17 March 2005
Los Compadres Burrito Truck
The Lower Haight still has a burrito problem. The nearest sources of good burritos are in the adjacent Church/Duboce neighborhood: El Castillito and Azteca Tacqueria. Both are staffed by highly efficient burrito-making droids who turn out hefty and consistently tasty burritos.
In the Lower Haight proper, we have two options:
- Las Mesas, Haight near Pierce
After giving this place several chances, I finally have to accept that it sucks. First, their process is flawed. You don't get to view the construction of your burrito and point at your ingredients. Instead, you speak your order to an apathetic cashier, then wait in the dining room while your burrito is constructed behind closed doors. By the time you're presented with a relatively small, bland burrito, it's too late to fix it and you've already paid almost $6.
- Taco Loco, Divisadero near Haight
I've heard mixed reviews of this place. The other day I went there hoping to obtain a burrito. There were three people ahead of me in line; however, the line was Not Moving. I stood there for about five minutes with no progress and no indication of the cause of the delay. Eventually I gave up. Anyone have a better experience here?
Now, at my office we're much more fortunate. Right across the street, at Folsom and Spear, is the glorious Los Compadres burrito truck. Their super burrito with meat is substantial and loaded with plenty of spices and cilantro, for a mere $4.50. This more than makes up for the lack of customer access to the burrito construction process; you can always trust these guys to make you a kickass burrito that will take you all afternoon to consume.
Oh yeah, and they have tacos and quesadillas and such too. But everyone knows that the burrito is nature's perfect food.
If you live or work in the area, please go to the burrito truck and sign their statement of support. Apparently the South of Market permit officer is hassling them somehow, despite their compliance with all applicable regulations. Believe me, you want to help keep this burrito truck around! Otherwise we'll be stuck with runny burritos from the Chinese deli or that wacky "Bur-Eat-Os" place.