Papalote's Mexican Grill to me is by far is one of the best Mexican Restaurants in the Mission because it might be a little Restaurant but the feel to it makes you comfortable and it's very organized. One thing that I enjoyed a lot that was new to me was their special sauce that they provide with the chips, It was mild hot and had like a sweet & sour touch to it. The Waitress's & Employees were polite and since the place isn't too big, It was easy to get a hold of someone when I needed to. This place is an excellent Mexican Restaurant and I would recommend it to anyone.
What can I say? These salsa experts beat Bobby Flay at his own game! My personal favorite is a classic carne asada burrito with black beans. AMAZING! The burritos are fat with meat (not filler) and a great steal for the price. They've also gor a Mexipino burrito that is wicked amazing, as well as a trifecta of savory goodness (carne asade, chicken, and prawns). But what's all that without salsa? Stuff is so good they had to start jarring it and selling it seperately... need I say more?
The food here isn't what you think of when people tell you to go to the Mission for the best Mexican food in SF. The food at Paplote is a lighter, fresher, non-greasy alternative to what other Mission taquerias have to offer. Try the fish quesadillas, and ask for corn tortillas -- you'll get three small corn quesadillas instead of one big one.
Papalote Mexican Grill has the BEST fish taco I've ever tried - and I've tried a lot. Their salsa is not for the weak but makes for amazing chilaquiles.
Couldn't agree with you more, that is, in regards to the salsa. Never could bring myself to order a taco plate in the face of the great carne asada burrito. Maybe I could squeeze in a taco next to my usual next time.
I've only heard great things about Papalote Mexican Grill. I might be wrong but didn't Bobby Flay or someone from those food shows end up doing a challenge here?
I know it's not a hole in the wall, but Pancho Villa Taqueria on 16th and El Toro on 18th both have really great salsa bars. The orange salsa is my favorite (smothering a chicken quesadilla of course...)