La Espiga De Oro - 2916 24th Street (@ Alabama)
Visited: 3/23/11
Ordered: Super Vegetarian Burrito
Cost:$7.11
Overall Description:Man it had been a while since I'd reviewed a burrito! This burrito was a good size and felt solid. Biting into it I immediately noticed that they grilled their tortillas instead of steaming them and I really like the extra flavor and texture that provided.
Composition: (out of 5) 4.5 - A well made burrito for sure. It was rolled very evenly so you didn't get that bunched up portion of the tortilla on one side (I actually like that bunched up part of the tortilla in some burritos, but it does indicate a sloppy roll job.) All of the ingredients were proportioned well, and each bite tasted a little bit different, but not too much.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 4 - The rice was fantastic in this burrito, so full of flavor. I loved the big chunks of avocado, but could have had a little less sour cream. The only real drawback here was the lettuce - but there wasn't too much of it. The salsa gave it a little bit of a bite, but I could've used a little more.
Size: (out of 3) 2.5 - Big, not overwhelming. I probably could have finished this in one sitting, although I'm glad I didn't.
Taste: (out of 10) 8 - What can I say, it tasted good. No problems here - but my mouth isn't watering just thinking about it so I think 8 is a fair score.
Value: (out of 5) 3 - I think it's a little weird when veggie burritos (that are really just burritos sans meat) cost the same as the burrito with meat, so for $7 I think it's not a great value, as tasty as it is.
Total Score: (out of 28) 22 - Another solid burrito, although it does not stand out as especially exceptional, it was surprisingly tasty.
Additional Comments: This place is also a mini supermarket, and there were plenty of patrons that came in to enjoy some tamales during our visit as well so I will likely come back to give those a shot sometime.
March 26, 2011
September 8, 2010
La Altena (Mission & 22nd)
La Altena - 2588 Mission St. (@ 22nd)
Visited: 9/8/10
Ordered: Super Veggie Burrito
Cost:$6.60
Overall Description: I had intentionally put this place off b/c I've eaten at their "outer" mission location and HATED it. There were no surprises here - just a subpar burrito.
Composition: (out of 5) 1 - First bite was all rice, couple bites later it was all lettuce and sour cream. Eventually when things settled themselves out, there were beans and rice on one side and sour cream, lettuce, and pico de gallo on the other. I saw no avocado in the burrito, whether whole or in guacamole form.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 2 - Nothing special here. Not bad tasting, but not great tasting. My friend said his carnitas were okay though.
Size: (out of 3) 1.5 - My veggie burrito was long but thin - probably b/c they just made a regular burrito without meat.
Taste: (out of 10) 3 - Maybe I'm just rating lower then usual because I'm tired of lesser burritos, but I knew this was going to be a sad entry, and this was only confirmed as I ate it. Let me put it this way - I knew I was going to cook later that night because I wasn't going to bring the other half of it home.
Value: (out of 5) 1 - There's no reason to get a burrito here, especially b/c its close to so many other respectable taquerias. I admit I might be a little bit of a burrito snob by now, and I was expecting to dislike this place, but that doesn't make the burrito any better.
Total Score: (out of 28) 8.5 - Why front? Another shitty burrito for over 6 dollars.
Additional Comments: Chips and salsa were very much like El Farolito, which is not their strong suit. Boring salsa with dry/stale chips, little decor - there's really no reason to ever set foot in this place again. Damn, I'm getting bitter.
Visited: 9/8/10
Ordered: Super Veggie Burrito
Cost:$6.60
Overall Description: I had intentionally put this place off b/c I've eaten at their "outer" mission location and HATED it. There were no surprises here - just a subpar burrito.
Composition: (out of 5) 1 - First bite was all rice, couple bites later it was all lettuce and sour cream. Eventually when things settled themselves out, there were beans and rice on one side and sour cream, lettuce, and pico de gallo on the other. I saw no avocado in the burrito, whether whole or in guacamole form.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 2 - Nothing special here. Not bad tasting, but not great tasting. My friend said his carnitas were okay though.
