United-side flyers usually rate Andale above the chains
Terminal 3 has plenty of national brands, but Andale Mexican Kitchen stands out as the go-to for tacos and burritos on the United side. It sits post-security in Terminal 3, and pulls a solid 4.0 rating from travelers who want something with more flavor than another generic burger. Expect a fast-casual setup: order at the counter, grab a number, and listen for your name while keeping an eye on your nearby gate.
The menu leans classic: carne asada burritos, chicken tacos, nachos, and breakfast items in the morning rush before 10 a.m. Prices land in the usual airport range, with most mains in the low-to-mid teens and add-ons like guac tacking on a couple extra dollars. Portions run big enough that one burrito can easily cover a long hop to Chicago or Houston. Salsa has actual heat, which already puts it ahead of some other Terminal 3 options.
Drinks cover the basics: bottled Mexican sodas, fountain soft drinks, and beer for anyone not driving after landing at SFO. Service speed depends heavily on departure banks; during peak United waves at around 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m., plan on 15–25 minutes from order to food in hand. If you’re tight on time for a short-haul United flight to LAX or SEA, you might want to stick to tacos instead of a fully loaded burrito.
Watch out for gate calls while you wait; you’re still in Terminal 3 but not always within direct sightline of certain F-gates. Listen with one ear, especially if your boarding group hits around 30 minutes before departure. One practical tip: check your boarding time, then order something you can carry and finish at the gate—burritos travel better than nachos across the concourse.