Cielito Lindo — Restaurant in San Francisco

Not just a burrito, an experience.

I came here with family after a surf session at Ocean Beach, and this spot completely blew us away. My cousin turned 30, and he wanted burritos and Mexican coffee after surfing—Cielito Lindo delivered that and more.

We all ordered the steak & avocado breakfast burrito, which is something special. The cook prepares it by flattening the egg first, then pressing the tortilla on top so the tortilla itself is egg-lined—absolutely phenomenal and unlike anything I’ve had before. The steak was tender, the avocado fresh, and the whole burrito was perfectly balanced. No wonder there’s a picture of it on the wall—it’s clearly a favorite.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. We got there just before the lunch rush, and by noon the line was almost out the door (including a wave of local students). The staff was friendly and attentive, and when they found out it was my cousin’s birthday, they put on Las Mañanitas and even brought out complimentary nachos with guacamole and a delicious pork topping. It was a special touch and really made the day memorable.

Between the burritos, the spiced Mexican coffee, and the hospitality, this place is something special. You can feel the pride and care that goes into the food and service. Highly recommend making the trip—lines out the door make sense once you’ve tried...

The food here is decent but I would have to comment on one of their employees. My friends and I went to get some burritos and the cashier seemed to be nice but all of a sudden he came over to our table and started getting very touchy with my female friends and they were obviously visibly uncomfortable with him touching them and grabbing their shoulders and putting his face right up to theirs and keep in mind we are minors and he looks to be in his 40s or 50s. After taking the orders he went back to the kitchen and then a couple minutes later he came back to our table with our food and then proceeded to ask us multiple questions and we where obviously uncomfortable answering them and out of nowhere he just told us “I love kids” in a weirdly strange way, after he told us this we decided it was best for us to leave. But then when my friend came back to confront him the guy apologized but with a full smile (he obviously didn’t mean that apology). After this my friends were still in shock and uncomfortable that this had happened to them. THIS EMPLOYEE NEEDS TO LEARN TO RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S...

I wanted to love Cielito Lindo as it is next to one of my favorite cafes, Simple Pleasures. Maybe I was rushed, maybe it was my daughter's reluctance, but it missed the mark.

I was baffled by the small menu in spite of all the times Gordon Ramsey advised just that. Strange, disconnected service at the window. I couldn't really get a small side of rice and beans at a nominal price.

My chicken enchilada was dry. it wasn't bathing in sauce. I figured with a birria-like sauce you just didn't need as much. Nah, it was more color than flavor. The chicken inside was dry. Damn. But it's flavor instantly transported me to a trip to Loreto Mexico on the Sea of Cortez side of Baja. Just needed to be wetter, juicier. I think if the outside were swimming, it would have really worked.

The side of roasted carrots and yummy potatoes served with queso fresco and spicy Ecabeche almost brought it back.

We will go back and try again for a non rushed lunch and...