Size: (out of 3) 1.5 - My veggie burrito was long but thin - probably b/c they just made a regular burrito without meat.
Taste: (out of 10) 3 - Maybe I'm just rating lower then usual because I'm tired of lesser burritos, but I knew this was going to be a sad entry, and this was only confirmed as I ate it. Let me put it this way - I knew I was going to cook later that night because I wasn't going to bring the other half of it home.
Value: (out of 5) 1 - There's no reason to get a burrito here, especially b/c its close to so many other respectable taquerias. I admit I might be a little bit of a burrito snob by now, and I was expecting to dislike this place, but that doesn't make the burrito any better.
Total Score: (out of 28) 8.5 - Why front? Another shitty burrito for over 6 dollars.
Additional Comments: Chips and salsa were very much like El Farolito, which is not their strong suit. Boring salsa with dry/stale chips, little decor - there's really no reason to ever set foot in this place again. Damn, I'm getting bitter.
August 11, 2010
Unofficial Entry - Sonia's (16th & Van Ness)
Since my definition of a "taqueria" is limited to places that have a counter a place to sit, this is not an official entry. While a small place, this is a table-service establishment
Sonia's Restaurant - 2943 16th St (@ Van Ness)
Visited: 6/7/10?
Ordered: Vegetarian Burrito
Cost:$6(?)
Overall Description: I hadn't reviewed this place b/c it didn't count, so I'm trying to remember specifics. We went here b/c the interior was basically bars - looked like an old convenience store had been abandoned. Burrito wasn't too bad though.
Composition: (out of 5) 2.5 - Nothing special if I remember correctly. The beans kind of sat at the bottom - not rolled especially tight, but didn't fall apart. There was real avocado, but other then that, rice, beans, and lettuce, that was it....
Ingredients: (out of 5) 3 - What was there was tasty enough - but there wasn't much substance to it. No cheese or sour cream or anything tomato! And they bring you sriracha for hot sauce. While hilarious, it's not mexican....
Size: (out of 3) 3 - Pretty sure I ate all of it but was quite full afterwards
Taste: (out of 10) 5 - I remember thinking it was fine, but nothing special. So a 5 it is.
Value: (out of 5) 2 - I guess it's not so much the value, but this is not a hot-spot by any means, and almost every burrito a few blocks away on Valencia is better, so I'd rather eat there.
Total Score: (out of 28) 15.5 - The woman here was super sweet, but the food just doesn't seem that good.
Additional Comments: There's a lot of Yelp reviews about it being less then clean, but considering this is hipster heaven, it didn't bother me. The shady front is hilarious though. The salsa was very guatemalean - mostly onion and vinegar, but had a nice bite to it.
Sonia's Restaurant - 2943 16th St (@ Van Ness)
Visited: 6/7/10?
Ordered: Vegetarian Burrito
Cost:$6(?)
Overall Description: I hadn't reviewed this place b/c it didn't count, so I'm trying to remember specifics. We went here b/c the interior was basically bars - looked like an old convenience store had been abandoned. Burrito wasn't too bad though.
Composition: (out of 5) 2.5 - Nothing special if I remember correctly. The beans kind of sat at the bottom - not rolled especially tight, but didn't fall apart. There was real avocado, but other then that, rice, beans, and lettuce, that was it....
Ingredients: (out of 5) 3 - What was there was tasty enough - but there wasn't much substance to it. No cheese or sour cream or anything tomato! And they bring you sriracha for hot sauce. While hilarious, it's not mexican....
Size: (out of 3) 3 - Pretty sure I ate all of it but was quite full afterwards
Taste: (out of 10) 5 - I remember thinking it was fine, but nothing special. So a 5 it is.
Value: (out of 5) 2 - I guess it's not so much the value, but this is not a hot-spot by any means, and almost every burrito a few blocks away on Valencia is better, so I'd rather eat there.
