El Farolito Taqueria, S.F.

We love taquerias for their delicious, substantial, inexpensive meals made from fresh ingredients and dependable recipes. But El Farolito's lively buzz - plus its extended hours - sets it apart.

The Mission Street taqueria, one of several El Farolitos in the Bay Area, is often busy, but diners can usually find a seat.

While El Farolito is known for its burritos, other choices on the menu are just as satisfying.

A heaping pile of tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocados and jalapeņos make the nachos ($4.45) a great appetizer for a larger crowd. The tacos are served on mini corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, salsa and a choice of meat or vegetarian ($1.95; meat options include grilled steak, marinated pork, deep-fried pork, beef brain, beef head meat, beef tongue and Mexican sausage).

For a quick bite, the super quesadilla Suiza ($5.45) - soft flour tortilla, cheese, avocado, sour cream and salsa - is great on the go.

Along with sodas and Mexican beers, Farolito offers seasonal aguas frescas ($1.25), now available in strawberry and cantaloupe.

Pop a few quarters in the jukebox and help yourself to one of the many neon-colored booths inside the taqueria, or head next door to El Farolito Bar, where the Mexican music is blasting and the beer is as cheap as the food.

El Farolito Taqueria: 2779 Mission St., S.F. (415) 824-7877, www.elfarolitoinc.com. 10 a.m.-3 a.m. daily. Cash only.

- Anne Dolce, 96hours@sfchronicle.com

This article appeared on page G - 12 of the San Francisco Chronicle