FRIDAY FIVE
As the famous quote goes, “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.” The same could be said about a good margarita.
As nice weather shines upon us this month, so does the desire to throw back a refreshing alcoholic beverage. Plus, Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner—and while the celebration should not be an excuse for cultural appropriation (please put away your offensive sombreros), it’s understandable that you might want to enjoy a tasty margarita this month.
Here are our favorites in San Francisco:
1. Padrecito
This upscale Mexican restaurant, located in Cole Valley, is known for two of life’s greatest delights: guacamole and tequila. It’s a popular brunch destination for this very reason, but it’s the restaurant’s savvy mezcal selection that really impresses us, especially when it comes to pouring it in a margarita. Padrecito specifically seeks out boutique distilleries that, according to its website, “meet our production ideals and the tradition of the tahona process, one of the oldest, most labor-intensive ways to make tequila.” In other words, their agave spirits are authentic, delicious and a must-try.
901 Cole Street (Cole Valley) | padrecitosf.com/
2. Latin American Club
Located in the Mission, the Latin American Club is a go-to spot for those who have an affinity for kitschy watering holes. Yes, the funky decorations and brightly colored ribbons hanging from the walls are fabulous and can put a smile on your face, but so can the stiff margs. At the Latin American Club, a margarita is not your typical one; it’s a pint-size, knock-me-into-Drunksville beverage, which is why it’s usually the drink of choice for bar-goers. Despite its high alcohol content, it still tastes good, which is why it makes this list.
3286 22nd Street (Mission)| yelp.com/biz/latin-american-club-san-francisco
3. Velvet Cantina
Another Mission spot, Velvet Cantina has been serving tasty margaritas to patrons for a decade. The restaurant is known for its traditional Latin dishes and its diverse agave-tequila section, which makes their margaritas legendary in the Bay Area. What’s unique about Velvet Cantina is that they offer seasonal fresh-fruit margaritas, which contain a seasonal fresh fruit, 100 percent agave silver tequila, triple sec and fresh citrus juices.
3349 23rd Street (Mission) | velvetcantina.squarespace.com
4. Nopalito
Aside from guacamole, what’s the best food to pair with a margarita? Probably a grilled cactus salad. Luckily, Nopalito is good at making this dream come true. Known for its fresh produce, Nopalito carefully curates its tequila and mezcal selection too. Located by the Panhandle, this sustainable Mexican restaurant offers you feel-good margaritas that you won’t regret having the next morning.
306 Broderick Street (Panhandle) | nopalitosf.com
5. Mezcalito
Known for its impressive mezcal and tequila selection, Mezcalito is a great place at which to sip on a quality margarita on Polk Street. Mezcalito is unique because it puts a little bit of a creative twist on its margs. For example, you can order an Old Fashioned Margarita, which is made of Centenario Reposado, kaffir lime and Angostura, orange and mole bitters.
2323 Polk Street (Russian Hill) | mezcalitosf.com