Total Score: (out of 28) 15.5 - The woman here was super sweet, but the food just doesn't seem that good.
Additional Comments: There's a lot of Yelp reviews about it being less then clean, but considering this is hipster heaven, it didn't bother me. The shady front is hilarious though. The salsa was very guatemalean - mostly onion and vinegar, but had a nice bite to it.
El Faro (Folsom & 20th)
El Faro - 2399 Folsom St (@ 20th)
Visited: 8/11/10
Ordered: No Meat Burrito
Cost:$ 6 and change (5.50 + tax)
Overall Description: Possibly the wettest burrito I've ever had.
Composition: (out of 5) 1 - Loosely rolled and DRIPPING with liquid! The beans had liquid, both kinds of salsa had liquid, and the lettuce was wet. The ingredients were also lined up on top of each other, which ensured that there was no mix of flavors.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 3 - Actually, everything tasted pretty good on it's own. The pico was definitely fresh and flavorful. There wasn't enough cheese however, and the "guac" was very liquidy (see a trend). But nothing tasted "bad".
Size: (out of 3) 3 - One of the bigger burritos I've had, although it really suffered from being loosely rolled. I ate half of it at the taqueria and was fine - although I also didn't eat any more b/c of how wet and unsatisfying it was.
Taste: (out of 10) 4 - I think I'm being nice by giving it a 4. Like I said, everything tasted fine, but the ingredients didn't mix together. Also, I just tried some of my leftover half, and while I don't expect burritos to be great cold, it was pretty gross.
Value: (out of 5) 1 - I can't see why I would ever come back here - at 6 bucks it's almost expensive, and while not far off of Mission, they also close at 7 pm. I do wonder if perhaps their baby burritos or beans and cheese minis are tastier since they are smaller and the ingredients tasted good.
Total Score: (out of 28) 12 - Too bad. I've biked past this place to work almost every day and was always curious about it. The staff was pretty friendly too, but both my friend and I weren't expecting much after we saw it being made.
Additional Comments: Chips were okay, the spicy salsa grew on me. The interior is done in tiles, which sort of works, but also has some cheesy real pictures up. It's kind of halfway between no decoration and some of the more atmospheric places I've seen. The bathroom was a little hard and I never found a light for it - a little creepy. But this place means well.
Visited: 8/11/10
Ordered: No Meat Burrito
Cost:$ 6 and change (5.50 + tax)
Overall Description: Possibly the wettest burrito I've ever had.
Composition: (out of 5) 1 - Loosely rolled and DRIPPING with liquid! The beans had liquid, both kinds of salsa had liquid, and the lettuce was wet. The ingredients were also lined up on top of each other, which ensured that there was no mix of flavors.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 3 - Actually, everything tasted pretty good on it's own. The pico was definitely fresh and flavorful. There wasn't enough cheese however, and the "guac" was very liquidy (see a trend). But nothing tasted "bad".
Size: (out of 3) 3 - One of the bigger burritos I've had, although it really suffered from being loosely rolled. I ate half of it at the taqueria and was fine - although I also didn't eat any more b/c of how wet and unsatisfying it was.
Taste: (out of 10) 4 - I think I'm being nice by giving it a 4. Like I said, everything tasted fine, but the ingredients didn't mix together. Also, I just tried some of my leftover half, and while I don't expect burritos to be great cold, it was pretty gross.
Value: (out of 5) 1 - I can't see why I would ever come back here - at 6 bucks it's almost expensive, and while not far off of Mission, they also close at 7 pm. I do wonder if perhaps their baby burritos or beans and cheese minis are tastier since they are smaller and the ingredients tasted good.
Total Score: (out of 28) 12 - Too bad. I've biked past this place to work almost every day and was always curious about it. The staff was pretty friendly too, but both my friend and I weren't expecting much after we saw it being made.
