Celebrating Culture and Flavor: A Mexican Fiesta at Elena's

Are you ready for this delicious Mexican cuisine adventure?! Well, get your tastebuds ready for this delight! Today, I will be talking about a restaurant in San Francisco where most people have to wait for hours to get a table, but I was lucky to get a table in 5 minutes at Elena’s! when I arrived with my family on a Sunday.

Ceviche:

This ceviche was super fresh and full of flavor, like a little citrusy explosion in every bite! The fish was soft and cold, kind of like it had been cooked with sunshine (okay, not really, but it felt that way). It was tangy and acidic, in a good way, with lots of lime juice that made everything taste bright and refreshing. There were crunchy little bites of cucumber and tomato mixed in, and the radish and micro greens on top made it feel fancy. Even though it had a ton of flavor, it wasn’t spicy at all, so don’t worry if you don’t like heat. It was more zesty than anything, kind of like a really flavorful lemonade, but for food. The whole thing tasted clean and fresh, like something you’d want to eat on a super hot day. It made me feel like I was sitting on a beach somewhere in Mexico, even though I was just at a restaurant in San Francisco.

Birria Tacos: 

Okay, let me just say these birria tacos were on another level. Like, the kind of food that makes you stop talking because your brain is too busy being happy. The tortillas were all golden and crispy on the outside, almost like they were fried in cheese (and maybe they were??), because the edges had this crunchy, cheesy layer that was sooo good. Then, inside, the meat was super soft and juicy; it kind of just melted when you bit into it. You could tell it had been cooked for a long time because it was packed with flavor and not dry at all. And then the broth. OMG. The tacos came with a little bowl of steamy, rich red broth for dipping, and it made the whole thing taste even better. It was kinda spicy, super flavorful, and soaked into the tacos in the best way. It was the kind of dip where you keep going back for more until there’s none left. There was also this thick red salsa on the side that added even more flavor if you wanted extra heat, and the onions and cilantro on top made it taste fresh and balanced everything out.

Chicken Burrito:

Okay, let me just say it: this burrito was an absolute beast, like, big enough to take up the whole plate and then some. The second it hit the table, I knew I was in for something special. It was drenched in half green salsa, half red salsa, creating this beautiful Christmas-colored swirl that made it look like edible art. And that generous drizzle of cool, silky crema on top? A perfect finishing touch. Now let’s talk about what really mattered: the chicken. Oh wow. It was chewy in a good, meaty way, but also super tender, like it had been slow-cooked for hours until it soaked up all the spices and juices. You could taste every layer of savory, tangy, and a little smoky. It was like the chicken had a personality of its own and it was in a very good mood. Every bite of this burrito was just packed with flavor, the kind that lingers and makes you pause mid-bite to appreciate it. There was a definite kick.

Esquites:

I tried esquites for the first time, and it was seriously amazing. It’s like Mexican street corn, but instead of being on the cob, it’s served in a bowl, which makes it way easier to eat (and less messy—no corn in your teeth!). The corn was spectacularly crunchy, which I didn’t expect, but it made the whole thing significantly better. It had this grilled flavor, like it was roasted or charred just a little, which gave it a really deep, smoky taste. On top, there was this creamy, cheesy sauce that made each bite super rich and satisfying. There was a bit of a kick from the chili powder sprinkled over everything, but not too much. Just enough spice to make it interesting without burning your mouth. The cilantro added a fresh pop of flavor, and when I squeezed the lime on top, it brought everything together with a bright, tangy finish. Every bite had a mix of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, spicy, cheesy, and fresh. It was the kind of snack that makes you want to keep eating even after you’re full. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did, but now I totally get why people rave about it. It’s definitely going on my list of favorite snacks.

Fish Taco’s:

These tacos were so fresh and extremely satisfying. The tortilla was warm and soft (but not soggy!), and the filling had a nice crispy bite—I’m pretty sure it was fish, and it was cooked just right. The slaw on top was the best part. It had crunchy cabbage, little red and white strips of radish, and chopped cilantro that made it taste really bright and clean. There was a little creamy sauce hiding under everything that made it extra yummy, and the lime on the side added a tangy pop when I squeezed it on top. It wasn’t spicy, but it had a tiny zing from the radish and lime that kept it from being boring. They tasted fresh and light, but still filling—and I kinda wish there were three instead of two! I would 100% order these again, and maybe not share next time :) They were that good.

Since Elena’s does not take reservations, try and arrive early so that you can enjoy a delicious Mexican Fiesta!