El Zocalo

Bernal Heights, SF

In the Outer Mission with easier access for parking than the typical hot spots in the area, this Salvadorena hole-in-the-wall is comfortable, low-key and provides some tasty bites from Central America for unbeatable prices. Inside, you could easily believe you were in a dive in downtown L.A. Flower sellers hawk bouquets and other glittery wares. Postcard-like pictures of El Salvador decorate the white walls with photos of las playas, el campo, and other rural, pretty scenes of the home country.

The menu includes Mexican selections but El Zocalo's specialty is Salvadorena, more specifically, their empanedas and pupasas. Perfectly doughy masa that's bursting with corn zest. The enchiladas salvadorenas are by far the piece de resistance. Tangy, savory stewed meat, mixed with pickled cabbage and salsa, all piled high on a crispy, crunchy corn tortilla. These dishes are worth their weight in gold, but thankfully you don't have to pay a pretty penny to fill up on savory bites. The menu includes a selection of Mexican and Salvadorena beers. Overall the ambiance is not much to write home about, but El Zocalo serves as the perfect pit stop for a night out drinking with friends & family.

3230 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 282-2572