Quesadilla with crispy pork belly

Mexican cuisine that had me at hola! This is how I describe my lunch at Nopalito in San Francisco. This restaurant is in the lower Haight area, and has a small parking lot. If you decide to come here, unless you live in the area and can walk, I suggest a taxi or public transportation.

Your reward for the awkward location and the fact that they do not take reservations will be a delectable and ever-changing menu.  They are also one of the few restaurants of this caliber who are open seven days a week.

We started off with the Quesadilla Roja con Chicarron, which is a red colored quesadilla filled with melting jack cheese, onion, cilantro and crispy pork belly. OMG at $9 it was the most I had paid for a quesadilla but the flavors were out of this world. Bonus: they offered a vegetarian version for $8.

Next was our Gordita Campechana for $4.50 which was killer! It is a fried tortilla pocket with braised grass fed brisket, chorizo, lettuce, onion, and cilantro. This was an amazing taste and I wish that I hadn’t shared.

Sustainable Organic Mexican Dishes

Finally our last dish was their ever present Carnitas dish at $15. While their menu changes often, this item should always be available. They braise the pork with orange, bay leaf, cinnamon and beer.

It is served with cabbage salad and pickled jalapenos besides a sleeve of tortillas. We both loved it and were satisfied with sharing the four dishes.

They also have lots of highland and lowland tequila, Mezcal de Oaxaca besides a nice beer and wine list.

Something I plan to try next time is their house-made organic almond Horchata. We went with the classic Margarita for $9 with Pueblo Viejo Blanco, Combier and Agave Nectar, Lime. It paired well with the spiciness of our dishes.

Braised pork from Nopalito

306 Broderick St
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 437-0303

Mon-Sun 11:30 am – 10 pm
nopalitosf.com

Photos by Sharon Castellanos