing quality!) We got the Triple Threat Burrito which is so ginormous that Loverboy and I were full after splitting one. You can even split that burrito into three and still be full afterwards. You can save some of it for the next day. It tastes amazing just sitting in the fridge overnight. It's like the flavors magnified while marinating in the fridge. $20 for one burrito is not expensive if you can split that into three or four meals.
Plus one star for flavor. The beef, chicken and prawns were perfectly seasoned. Everything inside that monstrous burrito is delicious. The meat pieces were so juicy and tender. The flavors of the three different kinds of meats really complemented each other.
Another star for beating that douche Bobby Flay. I just can't stand his show and how he goes around America telling people he can cook better. Papalote really deserved that win and they were heroes for showing B. Flay that he ain't all that!
Another star for the sauce. It is sooooogood! I want to drink a whole jar of it. I am so happy that they sell jars of that yummy sauce. I just want to slather that sauce all over rice and you could even put that in a quesadilla or a sandwich.
The last star goes to the owners and the staff. The cashiers were super nice and they had big smiles on their face when we ordered. The owners are socially responsible and are good people. I went to a volunteer event for Project Pearls where we collected clothes and non-perishable goods for victims of Typhoon Sendong in the Philippines. Around lunch time, one of the owners of Papalote came with a big box full of burritos which he donated to feed the volunteers. He brought us FREE chicken adobo burritos! They were so delicious!
Check them out. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Julia D.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'd been avoiding coming here because I thought it seemed too "trendy," but my carne asada burrito was pretty good. I didn't like it as much as El Toro, it was a little blander than most burritos. Super crowded and a small space, not always the best!
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Review from Lena S.
San Francisco, CA
1/15/2012
This is one of my favorite Mexican food places in the Mission...nay, in all of CA! Its fresh, delicious, and they have plenty of veggie, vegan, and fish options for those of us who don't eat meat. And of course the SALSA...so good! Every time I come here, I get a jar of it. Its like crack. I also really like their jicama salad and their roasted pickled jalapenos.
They are very accommodating and if you ask, will make your burrito in a "bowl" (ie: without the tortilla.) -
Review from Monica M.
South San Francisco, CA
This place is pretty darn good. Tried it because of all the yelp reviews and was not disappointed. When I first walked in, I saw all these newspaper clippings and what not about their amazing food, so that was a big plus. Their burritos are even mentioned in being one of the best in CA. Shared the food, so I was able to try both the super nachos and super quesadilla. Both were very good! They also have some sort of special salsa (that they make I guess), it's pretty tastey and I haven't had any salsa like it before. They gave us a lot of chips too :).
I want to come back and try their burritos. They have one called the mexipino which has chicken adobo. Never heard of anything like that so, I want to try it :].
The prices are good, service is normal, pretty small dining area, so the wait depends on how busy it is, but you can always take it to go. -
Review from Chris P.
San Diego, CA
Quick qualification, full disclosure: I worked the Food Network/Bobby Flay "Throwdown" production gig that featured the Triple Threat Burrito.
My rating really is closer to a 4.9 star rating buuuuut I still can't quite get passed the $20 price tag on the Triple Threat burrito, which happens to be my favorite thing here... that and their secret sauce salsa of course.
I, like a few others, without a doubt suggest you order 1 Triple Threat and split it with someone. It's large and awesome. It's always cooked just right and you really can taste each distinctive type of meat (carne asada, chicken, shrimp) inside the burrito... while they all somehow taste well together. Everything seems to be in just right the place.
I also usually order a quesadilla or something like that and spilt it with my fellow grubber.
P.S.- Totally nice staff, including the bros/owners that were featured on Bobby Flay's show. -
Review from Spring L.
12/29/2011
YELP. I am mad at you.
Chips and dip, yeah okay.
Soyrizo Burrito, meh.
Fish tacos, +3.
I was trying to go to La Taqueria but they were closed for winter cleaning. I should've went to El Farolito instead. -
Review from Jocelyn J.
South San Francisco, CA
12/19/2011
OMG! 71$ for lunch! are you kidding me!
