Tommy's Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in San Francisco

The salsa was extremely salty but I didn’t say anything. I ordered the Poc Chuc, a pork dish, and it was so salty that I had to send it back. The young waitress was not very nice about it but the older woman (her mom?) asked me what else I would like. I told her that I wanted the same thing, but not so much salt this time. She took it away . I did not mention the salty salsa…I just let it ride and never touched it again. While I was waiting for the food, I asked three men sitting across from me if their salsa was also salty. One admitted that the first batch they had was really salty, but the refill was not. They told me to try their Margaritas, which they are famous for, so I ordered one (it never came!).

A few minutes later the young woman brought me back the same plate of Poc Chuc that I rejected! I knew it had been only a few minutes since the older lady took it away—not enough time to make me a new one, plus I could plainly see the side that I had eaten from, so I knew that was my first plate. She took it from me and consulted with the older woman, who set her straight. By the way, the young woman was very unfriendly to me—borderline rude. I could sense it. However, the older woman made up for it—she was extremely sweet and friendly towards me.

Finally, my second plate came and it was much, much better, but definitely not worth $18.95. Nothing great or special I’m sorry to say. How they rated it one of the Top 10 is ludicrous—there are better Taqueria’s in San Francisco’s Mission District. A small portion of rice and black beans, and an average amount of pork.

I had seen this restaurant on the Travel Channel and they said it was one of the Top 10 Mexican restaurants in the United States! I found that crazy, as I had grown up in the Richmond District of San Francisco and had walked or driven past it a million times, but never ate there. I think because the name—Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant never hit me as being a legitimate Mexican Restaurant (it’s actually Yucatán). I was really excited to try it and was so disappointed in the food and the attitude from the younger woman. I wish that I could have tried their Margaritas but the younger woman, who ordered it, never followed up on my drink order…and I didn’t remind her because I just wanted to finish my meal and get...

Tommy's Mexican Restaurant is renowned for its extensive selection of 100% agave tequila Instead of the mixto or golds of the world, they sought to elevate the quality of the tequila by using only 100% blue agave tequila

It’s really simply when made correctly, you’ve got a drink that is still dry, drinks smoothly, and doesn’t allow any one of the three base elements overpower the other.

The key to the margarita comes in finding the right balance. An overly sweet tequila will throw your ratio of agave off and leave you sipping liquid candy. Overdo the citrus, and the cocktail drowns in a puckering pool of heartburn-inducing acidity.

On most nights I/ you can find Greidy behind the bar. A master in his own rights. Knowledge based on thousands if not hundreds of thousands of margaritas he’s made. Each drink, a straw is inserted and he withdraws a small amount of his magic elixir. The sign of a true master; tasting his concoction before serving, and adjusting as needed.

If you’re a local, I’d suggest coming during the week and get an education.. (tequila 101) from the masters at hand.

For a true taste of the tequila, I suggest trying them straight, like a shot but sip it… don’t shoot it.

Tommy’s has a special place on my drinking palette… The only other thing I can say is that they close too early 8:30pm. That’s right a restaurant/bar closing at 8:30. Even on a weekend… 8:30.. what’s up with that I ask?

Why four star? They close too early !! Come for the drinks Learn about tequila and Stay for the food to soak up a little of the tequila and then find another place to...

I've probably eaten at Tommy's around 40 times (wild guess) since my first time in 1992. When I lived a couple blocks away, it was convenient and today I still enjoy dinner here whenever I'm in the neighborhood.

Tommy's is such a homey, personal restaurant. I honestly don't think it has changed a single thing in the 30 years I've been visiting, aside from more and more magazine articles and awards pinned to the walls. It’s still a family-run affair.

It's loud, cramped and energetic, in all the best ways. It's a place for locals: after work margaritas, celebrations, family gatherings, or a quick bite to eat on a Wednesday. There's just the right amount of authentic funk and lived-in wear and tear.

As far as I can tell, the menu doesn't change. You can expect all the standard Mexican dishes with the addition of some Yucatan specialties. All of it is delicious and served in large portions.

The staff is always friendly and attentive. I have never had a bad experience with the service. I’m pretty sure Tommy’s doesn’t take reservations, but it’s usually no more than a 15 or 20 minute wait on a weekend night.

Of course Tommy's is known and recognized worldwide for its enormous tequila selection. If you love tequila, well this is THE place.

If you live in The City or happen to be visiting the Richmond District, you really must eat at Tommy’s...