Taqueria Vallarta, famous for its Mexican street-style tacos, has opened its fourth San Francisco location, at the dicey corner of 16th and Mission.
The street has heavy foot traffic and is close to BART, but it is also one of the most dangerous blocks in the Mission. To secure the restaurant, management hired a security guard at night and installed surveillance cameras throughout, said employee Huber Marenco.
The owners saw a demand for authentic tacos from bar patrons, Marenco said — specifically tacos “al vapor,” or steamed tacos. The style, as described by Marenco, involves putting the meat on a steamer, then cooking it slowly on a burner. Most restaurants just go straight to cooking the meat on a burner, he said.
Since the restaurant opened on Saturday, it has drawn large crowds familiar with its 24th Street location, Marenco said.
The taqueria took over the old Maya Yucatan spot.
Many Yeas!!!