Please do yourself a favor and skip the hype of the little colorful truck on 14th & Folsom (which skimps your Ingredients in a super burrito but won't tell you and still charges you super prices)...go get yourself some real taco truck deliciousness at El Tonayense Or don't. The tacos are juicy, but not sweating grease. Si, hay una diferencia. There *is* a difference! The burritos aren't pumped fulls rice and they don't skimp on the meat. & those chips are also super crisp. Not that stale oily stuff they try to refry, like other spots. They're really famous for their Al Pastor with some food articles written about them which you can read while you wait for your meal. It's posted on the window. My tip is yes, try an Al Pastor but also get the lengua and cabeza. The soft tender juicy love wrapped in a tortilla will not disappoint. Take a look at my photo. The only big tip I have: for anyone who doesn't like onions, make sure you say so. Or if you enjoy onions but no longer can stomach it because you're gut can't handle it for whatever reason, order light on the cebolla. Other than that, They meet all my expectations from a solid SF taco truck. read more

El Tonayense - Buche, cabeza, al pastor n carnitas. Juiiicy! - Mexican Near Me

I enjoyed the burrito very yummy. All the ingredients are fresh and delicious. Every bite was good.One of the best burritos in San Francisco. read more

El Tonayense - a close up of a sandwich - Mexican Near Me

Spectacular quesadillas. Fixed location food truck. Chicken Quesadilla - 5/5. Great cheese level. Magical green sauce is the hero. Well seasoned chicken. Super burrito - 4/5. Same amazing green sauce but diluted by the heavy amount of rice and beans. Would maximize on Chicken Quesadilla next time. read more

They were outside of an event at Harlot that I was attending. I know I was drinking, but that was a damn good lengua taco! Perfect amount of sauce and the tongue was tender! Next time they're around I'll probably try some other meat, but you can't blame a girl for wanting some tongue, especially when she's been drinking, right? *Insert dirty comment here.* read more

El Tonayense - Lengua - Mexican Near Me

From the Bride: El Tonayense have been my favorite food truck well before the food truck explosion. I think, they are one of the best Mexican food in town. I wanted them involved in our wedding. Our wedding was on July 7, 2018 in Oakland's Preservation Park.Our guests thought the food they served were great. My favorite item is the lengua taco, which was very tasty and tender. The server they had for our wedding was also very fun. Our guests had a great time interacting with them. From the Groom: I agree. read more

El Tonayense - Joan and Nino wedding on July 7, 2018 at Oakland's Preservation Park. Photographed by Usman B. Photography - Mexican Near Me

I came through late last night to this truck to grab a few tacos. Unlike the one that parks on 22nd and Harrison, this truck is located on a dark street corner without tables and chairs. I contemplated for a while before settling for a tripa and carnita tacos for $1.75 each. Even though it's still El Toyanese, the vibe was radically different as there was no one walking around within that three block radius. It was pitch black and all quiet but the two guys in the truck. Instead of walking away my anticipation was upheld by a red flier posted on their window to assure that they are Yelp approved. By the first look of my tacos, they were huge and juicy with two layers of tortillas to keep the stacks of meat and salsa intact. The hot salsa was noticeably thicker than the other truck, and the sight of these pickled jalapenos was just magnificent. I was ready to dig in. I've been ready all day. This is what greasy messy spicy foodilicious tacos were all about. As it turns out, looks and the actual taste were a world apart. Both the tripa and carnita were way over-fried to which the carnita was dry without much redeeming value while the tripa was tough and noticeably soaked in grease for too long. I thought the salsa was decent but it did not have any effect in bringing some sort of balance to these super oily tacos. Portions were generous but I literally thought I was eating lard. There's a good chance that I might have ordered the wrong things since I didn't see other reviewers talk about their tripa. On the other hand, Tom R. did warned me about their big head syndrome from yelp exposure so I think this may be a case in point of an over hyped truck that has since raised its price while letting its quality slip to the deep end. 2 stars for the food and another half star for cleanliness. Yelp may approve the truck, but I won't recommend it. read more

