Taqueria Cancun — Restaurant in San Francisco

Our daughter was attending a lyn lapid concert in the city and we decided to give her a ride there but it was too far to go home and come back. So the wife and I decided to stay in the city and see what eats were available in the vicinity. After finding parking, which by the way was surprisingly affordable, and passing by many, many Mexican restaurants. We chose one for its decor. Now that's not to say this place is beautiful but it's not ugly. It's small but tidy. Service was pleasant. Selection was good and prices were very fair. I ordered a steak plate which came with the typical trimmings like beans and rice, salsa, sour cream, a couple slices of tomato and two rings of onion. Presentation was very neat. Looked really good. By my tastes it was a good platter. But I don't know how it would measure up relative to people who really enjoy Mexican food because Mexican food really isn't my thing. From layman's taste buds. I thought it was good and I'm talking specifically about the steak but on the blander side of beef preparation. However, the cuts did seem like quality and all of the trimming seemed fresh and good. My wife, who is a fan of Mexican food, noted that the food was less greasy than other taquerias and believes this may be one of its draws for the non-Latinos. I have no complaints and if you enjoy Mexican food, I think you will enjoy this spot as well. When we first walked in they had patrons but by the time we left for being past 9:00 in the evening and given how many other Mexican restaurants you can choose to go to on mission Street in San Francisco. This place seemed like it was popular and was jumping. The wife did point out however that the patronage appeared to be the non-Hispanic for whatever reason. I only mention this because it is commonly known that for Chinese food restaurants, that if you find a restaurant that doesn't have a lot of patrons of that particular ethnicity, then the flavor appeals to that type of an audience versus its native audience. The plaques on the walls of various awards that has one from various newspapers and establishments do seem to recognize this place as a notable eatery. I have no complaints, I don't think you...

This joint has great burritos. If you are on a trip to San Francisco and could only eat one burrito, it should be from Taqueria Cancún, Gordo's Taqueria, or La Taqueria.

When I think of a Mission burrito I typically think of a steamed tortilla, but Taqueria Cancún griddles them. Griddled tortillas can sometimes make a burrito difficult to eat vertically, but Cancún avoids this issue by being careful in their assembly and wrapping process. The pinto beans and pico de gallo are supporting players and shouldn't overpower, and Cancún does this right. If you've consumed other Mission burritos from respectable places, you know what I mean. The rice at Cancún is a bit mushy (but very flavorful), the cheese is perfect, and the slices of fresh avocado really help keep it fresh.

Taqueria Cancún's burrito is a great example of the whole being better than the sum of the parts. They slow-cook their meats. They don't over-engineer their supporting ingredients. They provide their customers with a handful of tortilla chips and salsas (red and green) for free.

Despite not using steamed tortillas, this is the burrito shop I most associate with the Mission. Cancún is a classic, they do things simple and right, and I leave satisfied and stuffed, regardless if I'm sober or drunk.

I will, however, get this inconvenient fact to my narrative out of the way: I HATE their Al Pastor burritos. They taste like pork in sloppy joe sauce, waaaay too sweet and ketchup-y. I come up to SF from San Diego, and we have a different idea about Al Pastor down there. If you've never had Al Pastor pork before in SD, just trust me.... it's better.

But everything else from Cancún -- chicken, steak, and carnitas -- is consistently top-notch.

If not for the missteps on the Al Pastor, I'd be willing to say Cancún is the best burrito shop in the country. Alas, a bad burrito is harder to forget than a great burrito is to remember.

Still, this is my "go-to" burrito spot when I'm fortunate enough to be in...

I really, really enjoy Taqueria Cancun. This place was suggested by a friend who is local and very well-versed in the various taquerias in the Mission. It did not disappoint. In fact, it was pretty much perfect, and thus deserving of 5 stars, IF you order the right item.

I chose my standard for trying out a new taqueria - super burrito with carne asada, hold the rice and sour cream. It was supremely on point, lightly grilled tortilla, fresh pico de gallo, melted cheese, and not guac but instead FRESH AVOCADO SLICES! I mean, seriously amazing value, not to mention that the chips & salsa were on point. Both salsas were pretty spicy, but I give the tip of my hat to the red one, which has a richer flavor and a tad more heat.

I really enjoy how at lunchtime, mariachi singers perform solo acts with their guitar, sometimes on rotation. Usually, each person sings a song or two, and then comes back for tips (but are never too pushy for them). The music really adds to the already authentic Mexican ambiance, which makes the food tastes even better!

5 stars due to taste, quality, ambiance, and affordability. It's cash only, but otherwise all you need to worry about is bringing a 100% empty stomach - the super burrito is huge! Keep up the good work,...