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photo credit: Alexis Katsilometes
Nopalito closed its Inner Sunset location last month, and announced shortly after that they’d be filling the totopos-sized hole in our hearts by opening a takeout window in the Mission. (Don’t worry, the Broderick location is still open.) The new outpost opened in July, and even though it can never replace the memory of our favorite Inner Sunset restaurant, we’re happy to report that it’s excellent. They currently have a limited to-go menu with some Mission-exclusive offerings, including totopos with carnitas. Yep. Totopos. With. Carnitas.
So before you start your mad sprint toward 3690 18th Street, read this first. It’s a rundown of Nopalito’s three new menu items that we had recently, and what you should definitely order.
Totopos Con Carnitas
Crispy and packed with flavor, the carnitas from Nopalito are so tender you can pull them apart with a spoon. And for the first time ever, they’re being combined with another of our favorite Nopalito dishes: the totopos with salsa de árbol. You can also get the totopos with chicken or huitlacoche, but the carnitas and totopos are a must-try power combo. The entire plate is finished with a generous heap of crema, and sprinkled with cotija, onions, and cilantro. Do not walk away from the window without ordering this.
Plato Completo Con Pollo
Another thing you can only get from Nopalito’s takeout window: this colorful rice bowl. It comes with fresh tomatoes, pinquito beans, pickled red onions and jalapeños, guacamole, and one of three options: carnitas, chicken, or huitlacoche. We got the chicken, which was a little dry, but still had great flavor - so we’ll probably order it with carnitas next time. Get this if you’re looking for a light lunch.
Bi-Rite Vanilla Soft Serve With House-Made Toppings
Nopalito is currently offering Bi-Rite’s vanilla soft serve in a cup or a cone, but is leveling it up with their house-made toppings. They currently include palanquetas, chocolate shells, dulce de leche, and crumbled polvorones. And because melting exists, you’ll have to eat the ice cream before your actual meal - but for a dessert this good, we’ll do whatever it takes.
Suggested Reading
Nopalito’s takeout window in the Mission is a great place to swing by before a day in Dolores Park.
The new-ish smashburger spot in Oakland that you need to try now.