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Sure I eat at the Michelin star restaurants, hang out at the posh new lounges in the City, and been known to take a few glasses down at those wine bars we have -- but there is nothing better than a classic Taco Truck like Tonayense. Skip the burritos, go straight to the tacos and tortas. Sure you know the carne asada and chicken tacos well but venture out and try the lengua and al pastor tacos these are spectacular and for the price order by the dozen! read more

This place hits the spot. They are: *Open surprisingly early for a Sunday morning - I went around 10.30a. *Fast food without the guilt. *A mobile load of Quesadillas, Tacos, Burritos, Tortas, etc. *Delicious *Clean *Inexpensive = recession-friendly *Nice service. *Easy parking - in the Best Buy lot ~ check out the entertainment. *Tip Jar - says 'tip if you're sexy'...hmmmm. read more

El Tonayense - pollo asada tacos - Mexican Near Me

One time I ate here and it tasted like five stars. Then three other times I ate here it was only two to three stars. I don't know what happened but I want that magical time back. The carne asada burrito was perfectly balanced and the sauce was amazing. And no, I was never drunk/hungover when I ate here. I like this place and usually just get it if I'm doing a Best Buy stop after work. read more

As taco trucks go, El Tonayense does it the best. Flavor and value are both excellent here. It probably also helps that this truck seems to follow me around the City, though in all likelihood, it just hovers on the block by Mission Cliffs to snag all the hungry climber folk. Lengua and carnitas are awesome here! I'm so glad I followed the lead of a Mexcian family who ordered a dozen tongue meat tacos. SUCH soft meat, and it all soaks up the marinade. read more

The Tacos themselves are 5 stars, I am only taking 1 star off for the service. The tacos are small (about 4 inches in diameter), but what they lack in size they greatly make up for in flavor. I had the carne asada, but the real treat was the pork one. The sauce on that was AMAZING. I also got the Mexican bottle of Coke, which tastes different (and better) than the canned American counterpart: the bottle is a little sweeter and less carbonated, which actually complements the spice of the tacos well. There seem to be other trucks from this company in the area, so I would check it out wherever there is one by you. It's kind of hard to eat them standing up with a drink though, so I plopped myself down on the sidewalk, having no where else to go. I only take one star off because they gave me 5 of one taco type and one of the other and charged me $12! I didn't know the number I would be getting of anything, since the signage doesn't indicate the cost per taco nor how many come in an order. Why he picked 5 and 1 for me, I don't know that either. read more

El Tonayense - Google's Street View - Mexican Near Me

My recent discovery is the steak quesadilla :) It's amazing. I'm starting to like it more than the carne asada burrito! Sometimes they run out of silly things like CUPS, LIDS for cups, PLASTIC BAGS, and straws. It really sucks especially when you're craving their pineapple drink! read more

* [========================] [[ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& ]] [ EL TOYANESE TACO ] // \\ // \\ //___________________________\\========]] [[ ]] =====]] [[ []======[] []==========[] ]] ______ ]] [[ [] [ [] [] [] [] ]] = ] ]] [[ []======[] []_____[]____[] ]] [_______ ] ]] [[___________________________________\\\\\\\\\\]] @@@ @@@ @@@@ @@@@ @@ @@ Review No. Two The "Mish" was the forbidden zone for people who lived in North Beach back when I was in high school at Galileo (on Bay Street). One day, the Mish (Mission High School) came over and "decorated" the Gal's Court Yard with their school logo and "Mish Rules". So our Merry Band of "Lions" returned the favor and the word was out we stay out of their hood. After a huge "bang" of Mish and Galileans spreading their good will and the SFPD had to break up their torrid affair. So decades later, I hear about this famous El Toyanese Taco Truck and their famous secret "green sauce". I was riding in a Luxor Cab to another focus consumer research (uno a uno) interview. I spied the taco truck and told the cabbie to stop. Food is more important than fear and safety! I jumped out, slowly assessing the location on Harrison Street and ordered their pork taco and their pork burrito. The senor wrapped the goods for me and I mentioned hearing about their famous green secret sauce. He smiled quietly and poured the dark green sauce in a container for me to take home. Ole! The generously packed pork taco with the cilantro and the magic sauce is what everyone (even as far as LA Yelpers) raved about is outstanding. Putting aside my childhood fears, I will be returning to El Toyanese Taco Truck and order a dozen (pork, chicken and beef) taco with their cillantro/green sauce! read more

