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Welcome to Restaurant Pupuseria Ilobasco

At Restaurant Pupuseria Ilobasco, we bring the vibrant flavors of El Salvador to San Francisco. Founded by Miguel, a passionate chef, our eatery specializes in traditional pupusas that are a true labor of love. Each pupusa is crafted with thick, fluffy dough and a rich filling, like the beloved cheese and bean combination. Guests rave about our tangy cabbage slaw, "Curtido," and house-made salsa that elevate each bite. With a menu that also features vegan options and the welcoming vibe of our outdoor seating, we cater to every culinary craving. Discover the authentic taste of Salvadoran culture at our cozy restaurant!

Restaurant Pupuseria Ilobasco: Reviews & Ratings

Joseph P.
Joseph P.

I love these pupusas!!! The cabbage slaw "Curtido" is divine, and the salsa just the same. I look forward to this treat every time it's brought to our work!! You can tell The owner Miguel, puts his heart into these dishes. Best pupusa in town!!

Karla M.
Karla M.

Good size, great flavor. It makes you remember El Salvador, Los Planes de Renderos Las empanadas size wise and flavor!

Kevin B.
Kevin B.

I grew up with Salvadoran family who made pupusas and I have tried many different pupuserías in LA and the Bay, and this place might just be the best. The pupusas are thick; you probably only need to order one. And they have a rice pupusa which I've never seen before that has this great texture like a mix of mochi and tahdig. But the best part is the sauce. The cilantro and green onion make it fresh and hearty and it really adds spice to the pupusas and curtido. Best of all it is dirt cheap.

Judy C.
Judy C.

I'm no pupusa expert but I love this place. I've eaten it probably over 5 times now, each time it was takeout. One of these days I'm going to eat inside. If you guys have never tried pupusas I highly recommend it. I like mine with lots of slaw!!

Matt Y.
Matt Y.

I would like to address two things in this review. The first is the quality of the pupusas (bean and cheese, to be specific). To state it simply, they were phenomenal, simultaneously nicely crisped and fluffy dough with salty cheese that went perfectly with the accompanying salsa. It came with slaw, too, as is common with pupusas. But I didn't eat the slaw. I never eat the slaw. Thus ends my review of the food. The second thing I would like to address is the restaurant itself, which was uncanny and incongruous. It looked normal at a glance, but as we began to absorb the details, it just got stranger and stranger. There were banners of rival soccer teams next to each other on the wall framing a painting of a bar scene with Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and possibly two characters from Seinfeld, aged and dusty bottles of wine of the kind you might pick up at Target on the shelves (next to miniature toy machine guns and hand grenades), and guys playing arcade games in the back. It was like extraterrestrials wanted to set up a base of operations made to look like a divey Latin restaurant, but their scientists didn't fully understand the nuances of human civilization so they got the details wrong. Anyway, it was weird. But extraterrestrial or not, they made some damn fine pupusas.

Location

If you're on the hunt for authentic Salvadoran cuisine in San Francisco, look no further than Restaurant Pupuseria Ilobasco. Nestled at 2680 San Bruno Ave, this warm and inviting eatery has carved out a niche for grilled flavors, welcoming a diverse clientele with its fantastic offerings.

Known primarily for its pupusas, the restaurant captures the essence of El Salvador with every dish. These thick, handmade corn tortillas are filled with a variety of ingredients, from classic cheese and beans to more innovative options like their unique rice pupusa, which boasts a delightful texture reminiscent of mochi. Customers rave about their flavors, often highlighting the accompanying curtido (cabbage slaw) and rich, spicy salsa that elevate the experience.

The ambiance of Restaurant Pupuseria Ilobasco is an interesting blend of chill and vibrant, making it a perfect spot for group gatherings or a cozy dinner with family. As noted by diners, the space is adorned with quirky decor and a hint of nostalgia. While the environment may seem unexpected, the food effortlessly steals the spotlight.

  • Vegan Options: The menu doesn't leave out plant-based eaters, offering hearty vegan pupusas.
  • Accessibility: The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious meal.
  • Convenience: With options for takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating, enjoying these beloved dishes has never been easier.
  • Payment Flexibility: Accepting credit cards and even cryptocurrency, this establishment caters to modern diner needs.

Patrons like Joseph P. express their enthusiasm, declaring these pupusas the best in town. Meanwhile, Karla M. reminisces about Salvadoran flavors from her homeland, bringing nostalgia to every bite. The quality of ingredients and the evident care put into each dish showcase owner Miguel’s passion for sharing his culture through culinary delights.

Whatever your preference—crunchy, cheesy, or spicy—Restaurant Pupuseria Ilobasco promises an experience that transcends mere dining. With its character, delicious offerings, and friendly service, this restaurant is a true gem for anyone wishing to delve deeper into the heart of Salvadoran gastronomy.