Balompié Cafe #3

"One thing we’re always down for on a random weeknight: pupusas. Got to Balompié Cafe #3 in the Outer Mission for them. The casual, walk-in-only spot decorated with soccer scarves offers pupusas with common fillings like chicharron, loroco, and cheese, and specialty pupusas, including shrimp, ground beef, and carne asada. Grab a seat by the window and you’ll hear the welcomed slap of pupusas coming together while you wait. They’re served hot with ideal crispy cheese edges and sides of oregano-heavy curtido." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez, lani conway

"Many of the city’s best pupusas are in the Mission, but when we’re not there, our internal compasses direct us to Balompié Cafe #3 in Bernal Heights. This Salvadoran spot is dressed fully in soccer merch, and there’s occasionally a crowd gathered around the TV watching a game, but you’ll likely be singularly focused on the excellent griddled corn patties. The edges are crispy, the interior is soft, and the loroco always tastes fresh. The added bonus at Balompie is that their pupusas can be made vegan with non-dairy cheese. " - ricky rodriguez, julia chen 1, patrick wong

"On nights when stuffing your face with something cheesy and warm is a requirement, Balompie Cafe #3 is here for you. The counter-service, soccer-themed Salvadoran spot in Bernal Heights is our go-to for pupusas with classic fillings, like chicharrones, shrimp, and carne asada. Each one has the ideal crispy edge and comes with the requisite oregano-heavy curtido. Round out your order with a side of fried plantains. " - julia chen 1

"This counter-service spot decorated with soccer scarves offers excellent pupusas with classic fillings like chicharron, loroco, and cheese. Grab a seat by the window and you’ll hear the welcomed slap of pupusas coming together while you wait. They’re served hot with crispy cheese edges and sides of oregano-heavy curtido. Order them with casamiento (rice and beans) and fried plantains that are caramelized and crispy. " - lani conway, julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"Like a moth to a flame, we descend upon all pupusa spots. One place we love is Balompié Cafe #3 near Bernal Heights. The casual spot decorated with soccer scarves offers pupusas with common fillings like chicharron, loroco, and cheese, and specialty pupusas, including shrimp, ground beef, and carne asada. Grab a seat by the window and you’ll hear the welcomed slap of pupusas coming together while you wait. They’re served hot with ideal crispy cheese edges and sides of oregano-heavy curtido. Order them with casamiento (rice and beans) and fried plantains that are caramelized and crispy.  " - Lani Conway