Papalote Mexican Grill
The Verdict
"Get the Triple Threat burrito smothered in roasted tomato salsa. Buy a jar of that salsa to take home. The 24th Street location at Valencia is the original, opened March 1999."
What you need to know
Papalote is the 24th Street taqueria that beat Bobby Flay on Throwdown! in 2010. The roasted tomato salsa was the secret weapon and now you can buy it bottled. The Triple Threat burrito they used to win is still on the menu.
Open since March 1999.
What to Order
Triple Threat Burrito: Grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp in one burrito. The Bobby Flay one. Get it smothered in the roasted tomato salsa.
Carne Asada Burrito: Well-marbled grilled beef, properly seasoned.
Fish Tacos: Grilled or fried, both good. Crisp cabbage, chipotle crema.
The Salsa: Order it on everything. Smoky, slightly sweet, with real heat. Buy a jar to take home.
What Makes It Different
Chips fried fresh. Guacamole made to order. Small space, colorful, covered in murals.
Practical Info
Address: 3409 24th Street at Valencia (the original)
Other Location: 1777 Fulton Street in the Western Addition
Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-9pm, Thu-Sat 11am-10pm
📍 Location: This restaurant is in The Mission District. Explore the neighborhood →
More Restaurants in The Mission District
Explore Nearby
Pop’s Bar
Mission dive on 24th Street with a pool table, jukebox, and photo...
Dance Mission Theater
Dance school and performance venue on 24th Street in the Mission with...
Golden Fire Hydrant
A gold-painted fire hydrant at 20th and Church that reportedly saved the...
Phoenix Irish Bar
Valencia Street Irish dive with cheap drinks, a pool table, a back...
What to get
Triple Threat Burrito smothered in roasted tomato salsa, carne asada burrito, fish tacos, jars of salsa to take home