It’s rare that I walk into a taqueria for the first time and immediately know that I’ll be back. Wandering around the Tenderloin, I found myself starving and craving a burrito. Little did I know what I was about to stumble upon.

I make it a point to peer into any taqueria I happen to pass by. Even if I’m not hungry then, I can file it away for a possible future visit. This habit I’ve gotten myself into was not even necessary to draw me into El Tesoro. The door was open, it was well lit and they were busy with Mexicans both in front of and behind the counter.

Without hesitation I walked in and ordered an old stand-by, super burrito, carnitas. Whenever I first try out a new place, I usually go for pork or carne asada as it’s easy to compare to other establishments. The grill was sizzling, smoke was rising and I was getting hungrier. I noticed that my tortilla was being grilled – always a good sign.

Then as I let my eyes drift, I noticed a tray of rolled tacos. Not flautas, but rolled corn tortillas. Like the kind you get in San Diego Mexican food restaurants. Oh my god… they have rolled tacos…! I scanned the take-out menu I had reflexively picked up and found it: “Six Rolled Fried Corn Tortilla with Chicken, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Salsa and Salad”. Holy Hell! And it was only six bucks too! It’s listed under Flautas, but whatever – the important thing is corn tortillas, filled with meat and then fried. Fond memories of late night orders of “Three-Rolled-Tacos-Guacamole” ran through my head, as I quickly realized this was on par price-wise. Those delicious snacks of three were always about two bucks, so double it, add all the goodies… Mmm…mmm…

I almost lost consciousness, excited as I was. But I had other plans for this meal. I had already ordered my burrito, but was already convinced I was going to return as soon as possible. Then I noticed the salsa bar tucked away in the back. Oh no, it couldn’t get any better…could it?

It could. Roasted jalapeños. Habanero hot sauce. Green sauce. Red tomatillo sauce. How could this be? Self serve fire-roasted jalapeños??? Right then, I knew that not only was I coming back, but that I was coming back often. With three kinds of chicken, four kinds of pork, and all the usual beef varieties, I knew that I would trek up the hill often for this place.

Finally I get my burrito and happily discover it’s just as delicious as I suspected. The carnitas was juicy and flavorful with a hint of a something I still can’t discern. Cinnamon? Brown sugar? Tequila? Well, whatever it was, it was delicious. Success! A new burrito joint topping off my list. I can’t wait to go back tomorrow… or later today.

599 O’Farrell and Leavenworth
Open 7 days a week 11am-11pm