August 25, 2009

La Taqueria (Mission @ 25th)

La Taqueria - 2889 Mission St.
Visited: 8/24/09

Ordered: Veggie w. Avocado and Sour Cream
Cost:$5.67

Overall Description: We knew this was not going to be the standard burrito from the get-go. The burrito size was decent, but it was way squishier then I'm accustomed to for a wrapped entity. Overall, this burrito was subpar at best, but the staff was super nice.

Composition: (out of 5) 2 - Wrapped poorly and messily. There was no tension in this burrito so the ingredients sort of sloshed around. My buddy's Carne Asada dripped everywhere. Also, they used sliced cheese instead of shredded, so all the cheese was on one side of the burrito.

Ingredients: (out of 5) 2 - I don't think I had any rice in this burrito! The Sour Cream was kind of watery, and the guacamole felt overpowering because there werent enough ingredients. The black beans were fine I guess.

Size: (out of 3) 1.5 - Well, it looked big, but because it wasn't bursting full of burrito goodness, it was pretty easy to finish off. And I was a little hungry by the time I got home (granted a few beers later).

Taste: (out of 10) 4 - I think I'm being slightly generous here - this burrito wasn't bad by any means, but I was very under-impressed. I'm likely just being nice to accommodate for my educated palate.

Value: (out of 5) 2 - I walked in and saw that a veggie burrito was 3.60. That's a deal! However when I made sure to get the sour cream and avocado that is standard w. all the Super Burritos I get, it ended up being about as much as any other place. Factor in that this place closes early (I've tried going in the past as I've biked past it so many times), and the burrito is loose, this is not a deal.

Total Score: (out of 28) 11.5 - That speaks for itself. This is the worst burrito I've had on this side of Ceasar Chavez except for the Taqueria San Jose that I am purposefully postponing reviews for.

Additional Comments: Awful busy for such an awful burrito.

August 4, 2009

Pancho Villa Taqueria (16th @ Valencia)

El Pancho Villa - 3071 16th St
Visited: 8/3/09

Ordered: Super Veggie Burrito
Cost:$

Overall Description: Good, not fantastic.

Composition: (out of 5) 3 Well put together, but a bit heavy on the sour cream and rice actually. I did like the salsa blend throughout. Lots of diced tomatoes however - I like tomatoes plenty, probably more then most people, but this was a little excessive in terms of flavor and texture. I also had to ask them to omit the lettuce - a flaw in my opinion.

Ingredients: (out of 5) 4 - Even though the pot my black beans came from looked a little "left over", the ingredients were all pretty fresh. The overabundant tomatoes had flavor and the cheese and salsa complimentation made up for the rice and sour cream mild over kill.

Size: (out of 3) 2 - Eh, I ate this without much problem.

Taste: (out of 10) 7 - This was a good burrito - but it didn't wow me. I don't know, could be because Ive had SOO MANY veggie burritos of similar composition, but I still think from time to time I should bite into something and just think "hell yeah, this is a 9 or 10!"

Value: (out of 5) 4 - This place is open late and quality - also the 16th street location means it's both closer to the bars then El Farolito, as well as other relatively decent late-night options.

Total Score: (out of 28) 20 - Solid entry, not kicking out any favorites, but I'd wanted to go here for a while and was not at all disappointed.

Additional Comments: Habenero salsa here was also tasty, although I didn't like it as much as Guadalajara. This place is always pretty busy, and has more seating then other late-night places so it's a good go-to I would imagine.

Taqueria Guadalajara (24th @ Shotwell)

Taqueria Guadalajara - 3146 24th St
Visited: 7/20/09

Ordered: Si[er Veggie Burrito
Cost:$6ish?

Overall Description: This was a damn good burrito in a sweet little location. I remember being quite impressed with my first bite, and the seating area indoors had these quaint little seats that added an extra air of atmosphere. While not amazing, this was a solid and delicious burrito.

Composition: (out of 5) 4 - Each bite was similar to the last, the sour cream was not overwhelming, and I remember a lot of flavor.

Ingredients: (out of 5) 4 - Plenty of flavor, although not the freshest I've ever had. They used avocado instead of guac, the beans had plenty of flavor, and the rice was a nice texture without being too moist.

Size: (out of 3) 3 - I ate most of this and then the rest later, so it satisfied by size requirements

Taste: (out of 10) 8 - While quite tasty, this burrito did not go "Above and Beyond" in terms of flavor.

Value: (out of 5) 5 - If I could remember how much this was, I might give it a five - I liked this burrito and this location a lot.

Total Score: (out of 28) 24 - A nice score from an unexpected taqueria amongst many on 24th st!

Additional Comments: The habenero salsa is amazing - delicious, flavorful, and that great kind of spice - starts in your mouth and travels down your throat!