I have been sneaking into this place in the afternoons before it gets too busy for many years. The magic of this informal Mexican Restaurant is its Yucatan origins. The flavors are different and highly addictive. The margaritas are made with just fresh squeezed limes. Over the years they have used different tequilas for their house margaritas, but they are always amazing, so don’t miss out! The salad dressing on the house salad is so delicious one day I am going to find out how they make it. I have only tasted it in the Yucatan. Perhaps I should ask before the pitcher of house margaritas kicks in! They have a legendary tequila bar that is a cozy experience. The lights are dim, and the ceilings are low, which gives a cozy atmosphere. The staff and service seem like this place is family run, and it makes for an intimate unique experience.

Really great food that had so much flavor. Such a good find! Not pretentious and nice. Definitely recommend.

Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant holds a special place in my heart, and I’d like to share a brief story about it. When I moved to San Francisco around 30 years ago, a dear friend and colleague (who has since passed away) invited me to an after-work gathering for one of Tommy’s famous tequila-tasting classes. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet my new coworkers and connect with people outside the office. Over the years, I returned many times. However, as life changed and jobs shifted, I found myself away for nearly twenty years until yesterday. Being in the neighborhood reminded me of my late friend, and I decided to drop in for a bite and a drink in her memory.

I sat at the bar, where the “good stuff” (read: tequila) is on display. The current owner, Julio Bermejo, happened to be there, and we chatted for a few minutes. He shared that this year marks the restaurant’s 60th anniversary and mentioned how patron habits have evolved; younger folks don’t go out for drinks as they once did. Although bar traffic has decreased compared to the past, the restaurant is still thriving, and, yes, they continue to offer their tequila classes. That’s what makes Tommy’s special: it’s not just a restaurant; it’s a piece of San Francisco history.

Tommy’s was founded in 1965 by Tomas (“Tommy”) and Elmy Bermejo, who gradually introduced authentic dishes from their native Yucatán. This focus on Yucatecan cuisine sets Tommy’s apart. While they offer all the classic Mexican dishes, the real highlights are regional specialties like their famous Chile Rellenos, Poc Chuc, and Pollo Pibil. It’s comfort food perfected over decades.

Then came their son, Julio, who transformed the bar scene. A tequila expert, he decided early on to use only 100% agave tequila (their liquor license dates back to 1976). He created the now-famous “Tommy’s Margarita,” which replaces triple sec with pure agave nectar. It’s simple, clean, and so delicious that bartenders around the world replicate it today.

What started as a small family spot serving home-style recipes has become known as the “epicenter of tequila in the United States.” Despite its fame, it still feels like a neighborhood establishment run by a family eager to welcome you and share great food along with some of the best tequila you’ll ever taste. If you get the chance, stop by before the end of the year and raise a margarita or a tequila shot to celebrate their 60th anniversary.