Now, when you have a glass of wine with your food I understand the elevated price. But when your server comes over and asks you if you want Guacamole and ceviche with your chips but doesn't tell you the PRICE, I wasn't expecting $17 dollars for some avocados and shrimp!! Outrageous! I wouldn't have minded if i would had been WARNED how much it was!
The portions are fine but WAY expensive for what it is. $9 for carne asado tacos....really?!?!? You can dress up Mexican all you want, but it is still street food! And this wasn't even dressed to impress. Come on!!! -
Review from Dennis L.
San Francisco, CA
12/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The closest thing to La Victoria's orange sauce! Although I think they call it a chipotle salsa, every time I take a bite, it still reminds me of the orange goodness from SJ.
Parking at both locations can be rather difficult but the proximity of bars makes this location my favorite of the two. Seating can be limited, but customer turnover is fast so you can usually count on having a seat by the time you've ordered and your food is ready. The tables are stacked next to each other so different combinations of group sizes feel like a game of Diner Dash. Occasionally, other diners may overhear or eavesdrop your conversation and chime in.
Usually, I go with the Pollo Asado Super Burrito. Although a little bland on its own, but the salsa definitely kicks it up a notch. Combine that with Reed's ginger ale and that's a wonderful meal. For the really adventurous ones, you can opt for the chicken/beef/shrimp super burrito. That shit cray! -
Review from Monika C.
12/12/2011
Came here for lunch with some friends since this was one of my friend's proclaimed "Favorite burrito place in all of San Francisco". The food was fresh and tasty, service was quick, but this wasn't a great place for a group of 5 to meet. There place is tiny and only had about 5 small tables that sat 2 or 3 people, maybe 4 .. but to fit 5 we had to put two tables together and be "that group" of annoying people clogging up the area.
For a quick bite to go or a lunch date with a friend, this is a definite must try. -
Review from Sofia R.
I stopped by here before leaving for class because I was really curious about their Mexipino burrito.
Mexipino burrito is supposed to be a fusion of Mexican and Filipino food. Chicken adobo, garlic rice, and tomatoes in a burrito. I was very curious about this because I like that kind of food and I wanted to see if Papalote would be able to make it right.
The burrito itself was okay. The fillings were great. They made the chicken adobo really well and it was tasty with the garlic rice and everything (as it should be). I didn't see anything particularly dazzling about it though. You get exactly what you ordered.
I found that eating it with their famous salsa made it taste way better. I regretted not asking for extra salsa.
Overall, pretty good burrito. Make sure you eat it with the salsa!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/15/2011
My friend had been raving about their chips and salsa (mostly the salsa) for the longest time. I… Read more »
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Review from Esther A.
11/23/2011
Their salsa is to die for. The free chips might be a bit on the stale side but I kept on chomping down on them to continue tasting that great salsa once my burrito was gone. And potatoes and carrots in my burrito doesn't sound too appealing to me but oddly it works!
Definitely call in your order. We were in and out in two minutes flat which was great because we parked nearby and it was not in a parking spot (sorry!) Our first visit to Papalote we waited a good 20 minutes or so for take out as we were unaware how busy this place was. (apparently we were living under a rock since I've never had Papalote until just recently) It was still worth that wait! Prices are a bit higher than your average taqueria but the ingredients are also higher in quality. I say worth it.
I've tried many taquerias in my days and this one definitely stands out! -
Review from V M.
San Francisco, CA
1/22/2012
I LOVE LOVE LOVE their fish tacos. The fish is light, fluffy and perfectly seasoned. They are super generous with how much meat they give you.
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Review from glen m.
Updated - 11/30/2011
Back here after a while.
I give a star for the salsa.
For the rest:
Flavourless beans. skudgy rice. über prices. bland meat. surly service.
You want clean? Head to La Taquería or Pancho Villa or El Toro.
You want real? Cancun or San Jose or El Farolito.
This place was OK - pretty good even Then it got bad. .1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/3/2011
This place has nice meat and suptertastic prices and overrated and flavourless beans and savourless… Read more »
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Review from Pammy S.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/12/2011
This place now tastes like a taco bell..... nasty. so sad as it used to be awesome. barf on a bun (or burrito).
hugs
P1 Previous Review:
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7/25/2007
My thought:
Tofu rocks at Papalote. Like really rocks.
hugs.