Additional Comments: Chips were okay, the spicy salsa grew on me. The interior is done in tiles, which sort of works, but also has some cheesy real pictures up. It's kind of halfway between no decoration and some of the more atmospheric places I've seen. The bathroom was a little hard and I never found a light for it - a little creepy. But this place means well.
July 19, 2010
El Farolito (24th & Alabama)
El Farolito - 2950 24th St
Visited: 6/13/10
Ordered: Super Vegetarian Burrito
Cost:$6ish
Overall Description: I had high hopes for this alternate location of El Farolito, and it did not disappoint. A hefty burrito filled w. tasty ingredients that definitely satisfied!
Composition: (out of 5) 3.5 - I did like the makeup of this burrito, but a few things were a little less then perfect. It was the most evenly distributed burrito I've ever had - meaning each bit was somewhat similar to the last. Also, they always wrap their burritos with these HUGE tortillas, meaning there's a chunk of tortilla you have to work around. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it's not perfect.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 4 - Good, not mind-blowing. They do use lettuce, but sparingly.
Size: (out of 3) 3 - A great size - ate a little more then half and then finished the rest the next morning
Taste: (out of 10) 8 - A damn tasty burrito! I wish it had a little more spice to it, but for the most part this thing tastes great. The beans and rice have a lot of flavor, there's the right amount of cheese and sour cream, and it is satisfying.
Value: (out of 5) 4.5 - A good value, and off the beaten path just a little bit.
Total Score: (out of 28) 21 - Another solid entry!
Additional Comments: The interior of this location is friendlier then the Mission Street one. The chips were pretty stale and the salsas were not especially exciting either, but the food was prepared quick and tasted very good.
Visited: 6/13/10
Ordered: Super Vegetarian Burrito
Cost:$6ish
Overall Description: I had high hopes for this alternate location of El Farolito, and it did not disappoint. A hefty burrito filled w. tasty ingredients that definitely satisfied!
Composition: (out of 5) 3.5 - I did like the makeup of this burrito, but a few things were a little less then perfect. It was the most evenly distributed burrito I've ever had - meaning each bit was somewhat similar to the last. Also, they always wrap their burritos with these HUGE tortillas, meaning there's a chunk of tortilla you have to work around. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it's not perfect.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 4 - Good, not mind-blowing. They do use lettuce, but sparingly.
Size: (out of 3) 3 - A great size - ate a little more then half and then finished the rest the next morning
Taste: (out of 10) 8 - A damn tasty burrito! I wish it had a little more spice to it, but for the most part this thing tastes great. The beans and rice have a lot of flavor, there's the right amount of cheese and sour cream, and it is satisfying.
Value: (out of 5) 4.5 - A good value, and off the beaten path just a little bit.
Total Score: (out of 28) 21 - Another solid entry!
Additional Comments: The interior of this location is friendlier then the Mission Street one. The chips were pretty stale and the salsas were not especially exciting either, but the food was prepared quick and tasted very good.
April 22, 2010
Taqueria San Francisco (24th & York)
Taqueria San Francisco - 2794 24th St. (@ York St.)
Visited: 4/22/10
Ordered: Super Vegetarian
Cost:$6.84
Overall Description: My first impression when I picked it up was actually not very good - the burrito was a little loose, and folded unevenly so there was sour cream coming out of one side. However, the first couple bites were pretty good, and then things got better (and spicier!). This place definitely has it's own charm, and I was glad to visit it.
Composition: (out of 5) 3 - While the burrito was pretty good, composition was a little uneven. Beans were on one side and salsa/spices mostly on another. The last few bites were tortilla and cheese. Thankfully they did not use lettuce, and had a decent amount of cheese. Tasty, but a little sloppy.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 3.5 - Everything tasted good, but not great. They used avocado - it was a little mashed up, but not guacamole by any means. The salsa was pretty fresh and spicy, without being too much. The beans were whole and had plenty of flavor - more of a centerpiece of the burrito then a semi-solid component.
