El Paraiso Cafe

I wanted to treat my mom and abuelita to papusas for lunch, and found this spot. It’s a cute little spot that has not only really good Salvadoran breakfast, but tasty papusas. The only sucky part is parking, but it’s worth it! Highly recommend this spot!

This is the quintessential delicious hole in the wall that exemplifies what makes the Mission the best and yummiest. Great local spot. Delicious pupusas.

Best hole-in-the-wall Salvadoran restaurant in the mission - bonus is that it’s across the street from a cute park. The food here is made from scratch and authentic. I echo everyone else that say these are the BEST pupusas in SF. If you don’t know what they are - you must try them! Revueltas de queso and chicharrón are my favorite: Translation, cheese and pork, yum!!! Great food, good prices and nice people. I love supporting family-run businesses and it makes it extra special when the food is amazing - chefs kiss!

You don't come for the atmosphere (but if you do, sit outside), you come for the food. Arguably the best pupusas in SF are at this hidden gem. Bean and cheese or bean and loroco pupusas are good bets. Their chicken soup is hearty and delicious as well. I highly recommend this mother daughter owned spot.

Best pupusas in the mission.

5 stars for food. These are my fave papusas in SF. All hand made in front of you as you wait. Really nice people. Been here a long time. Zero ambiance so to go suggested.

Amazing Meal. I went with the supreme chicken burritos and a pork taco. Everything was on point. The sauce on the burritos, which were slightly bigger than an enchilada, was fantastic. My server, Nicolas, was super friendly and did a great job. The artwork in the place is also interesting. Lots of times, the artwork at places like this is pretty cheesy, but they had an interesting mix. Well done.

Wonderfully kind ladies making excellent papusas from scratch. Great for a late breakfast

My friend and I were exploring Balmy Alley when we noticed this place just down the street. After checking out the murals, we made our way back to the restaurant. Don't let the name fool you - they serve up real (and delicious!) food! I ordered 2 pupusas revueltas (with everything) and my friend ordered a torta. We both thoroughly enjoyed and devoured our food. The only downside is that they do not have a restroom available for use, and that parking can get a little tricky since it is a popular area. The park across the street is well-maintained and the food came out at the perfect temperature and time. The staff was very kind and attentive. Please go support this local business while visiting Balmy Alley! You will be sure to find something you like from their extensive menu. Highly recommend!

This unassuming and out of the way spot is a hidden gem. The pupusas are top shelf with great fillings and lots of the toppings. They have an outdoor table with a pleasant view of the park across the street. Put this place into your rotation and you won't regret it!

Recently went to El Paraiso Cafe for a snack and a drink. I am a longtime vegan so decided to explore some of the menu. I got a vegan bean pupusa that came with a side of chopped veggies in a hot sauce that packed some serious flavorful heat. That was quite alright. I also got a pineapple mango soy milk smoothie that was very fresh coming with just soy milk and the fresh fruit. Service is friendly and glad came back after enjoying a hot drink here to explore some of the other menu and vegan options. The Cafe is a adjacent to a busy park with a soccer field that gets plenty busy. Look forward to returning here.

I have ridden my bike and driven by this place for years. I wondered, is it good? It's a hole in the wall, my kind of place. Handmade pupusas on order, amazingly light and tasty. The slaw is fresh made and the side sauces are very tasty. Outdoor seating for the pooches, what more could I ask for?

Small hidden corner cafe in sleepy neighborhood of the mission a block down the main 24th Street on Treat Street where people playing Soccer. 415 Yelp introduces me to another location I never been to. Friendly cashier lady that delivered my food to my table. Nice and sunny, warm day the Mission District has. Felt safe to relax and eat my yummy pupusas on one of the outside picnic bench as it overlooks the park of kids playing soccer across the street. I tried the cheese, beans and pork one and the cheese and zucchini. Both served hot with side of cabbage slaw and hot red sauce. The most simple one tastes the best if you want to taste that wholesome cheesy goodness. The cheese, pork and bean one was filled with a lot and I didn't really taste the cheese. The fillings overpowered the cheese. It was a tasty meal and my tummy is happy. Sure I would like to come back here if I am in neighborhood. Thanks Yelp for introducing me to new restaurants that I haven't heard before! :) Time to explore more of the Mission District.

