El Burrito Express

1601 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA 94116, United States
+1 415-566-8300
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(552 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

El Burrito Express is a compact, no-frills Mexican spot nestled on Taraval Street in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood. It’s the kind of place that locals swing by when they want a quick, filling meal without fuss. The space itself is small with limited seating, so many customers grab their orders to go or eat on the bench outside, making it a convenient stop for a casual lunch or early dinner.

The vibe here is straightforward and friendly, fitting with the neighborhood’s laid-back character. Despite the modest setting, portions are generous, especially if you show up hungry—burritos like the El Norcal and El Americano come packed with hearty fillings and are served with chips and salsa, making them solid value for the price. The menu is broad, with numerous burrito specials, tacos, and classic Mexican sides like nachos and quesadillas, which makes it a good spot for anyone looking to sample a variety of traditional flavors without breaking the bank.

This spot shines for grab-and-go meals or quick catch-ups, particularly during weekday mornings and weekends when the line moves quickly even if the place is busy. It’s a practical choice for Mission locals who find prices elsewhere creeping up, or for Sunset residents craving familiar, well-prepared Mexican staples in a no-pressure environment. Expect straightforward, dependable food with a focus on volume and flavor rather than elaborate presentation.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Somewhat difficult to find a space

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

552 Reviews

26 Dec 2025

4.5 if i could! really solid mexican place with huge and generous portions ! it is indeed small but i went on a saturday around lunch and barely waited to order and waited MAX 10 minutes to get my burrito and quesadilla. they’re super kind but busy so my companion and i were in and out in like 20 mins tops? i got the el norcal and chicken quesadilla and it came with two chips and two salsa. i really liked the norcal as the carne asada was very juicy. though i could have used more guac, half a burrito were each a meal for me. the chicken quesadilla is plain. since it is just chicken and chicken, it could use some sauce so the chip dips will have to suffice. i’ll definitely come back to try their other burritos. i really enjoyed my burrito experience :)

Dakota

28 Nov 2025

Got the El Americano burrito off a recommendation from a friend. Tasted pretty good. Tasted And looked very similar to a burrito you would find at Taco Bell but with better ingredients. I know that sounds bad but it was better than it sounds. Line was decently long but it didn’t take long to get through. I was there maybe 15 minutes. Burrito was decently sized and comes with chips and salsa. Filled me up. Price was decent. There are definitely cheaper burritos but there are also more expensive ones as well. I’d recommend it for a quick bite to eat.

Kim Chester

24 Nov 2025

I love this locals spot. I’ve tried almost everything and I’m never dissatisfied. I don’t know what I like more…the crunchy tacos, the taco salads or their plates. I also like to get a side of fried plantains to give it that sweet comfort…shhhhh don’t tell nobody ;)

Yü Wu

19 Nov 2025

I stopped by El Burrito Express to have a quick bite. it is a small, no-frills corner eatery with an expansive burrito menu. No line or wait on a Thursday morning so service was fast. I ordered a grilled chicken burrito and I enjoyed it. It's pretty standard stuff but for the price it has great value. My favorite taquerías in the Mission has gone way too expensive these days. There is no seating inside but a standing stand and a row of bench outside.

Jonathan Monte

29 Oct 2025

The greatest burrito I've ever had! I got the El Norcal and it's going to give Thanksgiving a run for its money for the biggest food coma!! Everything was hot and delicious! No skimping on these burritos! If you don't come hungry, you're going to leave with leftovers that could feed a small nation. There's some seats inside. And a bench that hugs the building. Great place to get something to go!

Jeffrey Leong

26 Oct 2025

A neighborhood staple for good quality Mexican food and fast service. The interior has not been remodeled in awhile. Wide range of burritos,tacos, plates, salads and sodas. Vegetarian options. The staff is efficient, just not overly friendly. Lots of street parking but you may have to circle the block.

Dom Arevalo

19 Oct 2025

I have been coming/ordering here for a while. Whenever I get it, it’s amazing. I have tried a lot of items on the menu over the time. My favorites are the tortas, they are packed and full of flavor. For burritos el Ohana is one of a kind and delicious. It’s got pineapple, carnitas, mango salsa and some other favorites in there, that burrito is def one to try. The two taco meal is really good. I’m skeptical with hardshell tacos but these are so good and simple in the way of toppings, I like chorizo and ground beef the most. All around good Mexican food

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