There’s no shortage of great Mexican restaurants in San Francisco. One that always has our back, like a trusty friend who’s ready to greet you with a stiff drink after a long week, is Nopalito (Nopa's sister restaurant). The spot in NoPa is where we go to dig into solid Californian-Mexican food and cocktails in a space that’s ideal for pretty much any occasion, including those Friday night dinners after a long week, and any time we want to sit with friends and trade dating horror stories over a mezcal margarita.

The menu is made up of small dishes like excellent totopos covered in queso fresco, crema-topped taquitos, pozole, quesadillas, and large plates like juicy carnitas that you can easily pull apart with a spoon. The fact that the food comes out quick, and you can usually walk up and get a table on the heated, covered patio or at the bar adds to the reliability of this place.

Food Rundown

Totopos Con Chile

Best chips and salsa in the game. We have yet to meet anyone who feels differently.

Taquitos

A lot like every other set of taquitos you’ve ever had. Solid but not necessary.

Ceviche de Pescado y Calamar

A tasty, acidic, spicy fish mixture you will enjoy.

Carnitas

You can't go wrong here. The tender pork is braised in orange, bay leaf, and cinnamon, and those flavors come through. Cabbage salad, tortillas, and salsas come on the side.