Cielito Lindo

We were first drawn to the Mexican restaurant in the Outer Richmond because they had quesabirria tacos on the menu - and they did not disappoint. They’re slightly bigger and more stuffed with perfectly spiced beef than other quesabirria tacos in the city, and are all-around fantastic. We’ve been back to the family-run spot with the bright, sky blue walls many times since, of course. And every time we eat here, we always walk away happy.

Quesabirria tacos aside, those heavenly waves of euphoria we feel after a meal at Cielito Lindo are also inspired by other dishes on the menu. This place serves everything from breakfast burritos to pambazos to potato and carrot-topped Guanajuato-style enchiladas. There’s really no wrong order here. But if you do get something aside from the tacos, make sure to roll with one of their tortas - each of these sandwiches is larger than a full-blown tank.

photo credit: Sarah Felker

Food Rundown

photo credit: Sarah Felker

Quesabirria Tacos

The beef in these cheesy tacos are well-balanced with a variety of spices and flavors. Cielito also does not skimp on the meat. And here’s the deal - four tacos for $19 or one for $5.50.

photo credit: Sarah Felker

Tortas

Yes, the quesabirria tacos are the highlight at Cielito Lindo, but don’t sleep on the tortas. There are nine on the menu, but we especially love the milanesa and carne asada. You do also have some customizable options: monterey jack or queso fresco (queso fresco, always). It’s also $2 cheaper for a smaller size, which, unless you’re sharing with another person or two, is something to consider - these tortas are huge.

photo credit: Sarah Felker

Chicken Enchiladas

The enchiladas here are not the kind that come on a hot plate, drowning in a sea of red or green chili sauce. They’re Guanajuato-style, meaning each tortilla is dipped in a red chili sauce, filled with chicken or cheese, and pan fried until they’re slightly crispy. Cooked potatoes and carrot finish them all off.