L'Avenida
(415) 681-1246
507 Irving St
San Francisco,
CA
94122
37.764
-122.4632
Neighborhoods: Inner Sunset, Central West
What People Are Saying About L'Avenida
The Editor
Chelsea Sime
Citysearch
Takeout is the staple of business at this minimalist taqueria, but there are a couple of tables both inside and out for those who want their quesadillas straight from the grill. The menu is entirely no-frills standard Mexican fare like burritos (veggie, chicken, Niman Ranch beef, carnitas or prawns), tostadas, tacos, nachos and the like, all made without lard or preservatives. For larger eaters, the plates are a good deal: less than $10 for two items, rice, beans, salad, guacamole and salsa. And, a selection of domestic and Mexican beers, plus a few jarritos, is available to wash it down.
User Reviews
schnorr
August 29, 2007
1) Food- had the regular pork (carnitas) burrito. Full of rice and beans, wouldn't know there was pork in there unless I looked. The salsa was bland and hardly there. The handful of chips on the side were stale. Maybe the "super burrito" with guacamole and sour cream would be better, but there is no reason that the "regular" burrito should be so lousy. No free salsa. 2) Service- when I ordered, the person behind the counter acted like I was bothering her (although there was hardly anybody in the restaurant). Her manner was not gracious and not welcoming. Maybe they don't like new customers- at least that's how them made me feel. 3) Ambience- this was actually quite nice. Clean, well decorated. I am used to family-type establishments in the central valley of California (or Mexico). This place looked very nice and clean, almost charming. Summary- if you like an average size burrito packed with beans and rice, little meat and a hint of bland salsa served with lousy service in a very pretty restaurant, this is the place. Otherwise, I recommend steering clear and going to any other of San Francisco's excellent burrito restaurants.
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audreyjl
August 14, 2007
I really liked this place. I had a tostada and my friend the fajitas and both were very tasty. The one downside is you have to pay extra for chips and salsa which is always a downer at mexican places. Even if you want extra salsa for your main course they charge per serving... However their service is very fast, atmosphere nice, even has a fire place! lots of seating too. I will definitely be returning.
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foodielover
October 08, 2006
It's probably the best you're going to get for that part of the Sunset. Haven't dined at the restaurant part yet but have joined the lines during the diiner hour for take-out. They only have 2 cooks and one cashier for a busy dining room and take-out line, so expect to wait. The chicken quesadilla is bland, but comes w/refried pinto beans and salsa, chips. The meat enchiladas was bland too and like my chicken tamales (which was the best tasting of the 3 dishes), came with black beans (or pinto), some salsa (good) and dash of a soupy dollop of sour cream next to the equally soup dollop of I guess what's suppose to be guacamole. We did get a bag of cripsy (not stale) tortilla chips w/the combo dinners. The horchata was sweet but good with bits of chopped up crunchy rice. The bill came to $25.
read full reviewThe Details on L'Avenida
What to Drink:
If you're on an alcohol-free lunch break, or just not in the mood for a Pacifico, try a tall glass of horchata. The creamy, cinnamon-y rice drink, a staple in traditional Mexican restaurants, perfectly cools the fire of a spicy salsa.
Parking:
With so many restaurants nearby, parking can be an issue during busy times. Hop on the N train and you'll be dropped off right at the door.
Fun Fact:
Owner Saaed Talai's wife Nazila runs the Persian restaurant Lavash next door. The couple owns both eateries.
The Extras:
Planning a party or a large family dinner? These guys have a couple of catering options for $12-$15 per person.