For years I thought the El Toyanese truck had magical teleportation powers; first it would be on the corner by Best Buy, then *poof* I'd see it near 19th. I would follow it devotedly around the city, puzzled by the varying tastiness until the one on 14th started sporting a spiffy new paint job, and I realized my favorite of the fleet (of 5!) was the plain white original. Despite their selection of savory Mexican delights ranging from burritos to tortas, I haven't nor will ever stray from the tacos. They dish the cow out from sesos, cachete and lengua to simply carne asada, and BBQ and grill the shit out of chicken and pork goodness. Spicy, juicy and flavorful. The tacos come piled high with salsa verde, fresh onion and cilantro. The only thing that would carry my eye roll any higher would be a nice chunk of radish to accompany my $1.75 pockets of awesome. The folks there are damn friendly. Once when eating out in the drizzle, the owner opened up a nearby restaurant, allowing us to sit inside regaling us with stories of the truck's adventures, and then cleaned up our plates afterwards as I drained the horchata in glee. Best five buck meal to date. read more

Very fresh, very clean, very cheap. This truck is probably cleaner than any restaurants that I have ever seen. 100 on their score card from their inspection. I hate to say this but if it was just a bit dirtier and a little greasier this place would be the perfect taco truck. You know you need to have the aged grill or that rustic over used skillet to give you that soulful taste to the meats. It's sorta like a brand new wok/skillet/pan when you first get it. It just don't taste the same. All the ingredients are the same but there is something about the grill that just gives it that extra oomph. Had the beef tongue, pork, and chicken tacos. 1.75 each. There are taco trucks out there that are probably a buck each but you probably won't find one as clean and as fresh. Yes.........I went to all of these places in one day. Creme brulee, Phat philly, Humphry Slocombe, and now...........El Toyanese. I am done. read more

You know, I go here often, but it's mostly out of laziness and false hope- my hope is built upon the hype that taco trucks tend to bring, and SF Mission burritos often live up to the hype- But not so here. I find the most disappointing thing here is the inconsistency of the meats and general make-up of the burrito. Sure the charm of a small business is variety, but the variations of this truck suck. The last burrito I had was an Al Pastor, and it was quite creepy. I think the meat is low quality and overcooked. Will I be back? Sure. But will I complain about it? Probably. I'd venture to say that the truck by the Mission Clinic or Best Buy might be a slight bit better. (Like by 1 star). read more

4 tacos. 2 al pastor, 1 carnitas, 1 lengua. no cilantro. hot salsa. oh, and some horchata, please! $8.50?!? how much is it per taco? $1.75 . . . i've been spending too much time on E14th in Oaktown (~$1.25/taco) so i had to scramble for two more bucks including some change i had to run back to my car for. at least the Tonayense truck by Best Buy has a price list! regardless of my value-o-meter plummeting it was a tasty lunch. the carnitas and lengua were great. the carnitas had tons of flavor and were super juicy. the lengua just melted in my mouth. the al pastor was good, but way over sauced. the hot salsa was more on the medium side, but the pickled jalepeno and carrots helped make up for it. read more

These tacos actually made me very angry. Yelp rarely gets it right on hardcore ethnic foods and this one certainly disappointed. The al pastor nearly activated my gag reflexes as I have never eaten it with what appeared to be ketchup-flavored PACE salsa. Two words, one location, one GIANT mouth O: Taqueria Sinaloa, Oakland, CA, carnitas burrito with JUST RICE. TRUST. When the meat is really good, you don't need to muck it up with rice, beans, guac or salsa. read more

