Papalote Mexican Grill

One of the best Mexican restaurants in San Francisco. This place was highly recommended by a number of friends and I can see why. The food and price are very hard to bear. The carne asada burrito was perfectly done. The mole tofu also was fantastic. The hot sauce they give you is also incredible. I'll definitely return just to pick up a bottle of that before going home.

Lots if vegan/vegetarian options, which is great, although I ordered the chicken mole this time around. The vegan mole is excellent! The chicken is breast - tender, shredded, not greasy. The cheese is melted in the tortilla in the super burrito. Light on the guac and sour cream. I wasn’t crazy about the Chile verde. It was good, but nothing I would crave or want to order again. Salsa of course is wonderful, creamy, flavorful, very different than a typical salsa. Bring a mask - they still require one for order/pick up and no seating inside or out at the moment.

My husband and I met his son there for lunch today. They both got burritos (which looked good and they enjoyed them), and I ordered the fajitas with chicken added. I’m not sure what it was that I received, but fajitas they were not. Fajitas are grilled with peppers and onions, served with tortillas (plural, not ONE burrito sized tortilla). I got some unrecognizable concoction of mushy zucchini, eggplant, carrots, and chicken drenched in their salsa. The salsa is tasty, but quite spicy, and fajita fixings have no business swimming in that much sauce (or served in any sauce for that matter). If you don’t want to do fajitas correctly, then don’t serve the dish, or at least have the courtesy to call it something else. Good place for a burrito, it seems, but perhaps steer clear of the other menu items.

I’m particular about my burritos and papalote is my favorite spot outside the mission. I live nearby and get a burrito or three a week. They will add their award winning salsa inside the burrito if you ask (it’s free). The grilled chicken is very good. The guac and chicken mole are good and soyrizo is a tasty veg option. For me, papalote occupies the perfect niche between greasy and gristled hole in the wall and fancy gentrified Mexican spot. Good ingredients, speedy service and reasonable price/portion.

First experience was very terrible! Bad customer service and the cashier Sheyla was very unprofessional. Ordered 2 super steak buritto which is extra $2.50 but she charged me for extra $1 for the other buritto because I want my sourcream and guac separately. I asked them for extra salsa and they said they charge for it, you spent $30 for 2 items and u cant even get another one for complimentary. Cashier Sheyla was not paying attention and rushing when shes taking the order and have attitude. Food is alright flavor can be better and they can add more steak but im never coming back