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boogaloo - alcohol is poison to the human body too, but boy, it sure is fun and delicious.

I live in the SF Mission, but I don't really get the obsession with the Mission burrito- the rice heavy carb monster that has become the cliche for Mission taqueria food. I think a better, more authentic beast is the mission taco- and if you look at what most of the hispanic population eats, I feel reasonably sure you'll find it significantly more popular. A huge $7 super burrito loaded with dairy when you can get by just lovely with two $1.50 tacos with two bucks left for a chelada on your lunch break makes the burrito kinda the gringo food.
That being said, I swear that the best tacos in the mission come out of a taco truck- El Gallo Giro at 23rd and Treat. Their carnitas are particularly spectacular. Their one downside is that they close in the evening, while a hallmark of most brick and mortar Mission taquerias is the fact that pretty much all of them are open after midnight or better and within staggering distance of bars. Then again, considering that that Hell's Angel got shot about a block away, perhaps it's just prudence. Although, I've been known to drink on the bar at the corner in question and stagger to Taqueria Vallarta (nothing to write home about), so what does that say about me?
Oh, and whoever said Pancho Villa was any good must have had an entirely different dish than the three or so I sampled. I thought they sucked. I'm also fairly fond of La Corneta and Can-Cun, though I swear that my favorite California-rice-and-beans burrito joint is still in Santa Cruz, where I used to live. No joke. Jalepenos, down at the end of Pacific or (more often for me) the Soquel location. I still sometimes miss their chicken mole, though now I know many places that make superior chili verde.

try a trip down to the mid market area, in particular, Taqueria Chile Verde, just off market on 6th street. they make a super shrimp burrito that is to die for. there is also a Can-Cun there as well, it faces market, i like the roja chicken from Can-Cun. and lastly if you want to sit down for great mexican and strong margs next time, obviously try Puerto Alegre.

I would say you should have pinto beans with carnitas instead of black beans. And make sure to get a good spicy salsa.

I still haven't found a burrito (pastor or chorizo, por favor) that rivals those dished up at El Ojo de Agua, adjacent to the Fruitvale BART in East Oakland.

http://californiatacotrucks.com/blog/?p=46

Zuni Cafe is a must given the rest of the places you've got on tap already. It's different than all of them and really is an only in SF experience, to boot. Order the oysters, the Cesar salad, the roast chicken, the espresso granita and whatever fruit tart or crumble they have for dessert that night. The gnocchi are spectacular if they have them. Its really a terrific restaurant and my wife and I loved all of our meals there. (We never did manage to not order the chicken, either.)

Was just going to say Taylor's Refresher. Try the one on 29 on the way up to Yountville, its better than the one in the Ferry Building.

I happen to be partial to Gordos for burritos, but definitely still like La Taqueria and Cancun.

For a culinary tour down Clement Street, try Giorgios Pizza, Burma Superstar and Clementine.

We had Zachary's for dinner tonight--was quite tasty!

Back to S.F., I'll be another shill for Tartine. I had my birthday lunch there this year and it's a fun atmosphere with great food. I can't shill for Zuni, though. I know everyone raves about it, but I've been there three times and I've never had a good experience. Three times is enough for me.

I'd also recommend Citizen Cake, Taylor's and, ooh oooh, you have to hit the Beard Papa near the MoMA.

Also in the Ferry Building, Mijita has good Mexican. Pricier than the trucks, of course, but the tortillas are handmade and it's all very fresh. I love the entire concept of Boulette's and it's a visually stunning place, but I got a talking to when I tried to take a picture in there.

Yes. I can't remember what the restaurant was called, but I believe it was on 9th or 10th St. It was an Italian eatery -- just dirty, the bathrooms were gross, and my MIL's food was cold.

This is great. I live near San Francisco -- have done so for the past couple of years -- and it's been hit and miss with the restaurants for me. It was extremely disappointing when we took my mother-in-law to S.F. a couple of weeks ago and ate at a disgusting restaurant in the Sunset district -- especially when we had eaten at a delicious crepe restaurant in the same area (Crepe Vine -- not as good as other crepe places, such as one in Noe Valley and one in Cole Valley, but satisfying). We have a chance to make up for the bad experience when we take my MIL to S.F. again on Saturday! We just have to eat something cheap but tasty.

This is terrific, guys. Please keep it coming.

Chez Panisse of course!! I had the great lunch when I was there in April. Also a friend bartends at a new spot called Fish&Farm right on the edge of the tenderloin and it was very very decent local offerings and amazing cocktails.

Also, you should check out the Empress China http://empressofchinasf.com/

I have never had the food (my sister said it was good) just sit in the bar to get an amazing view of SF (it's on the top of the building) and the cocktails were great too. And one of the best dive bars in SF is RIGHT across the street, the Buddha Lounge. I had a $3 Sapphire Martini. Coming from Brooklyn, that's a GOOD deal.

As an Acme addict, I vote you skip the Ferry Market location and head over to the original bakery on San Pablo in Berkeley. The freshness is amazing...and if you're in Berkeley, then you can make pit stops in the Gourmet Ghetto for Kirala and the Epicurious Garden, the Asian ghetto, the Cal cheap-ass student eateries like Top Dog, Cheeseboard, omg YES DO IT DO IT!

ahem. A little overexcited here. :) But do please give this route consideration. I know you asked for SF, but why pass up Berkeley when you're SO close?? (parking is easier to find as well...hehe).

but who am I kidding? Get your Acme at the Ferry Building, then get it AGAIN on San Pablo! win-win!