Size: (out of 3) 2 - A decent size, but loosely wrapped sometimes. I finished the whole thing in one sitting, leaving me full, but not STUFFED.
Taste: (out of 10) 8 - I'm giving an extra point here for how spicy this burrito was - which totally worked. Overall, this was satisfying and tasty, but nothing special. The salsa on the table was a little bland and the chips weren't anything special. But the burrito was tasty and had JUST the right kind of bite. My friend seemed to really enjoy his carnitas burrito as well.
Value: (out of 5) 3.5 - Hard to score this one, but I think this is accurate. A little off the beaten path of Mission St, but right on 24th. At almost 7 dollars it's not the cheapest burrito out there, but it's also a pretty tasty one. The space doesn't have the same flair as some of the other taquerias in the area with decoration and other flair, but you can sit at the bar and watch them make your food, and the people are friendly and QUICK. I will have to compare it to other places in the area.
Total Score: (out of 28) 20 - Scored a little better then I expected in the long run, but this was a decent little entry in the book. In retrospect, it's a better place then I gave it credit for.
Additional Comments: They have very classy t-shirts (hah) that my friend tried to purchase for me, but they were out of my size.
Visited: 4/22/10
Ordered: Super Vegetarian
Cost:$6.84
Overall Description: My first impression when I picked it up was actually not very good - the burrito was a little loose, and folded unevenly so there was sour cream coming out of one side. However, the first couple bites were pretty good, and then things got better (and spicier!). This place definitely has it's own charm, and I was glad to visit it.
Composition: (out of 5) 3 - While the burrito was pretty good, composition was a little uneven. Beans were on one side and salsa/spices mostly on another. The last few bites were tortilla and cheese. Thankfully they did not use lettuce, and had a decent amount of cheese. Tasty, but a little sloppy.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 3.5 - Everything tasted good, but not great. They used avocado - it was a little mashed up, but not guacamole by any means. The salsa was pretty fresh and spicy, without being too much. The beans were whole and had plenty of flavor - more of a centerpiece of the burrito then a semi-solid component.
Size: (out of 3) 2 - A decent size, but loosely wrapped sometimes. I finished the whole thing in one sitting, leaving me full, but not STUFFED.
Taste: (out of 10) 8 - I'm giving an extra point here for how spicy this burrito was - which totally worked. Overall, this was satisfying and tasty, but nothing special. The salsa on the table was a little bland and the chips weren't anything special. But the burrito was tasty and had JUST the right kind of bite. My friend seemed to really enjoy his carnitas burrito as well.
Value: (out of 5) 3.5 - Hard to score this one, but I think this is accurate. A little off the beaten path of Mission St, but right on 24th. At almost 7 dollars it's not the cheapest burrito out there, but it's also a pretty tasty one. The space doesn't have the same flair as some of the other taquerias in the area with decoration and other flair, but you can sit at the bar and watch them make your food, and the people are friendly and QUICK. I will have to compare it to other places in the area.
Total Score: (out of 28) 20 - Scored a little better then I expected in the long run, but this was a decent little entry in the book. In retrospect, it's a better place then I gave it credit for.
Additional Comments: They have very classy t-shirts (hah) that my friend tried to purchase for me, but they were out of my size.
March 6, 2010
La Pinata Tortas Y Jugos (Mission $ 21st)
La Pinataa - 2471 Mission St (@ 21st St)
Visited: 3/2/10
Ordered: Super Veggie Burrito
Cost:$ 5.75
Overall Description: A decent entry, but nothing earth-shattering. My order was placed w.o problems, however my companions encountered a language barrier. The kitsch of the place was nice, and this was a back up as La Quinta was closed.
Composition: (out of 5) 3.5 - It took a little while to get to the heart of this burrito, but when I got there, it was pretty good. A decent mix of flavors and consistencies, although nothing mind-blowing.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 3.5 - Probably almost a five if they didn't use lettuce, but the different parts of this burrito were generally quite tasty. They use a guacamole mix instead of straight avocado, but it's pretty chunky and avocado heavy. The beans, rice, cheese, etc. are all flavorful, and once I got into the heart of the burrito it was pretty enjoyable.