So I told my boyfriend as we were driving to South SF that I was craving some pupusas. He told me to check what the Yelp 415 collection had to offer... and of course... pupusas were on the list of deals!! (My life is a movie sometimes.) The Yelp 415 Deal for this IS a total WIN. You get any 2 kinds of pupusas for $4.15 as long as you check in through the Yelp app! (WARNING: You need to spend at least $10 if you're paying with card and DON'T want to be charged an extra $2.75 for card fees). Me and my boyfriend each got 2 pork and cheese pupusas. My boyfriend got it with the spicy sauce and I got it with the non spicy sauce. The pupusas were made FRESH -- we saw them hand make it as we were waiting inside. Just seeing this made my tummy so happy... I just knew in my heart and gut that it was gonna be delic. We also ordered an iced coffee so that our total would reach at least $10. This is sooo strong and def taste like coffee. But let's talk about the main star of the show: the pupusas were absolutely TASTY!! Every bite was better than the last... My fav bite is when you add some of the sauce with some of the curtido and the pupusa. Freakin amazing. It's so freshly made that I immediately burned the roof of my mouth on the first bite. My bad!! Got to excited. El Paraiso is located on the corner of the street and there is plenty of street parking nearby. There is indoor and outdoor seating available and a park right across the street. Staff is so kind too! Love this place!! Their pupusas are such a good choice and I am for sure keeping this place on my radar.

I found this place through the #yelp415deal and I'm so glad I came. The pupusas were made-to-order so they were hot and fresh. We got the cheese and loroco and cheese, beans, and pork. I had no idea what loroco was but the lady was nice and explained that it was a flower/vegetable. Both were super tasty. This place is no-frills and also serves American-type breakfast with a couple tables inside and outside. It's a little off the beaten path, but I will definitely be back for more pupusas!

One of the best pupusa spots in the mission. Great location right across the street from Garfield Park, and only about 3-4 blocks away from Precita a park. The pupusa's are just the right size for the price and I love getting an order of their french fries. Been coming here for the last 15 years and will keep supporting! I also believe it's all women owned.

best pupusas I've ever had! I love coming here whenever I'm in the area. I cannot get enough of this place. I'm never disappointed! Food is so fresh and absolutely delicious.

Came here for the 415 deal with Yelp, 4.15 for any 2 pupusas (up to $8 value). The ladies running the business were so nice, friendly and welcoming! Ordered 4 total Pork and cheese pupusas and man were they delicious! They are handmade on the spot which only added to the overall experience. Their curtido and spicy sauce (spicy/non spicy choices) were so tasty, every bite just continually kept getting better. There's a bunch of parking in the area, cute outdoor seating and friendly vibes. TLDR: Will be coming back to support this business and to eat more delicious pupusas!

My favorite pupusas in the city, closest flavors to pupusas in El Salvador and the space reminds me of visiting family in El Salvador. I live down the street and discovered these during the pandemic and couldn't stop coming back.

Cute little place next to a park with plenty of outdoor seating! My boyfriend and I got their cheese and pork pupusas and they were soooo good! The pupusas were a good portion and pretty filling. This is definitely a mom and pop shop so it was also a good feeling to support a local business! They take both cash and card, but we paid with cash to make it easier for them. There is street parking and we were able to find a spot fairly quickly and right next to the place!

This place is fantastic! Amazing pupusas! Affordable, delicious, nice people. Highly recommended

PAPUSAS--need a say more? ok, also: nice people, quick service, affordable...and I will say it again, papusas.

Sweet ladies that work the shop. I ordered the bean and pork pupusa and it was delicious ! Also great prices

Eggs, Platanos, frijoles, y queso is great! Sweet & friendly service. Tastes from home. Outdoor Covid seating. Pleasant view of park. Fresh handmade tortillas.

I've driven past El Paraiso Cafe many a time, but when the limited time offer "The 415 Deal" was rolled out in July 2021, I knew it was finally time to stop and give this little corner cafe a try. For $4.15, I was offer an array of pupusa offerings and settled on the cheese, beans and pork variety - they didn't disappoint and they were a great value to boot. I added a pure cane sugar cola from Mexico and was set with my afternoon snack. @yelpbayarea | #Yelp415Deal

I wanted to order here several times, but everytime i walked by this place the people working behind the counter do not wear masks even when costumers walk in. Very unfortunate because their menu looks good.

