Choosing a place to grab a burrito in the Bay Area can be overwhelming (and outright polarizing), but the good news is that we've got some of the best options available in the entire country. Whether you stan the Mission original, won't consider anything that doesn't have fries in it, or have something else altogether in mind, there's a burrito or two on this list for you.
San Francisco
Via La Taqueria
(2889 Mission St // Mission)
It would be downright irresponsible to make a list of the Bay’s best burritos without the most famous spot in the city, where you won’t find rice on the menu, but meat and beans abound. Whether or not it’s your favorite taqueria in town, the dorado-style burritos are widely considered to be worth the wait.
Order: Carnitas Burrito
(Multiple Locations)
Cancun regulars insist that the locations on Mission Street are the best, but you’ll get a tasty burrito and consistent experience no matter which one you try, down to the bright red and yellow walls. If you have time to sit down, the Burrito Mojado is a dish you can’t miss – it’s crafted to emulate the Mexican flag.
Order: Burrito Mojado
Via The Little Chihuahua
(Multiple Locations)
If you’re not in the mood to wait in line at a world-famous taqueria, The Little Chihuahua is a great, albeit more pricey, alternative. They focus on organic, sustainable, and responsibly-raised ingredients, so you can feel good about stuffing your face. Pass the smoky chile salsa, please!
Order: Fried Plantain & Black Bean Burrito
(2884 24th St // Mission)
What’s better than a freshly made tortilla? A freshly made tortilla pressed right in front of you and then stuffed with a burrito of your choosing. Whether you grab a hearty meal, snack on some chicharron, or shop for fresh tortillas and salsas for later, you’re sure to leave satisfied.
Order: Carne Asada Super Burrito
Via Papalote
(3409 24th Street // Mission + 1777 Fulton St // NoPa)
As far as we’re concerned, any burrito that’s good enough to beat Bobby Flay deserves some special recognition. Papalote brings the flavors of Mexico City straight to SF, and has more than enough burrito options on the menu to please even the pickiest member of your squad.
Order: Triple Threat Burrito
(Multiple Locations)
With spots all over the city, El Farolito is a reliable standby when it comes to burritos — their enormous super burrito is the stuff of local legend for good reason. Plus, they’re open hella late, especially by San Francisco standards.
Order: Super Burrito Al Pastor
Via Gordo Taqueria
(Multiple Locations)
Another beloved classic, Gordo is tried and true when it comes to the burrito game. With multiple locations around the Sunset and the Richmond, it's a good place to stop for a classic Mission-style burrito (minus the Mission part).
Order: Chile Verde Burrito
(1601 Taraval St // Parkside + 1812 Divisadero St // Pacific Heights)
Vegetarians and vegans, we'd never forget about you. At EBX, you can secure foil-wrapped goodness with fillings like tofu, soyrizo, mushrooms, cauliflower, zucchini, and more. If you're a meat eater, though, don't worry: you're def not missing out, either.
Order: Chili Colorado Burrito, Expresso Style
East Bay
Via Tacos Sinaloa
(Multiple Locations)
You can spot any Tacos Sinaloa truck from a mile away (it’s the one with the big orange shrimp waving at you), which is essential for navigating your way to a great burrito. They specialize in seafood, but also have specialty meats available and plenty of great veggie options too.
Order: Burrito de Pescado
(Food Truck)
There’s much debate about what actually belongs in a burrito (and don’t even get us started on the cube rule), but no matter your stance, Al Pastor Papi has an option for you. Go for rice and beans or skip them and get your filling of choice cooked up with crispy cheese instead.
Order: Vegan Jackfruit Al Pastor
Via Taqueria Los Comales
(2105 MacArthur Blvd // Oakland)
For a weekday lunch, it’s hard to beat Taqueria Los Comales. They’ve been in business for over 20 years, and specialize in burritos covered in heaps of cheese and enchilada sauce. You can even order burritos in a variety of sizes, so it’s the perfect place to stop no matter how big your craving.
Order: Shrimp Wet Burrito
(4610 International Blvd // Oakland)
If authenticity is what you’re after, you won’t be disappointed at Taqueria El Paisa. The colorful menu boasts meat options you may not find elsewhere like suadero, cabeza, and buche, so it’s best to go hungry and ready to try something new. Don’t forget horchata, it’s some of the best around!
Order: Asada Super Burrito
Via Señor Sisig
(Multiple Locations)
Señor Sisig’s Filipino flavors set it apart from other burrito spots around the bay, but that’s what makes it especially interesting. While California and Mission style options make an appearance on the menu, the real magic happens with burrito inclusions like Filipino sweet pork and fried egg.
Order: Tosilog Burrito
(1916 Telegraph Ave // Oakland)
Ingredients like achiote-marinated chicken thighs and pork stewed in tomatillos and chiles fill the menu at Xolo, a taqueria that also boasts a full list of daily breakfast options. If you swing by later in the day, be sure to save room for dessert – the Mexican chocolate brownie is a must.
Order: Chile Relleno Burrito
South Bay + Peninsula
Via Taqueria La Cumbre
(28 N B St // San Mateo + 515 Valencia St // Mission)
It’s somewhat of an obligation to include the birthplace of the Mission Burrito on any list of the best, but Taqueria La Cumbre is fully deserving of the mention. The best part is that you don’t have to venture all the way into the city to get it – they’ve brought the Mission classic to the Peninsula!
Order: Grilled Chicken All Meat Burrito
(426 W Capitol Expy // San Jose + 5899 Santa Teresa Blvd #109 // San Jose)
With plenty of meat options and a menu full of Mexican specialties, Taqueria El Coral always hits the spot. They're open all day every day, and even have several different tortilla flavors available in case you want to mix things up without going too crazy.
Order: Barbacoa Cali Burrito
(365 S B St // San Mateo + 3071 16th St // Mission)
Pancho Villa’s San Francisco location is Mayor London Breed’s go-to for a burrito, but their San Mateo spot is just as great. The portions are huge, and the menu has tons of fish, meat, and vegetarian options, in addition to items like flautas, tamales, and agua frescas. Are you drooling yet? We are.
Order: Especial Burrito Al Pastor
North Bay
Via Mi Pueblo
(Multiple Locations)
With seven locations around North Bay, Mi Pueblo has the most widely accessible burritos for those that live across the Golden Gate. Each location has its own specials worth checking out – stop by for happy hour in San Rafael and enjoy a $6 margarita or mojito alongside your favorite burrito.
Order: Padre Macho Burrito with Shredded Chicken
(210 Edith St // Petaluma)
El Roy’s is the spot in North Bay for top-tier Mexican food. Find them at their permanent home in Petaluma, or catch one of their food trucks in Santa Rosa. Their burritos are made Mission-style with rice and beans, and you can choose to make it super or mojado to fit your mood.
Order: Shrimp and Steak Burrito
(55 Bellam Blvd // San Rafael)
Quick service and ample parking are excellent when you're in a rush, but Taqueria Mi Familia is a solid option even when you have time to kill. Everything is made with the freshest ingredients, and several of the burrito options come in at under $10.
Order: Lengua Jumbo Burrito
Written by Katherine Andrews