Size: (out of 3) 2 - Granted, I was hungry, but I finished this in one sitting.
Taste: (out of 10) 6.5 - This burrito definitely got better as I ate through it all, but was nothing amazing. More like, this is what a decent burrito should taste like - everything better is really good, anything worse is kind of crap.
Value: (out of 5) 3.5 - Almost a four - maybe to be re-evaluated, but while tasty, this didn't strike me as an amazing deal.
Total Score: (out of 28) 18 - Solid, decently priced burrito on mission st, but not anything special.
Additional Comments: Both meals my companions had were good, but not great. Chips and salsa were a little lacking, but the interior did have a mural. It looks like they were set up for an outside window, but aren't quite there yet. Also, there was a big fucking bag of carrots in the fridge:
Visited: 3/2/10
Ordered: Super Veggie Burrito
Cost:$ 5.75
Overall Description: A decent entry, but nothing earth-shattering. My order was placed w.o problems, however my companions encountered a language barrier. The kitsch of the place was nice, and this was a back up as La Quinta was closed.
Composition: (out of 5) 3.5 - It took a little while to get to the heart of this burrito, but when I got there, it was pretty good. A decent mix of flavors and consistencies, although nothing mind-blowing.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 3.5 - Probably almost a five if they didn't use lettuce, but the different parts of this burrito were generally quite tasty. They use a guacamole mix instead of straight avocado, but it's pretty chunky and avocado heavy. The beans, rice, cheese, etc. are all flavorful, and once I got into the heart of the burrito it was pretty enjoyable.
Size: (out of 3) 2 - Granted, I was hungry, but I finished this in one sitting.
Taste: (out of 10) 6.5 - This burrito definitely got better as I ate through it all, but was nothing amazing. More like, this is what a decent burrito should taste like - everything better is really good, anything worse is kind of crap.
Value: (out of 5) 3.5 - Almost a four - maybe to be re-evaluated, but while tasty, this didn't strike me as an amazing deal.
Total Score: (out of 28) 18 - Solid, decently priced burrito on mission st, but not anything special.
Additional Comments: Both meals my companions had were good, but not great. Chips and salsa were a little lacking, but the interior did have a mural. It looks like they were set up for an outside window, but aren't quite there yet. Also, there was a big fucking bag of carrots in the fridge:
January 28, 2010
Taqueria San Jose (Mission & 24th)
Taqueria San Jose - 2830 Mission St (@ 24th)
Visited: 1/23/10
Ordered: Super Vegetarian Burrito
Cost:$8 bucks or some shit like that
Overall Description: Ugh. I was really dreading reviewing this place - I've eaten here twice before and been completely turned off both times, but it was before I started this blog. This place is almost kitty-corner to El Farolito, but never has a line, which should be ones first clue. I guess their convenient location keeps them in business, but this place should be avoided at all costs, especially if you eat veg.
Composition: (out of 5) 1 - I got a third into the burrito before seeing any guacamole or sour cream. The lettuce (lame!) consumes the most of the burrito so you can't get a bite without it. It seemed lacking in cheese, rice, beans, guac, sc - all it had in abundance was lettuce.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 1 - Once you get past the main part of this burrito, it becomes a sloppy wet mess. Think sour cream covered lettuce w. a little bit of beans. It drips every where - I even squeezed out some of the sour cream water and dug some of the lettuce out just so i could take a few more bites (for sustenance).
Size: (out of 3) 3 - I will give it this - this burrito was a very good size. However, since I didn't want to take home the more then a half I didn't finish, that doesn't translate to much.
Taste: (out of 10) 2 - I give this a 2 instead of a one because I didn't want to puke after eating it. However, if I had ate more of it, I can't say I wouldn't have wanted to puke.