P'ster
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Review from Mandy H.
San Francisco, CA
12/15/2011
You were right, the salsa is peerless.
I saw an ex-coworker from Palo Alto and her surgeon fiancee. We hugged. Then I returned to my date. We sipped from the same bottle of Mexican Coke between bites of notable fish tacos. I liked her more and more with each second, so is this review really a reflection of anything besides love? -
Review from Jenn C.
1/8/2012
Delicious Mexican taqueria with - SURPRISE! - delicious VEGAN options! I'm a fan though I don't get here as often as I used to when I lived in the neighborhood. Definitely check out their mole - muy rico!
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Review from Maitai N.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Cheers for the great salsa:) Veggie burrito is awesome with lots of taste. Prawn tacos was not bad.
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Review from Tiffany N.
San Francisco, CA
11/1/2011
THE CHIPS & SALSA - BOMB.COM!
When I first had it, I wasn't used to the fact that it wasn't chunky salsa but thennnn I tried it and the flavor just blew me away! It's SO good - I can't even describe it aside from the fact that it is spicy. Bottled sauce is available for purchase.
My go-to when I want a burrito WITHOUT feeling heavy/disgusting after
IE.) the "I should go and work out after eating this but really, I'm gonna take my lazy ass to sleep"
Anyways, on to the burritos -
Not the hugest I've seen (hahaha) but it's filling and ingredients taste fresh. Burritos avg around $7-9.
Chicken Adobo burrito is muy deliciouso - love the garlic rice in it that really adds a good hint of flavor. the adobo chicken is not as vinegary as authentic adobo but you can still taste it.
Filipino inspire - It's a must try when ambitious to step outside of a carna asada burrito (there's nothing wrong because I like carna asada too!)
They also have variety of different burritos from tofu, veggie, shrimp, fish, beef, pork so you really do have A LOT to choose from.
+Not your late night burrito joint - closes at 10pm!
+accepts credit card
+ small, colorful and clean eating area with cool local flyers for events around the Bay scattered everywhereListed in: Bang4URBuck
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Review from Sandy L.
12/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
i am so addicted to the grilled chicken super burritos and grilled chicken nachos. i came here a couple of months ago and going back last night brought back all the taste bud memory. SO DELICIOUS! the super is an additional 99 cents which includes sour cream and guacamole. the boyfriend and i usually share one burrito and can tackle half of the nachos and leave completely full. i think my favorite is the chipotle salsa. it starts off sweet and then as it sits in your mouth you start to feel a slow burn and your taste buds go wild with yummy taste. i basically pour it over everything!!! all of their burrito has fresh ingredients and the food comes out hot and well prepared. this is definitely a quick in and out joint so don't freak out if the second you twitch to get up and leave that someone is right behind you swooping in to take your seat. they always have a full restaurant!
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Review from C J.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2011
Eh... I think it's okay. I fail to see the "wow factor" that so many other reviewers rave about. I think there are a bunch of better burrito shops in the city- for example Little Chihuahua on Divisadero. To me the salsa is bland and mushy. Where is the texture? It's just like... red glop.
They get your order wrong quite a bit, seem ill-equipt to handle the crowds. Also, sometimes harried and/or rude service.
They'll charge you $7 for extra meat/shrimp in a burrito or taco- why so $$? Might as well get a whole extra order in that case.
If we didn't live almost right next door we would never go here. -
Review from Natalie S.
San Francisco, CA
12/21/2011
I am in love with their salsa. I cannot get enough. I had to buy their bottled salsa to go to indulge my cravings at home. Their burritos and quesadillas are also yummy.
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Review from Maile N.
10/15/2011
***500th review written by Maile N***
:) YUM!! I was in the area and asked my facialist for lunch recommendations nearby after my appointment. She mentioned Papalote and I had heard it of it, plus she recommended the fish burrito - I was totally intrigued so I wandered over. I decided to get one to eat there and one to go to take home for my bf to try. I had a feeling he would totally love me for it!