Easy to find from #95, Easy ample parking. Fantastic Service all around. Very friendly and helpful staff. Our server CARLOS was amazing with his help, memory, advice, and quick service. Him and busser Excion were very alert on our water, chips and salsa, and more drinks!!! Owner Miguel came over and chatted and when we told him how great the food was but mostly we loved the amazing service.... he was VERY appreciative, called the young men over and thanked them in front of us!!! Our food was HOT, fresh, delicious, and tasty! We all 4 got something different, and we go here 3-4 x a year. You can't go wrong! We wore masks going in and out. Honestly, most people are dumb about this in AZ... don't know why, but the STAFF is always cleaning and THEY keep their masks on tight and correctly! They have nice outside "safe" dining with a gorgeous view!!!

Pupusas. Get them here. Now. El Paraiso was a block away from the apartment we stayed at in San Francisco. Boy were we lucky to have this little gem so close by! We visited about 2-3 times to try their pupusas, which were delicious, filling and freshly made to order, and we also had their egg breakfast, which was cooked al estilo perico with onions and tomatoes, and a side of beans. Doesn't get more filling than this. I love a good hole in the wall spot! The shop itself is quite modest, nothing fancy here. But, the ladies are nice, the service is fast, the prices are reasonable and the food is great. If I lived here, I would visit every weekend... No lie.

Freesh food nice people Friendli owner. I love chiken soup pupusas Hard to find parking

Same old story, trying to squeeze food into my busy day of work. Called in an order of 3 pupusas de chicharron y queso. They said it would be ready in 15min. Perfect. When I arrived 20min later the order was done, but it was completely wrong. "She heard you say cheese pupusa on the phone." BS. She repeated "pupusas de chicharron y queso" to me. I was going to forego the pork and just have cheese pupusas, but I looked in the bag and they had given me enough curtido for about half a pupusa. I said "mas curtido por favor" and she barked at me "we don't have any more!" So I left. Without paying, and without any delicious pupusas. Sad and rejected. Never coming back to this miserable excuse for a restaurant.

EL Paraiso has breakfast, mexican entrees, bagels, sammies. small informal seating area. eats: egg salad sammie (4.50) -bread toasted, large sammie -usual pickle, lettuce, purple onion, etc. -sammie not so flavorful, black pepper not spicy enough.

Torta of milanesa so delicious my only complaint is that they close at any time they want so I finally was like to find it open

The most authentic papusas you will find in San Francisco. Everything here is good, they make the tortillas of my dreams.

If you're brown and you miss your mom's cooking, jus make the trip to come here. I ordered chorizo, plátano frito con frijoles Y crema, and watched a lady in the back that coulda been my Tia echando las tortillas a mano, and brought out a delicious plate with fresh handmade tortillas I almost cried they were so good.

Rude lady at cashier was too busy having a conversation then to notice I wanted to order, not coming back again...

Great food, nice people, and good service. The pupusas are always made fresh to order, and curtido has distinctive tanginess to cut through the rich corn flavor. Sandwiches are ace too.

If you're at your leisure enjoying a nice stroll with your book and work up an appetite, have your feet take you here, a charming hole in the wall where you can fill your tummy and read in peace and quiet. A burger w/fries and a free can of soda $7.50 No wifi, no restroom.

cozy spot with honey vibes and super yummy homemade smoothie and delicious handmade pupusa

This place is the best! I've lived down the street for seven years, and have never had a bad experience. Their pupusas and breakfasts are my favorite. The women who work here are incredibly kind.

Very very rude people. I've come here a few times as it is close to home. I've given this place a few chances and today was the last chance. The three women that work here all ganged up on me in front of all the other clients over giving me straws and covers for two cups of water for my two kids (three years old). I called ahead to order four pupusas as I was going to head to the park with my kids to eat lunch. They did not have water bottles therefore I asked if they could give me two cups of water (faucet water) TO GO. The lady said ok but I'll charge you 25 cents each. I said that's fine. I paid and then she gave me plastic cups filled with water no cover, no straws. I asked for covers and she said in Spanish "cobramos por las tapaderas" (we charge for the covers" and I said how would we be able to take these without spilling? Do you charge for straws too? She said "por supuesto" of course they charge. Then the other lady jumped in attacking me like how dare I questions that they charge for every little piece when it's to go and the 25 cents already charged was not including these pieces. Another 20 cents for each cover and an extra 20 cents to have a straw for each of my kids. Simply absurd. It's really just the principle here. Very unprofessional people and not kind at all. That was the last time I will ever go there.

