Tommy's Mexican Restaurant

In San Francisco's Richmond District, Tommy's Mexican Restaurant stands as the world's most revered shrine to 100% agave tequila, where three generations of the Bermejo family have transformed a neighborhood cantina into a global pilgrimage site for discerning spirits enthusiasts. This isn't merely dining—it's an immersion into tequila's purest expression.

Founded in 1965 by Tomas and Elmy Bermejo as an authentic Yucatecan restaurant, Tommy's evolved under their son Julio Bermejo's visionary leadership into the epicenter of America's tequila renaissance. Julio's encyclopedic knowledge and unwavering commitment to 100% agave spirits revolutionized how the world perceives tequila, elevating it from party fuel to sophisticated sipping spirit. His pioneering advocacy earned him recognition as Tequila Ambassador for North America by Mexico's National Chamber for the Tequila Industry, while Tommy's has claimed spots on the World's 50 Best Bars list six times, cementing its legendary status.

The bar's crown jewel remains the iconic Tommy's Margarita, Julio's late-1980s creation that replaced traditional orange liqueur with agave syrup, allowing the tequila's complex terroir to shine through unmasked. This deceptively simple innovation—100% agave tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar—has become the gold standard replicated in premium cocktail bars worldwide. Beyond this signature serve, Tommy's exclusively stocks an unparalleled collection of 100% agave tequilas and mezcals, each bottle carefully selected to showcase the spirit's remarkable diversity. The bar program focuses on education through tasting, with Julio and his team guiding guests through vertical tastings that reveal how soil, climate, and production methods create distinct flavor profiles.

The atmosphere embodies warm Mexican hospitality within an unpretentious neighborhood setting that feels more like joining a passionate family than visiting a tourist destination. The intimate space buzzes with genuine conviviality, where regulars and first-time visitors alike receive the same enthusiastic welcome and expert guidance. Service reflects the Bermejo family's philosophy: every guest arrives as a stranger but leaves as a friend, armed with newfound appreciation for agave's complexity. The knowledgeable staff, trained under Julio's exacting standards, transforms each visit into an educational journey through Mexico's most noble spirit.

For luxury travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion beyond typical tourist experiences, Tommy's Mexican Restaurant offers something increasingly rare: genuine expertise paired with unpretentious hospitality. Reservations aren't required, but arriving early ensures the full Tommy's experience, complete with Julio's legendary storytelling and perhaps a taste of something extraordinary from his private collection.