August 14, 2007
Mmmmm, Taco Truck: Los Compadres Taqueria
No need to bury the lead: the Los Compadres taco truck that does business at Spear & Folsom is yummy. We enjoyed a rather large burrito there recently (pictured above with our fat hand, as to give an idea of the relative size).
Again, burritos = huge, and at five bucks for the basic model, it's not too hard on the wallet. We went for the sour cream, guacamole, and cheese additions on our al pastor (al pastor is our favorite now; thanks again, Dan)), and it was still $6.50 -- practically cheap for lunch in this part of town. Cheaper than nearby, non-mobile (and, in our view, inferior) Poncho Villa, as a matter of fact. The meat was tender and tasty with just a hint of tangy and sweet; the inside mix of ingredients well-distributed, the salsa was hot but not overly so -- we were really quite happy.
('hood, line length, menu art, & final analysis after the jump)
Located just across the street from Gap Corporate HQ, you'll find a ladies in nice jeans or summer dresses and impossible sandals; collar-shirted worker bees (guilty); constructions workers; random teenagers (no clue where they came from); and more. The line in front of this establishment is not short -- but will grow to unbearable lengths if you get there too long after noontime. They've been doing this for 10 years and have a loyal following, even a bit off the beaten path as they are.
Look, we know there are better burritos out there -- plenty, in fact. But this is the best we've encountered downtown, and when you're an office drone, a good lunch is often the only thing that gets you through the day.
(We enjoyed the snazzy menu art too:)
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That mustache on the man on Los Compadres' menu could not be more impressive. Blue-ribbon quality.
I have to respectfully disagree. I work right next door at 221 Main, and I'll always walk up to Poncho Villa for the burrito that I consider to be far superior to the taco truck's offerings.
CH -- I knew you'd like that.
Guest #2 -- I appreciate your opinion -- respectful dissension is very, very welcome here! I do actually do enjoy Pancho Villa, though I find this waterfront location to be the worst of the properties (El Toro on Valencia being the best). Even so, it's pretty good, but, as I said above, a notch or two below Los Compadres in my opinion.
I'm totally happy to have respectful dissension here, but that waterfront Pancho Villa? I think they have a Flav-r-Killer™ additive to their beans.
I've yet to have a great, or at least good, taco or burrito from a taqueria or taco truck here in the city. Most suck or are just ok.
El Toro on Valencia seems to be closed for renovation/repairs these days.
The super veggie burrito @ Cocina Poblana (Fillmore between Turk & Golden Gate) is awesome. A secret gem for sure.
Only a jackass orders a burrito from a taco truck. Get a fucking taco, I mean three tacos.
Oops I think I may have violate the comments policy, but I didn't mean to insult or disparage anyone. What I really wanted to say is I don't like burritos . I do however like tacos, especially from taco trucks. El pastor and carnitas are delicious, so are tripas, and carne asada is best with a decent amount of gristly bits. Otherwise you miss the crunch. Chicken is, imho, a bit of a cop out. I respect vegetarians but if you're not a vegetarian your missing out if you order chicken tacos.
BEST quesadillas in the city. (carnitaS, con todos...)
It's been my experience that SF taco trucks make better burritos than tacos. The taco truck at Pacific and Sansome makes a killer al pastor burrito - although it isn't cheap ($7 plus $1 tip = $8 burrito).
a (used-to-be-more-than-a) friend of mine swears by the taco truck near the courthouse on Bryant, always a long line and frequented by cops and lawyers...