Value: (out of 5) 1 - Huge price tag for potentially the worst burrito I've ever had. Fuck you Taq San Jose, and all yer patrons can go to hell too.
Total Score: (out of 28) 7 - That's right, 25%. So worthless. I've suffered enough and will never eat here again.
Additional Comments: The salsa selection was also poor. My friend got the veg nachos - sans beans. What arrived was a plate of nachos, covered in cheese and lettuce. More lettuce, really? Not even any salsa. This place blows - I'd rather return to La Taqueria for the mushiest burrito ever then suffer this kind of meal again.
Visited: 1/23/10
Ordered: Super Vegetarian Burrito
Cost:$8 bucks or some shit like that
Overall Description: Ugh. I was really dreading reviewing this place - I've eaten here twice before and been completely turned off both times, but it was before I started this blog. This place is almost kitty-corner to El Farolito, but never has a line, which should be ones first clue. I guess their convenient location keeps them in business, but this place should be avoided at all costs, especially if you eat veg.
Composition: (out of 5) 1 - I got a third into the burrito before seeing any guacamole or sour cream. The lettuce (lame!) consumes the most of the burrito so you can't get a bite without it. It seemed lacking in cheese, rice, beans, guac, sc - all it had in abundance was lettuce.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 1 - Once you get past the main part of this burrito, it becomes a sloppy wet mess. Think sour cream covered lettuce w. a little bit of beans. It drips every where - I even squeezed out some of the sour cream water and dug some of the lettuce out just so i could take a few more bites (for sustenance).
Size: (out of 3) 3 - I will give it this - this burrito was a very good size. However, since I didn't want to take home the more then a half I didn't finish, that doesn't translate to much.
Taste: (out of 10) 2 - I give this a 2 instead of a one because I didn't want to puke after eating it. However, if I had ate more of it, I can't say I wouldn't have wanted to puke.
Value: (out of 5) 1 - Huge price tag for potentially the worst burrito I've ever had. Fuck you Taq San Jose, and all yer patrons can go to hell too.
Total Score: (out of 28) 7 - That's right, 25%. So worthless. I've suffered enough and will never eat here again.
Additional Comments: The salsa selection was also poor. My friend got the veg nachos - sans beans. What arrived was a plate of nachos, covered in cheese and lettuce. More lettuce, really? Not even any salsa. This place blows - I'd rather return to La Taqueria for the mushiest burrito ever then suffer this kind of meal again.
January 15, 2010
El Metate (Bryant & 22nd)
El Metate - 2406 Bryant St.
Visited: 1/14
Ordered: Super Vegetarian
Cost:$6
Overall Description: This was a tasty burrito! It was longer and thinner then most of it's competition, but the vegetarian was a basic burrito w. actual veggies in it, which I think more places can benefit from.
Composition: (out of 5) 4 - For the most part I really enjoyed the breakup, but it was a little heavy on beans and not super heavy on rice. Also, it was unevenly wrapped so one end has considerably more tortilla then the other one. Also, most of the veggies ended up on the outside of the burrito instead of the middle.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 4 - Tasty stuff - not mind blowingly so, but everything was good and complimented each other. Could have used a little more guacamole however.
Size: (out of 3) 2.5 - I ate a little more of this and was satisfied, then finished the rest of it the day after. It was not as massive as some I've seen though, hence the .5 points away from a perfect 3.
Taste: (out of 10) 8 - Other then the lack of rice, I can't find much wrong with this burrito. While it did not blow me away, the first bite hit the spot just right and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of it.
Value: (out of 5) 5 - 6 even is a good price for a burrito. Also this place let us buy beers across the street and bring them over, which was awesome!
Total Score: (out of 28) 23.5 - Pretty damn good all around!
Additional Comments: Chips were thick but tasty, and I do like the interior of this place a lot. Their other entrees are really good too, so while it's a little off the beaten path, it's worth the trip!