I've had my fair share of food on wheels...from LA's infamous Kogi truck, to the calbi tacos, and the food truck meet ups at Fort Mason... El Tonayense deserves 5 stars because it's really good minus all the fancy bells and whistles! It's a taco truck. It's not a fusion of any sort and instead offers all the basics. 5 stars for their carne asada! They make great burritos and/or tacos. The super burrito (versus regular) comes with rice, guacamole, sour cream, beans, and hot sauce! Don't worry, the hot sauce isn't too spicy and for comparison purpose, i think hot cheetos get spicy after a while. They also have grilled chicken, lengua, al pastor, and all that good stuff. Forget all the fake junk and questionable beef in Taco Bell's tacos because El Tonayense serves it up marinated with onions, hot sauce, and cilantro like a real taco should be. read more

Taco truck!! This is the real deal folks. Make no mistake, not all taco trucks are created equal. This is one of the best! The burritos will send you home with a food coma and the street tacos will have your tummy screaming for more. I hate to admit this, but it's not as delicious as when I first tasted it, but it's still the top of my list as far as taco trucks go. There's nothing like going for a climb at Mission Cliffs, then rewarding yourself with some tacos! $1.75 per street taco and ~$7 per burrito. You can't really beat that for a meal! The one thing I do wish they served was fresca. Maybe one day this favorite taco truck of mine will diversify their portfolio of offerings. read more

I was inspired to write my review for the El Tonayense taco truck on 19th and Harrison after my crappy meal at Taqueria Cancun on Mission St. Don't know why it's taken me so long to put in a review for El Tonayense. What can I say, although I've only tried the tacos I am hooked. This truck is conveniently located right outside of the Mission Cliffs climbing gym. It makes for a great post-climb snack to hold me over before I can get home to the East Bay. The guys that run this truck are very friendly and personable. Although I may not look like it, I speak a good amount of Spanish (studying and having lived in Spain), so I always enjoy practicing when I can. They always seem to welcome me speaking Spanish and in fact are very chatty. It makes for a good time. I highly recommend the carnitas and al pastor tacos. Be careful for the pickled hot peppers and carrots. They are good but are really spicy! Don't be fooled, this one isn't really a roach coach...it actually was featured on the news a while back. Oh, and did I mention, tacos are just $1.75! read more

3.5 stars - wouldn't go out of my way to find one of the trucks. Bookmarked this place after it was reviewed on Check Please! We were on our way to BiRite to pick up some ice cream and came upon this truck. Hubby exclaimed "Hey, that's the truck from Check Please!". We were not hungry but decided we can't pass up on this chance encounter. While he parked on the red zone, I went to pick up a couple taco and horchata. At first, I ordered a carnitas taco w/ horchata only. While waiting, I noticed their menu of meat and saw lengua (tongue) and decided to add one of that. Both with hot sauce - all came to $5 only($1.75/taco and $1.50 horchata). The carnita was a bit greasy and dry but tasty. The lengua was very very tender and pretty tasty. Some topping seem to be missing from the taco, perhaps not enough of the cilantro? Not sure but it wasn't quite as satisfying as expected and we love a good taco. read more

I came upon this taco truck at the Carnavale Festival. I wasn't too hungry so I opted the cheaper route and went for the EL Tonayense $2 tacos. I had two cabeza tacos with hot sauce. The meat is good and moist. I enjoyed it but the hot sauce isn't hot at all. I was worried at first because they had put so much on. It's more like a slurried tomato salsa than a hot sauce. Tobasco is hotter than this stuff. The "hot sauce" still adds a fair amount of liquid and tastes good. Not the best tacos I've had but give it a shot if you see the truck. read more

Updating and raising my rating. We were jonesing burritos large last night so we ventured to the Taco Truck by Mission Cliffs. It's only a block away from home. We're so lucky! But I digress. The bump up in stars is due to the conditions under which we were served last night. The poor guys in the truck had no lights. Something was wrong with their electrical system and while the grill (gas powered) was working they had no light. The dos hombres working last night were total troopers. Our burritos were perfect despite the fact they were using their cell phones as flashlights to find their way around. True dedication to the job seldom seen in the food service world today. We LOVE the Taco Truck!! read more

