Cheesy birria tacos, handmade tortillas, and rich consomé broth























"If you’re going to order a single taco at El Patrón, let it be the quesabirria, the cheesy, soupy Tijuana-style beef birria tacos (served with a side of consomé for convenient dipping) that this Mission taqueria helped popularize in the city. Really, though, any taco is a good choice here, with the other standout being the namesake Taco Patrón, which comes loaded with grilled shrimp and melted cheese." - Paolo Bicchieri
"The Mission restaurant has a great menu of Mexican food like tacos with housemade tortillas, burritos, and choriqueso. The shining star on the menu, however, are the quesabirria tacos. Each crispy tortilla envelope is stuffed to the brim with tender beef that plays nicely with the melted cheese. We recommend getting at least three—two for now, and one for 15 minutes later." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"Tacos El Patrón in the Mission makes massive birria tacos that are overflowing with delicious beef. They’re also extra cheesy (because, balance), and taste even better when you dip them in the rich consomé. The best part? Tacos El Patrón has two Bay Area locations where you can get your birria taco fix—the other is in the East Bay’s Pleasant Hill. " - julia chen 1, lani conway
"Official Tacos El Patrón Shirt ($20) Whenever we’re in the Mission and craving quesabirria tacos, we immediately head to Tacos El Patrón. And we’d be happy to rep their mustached logo loud and proud on any piece of clothing. This black tee is a great start." - julia chen 1
"This airy Mission spot has a great menu of taqueria classics like tacos with homemade tortillas, vampiros, and rich choriqueso. The shining stars on the menu, however, are the quesabirria tacos. Each crispy tortilla envelope is stuffed to the brim with juicy beef that blends perfectly with the melted cheese. We recommend getting at least three—two for now, and one for 15 minutes later. Other reasons Tacos El Patrón is the lunch and dinner MVP: free chips and salsa is still an art form, the portion sizes are huge, and you’ll always find a seat, even when this place is packed—and it usually is, since its greatness is no secret. photo credit: Brit Finnegan Food Rundown Quesabirria Tacos Prepare to meet the best quesabirria tacos in the city. They’re meaty, and overstuffed with cheese, onions, cilantro, and thick globs of melted white cheese. Our only advice—aside from making sure they’re on your table—is to prep your post-meal nap location before you head here. photo credit: Brit Finnigan Choriqueso Do you love taste of somewhat bland melted white cheese? This is your dish. Tortillas come on the side for cheese taco-making purposes. Mulita Couldn’t decide between a quesadilla and a taco? Turn to the mulita. It's slightly toasted, full of cheese and a meat of your choosing. photo credit: Brit Finnigan Tacos These are solid tacos with solid, though at times dry, meats. They get the job done, but if you’re here for tacos then the quesabirria tacos are where it’s at. photo credit: Brit Finnigan" - Lani Conway