Visited: 1/14
Ordered: Super Vegetarian
Cost:$6
Overall Description: This was a tasty burrito! It was longer and thinner then most of it's competition, but the vegetarian was a basic burrito w. actual veggies in it, which I think more places can benefit from.
Composition: (out of 5) 4 - For the most part I really enjoyed the breakup, but it was a little heavy on beans and not super heavy on rice. Also, it was unevenly wrapped so one end has considerably more tortilla then the other one. Also, most of the veggies ended up on the outside of the burrito instead of the middle.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 4 - Tasty stuff - not mind blowingly so, but everything was good and complimented each other. Could have used a little more guacamole however.
Size: (out of 3) 2.5 - I ate a little more of this and was satisfied, then finished the rest of it the day after. It was not as massive as some I've seen though, hence the .5 points away from a perfect 3.
Taste: (out of 10) 8 - Other then the lack of rice, I can't find much wrong with this burrito. While it did not blow me away, the first bite hit the spot just right and I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of it.
Value: (out of 5) 5 - 6 even is a good price for a burrito. Also this place let us buy beers across the street and bring them over, which was awesome!
Total Score: (out of 28) 23.5 - Pretty damn good all around!
Additional Comments: Chips were thick but tasty, and I do like the interior of this place a lot. Their other entrees are really good too, so while it's a little off the beaten path, it's worth the trip!
December 31, 2009
El Tepa (18th & Folsom)
El Tepa - 2198 Folsom St (@ 18th)
Visited: 12/15/09
Ordered: Super Veggie Burrito
Cost:$ about 6?
Overall Description: For the most part a decent, but below-average burrito. There was just this underlying taste that I didn't like too much. It was certainly not offensive, but unspectacular.
Composition: (out of 5) 3 - Solid enough, but there were unexpected pockets of different textures.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 2.5 - This time there was too much rice and beans, not enough sour cream/guac/salsa/cheese (there's almost never enough cheese). Nothing was distasteful, but it wasn't fresh or bursting with flavor.
Size: (out of 3) 2 - I could have ate more of this but instead opted to only do half as I wasn't especially hungry and knew I could make use of it later. But it was two small meals instead of a large and medium one as I'm used to.
Taste: (out of 10) 4.5 - Not bad, but so underwhelming it's scoring just shy of a medium
Value: (out of 5) 3.5 - It was relatively cheap, but for a sub-par burrito, that's not a great value, is it?
Total Score: (out of 28) 15.5 - Would I eat here again? No. I'd recommend pretty much anyplace else, and it's not open very late, so I doubt I'll be back. But it's not too bad...probably makes a mean something-or-other.
Additional Comments: Chips and salsa equally underwhelming.
Visited: 12/15/09
Ordered: Super Veggie Burrito
Cost:$ about 6?
Overall Description: For the most part a decent, but below-average burrito. There was just this underlying taste that I didn't like too much. It was certainly not offensive, but unspectacular.
Composition: (out of 5) 3 - Solid enough, but there were unexpected pockets of different textures.
Ingredients: (out of 5) 2.5 - This time there was too much rice and beans, not enough sour cream/guac/salsa/cheese (there's almost never enough cheese). Nothing was distasteful, but it wasn't fresh or bursting with flavor.
Size: (out of 3) 2 - I could have ate more of this but instead opted to only do half as I wasn't especially hungry and knew I could make use of it later. But it was two small meals instead of a large and medium one as I'm used to.
Taste: (out of 10) 4.5 - Not bad, but so underwhelming it's scoring just shy of a medium
Value: (out of 5) 3.5 - It was relatively cheap, but for a sub-par burrito, that's not a great value, is it?
Total Score: (out of 28) 15.5 - Would I eat here again? No. I'd recommend pretty much anyplace else, and it's not open very late, so I doubt I'll be back. But it's not too bad...probably makes a mean something-or-other.
Additional Comments: Chips and salsa equally underwhelming.
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