Barrio

Despite the disagreement we had with the British in the late 1770s, the UK has some things figured out. They gave the world the computer and neighborhood pubs where you won’t overhear conversations about people wanting to become a “corgi mom.” While San Francisco took the computer and ran with it, we’re still catching up with the the local bar concept. But places like Barrio are working hard to even the playing field.

This spot in North Beach serves a short menu of great Mexican food that—combined with the solid beer list—makes it the kind of place you’ll go to regularly after work for drinks and a bite if you live nearby. The yucca fries are good to split with a few people and the blue corn cochinita pibil tacos are a step above the carnitas and al pastor that you get everywhere else. They also have vegan tacos and cebiche if that’s more your speed.