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Restaurant in San Francisco, California
What should I order at Elena's Mexican Restaurant?
What to order
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Quesabirria Tacos
Mentioned multiple times as a standout and even called a must-try; praised for being crunchy, juicy, flavorful, rich, and served with excellent consommé for dipping.
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Birria Tacos
Repeatedly recommended for their juicy, tender meat and deep, satisfying flavor, with reviewers also loving the crunchy shell and dipping broth.
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Fajitas
Recommended for great flavor, strong seasoning, tenderness, and generous portions; several reviewers said they were incredible or out of this world.
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Chips and Salsa
Frequently praised as exceptional, with comments highlighting the chips as perfectly crunchy and well salted, plus generous portions and a very good salsa.
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Churros
Recommended for being crisp, sweet, and visually impressive; multiple reviewers specifically called them stunning or perfectly crisp.
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Ceviche
Highlighted as a standout appetizer, with reviewers specifically saying it was delicious and one of the best parts of the meal.
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Quesadilla
Mentioned positively for being well prepared and loved by a child, especially with the guacamole on the side.
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Carnitas Tacos
Recommended for their great flavor and perfect texture, with one reviewer noting the crispness was just right without being overcooked.
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Carne Asada Tacos
Strongly recommended as a favorite for their perfectly cooked skirt steak and especially rich, beefy flavor.
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Enchiladas
Several enchilada dishes were praised, especially for good balance of sauce and spice, fresh preparation, and overall excellent flavor.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM to 10 PM |
| Friday | 11:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 10:30 AM to 11 PM |
| Sunday | 10:30 AM to 10 PM |
About Elena's Mexican Restaurant
Elena's Mexican Restaurant is a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, California. It serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, and catering, with beer, cocktails, wine, coffee, and vegetarian options. Reviewers consistently praise the birria tacos, quesabirria taco plate, margaritas, guacamole, and the warm, efficient service. The restaurant is described as casual, cozy, trendy, and upscale, with a busy bar scene and a strong local following.
Amenities
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Frequently asked
What is Elena's Mexican Restaurant known for?
It is especially known for the quesabirria taco plate and birria tacos, which reviewers describe as crunchy, juicy, flavorful, and tender. The house margarita and guacamole also come up often, along with chips and salsa and other Mexican dishes like enchiladas and fajitas.
What dishes are most recommended at Elena's Mexican Restaurant?
Reviewers most often recommend the quesabirria tacos, birria tacos, shredded beef enchilada, crab verde enchiladas, steak fajitas, and the classic cheese enchilada. The combination plate with a ground beef taco, pork tamale, rice, and beans is also mentioned as a solid order.
What is the atmosphere like at Elena's Mexican Restaurant?
The atmosphere is lively, energetic, and beautifully decorated, with tall ceilings, Día de los Muertos decor, and music that adds to the mood. It suits groups, date nights, and solo diners at the bar, though the room is often busy and full of energy.
Is Elena's Mexican Restaurant good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $30 to $70, and reviewers say the portions are generous, with food and drinks that feel worth the cost. People also mention strong margaritas, large chips and salsa portions, and carefully prepared dishes, which helps justify the higher-end casual dining price.
When is the best time to visit Elena's Mexican Restaurant?
Expect a wait during busy times, especially Friday nights, when one reviewer reported a 1.5-hour table wait. If you want a faster option, the bar seating is a useful backup, and reservations are recommended for lunch, brunch, and dinner.
Is parking available at Elena's Mexican Restaurant?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid street parking, Usually somewhat difficult to find a space is available.
Does Elena's Mexican Restaurant have vegetarian options?
Yes, Elena's Mexican Restaurant offers vegetarian options.