So bomb. Seriously, the best. Order the tacos, they're amazing. Tiny, slightly sweet corn tortillas, smoky, hot salsa, and whatever you want in between. The truck is better than the real taqueria for some reason. Go here. Do it. You won't regret it. read more

Removing a star, last time I had a Quesadilla from here I got the shits, if you know what I mean (why sugarcoat it?) This taco truck rocks and is conveniently located around the corner from the Homestead. I don't dig their burritos but the chicken tacos and chicken quesadilla are super tasty. The tacos are pretty cheap and they are tiny so you will probably going to want to order a couple and definitely ask for: - extra lime - green sauce Trust me on this!!! Its the green sauce that make these tacos. I would eat a Quesadilla from here every day they are so damn good (SB and I have a debate as to whether they are better than El Farolito, this may actually result in a side by side taste test) but then I would turn into a fatty fatkins. Also the quality of said taco may depend on who is working, I have found that the after 6pm tacos are friendliest and tastiest. read more

I will be driven to my wedding in a roach coach. Once dead, my carcass will hopefully be driven to whichever ravine in which I am to be dumped in a roach coach. In the meanwhile, I will consume roach coach food with gumption. Their carnitas is some of the best in town. And come on -- huge lunch for two for $10. And for some reason, the most disagreeable and trashiests of the hipster trash stay away, maybe because their fixies can't make it up the hill*. Also this place is apparently illegal, some sort of permitting issue. So it's even cooler! Fuckin renegade roach coach yeah! http://www.examiner.com/x-356-SF-Education-Examiner~y2008m8d29-The-catering-truck-flap-Its-about-kids-health *There's no hill**. **So maybe their stupid jeans are too tight*** ***Hey hey, my my: hipster bashing will never die. read more

Oh amazing taco truck, where have you been all my life?!? I can't believe I just discovered this magic truck of deliciousness! My friend Siu L. took me here this past Sunday and my taste buds went into a frenzy upon my first bite of that savory, juicy, saucy al pastor taco! I love al pastor, and this truck really gets it! The meat was perfect, and the tortilla was hot, there was a slice of lime, and best of all it was only $1.75! It could've been a spicier, but it was still oh-so good! I also tried the carnitas taco, which was pretty good too, but if you go here, definitely get the al pastor! read more

Their taco's are a must! Carne asada taco x 3. That will fill you up for sure! Every time I stop by Best buy or go to Costco, this is a must stop. If your not hungry, just get one taco. Two-three bites and your done! These guys has been around before food trucks were even popular, that's why they have this permanent location. I'm a fan!! -SFCheapGrub read more

[A-only review] I don't mind the two minute walk here for the ultimate in burrito satisfaction. As far as taco trucks go, El Tonayense has gotten it down to a science. That's why you see so many of them around. I prefer the burritos, but the tacos are also nice and oily (but good). The meals are very juicy, although the last time I was there, I had some pretty dry pollo asado. It's okay, my gut can probably live without the animal fat, but if I'm willing to eat taco truck food, I'm probably not worried about my health. There's not much to say. I'd gladly make small talk, but that's not why you're on your iPhone right now reading this review. You just want to know whether or not you should come here or go to some yuppy sandwich shop (ahem... Stable...). Yeah, you should come here. Your stomach will thank you. (No offense to Stable, but people love the grease.) read more

mmm, mmm, mmm! Love this taco truck! Food is authentic, cooked fresh and is VERY flavorable! On the corner of Harrison St in SF, I can't resist but to order my carne asado taco times 2 and a bottled Coke! Order this with jalapenos and add hot sauce, the taco melts in your mouth! There's always a line here, but goes very quickly! Got their business card and will def use them for future catering services! read more

Sometimes I wake up with a hangover on Sunday morning. Maybe I shouldn't have ordered that third martini that really started the downward spiral, but there's nothing to be done about that now -- I can't un-drink those martinis (or at least it's too late to try something drastic like that). At any rate, on these Sunday mornings with previously stated hangover, I take a brisk stroll down to this taco truck and pick up a couple of incredible, so-simple-yet-so-good spicy/savory tacos with extra jalapenos. I make sure to get them to go but without foil so that on my way home to enjoy these little frisbees of perfection, I can walk by the crunchy raw vegans hanging outside Gratitude waiting for a table and let the heavenly scent of grilled chicken swirl in the wake of my passing. For some reason this act of bitter menu-hating helps cure my hangover almost as much as wolfing down the tacos soon afterwards. read more

