This article was updated April 2, 2019.

There's not necessarily a ton of new ground to cover in the ongoing and comprehensive best burrito debate. It's been vigorously discussed by both respected publications and drunk college kids for years.

But if you're not sure where to start in the Great Bay Area Burrito conversation or you just want a primer, here are 13 places that should keep you full and whet your appetite for more. If we missed your favorite burrito share it in the comments.

San Francisco

La Taqueria (Mission): No, it's not exactly under-the-radar. It even won FiveThirtyEight's "best burrito in America" title after an extensive bracket and contest, but there's a reason for that. La Taq is the grandaddy of the Mission-style burrito. Stand in line, bring cash, and enjoy your carne asada (though there are also vocal advocates of the carnitas).
El Farolito (Mission): It's likely you already have an opinion in the best of the Mission burritos debate — maybe you're a fan of Pancho Villa or Cancun or Guadalajara — but it's hard to ignore the two biggest players in the game and one of those is El Farolito. It may be a favorite of 1 a.m. drunks, but even sober the meat is juicy, the toppings plentiful, and the salsa fresh. Here it's all about the al pastor.
Papalote Mexican Grill (Mission and Western Addition): The original Papalote was so popular — particularly after an appearance on Throwdown with Bobby Flay — that it expanded to the Western Addition. At both locations it's all about the salsa. Slather some on top of your Triple Threat Burrito — marinated chicken, prawns, and carne asada — and you'll have a quintessential San Franciscan meal.
HRD Coffee Shop (SoMA): It's not exactly a traditional burrito with its Korean mash-up, but it is a popular one. The specialty is the smothered burritos with shrimp katsu, but the crowd favorite is the kimchee burrito with spicy pork or bulgogi beef.

Taqueria San Jose (Courtesy of Taqueria San Jose)

North Bay

Sonoma Taco Shop (San Rafael): Sonoma may not be as well known as some of the other local favorites, but among its fans, it's known for the fresh ingredients. The popular Santa Rosa location closed earlier this year, but if you're in the North Bay then you want to stop at the San Rafael taqueria for a California-infused Mexican meal. It's won awards for its fresh and healthy ingredients.
Taqueria San Jose (San Rafael): If you're a vegetarian, this isn't necessarily the place for you. Tucked under the freeway, San Jose is really about the meat, and lots of it — though you won't want to skip the salsa bar either. Among locals ,it's a favorite, especially with the nearby high school students.
Grilly's (Mill Valley and Fairfax): A distinctly Marin take on Mexican, Grilly's has its devotees. Fresh fish tacos and huge chicken taco salads (along with agua fresca) may be what it's best known for, but the sauteed shrimp burrito with mango salsa isn't bad either. Think of this less as a late-night taqueria and more as a family-oriented community restaurant.

More North Bay options:

15 Best Burritos in Sonoma County

Picante's burrito platter (Courtesy of Picante)

East Bay

South Bay

Bay Area Bites Guide to 9 Favorite South Bay Mexican Restaurants

La TaqueriaLa Taqueria

Bay Area Bites Guide to 13 Favorite Burrito Spots