We already know San Francisco is an innovative capital for the most premiere whiskey, mezcal, and creative mixology, and tequila here is no exception. This article is devoted to the best bars and restaurants in our artisanal city which all showcase this agave favorite, from inventive nitro margaritas and generous flights, to classic palomas and so much more.
You will truly be amazed at each of these locations' expansive selections, ingenuity, and quality of tequilas.
See also: Your Ultimate San Francisco Mezcal Guide
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86 2nd St / (415) 797-9262 / Website
Starting off with this Financial District favorite, you know you can't go wrong with a name like Tequila Mockingbird! This beautifully dazzling dive is the perfect hidden gem, providing a range of fun cocktails that highlight tequila and mezcal with other flavors such as aloe liqueur in their Moby Grape, and hibiscus syrup in their Pretty in Pink.
This tucked away cove is an absolutely unexpected, yet impressive spot to stop in and casually relax after work, from their radiant decor, to their even more brilliant libations.
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300 19th Ave / (415) 752-9274 / Website
Speaking of aptly-named establishments, Tia Margarita Mexican Dinners is another that truly lives up to theirs. Since 1963, this cozy Richmond District landmark has been providing its adoring neighborhood with impeccable familial style food, service, and of course, strong classic margaritas.
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100 Channel St 17th Floor / (415) 757-1470 / Website
If you're in Mission Bay and are craving a refreshing taste of tequila to match the breezy coastal views, simply look up. Cavana is this seaside neighborhood's newest rooftop hotspot that is a luxurious Pan-Latin influenced experience, boasting a sleek and trendy decor, a sweeping 360-degree view, and of course, top-shelf cultural cocktails.
All influenced by familiar flavors and memories, these evocative libations creatively reimagine them, as seen in their ingenious Elote Pasilla with blackened corn, pasilla chile, and mexican corn whiskey with reposado tequila, and their shareable large Cantarito with tequila blanco and mezcal, grapefruit hibiscus soda, and warm vanilla spices. We can guarantee you've never had tequila this elevated.
See also: An Inside Look At Cavaña, Mission Bay's Hottest New Rooftop Oasis
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2251 Market St / (415) 896-4496 / Website
Santeria is a traditional magic-inspired bar along Market Street filled with eclectic global decor within its sultry red interior. Step into this cozy cove and let their can't-miss margarita bar cast a spell on you with their many mesmerizing options. There is a Margarita of the Month, a $9 Margarita Monday special, and a wide variety of flavors such as elderflower frosé, guava, prickly pear, cucumber-basil, and so much more! Whether you grab a glass or a large pitcher, you'll definitely feel compelled to try more than one at this mystical favorite.
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5929 Geary Blvd / (415) 387-4747 / Website
Tommy's is a total San Francisco must-visit. For over 50 years, they have consistently upheld their reputation for concocting the best margaritas, using their stock of over 30 pure agave tequilas. Also in the Richmond, this is the perfect spot for groups to share their famous freshly-made margarita pitchers.
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2301 Fillmore St / Website
The Snug is a popular hangout due to their truly adventurous approaches to mixology and modern Californian cuisine. For an out-of-the-box utilization of tequila, try their Nitro Margarita. This frothy rendition is carbonated with nitrogen for a creamy mouthfeel sure to titillate your curiosity. Also enjoy their Paloma Slushy and other creative offerings all within their chic Alta Plaza Park-adjacent atmosphere.
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130 Townsend St / (415) 227-0500 / Website
Formerly Tres Tequila Lounge, SoMa's Merkado near Oracle Park replicates an authentic Mexican plaza for an immersive cultural getaway. This is the spot for a curated tequila flight, which you can inquire on with their truly knowledgeable staff. Indulge in this cultural oasis for the ultimate baseball game day treat.
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2516 Mission St / (415) 550-6970 / Website
El Techo may be an inconspicuous rooftop, but it's certainly no neighborhood secret. Many flock up to this Mission hotspot not only for the views, but for the equally stunning drinks! This is the choice for a literally elevated offering of margarita pitchers and other mezcal cocktails, all within their lively and illuminated open-air patio.
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741 Valencia St / (415) 649-6077 / Website
Mosto is a tucked away and relaxed retreat along Valencia Street that offers delicious respite from the bustle of outside. From their captivating decor of glass jars lining the ceiling, to their indulgently irresistible Al Pastor tacos (even cheaper on Taco Tuesdays!), this is a lowkey favorite that also boasts an absolutely extensive tequila and mezcal menu. Aside from their signature Mosto Margarita, definitely ask the expert bartenders about finding the perfect tequila with the right notes just for you.
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3158 Mission St / (415) 282-3325 / Website
El Rio is a Mission landmark for their brilliantly illuminated and spacious back patio, their kind and familial service, and their playful, tequila-forward drinks. Their Espolon Paloma or El Silencio Mezcal Fresh Lime Margarita are divine, and all for $12! This is a lively and trendy choice to imbibe while also grooving to live music from their skilled DJs during their endless rotating community events.
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974 Valencia St / (415) 643-5656 / Website
Another unbeatable choice on Valencia Street, Lolo truly has it all- a vibrant atmosphere, fresh Mexican cuisine, and an exclusive Agave program that showcases a finely curated collection of the most chic tequilas and mezcals. No matter which type or form you order one in, you can be certain that it will originate from a bottle handpicked by a truly knowledgeable and caring staff.
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2020 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley / (510) 926-6300 / Website
Head over to Berkeley's Comal for an intimate ambience complete with gorgeous decor, a posh patio, and a sophisticated selection of mezcal and tequila. This is one of the most highly-coveted restaurants in Berkeley, amplified by their must-order fruity Comal Swizzle, or their spiced cardamom and blanco tequila El Chavo. Also be sure to secure an outdoor seat near their captivating fire pit for the full experience.
No matter where you visit, you will certainly leave with a deeper appreciation for this intricately crafted and flavored agave delight!
See also: Deliciously Affordable Taco Trucks To Refuel With After A Night Out
Photography by: Courtesy of Francisco Galarza/Unsplash