The worst case of food poisoning ever!!!!!! On Wed Sept 19th I hadn't eaten anything all day and thought I would try out El Tonayense and ordered a pollo asado (chicken) burrito. While eating the spicy burrito I could tell I was going to get heart burn later. Little did I know I would be up at 1:00am throwing up for hours well into the next day. This has cost me two days of work and now Sat Sep 22nd I still can't eat without feeling nauseas. I usually don't write reviews about food complaints but after reading other reviews I see that this is not the first case of food poisioning for this truck, nor the first with food quality and safety issues. Note: This truck also has multiple Yelp postings with other food safety and health related complaints. They should probably be inspected for health issues. read more

Love this truck. After a hard climb half a block away at Mission Cliffs, there's nothing more gratifying than walking over to this truck and picking up four beef tacos, spicy and a bottle of Coke (made in Mexico, the only way to go, baby!) Good price, good food. I'll cry if this truck disappears. (Don't cry for me El Tonayense! The truth is, I never left you!!!) read more

On a day to day basis, the food quality is hit-or-miss. However, El Tonayense burritos and tacos never fail to fill you up when you're on the go. I only wish that the guys would grill the tortillas more, so they wouldn't taste like they came straight out of the bag. read more

I wouldn't call myself a culinary expert of all foods served off a freaking truck but i have to say, i've grown very very fond of the El Tonayense taco truck over the years. 5 years ago, my then-boyfriend had to nearly ketamine-drug my ass to get me to eat off the truck but 2 weeks later, i was willing to eat it 3 times a week. The carne asada tacos are delish, make sure you have them put the cilantro/onion salsa on top of it. That, coupled with a orange soda and you're all set for a better-than-sex meal (or maybe that was just better-than-sex-with-my-then-boyfriend meal). read more

One of the most difficult things about grabbing a "quick" burrito in the Mission is that the time spent to find parking never makes it quick. Enter the #1 taco truck in all of San Francisco. After easily finding a parking spot in the Best Buy lot and waiting in a 5 deep line, I never imagined eating over a garbage can could be so much fun, but after succumbing to the infamous green sauce they slather over all of their menu items I was an instant convert. The guys working in the truck are very nice and friendly and show pride in the quality of food they serve out of the tiny station. One of the most satisfying items on the menu is the Al Pastor burrito which is made with barbeque pork. One of the interesting aspects to the burrito is that it is long and thin and thus holds its shape better while you eat it and is less messy than a typical burrito. After you're done, if the Best Buy bathroom is too far of a hike, then jump back in your car, squirt a little Purell on your hand and you're off to your next destination. read more

I would have given 5 Stars for sure but the tacos are $0.50 more than I expected - they should be only $1, not $1.50 Other than that.... this place is the bomb. This was actually my first experience at a taco truck. I ordered 6 tacos - all lengua - and they were excellent. It's easy to mess up lengua, but these guys obviously knew what they were doing. Not too crispy, not too greasy. Just right. Plus they let you have as many jalepenos as you want - some places make you ask for them. One time I got a quesadilla de queso and I almost died when I saw how much cheese they put in it. Seriously it was like a half inch of cheese all the way through. Good eats. read more

SO GOOD! I am particularly fond of the one outside of Mission Cliffs. How many times have the chicken tacos ($1.75 small but packed with goodness) saved my butt in the middle of a weekday evening climb sesh? Pretty much whenever I go. Can't beat the price. My boyfriend says the burritos are just okay. I'm a taco girl anyway so that's just fine with me! They offer a wide array of meat if you're into that (brain, tongue, yup) as well as a vegetarian option. read more

One of the best taco trucks around. Great prices, and great selection. My rule is if they serve Lengua, it's legit. read more