I got a Mexican Coke - love!! The chips and that salsa they bring over (and they also pack it in your to-go order) ROCKS!!! I'm not sure what's in it, tomatoes, other vegetables mixed in and spices all blended together. They should bottle it and sell it because I want more!! The burrito was big, and packed with black beans, tomatoes, fish, etc. - yum!! I could only eat half of it so I went home with 1-1/2 fish burritos for me and my bf to share, plus more of those yummy chips and *salsa*! We sure enjoyed our burrito, chips and salsa!!
We live clear across town from the Mission location and really wish a Papalote was closer - maybe the other location is closer. Either way, we are definitely going to go back to have more fish burritos and to try their other items. Gracias!!Listed in: San Francisco Rocks, SF Repeat Yums!
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Review from Jimmy N.
Chicken adobo burrito. Chicken adobo, garlic rice, egg, secret herbs and spices, all wrapped up in a tortilla. What red-blooded Filipino or ANY foodie worth their salt, for that matter, wouldn't want this?
-1 star for being all the way up in the City and for me being all the way down here in LA. ;) -
Review from Andrew K.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Undercooked beans, underseasoned chicken, and don't think about lingering at your table for even a few minutes after they clear your plate or they'll ask you to leave. I understand turnover is important to their business, especially during lunch. But shuffling people out the door less than 5 minutes after they finish their meal is kind of rude. This is what I get for paying $9 for a burrito? Give me a break. If only La Taq weren't closed for remodeling.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/24/2011
You can't go wrong with one of Papalote's burritos. Their secret housemade salsa -- more like a… Read more »
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Review from Graeson L.
Boulder, CO
12/19/2011
Yelp's photo album for this place show's an outdated menu with burritos priced at $4.25. Don't be mislead by this photo. The actual price of a burrito is $9.19 with toppings. So, after tax expect to pay $30 for two burritos and two beers. The above average salsa does not offset the average burrito and expensive prices.
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Review from Jay S.
San Francisco, CA
9/20/2011
An experience that has shaken my faith in the taste of my fellow San Franciscans. I just cannot understand the hype around this place. It wasn't bad, but I don't think I'd come back here- it's just not a good value.
I've tried Papalote's food before. I have vague memories of eating there before I lived in SF and I'd had their takeout at a friend's house before. I don't remember being blown away by it, but I don't remember hating it either. Then again, I'm from Socal, so Mexican food is one category in which SF tends to let me down.
Fast forward to last night. We get there and, though the wait was somewhat long, the staff was so friendly and attentive that it wasn't a bother at all.
I ordered the soyrizo burrito (not particularly adventurous, but it's what I was in the mood for). It was just okay, not any better or worse than what I might make at home using store-bought soyrizo. I wasn't unhappy with my meal, but I wasn't impressed. I'd rate it 3 stars on its own.
My girlfriend's burrito was a different story. She orded the lime-seasoned prawn burrito, but the seasoning was so bland that she actually thought they'd given her the wrong burrito! I asked the (very polite and attentive) waitress if perhaps they'd prepared her the shrimp burrito with the butter-wine sauce by mistake, but it turns out it was the right burrito, just not a very good one.*
The other problem, besides flavor, was the number of prawns. This was an $11 burrito that had 4 smallish prawns in it. I don't expect it to be loaded up like a shrimp burrito, but I eat a lot of Mexican food and I know what $11 should buy me. I am not a diner with a sense of entitlement, I just don't want to feel ripped off. 4 tiny prawns just isn't gonna cut it in a huge burrito. It was basically a beans, rice and cheese burrito w/ a cameo appearance by some prawns.
The biggest surprise though, was the salsa. Papalote is renowned for their salsa. So I found it surprising that a Mexican place famous for its salsa DOESN'T GIVE YOU ANY SALSA WITH YOUR FOOD.... YOU HAVE TO BUY IT. **
I am, as my obnoxious use of capital letters might indicate, dead serious: Salsa with your chips is free, but you have to pay to have salsa with your food.
You get a small (maybe 2 oz) cup of salsa with your chips. The place is popular, so you wait with that basket of chips for quite a while before your food comes. When your food arrives, it does not come with salsa. As it turns out, if you want salsa with your food you have two choices:
(1) Eat your chips without salsa, so you can save the salsa for your food. This might not be objectively unreasonable, but it's unreasonable in light of custom: what Mexican restaurant expects you to eat chips without salsa?