Paraiso is my house's second kitchen. (Two of my neighbors have left reviews here too, and they agree.) A few years ago I would too often get one of their perfectly toasted sesame bagels with egg and cheese for breakfast, occasionally accompanied by one of their ice creamy fresh fruit smoothies. (I went on a diet after that.) This is also the first place I ever had a pupusa, which has maybe ruined me for most other pupusas. They serve it with a thin but dark red salsa, and a light slaw that's just sour enough to cut through the fatty cheese and thick beans. Whenever I have a pupusa now, I find myself wanting that slaw. Now, I do weekend brunches here with my usual order-- "eggs, platanos, frijoles, queso y crema"-- which I think has a shorter name, like "breakfast special" or something, but that's what's written on the board, so that's what I ask for. It's really simple, but the quality ingredients and careful preparation make it delicious. The ladies at Paraiso cook with a distinctive, memorable style that I can only describe as that feeling you get when you wake up on Saturday morning, stumble bleary-eyed to the kitchen, and wolf down a hot plate of breakfast set down in front of you by someone who loves you. Their food tastes like what a kiss from my mom feels like. In addition to the food, a lot of regulars hang out at the outside tables in the afternoons. I live close enough that I can open my windows wide and catch some of the vibe. Their ambient conversations complement the yelling of the soccer players across the street. If you're there around 5pm, you might see some of the ice cream cart guys who work around the park roll up and load their carts into a van. On sunny days someone might park right in front and blast banda from their car. I love all of it. It brings this block to life. Paraiso's a gem of a neighborhood spot, and really gives this corner of the Mission a little taste of paradise. Come visit sometime.

I just wrote the funniest review ever and then pressed the wrong button, which of course wasn't my fault, I blame that crazy mouse, it's out of control srrsly, and anyway my stupid review was gone. Right so El Paraiso rules. no. Actually, it RULZ. yeah. Fresh juice, fresh smoothies, soups that make me want to eat sea critters and brains, even the bagel and hummus is good. The girls that work here put that extra love in everything and it just turns out perfect. It's small, er, cozy, and right next to the ghetto park so you can watch the crazies if you can get the table outside on a sunny day. It makes me like my 'hood even when that asshole who drives an SUV with enough bass in the system to make up for his obvious lack of length and girth if you know what I mean...and I think you do....so go ahead asshole, wake me up on a Saturday morning. I'm gonna take my chipper firme hina ass over to fucking PARADISE and eat a bagel made with love while you drive around all day like a goddamn douche bag.

Good plain cooking, really nice pleasant atmosphere if you like a nice street corner by the park. I had platanos with beans and crema. Really nice crema!! Obviously good for breakfast, lunch, early dinner, a smoothie or an ice cream cone on your way to the park. I love a cafe that isn't all pretentious and yet is also just nice. It's like having your mom make you lunch and let you eat it on the front porch. Also the prices are more than reasonable. Check out their cute sidewalk sign. http://flickr.com/photos/lizhenry/2869322418/

Come across this place on yelp and found recent reviews sporadic at best. I was primed for an adventure to see if they still existed. Good news for everyone. Indeed they do. I arrived for breakfast, and my initial hesitation at the high prices ($7 - $10 for a variety of omelets) turned to excitement when I saw I could get some eggs, tomato and lettuce on wheat bread for about $3. An even better surprise? They were down with the huevos blancos, which were piled high on my breakfast sandwich. Quite a few bites later, I was full and happy. My latte ambitions were thwarted upon learning they only had lowfat milk and they had just run out of sugar free vanilla syrup. On the latter, my bad for not going sooner. A potent espresso served as a mighty fine replacement. Internet available for your browsing pleasure, you'll likely find me back soon to sample lunch.

