By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | April 29, 2022 | Food & Drink, Culture, Local, Community,
Just as there are whiskey, gin, and wine connoisseurs, mezcal enthusiasts are a plenty, especially in the city. With San Francisco's large cultural background and artisanal mixology scene, mezcal is a popular choice for many bargoers, and so we have your ultimate guide on where are the best spots to order them from.
Whether in a deluxe cocktail or just straight up, here are our recommendations for the highest-quality of smoky tequilas.
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2323 Polk St / Website
With the liquor right in its name, you know this authentic craft cocktail bar in Polk Gulch will have some premiere offerings. After sightseeing the nearby Lombard Street, head inside its beautiful interior to view their mezcal altar, locker, and of course, their large menu of drinks. Any of their mezcal cocktails are superb, but we recommend their Pepinyo with cucumber, serrano peppers, and cilantro.
299 9th St / Website
Azucar in SOMA is a trendy agave-forward bar with a cozy and homey aesthetic. You can't go wrong with their complex mezcal margarita here, perfect to pair with any of their delicious dishes.
3414 Judah St / Website
The beachside joint is your Outer Sunset stop for all things quality Mexican, especially with their mezcal inventory. Pair their irresistable elote with a shot of mezcal in their casual and fun cantina for the perfect Ocean Beach getaway.
2251 Market St / Website
Santeria is a creative and hip elevation off all things ornately mystical, which lends perfectly into their inventive and bold mezcal cocktail creations. The one to try here is their namesake drink, the "SANTERÍA," with blue agave tequila blanco and el rey zapoteco mezcal, and velvet falernum concocted with house-infused jalapeño cordial, black lava salt, and more.
See also: The Most Unique, Creative, And Inventive Cocktails To Try In San Francisco
974 Valencia St / Website
Lolo on Mission's Valencia Street is a family-owned Jalisco-Californian inspired restaurant serving up both aesthetic food as well as decor, both in and outside on their popular street patio.
Aside from their expansive wall of tequilas, they even offer an Agave Program to educate on what makes proper mezcal and how it is all classified.
225 11th St / Website
SoMa
Since 1982, this family-run restaurant has been an essential SOMA anchor, popular for large groups looking to party with their cocktail program involving over 15 varieties of the smoky libation.
550 Valencia St / Website
Another Valencia option, West of Pecos channels southwestern essence throughout its rustic, yet refined decor, cuisine flavors, and notably, their craft cocktails. Sit down and feel like a cowboy here while delicately sampling either their nuanced Mezcal Mule, or just pure with their mezcal flights of three different kinds.
No matter where you are in the city, you are sure to get a taste of the highest-quality mezcals, perhaps even converting you into a new connoisseur yourself!
Photography by: Yayo Davila/Unsplash