(2) Purchase more salsa to go with your food, at the rate of $0.50 per small cup.
Admittedly, $0.50 is not a big deal, but the idea that the only way to enjoy salsa with your food at this Mexican restaurant is to either pay extra or eat your chips without salsa just reeks of, dare I say it, arrogance. It's like they're so gassed up over people telling them how dope their salsa is that they think they're doing us a favor by letting us eat there.
I get it. You're world-famous for your salsa. You sell the salsa separately in a jar. People would probably consume insane amounts of the salsa if you didn't regulate it somehow.... but is it going to kill you to give me one cup of salsa with my chips and one cup of salsa with my food? I mean, seriously, that just comes off as really, really cheap. I purchase a $30 fast-Mexican meal for two and have to pay extra to get the salsa? How is that cost not built into my $10 burrito??
This is the kind of disregard for customer perspective that causes once-great businesses to fail. Not saying I see Papalote failing anytime soon, but it was a *huge* turnoff for me and I probably won't eat there again because of that last straw. Two people can eat at Rubio's (which actually has very good food for fast-Mexican), spend $20 and enjoy several cups of their delicious salsas or free! The mind boggles.
Also, the salsa is tasty, but not something I would have thought to rave about if Papalote wasn't already well-hyped for its salsa. Despite really wanting to love my dining experience at Papalote, I walked away not understanding what the fuss is about. So disappointed.
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* I love my girlfriend, but I'm not the type to give a place a shitty review just because she had a bad experience (see my review of Sushi Raw if you have any doubts). That being said, her burrito was so skimpy on prawns that I was disappointed just *watching* her eat it. It was like watching someone pick the wrong door on a game show over and over again: bite after bite with not a prawn in sight.
** I KNOW!! -
Review from Claire B.
Oakland, CA
12/15/2011
I do not understand the cult following enjoyed by this place. As far as I can tell the only thing with any flavor whatsoever on the menu is their salsa, which is genuinely good. So good in fact, that I am pretty sure you could cover dog poop with it and it would be edible, though I am not willing to test this theory.
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Review from jim g.
Glendora, CA
11/14/2011
Would rate as 3.5 stars if yelp let me
now why low rating, well burrito was delish. Great taste. Had the chile verde burrito. That salsa they give you on table more like a sauce is awesome. Would hav bought a bottle if i wasnt flying home and knew damn tsa people would keep it. But lets get real. Despite great flavor, there was very little meat in it mostly rice and beans. $11 for a burrito and can of coke come on now. Get over being on tv. Shave $3 off that price and you are 5 star material. Crossed off my bucket list. -
Review from MARIO W.
San Lorenzo, CA
12/4/2011
This place does NOT have the best burritos in SF at all. I had a steak and shrimp burrito today. The rice was undercooked and hard....and the carne asada was not chopped very well. Big hunks of meat like a fajita. Meats should be chopped more finely....I wanted extra salsa for my chips and they charge u extra ? I actually have to pay the waiter at our table and do a seperate transaction for salsa ??? Doesn't that sound ridiculous to you ? I take my burritos very seriously...the burrito wasn't horrible, but not by any means the best in sf. I will not give into the hype.
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Review from Aaron B.
Oakland, CA
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ok, this is sad to write but here goes.
Part of me wants to give three stars but this is more of a 2.5. However, when you miss the basics, you get dinged.
Papalote had great reviews so we went for a burrito. The space is clean and comfortable. I liked the creamy salsa but had issues with our burrito.
We ordered a prawn burrito to share. Now, I know prawn burritos are always more expensive than say Carne asada but at $11.25 for a prawn super, it should be pretty darn good.
Papalote got right what many places don't - flavor. The ingredients and recipes were good. What didn't work for me was composition. They were nice and offered to cut the burrito in half because the cashier realized we were sharing. When the burrito came out it looked great.
It was the right size, had been toasted after rolled (good call!) but something was missing. Prawns for me, rice for my wife.
In my half of the burrito, there were no prawns. I took it to the counter (after unrolling on a search for shrimp) and told them there was nothing there. My wife had found three inside her half. I asked them how many prawns come on a prawn burrito and the said 4. Now, if these were true jumbo prawns (8-10 count/lbs), that would have made sense. They seemed like regular size shrimp to me. Plus they were put in whole instead of being cut in half which would have helped the composition.
