Mission District Tastes: Top 5 Food & Drink Hotspots

So, the Mission District, a place almost synonymous with sensational eating, is packed to the gills with eateries and bars that could be considered amazing. Really, it can feel just a bit overwhelming trying to pick where to start! Anyway, that’s why I have compiled this fairly short list of spots. You know, I wanted to show a few places that really sing, places that seem to have carved out their own unique little corner of the neighborhood. This guide is really for those who want tasty, well-made drinks or fantastic bites, perhaps without breaking the bank too terribly much.

1. La Taqueria: Tacos that Truly Sing

First, La Taqueria, on Mission Street, almost always has a queue winding down the sidewalk. And that line exists for rather good reason! These are, like, seriously good tacos. They seem to skip the rice and beans – maybe that’s because that’s more common outside of Mexico than in, arguably. Regardless, they load each taco with mounds of flavorful, tender meat. You know, you get to choose your protein, and usually, I find myself stuck between the carne asada (grilled steak) and the carnitas (slow-cooked pork). That said, if you are a bit brave, you could try the lengua (beef tongue)! It’s always super tender. They seem to crisp up their tortillas wonderfully on the plancha. You should also know they melt cheese straight onto the meat if you ask for it that way – a simple addition that seems amazing. The salsas are also freshly made and zingy. Also, for anyone watching their carbs a bit, you can order your tacos “dorados” – this basically means they leave out the tortilla, piling everything into a crispy fried layer of cheese! Very rich, yet incredibly satisfying.

2. Foreign Cinema: Dinner and a Flick, Mission Style

So, for something just a little more upmarket, consider Foreign Cinema on Mission Street. Basically, it’s a restaurant and bar that seems to screen indie and foreign films on one of the courtyard walls! Yes, there is quite a screen. As I was saying, the vibe is a bit magical, with fairy lights twinkling all over the place. You should know the food is mostly Californian and Mediterranean, and that the dishes are generally designed to be shared. Very fun! We, your party, or even yourself get a little bit of everything! Maybe start with some oysters or some grilled octopus? Those are always fantastic. You could try one of their pizzas. Their paella, filled with seafood and saffron, is really flavorful! If you are lucky, the movie being screened that night might be pretty amazing too!

3. Tartine Bakery: A Bread Lover’s Haven

Okay, let’s talk about Tartine Bakery! You know, its original location is on Guerrero Street, and it’s just, like, legendary in these parts. Their breads and pastries are absolutely dreamy. Arguably, this is thanks to their almost fanatical dedication to proper technique, and high quality ingredients. In fact, if you stroll past in the mornings, there may be a scent of fresh-baked bread that just pours out of the doors. You may feel like you’re being called. The naturally leavened country loaf, you know, that’s kind of their signature, is an experience on its own. It almost has a tangy, complex flavor. This goes wonderfully well with butter or a fancy cheese! Very comforting! Their morning buns also deserve attention – those seemingly sugary swirls of flaky pastry with a hit of citrus, mmm. Anyway, it might be tempting to grab a loaf to go, too! Very difficult to resist in that atmosphere! If the pastries aren’t enough, then their filled baguettes will surely do the trick, I tell you.

4. El Techo: Rooftop Views and Latin Flavors

Here’s one of those places, El Techo on Mission Street, which sits atop the funky Valencia Hotel! It offers a roof terrace that looks like a total escape. Maybe, I might describe the views as breathtaking; it’s the city stretched out before you! So, the food’s all Latin-American inspired, maybe meaning a whole slew of delicious small plates that almost scream out to be shared among friends. Think arepas (a sort of cornmeal cake) with savory toppings, and ceviche (fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juices), maybe just a little spicy. You could go for some empanadas, those flavorful pockets of delicious pastry with various fillings that vary based on who’s cooking! Yet the cocktail list seems fairly killer. You will see all the classics like Margaritas, or the maybe just slightly unusual sangria. And yes, also some house inventions – maybe the El Techo Pisco Punch? Pretty easy to drink, for something containing so much alcohol! This spot can feel very popular on warmer nights, for obvious reasons, maybe just try getting there early to snag a prime spot!

5. ABV: Serious Cocktails, Zero Attitude

Okay, finally, for anyone craving an absolutely superb cocktail, there’s ABV on 16th Street. They, you know, seem to take their drinks rather seriously, while not falling prey to that stuffy, pretentious thing! Instead it could be a relaxed place, in some respects, where anyone can appreciate a really tasty tipple! Yet they, arguably, make use of quality ingredients and solid technique, and so the results could be almost jaw-dropping. So, just tell them your base spirit and preferred flavors, perhaps just letting the bartender guide you; you could land on something amazing! In that case you may want a snack too, and their bar food also appears to be great. We, you, anyone for that matter can have all manner of patty melts, or chicken wings to keep your energy up while you sample various different cocktails, you see. In that case, this may be an awesome end to your night out in the Mission.