RATINGS: READER BURRITOBOT Ingredients: 8.3 7 Consistency: 8.7 4 Craftsmanship: 9.0 7 Garnish: 8.7 8 Aftermath: 8.0 6 General Taste: 8.7 9 Overall Score: (6 votes) 8.6 7.3 Rating System

Analysis:

El Farolito (Spanish for: the light house) has been satisfying my cheap late night burrito urges for years (until 3am). At first glance, this is your average mission-style burrito: foil-wrapped, and nested inside a red plastic basket. The rice and beans are savory, the whole avocado slices are fresh (no watery guac on this one), while a thin layer of cheese melts everything together. The carne asada is tender, flavorful, and except for the occasional piece of fat, is pretty much perfect. A couple of demerits for consistency: One night you may show up and get the best burrito of your life and the next night a grisly rice burrito with that leaves you just short of complaining to your local burritobot website. –Jay Walker, Burritobot Correspondent

Note: Additional locations in the East Bay and Santa Rosa.

Reader Comments:

"A good standard" Score: 7.4
"Great taste, but the rice can be a bit dry. The salsa bar, complete with the spicy-sweet salsa verde is reason enough to eat here. Be forewarned, though, these guys aren't shy about packin the filling to the max, so make sure you're hungry."—Burrito Joe

"Go for the Green" Score: 8.0
"El Farolito's Carne Asada Super Burrito is a high quality meal all by itself. One needs to try the Salsa Verde for a unique salsa that is both sweet and spicy. The chips are light, crispy, and delicious with the entire selection of salsas. You will especially enjoy the real avocados and the melted cheese that bring it all together."—Matt Tullis

"Definitely the Standard" Score: 8.5
"I gave an extra point for Consistency because they'relate! Don't let the scary line out the door fool you. Definitely sets the bar for SF burritos, IMO."—Sr Mariasnoggles

"i (heart) el farolito" Score: 8.4
"the best burrito circa 3:00 a.m.
golf punks and goth kids combined with drunk mariachi bands make this a unique scene.
"—erin