My wife's half had primarily beans and prawns but no rice.
A burrito is like a sandwich - very simple. But simple foods require precision to be REALLY good. It was sad that they skimped on the prawns and that the ingredients weren't balanced. They had a 4 star burrito in the making. The staff was genuinely apologetic however there was no recovery. I didn't make a big stink about it but I certainly left rather disappointed. I'd try them again but would probably go for tacos where composition isn't an issue. If you want a burrito, don't get prawns. -
Review from Rudolph R.
San Francisco, CA
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great salsa but otherwise underwhelming. It took a pretty long time for a couple of burritos to come out, and the meat was not as tender and flavorful as compared to your average taqueria. Not sure what all the hype is about...other than the salsa...
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Review from Joe M.
I know what you're thinking...Come on, Joe. Papalote was so last year. Nah, man. It's still hella good. I hadn't been here since all the hype last year made the lines insanely long. But I came here yesterday with my coworker around 1pm and the line was practically non-existent. I remember that I really liked the carne asada burrito last year more than the chicken adobo burrito. But my coworker said he really liked the adobo one better. So my wily side came out and I convinced him to half his adobo burrito with me and I'll half my carne asada with him. The best of both worlds!
I started my meal off with their nachos and signature salsa. The spiciness of the salsa has a nice little kick to it that makes your mouth say, "Feed me another....and another.....one more......aw hell, just keep going." I balanced it out with their freshly squeezed cantaloupe drink. I frikkin' love freshly squeezed cantaloupe drinks! (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
The chicken adobo burrito came out first. I remember the last time I had it, it was kinda dry. That wasn't the case this time. It was actually pretty juicy. The adobo flavor is definitely not the typical Filipino adobo flavor. There's something different about it. Maybe a Mexican touch? I'm no chef so I can't really say what it is. Either way, it still tastes good. I'd get it again. On a side note, my coworker ordered it with no beans and I think this was a genius decision. I think beans would have messed up the harmony of the burrito overall. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...)
The carne asada was just like I remembered it. Juicy and tasty all around. You can really taste the grill flavor in the meat. It was actually a little more saltier than before, but I'm going to overlook that cuz I still enjoyed it. Overall, I was thoroughly full. Afterwards, I felt like my stomach was bulging and wished I could lay down and take a fat-ass nap. I think there must be a school close by because the younger gen started to filter in as we were finishing our meal. And that meant it was time to go back to work. -
Review from Nick G.
San Francisco, CA
12/5/2011
Just...just awful. Where to start? The prices are crazy, the "salsa" tastes like spicy marinara, the tacos are more like a salad sitting on a tortilla, the shrimp are charred and dry. It's just bad. Really, really bad. How is this place so well reviewed? I blame the transplants. Yes, this is probably better than the Mexican food you have in Wisconsin. However, it's absolute crap compared to actual Mexican food. For god's sake, run screaming from this place.
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Review from Tom H.
San Francisco, CA
9/29/2011
Home of the $10 burrito.
Every time I come here -- which is not often -- I'm shocked at how expensive it is. And then I stay away for a long while, until I forget.
Yesterday was one of those days. They'd remodeled since the last time. I was taken aback. Looked like a chain, felt like a chain. Who knows, that could be the plan.
If they're gonna go that route, they need to resolve issues like the big jar of jalapenos with tongs and nothing to put the pickles in, with the sign on it saying "Do not use water glasses. Ask cashier for container." As if anybody's going to wait on line to ask for a plastic thing to put them in, instead of using one of the conveniently at-hand water cups.
They also ought to have a "salsa bar' because it appears they have only one kind, and it's weird. (Should be called "salt-sa" because its apparent function is to make people thirsty and buy beer.) Other places have a selection. You know: red, green, etc. But creamy? That's weird. -
Review from Renee D.
San Francisco, CA
12/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
For years, people kept saying to me, "you've never been to Papalote?!?" I didn't understand why this was so surprising...then I had their soyrizo burrito. I can't believe it took me so long. I can guarantee you that it didn't take long for me to find my way back there...again and again and again.
