California’s Late-Night Burrito People Still Call a Bargain
When SF yawns late at night and streetlights flicker across wet pavement, there’s one place people walk toward with eyes half‑closed and stomachs fierce. El Farolito on 24th Street Mission BART is that place.
Its super burrito has been kissed by salsa, packed with meat, and weighed like gold. It closes late (some nights after 1 AM), accepts cash only, and knows that tortilla texture matters.
Locals stand in line when the moon’s up, share fries, chat about the roja salsa, and leave loud enough to prove they got more than a mealM they got forgiveness. Here’s what makes it stay legendary.
1. Steps From 24th Street Mission BART
A short walk east from the BART exit, you’ll hear sizzles before you see neon. The narrow storefront glows like promise.
El Farolito’s front door is steps from the Mission station, making it a magnet for commuters, locals, and anyone who walks home late wanting something real.
Expect to weave through foot traffic. Sidewalks bump. Eat standing if you must. Distance feels short when hunger guides your feet.
2. Late‑Night Closing Times By Day
Some nights El Farolito tucks in early, others it stays open until 1:45 AM or later on weekends. Hours depend on day and crowd.
Monday through Thursday tends to be earlier close; Friday and Saturday stretch the hours longtime Mission lovers expect.
If you want burrito in the quiet glow of after‑hours, aim for late weekend nights. Otherwise gaps in service can surprise you.
3. Cash Policy And Quick ATM Plan
El Farolito is cash only. No cards, no chips, no exceptions.
That policy keeps it old‑school. The register rattles with bills. Tip jar shakes. ATM across the street offers rescue but charges a fee.
Carry enough for burrito, sides, maybe a drink. Running out of cash means staring at the window as someone else gets your carne asada.
4. Super Burrito Basics And Popular Meats
A super burrito here means beef (carne asada or al pastor), rice, beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and cilantro—all wrapped in flour tortilla.
Meat choices are generous. Pollo asado, carne asada, al pastor dominate. Fillings balanced so nothing slides out the burrito ends—except possible gratitude.
Order it “super” if you want fullness. If size intimidates, skip guac. But you’ll learn: bigger feels better when quality stays.
5. Green And Roja Salsa Approach
Salsa bar has verde (green) and roja (red), mild‑medium‑hot blend, often used like toppings instead of sauces.
Roja adds fire and depth. Verde lightens, adds brightness, herb undertones. Both make burrito mutable, choose both or play favorites.
If heat scares, pick verde first. If boldness calls, drown one half in roja. Locals often split both.
6. Quesadilla Suiza And Why People Order It
Quesadilla Suiza shows up layered: melted cheese, grilled meat, salsa, tortilla crisping just enough.
It’s less messy, less ambitious, but hits rich. Some prefer Suiza over burrito because it lets fillings pop without being swallowed by rice.
Order it solo or split. Puts you in hands‑clasp‑around‑cheese mode. Wash‑free pleasure, slower pace, same flavor heart.
7. Portions, Prices, And Value Notes
Super burritos weigh heavy. Portions fill your arms, your conscience. You might regret sizing afterwards.
Prices hover reasonable. For the volume and quality, it feels like scandalous bargain in the city.
Come hungry. Leave with leftovers. It’s rare that both your wallet and your stomach smile together, and here, they often do.
8. Line Etiquette And Seating Reality
Expect line. It snakes. If someone cuts, people notice. If you order ahead, they may call your name while you still wait.
Inside seating is limited and tight. Back wall, front wall, maybe two tables. Smell of grill fills every corner.
If you can stand, stand. If you find seat, defend it quietly. Everyone’s here for the same thing. Don’t steal their view.
9. Multiple Locations And Which Ones Run Latest
There are several El Farolito locations across the Bay Area. Mission/24th tends to run the latest. Others close earlier.
Some spots close before midnight, some stretch just past 1 AM on Friday or Saturday. Mission location is superstar in terms of hours.
If you plan late‑night walk or post‑show burrito, double‑check phone or their website. Arriving too late at other branches risks disappointment.
10. Nearby Mission Tacos For A Second Stop
After burrito you might want another tiny flavor dive. Mission is thick with taco stalls, grills glowing until early hours.
Some people grab tacos nearby, for dessert, contrast, or as escape from burrito heaviness. Street‑corner al pastor or carnitas share the spotlight.
Walk off the burrito, find tacos. Let spices linger. Night ends better when flavor stacks instead of ends.