Tahona Mercado — Restaurant in San Francisco

I wanted to get something special for my mother-in-law who absolutely HATES me. I slipped into this Mercado hoping to find it! He had me at MEZCAL! I took a peek inside, and low and behold, he had an equivalent liquor from her home state of Jalisco. They call it agave instead.

Sadly, she told me that she likes Tequila and 🍺 only. Oof, seltzers too 😆🤣😂😹 I will definitely be back for mezcal and a choice 📚 on the history, how it's made, and mixology. 🍸🍹I can mix a mean drink, and going out is so expensive that I have become more of a homebody.

Since I got married, I have cooked more than I have while I was single bc I NOW have someone to cook FOR. A BACHELORETTE uses a 📦 top as a playe just like bachelors do lol It's nice to have your culinary output and bartending skills appreciated esp as an amateur.

I firmly believe that you shouldn't criticize unless YOU can do better. I appreciated my bartenders. Tipped well, but those days are long over now, "PC" Post Covid.

Anyway, that being said, the owner was very charming, knowledgeable, and makes his own batches, and sells them on-site! He could not choose a favorite as if they were his own children, they are all just different.

I will definitely return with my husband bc Bourbon and Branch never happened last year for his bestie's 30th bday just before NYE. We will have a belated celebration🍾🪅🥳🎊...

Great tacos, excellent service.

I was in the neighborhood and saw this on Google Maps, so I decided to stop by. I saw that they have a large variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. It was about 15 minutes before closing, so I asked if they were taking orders still and was assured that they were and that I could still dine in because they needed to clean.

I ordered two carnitas tacos ($6.50 each + $0.56 tax each) and got a glass of tap water (free). While waiting for my food, I noticed the restaurant has custom hardwood tables for the windows. I also saw the glass was detailed with the steps to nixtamalization.

The two tacos were garnished with pickled red onion, cilantro, and salsa morita. They looked so good so I spent like 10 seconds turning the plate to admire them. When I went to pick up a taco, not much of the filling came off.

The tortilla was thick and imparted its own flavor. There was melted cheese that seemed to stick the pork to the tortilla. The pork was tender and juicy. I suspect they brine their meats. If there was just slightly less salt, the tacos would've been perfect. All the flavors worked well together but the salt was almost overpowering.

I appreciated being asked how the tacos were and if I would visit again. I would come back if I was in the area and I'd choose a different kind of taco that might be more...

I came upon Tahona Mercado in our search for raicilla, sotol, and other Mexican spirits in a Google Maps search. When we arrived, we found so much more than just an artisanal Mexican specialties shop, we found a beautiful shop run by a warm couple and team stocking a wealth of Mexican spirits.

Eric, his wife, and the third team member provided a warm welcome into the store. Eric helped us walk through some raicillas and other spirits. Each option he gave he was able to provide intimate knowledge of what the profile might be aromatically and on the palette.

We thoroughly enjoyed our chat with him. Picked up a few sundries from the center displays and enjoyed an agua fresca on the way out.

What stands out with this team is their warmth and hospitality. This store is a unique concept which brings some of the best artisanal delights our Southern neighbor creates that is hard to find in the United States. We couldn't be happier, and will be regular visitors for both the spirits, the...