El Santaneco

Freshly made pupusas with authentic Salvadoran and Mexican food including soups, antojitos, and seafood dishes.

El Santaneco on Linden Avenue in South San Francisco makes pupusas an inviting starting point for a Salvadoran meal. The filled corn cakes come in combinations such as pork, beans, and cheese, with loroco and zucchini offering other directions. We like being able to mix a few varieties and add curtido for a contrasting bite. A pupusa plate with rice and beans turns the order into a fuller meal, while plantains with beans and crema provide another comforting combination. The broader menu includes Salvadoran-style meat dishes and seafood, from fried fish to shrimp in red sauce or a spicy preparation. El Santaneco's appeal is that range around its signature pupusas, giving both returning regulars and first-time visitors a clear place to start.