La Vaca Birria

Birria at this counter-service Mission spot is tender, rich, and simply feels like a meal worth celebrating. It manages to taste like the one you would find at a Mexican household on Christmas Eve, except you can get this one all year long. The best way to enjoy it is by ordering the quesabirria—the combination of the soft birria, the crunchy tortilla, and the melty cheese is as satisfying as those days when the fog skips right over the Mission. The accompanying consomé is the kind of broth you dream of on sick days, and while the smoky salsas are not particularly spicy, none of that matters when the big chunks of birria fall apart in your mouth. You'll also find an extensive list of massive burritos on their menu—we recommend getting one with the charcoal-roasted carne asada instead of the birria (the flavor can get muddled with all the ingredients). And while you’re here, steer clear of the overly decadent grilled cheese burrito, unless you’re planning on taking three-quarters of it home. Instead, get some of the toasty, tangy fried elote to round out the meal.

photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez

photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez

photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez

photo credit: Ricky Rodriguez