Was in here on lunch break. Its a block from 24th and I feel 'Ive eaten everything there is to eat on 24th so went south in search for sandwiches. Ordered a turkey club sandwich. On the price menu it said $5.25 however the cashier and person who made my sandwich charged me $8.75. I, of course, questioned why and in broken english the employee said something about tax *shrugs* I didn't make much out of it considering I was so *dagnabbit* hungry! I would have given this place a four star but didn't like the price increase. Ended up that I paid for fries that I didn't order. I feel like the employee took advantage of my friendliness and threw em in hoping I wouldn't notice the price change. Overall the sandwich I ordered was fresh and tasty. Co workers of mine were wowed by the presentation and asked me where I'd got it from. Not too shabby all in all with the attention I received ;)

Sometimes I'll entertain a fantasy about taking this place over and making it into something you'd find on the Boulevard St. Germaine, flanked by wicker chairs and charming tables perfect for two that face the soccer fields of Garfield Square. I'd spruce up the mural and re-paint the name of the place, perhaps put it in lights. Then I think, but I'd want the apple-cheeked proprietress to stay because she's so friendly, and so impressively manages her kitchen full of women. She's got quixotic taste in pictures, as evidenced by the ones hung over the condiment bar. She leaves the door open all day so anybody can wander in. The tables outside might be mismatched but provide a great place to write. Mostly I realize that I have no idea how to run a café and am then content merely to get my cup of coffee or my Mexican soda and enjoy the corner.

I am definitely not a picky eater by any means, and that's why I try to refrain as much as possible from writing reviews. But this morning I stumbled into this restaurant and after having a short convo with the girl behind the counter I ordered an off the menu item called "huevos rancheros" for breakfast. This is by far the first time in the city eating a meal that took me back to eating breakfast in El Salvador. So much so that I had to call my mom to let her know, the eggs were covered in a sauce that has a nice hint of oregano and a subtle spicy-ness to it. The sour cream is authentically salvadorean. The refried beans like if my mom herself put them on this plate. I am in heaven and a new regular for sure. Need I also mention that I bought that incredible breakfast, fresh squeeze orange juice and a turkey sandwich for later for less than 20 bucks, awesome right?? I suggest before you leave this world, put this place on your tastebuds bucketlist, cuz I know that when my life flashes before my eyes, eating here will be included. Thanks and cheers mates :)

Been going here for years since they are a neighborhood cafe. I think its a mama-daughter business, and they are super nice folks. They are a bit reserved, don't mistake that standoffishness. They are clean, the food is great, and they have outdoor seating too which is great to take advantage most of the time.

One of The Mission's bet kept secrets. Where else in the city can you get egg and cheese on a bagel (with a side of salsa) for less than $3? Love the outdoor seating right across from the park.

I love this place. The food is authentic, delicious. Great vibe. Gloria the owner is super sweet. My favorite are the tamales and the pupusas

Black folk stay clear. Woman didn't greet us. Then charged us extra on a medium coffee, which was given to us in a small cup. When we pointed to the posted price, she said she charged tax on a cold beverage. 25% tax. Shitty spot.

I live next door to this place. Their breakfast sandwiches on a croissant are super delicious. Their lattes aren't very good though, and sometimes they are slow. But those breakfast sandwiches rule. Four stars for the breakfast sandwich.

Love this place. They have the BEST breakfast & the ladies there r so nice. Definitely a takeout place do due the location, as well as difficult parking. $$ could b better, food I'd De-lish

I usually order papusas from Paraiso. I enjoy the papusas but not the cabbage salad as much as I had hoped. I tried a dessert from the glass display case once. Not a great idea, it was a tad stale. They serve a good cup of coffee, just make sure to check for cream and a spoon or stirrer for your coffee.

El Paraiso is the most perfect corner cafe I have ever come across. It doesn't have trendy decor or hipster baristas, and that's part of its charm. But the real point-scorer is the deliciously healthy and muey inexpensive food. We're talking 16 ounces of fresh-squeezed OJ for $2.50. They also have killer breakfast burritos, delicious homemade hummus for their veggie bagel sandwiches, and just about anything else you could be craving for breakfast or lunch.

Had a bagel sandwich here that was as tall as it was wide, for only $5. The inside was a little too warm to sit in, but fortunately there is a few tables outside as well.

One of the best drip coffees in this area. I always get a cup en route to work - fast , inexpensive, strong and fresh. Check it out!