Where a Michelin-Starred Chef Goes for Tacos in San Francisco

This vibrant corner shop in the Mission has earned a loyal following for its burritos and welcoming, communal vibe. Stowaway always orders the shrimp quesadilla. “Everyone absolutely must try it!” he says.

One of the newer additions to the Mission’s dynamic Mexican food scene, La Vaca specializes in rich, flavorful birria folded into tacos, burritos, and combination plates. “This is one of my newer favorites,” says Stowaway. “It has some of my favorite birria tacos and plates.”

This unassuming, budget-friendly taqueria on Mission Street is easy to miss—but that would be a mistake. In addition to serving classic tacos and tortas, the restaurant, Stowaway says, “has the kindest staff—they are always the best to us.”

A longtime Mission favorite, La Palma is celebrated for its house-made salsas and fresh tortillas. “This is hands down the best masa you can find in the Mission,” Stowaway promises.

“Another amazing queso birria spot on Folsom,” says Stowaway of this beloved Mission staple. His go-to order? The Molcajete Mixta—a hearty, sizzling platter of grilled chicken, shrimp, beef, and nopal, served with pinto beans, salsa, grilled onions, and chorizo.