El Toro Taqueria
Location: Mission District, San Francisco
Address: 598 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA
El Toro sits right off Valencia and feels exactly like what it is: a casual, no-frills neighborhood taqueria with a steady flow of locals and a chill get-in–and-get-out vibe. The line runs build your own burrito style, the menu is broad, and everything moves fast. It’s not trying to be a destination burrito spot — and it doesn’t need to be.
What We Ordered (and What to Order)
Carnitas Super Burrito (mild lettuce situation — more on that below)
Carne Asada Burrito
If you’re deciding between the two, the Carnitas Super is the move. It’s the burrito that actually shows what El Toro does best.
The Verdict: Straightforward & Dependable
Carnitas Super Burrito: 7.9
The carnitas were the better move: solid flavor, more satisfying, and the “super” toppings (guac, cheese, sour cream) helped everything come together.
And then there’s the lettuce. We maintain a strict no-lettuce policy at Burrito Bible. Lettuce in a burrito feels like culinary heresy. Some people put lettuce in burritos. We remain… unconvinced.
Carne Asada Burrito: 7.6
Mild, a little plain, and not bringing much to the table. The fillings leaned simple, and the internal balance never totally clicked. Totally fine — just not the one you’ll be thinking about tomorrow.
Tips & Tricks
Get the Super Carnitas — it’s the standout here.
Hold the lettuce — trust us on this one.
Ask for extra salsa — no salsa bar means you’re choosing blind.
Bottom Line
El Toro is straightforward, dependable, and perfectly fine at what it does. It’s not trying to reinvent the Mission burrito, but it’ll get you fed quickly with something familiar and filling. The carnitas is the clear highlight, and with a couple of small tweaks (mainly a lettuce prevention procedure), it’s a solid neighborhood option when you’re nearby.