Holy Guacamole: The Haute 5 Mexican Restaurants in San Francisco

Who says the New Year doesn’t make you crave Mexican food? While tradition may call for a generous portion of black-eyed peas, did your extra serving back in January really bring you any good luck in 2009? In honor of what has been a roller coaster year for many, we are bucking the system, just as it did to many of us, and going south of the border for our culinary delights in the New Year. It’s Mexican all the way baby.

Colibrí Mexican Bistro

Consistently showing up at the top of various “Best Of” lists, we couldn’t stop salivating as we added this San Francisco Mexican joint to our own haute list. The superlatives cover everything from the best guacamole to the most extensive tequila menu. Just west of Union Square, Colibrí caters to downtown power players and the patrons of the Theater District. The menu refreshes on a seasonal basis, keeping in line with San Franciscans love of fresh natural ingredients from the earth. Spotlight stealers from past seasons include the ceviche veracruzano with red snapper and the fish of the day topped with cactus salad.

Colibrí Mexican Bistro is located at 438 Geary St.; 415.440.2737

Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant (& World’s Best Tequila Bar)

While accolades for Colibrí included mention of an extensive tequila list, the powers that be at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, and the patrons as well, might beg to differ. I mean, if it says it in their name, then it must be true, right? Their tequila list contains more than 100 selections, including the most extensive collection of 100 percent agave tequila outside of Mexico. But Tommy’s has been on Geary Boulevard since 1965, so any San Franciscan claiming foodie status already knows the Yucatan delights that await the diners here.

Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar is located 5929 Geary Blvd.; 415.387.4747

Tres Agaves

Though the Mexican restaurant wars in San Francisco may have a foundation based on cuisine, the distinguishing haute factor truly lies in the potent spirit from the south. Also claiming accolades for its tasty tequila is Tres Agaves, the SoMa Mexican restaurant who proudly claims Globe’s Joseph Manzare and Tommy’s tequila expert Julio Bermejo as its own. In October, Tres Agaves pulled in such seductive awards as one of Playboy.com’s “Top Ten Tequila Lounges.” But if you really are going here for the food (and not the Playboy lifestyle) might we recommend the roasted goat in tomato-chile broth, also known as birria. The menu is based on the wonders of Jalisco.

Tres Agaves is located at 130 Townsend St.; 415.227.0500

Nopalito

Armed with the revered Nopa family name, Laurence Jossel opened this Mexican restaurant in Falletti Plaza knowing that his back of the house staff, led by Jose Ramos and Gonzalo Guzman would impress guests as much as they did him. Goat stewed in chiles and chocolate sound like a delectable treat that you just can’t resist? Then Nopalito is begging for your attention. The Ibarra chocolate fizz, described as a Mexican version of an egg cream laced with cinnamon, has also been earning nods from foodies throughout the city. And since everyone knows that you will be burned with a scarlet letter if you don’t support sustainable farming practices here in our beloved City by the Bay, Nopalito takes the philosophy to heart by sourcing organic ingredients from local purveyors.

Nopalito is located at 306 Broderick St.; 415.437.0303

Maya Restaurant

The ambiance at Maya is the antithesis of sombreros and mariachi bands. The décor exudes the type of elegance that we hold so dear. But the interiors only serve as foundation to support the gourmet cuisine which shows up on the menu in the forms of piramide de res (grilled skirt steak) and langosta y camarones, also known as lobster and shrimp, which is marinated in achiote. And the pomegranate margaritas consistently show up on diners’ reviews as the best to touch the tongue.

Maya Restaurant is located at 303 2nd St. (between Harrison and Folsom); 415.543.2928