Tommy's Mexican Restaurant Reviews

I was recommended for the tequila offering which is amazing, I ordered the special of the days which was a culinary mouth explosion, the balance of flavour was genius thanks to Julio and team for a great experience

Our tour guide Gary L. (over at Tours By Locals) recommended we try this place for dinner.... OMG! The food was amazing the drinks.. we had way too much with the bartender. Definitely go here if you love Mexican and love to have a great time!

My wife and I were led here by a few friends advice We arrived at noon as they opened and were greeted by none other than Julio Bermejo the owner and World Renowned Tequila Ambassador -Tommy's decor is very unassuming and the greatness in this place relies on the people who own and work there and of course the Tequila !! An overwhelming amount of every kind of Tequila adorns the bar-We started with a basic Tommy's Margarita made with Agave sweetener and FRESH squeezed limes and quality Tequila. They were outstanding !! & subsequently were were offered a Tequila tasting experience led by none other than Julio himself !! As we went through this tasting we became aware of Julio's pedigree and passion for Tequila and were given quite an education on the ins, outs & subtleties of Tequila. Julio is one of the most friendly persons I have ever met and he took time to greet everybody who came into his place that afternoon. 2.5 hours later we had made a friend and were treated to an experience that we will remember for he rest of our lives. Tommy's is off the beaten Tourist Path BUT YOU MUST GO THERE the food was great and big portions but the HOSPITALITY made this a must return and must recommend Place in San Francisco !!

i was completely unimpressed by the service and the food

We have been here before and it was ok, but last week we decided to head over again as it is so close to were we live. We were seated fairly quickly considering there is usually a group of people waiting outside for a table when we drive by. But once seated, the misery began. . .our "hostess" came over to ask us to get up from our table and wait back in line because they had accidently seated us at too large a table (three chairs instead of two) and continued to show us the table we were supposed to be seated at and the couple she was waiting on to leave (who didn't leave for at least another 20 minutes). She allowed us to stay after my boyfriend tried to clarify what she wanted because were were so dumbfounded. Then we noticed that the staff lurked around the entire time to push people out the door. They would stand in the doorway and watch you eat so that you would hurry and they could turn your table over. We were not given much time to decide what we would like to order, but when we did order our food was served immediately (I suppose that is a good thing except that they had other motives). As we were eating, the staff tried to take my boyfriend's plate from him twice before he was actually finished eating. I figure, if I've paid for your food, and paid for a pitcher of margaritas, I'm going to sit here and enjoy them not be rushed off. The food is ok, but you can do just as well or better elsewhere. I think the only thing that makes this place something to talk about is the variety of tequila they have on hand. The margaritas aren't that great either. Other than that, it's not worth the wait, the money, or the utter rudeness of the staff. If you want a much better experience, better food, and nice strong margritas go to Puerto Alegre in the Mission. I know we will even though it's clear accross the city!

Margaritas = 5 stars Food = 2 stars Had to wait on a Friday night then felt rushed to get out (brought our main course before our salads). I would only go back for the margaritas.

Reasonably good food and very good drinks. The atmosphere is cozy and friendly and the service is good.

If you're a bartender and/or a fan of tequilas, then Tommy's Mex Restaurant is basically a no-brainer. A must visit if you're in San Fran. Great easygoing vibe and best margaritas I've ever had. Thanks Julio for the awesome service!

Great food but the Margaritas are to die for. JUst a bit outside the main downtown area but well worth the trip.

Tommy’s gas been well established since 1965! Julio is a recognized Tequila expert and shares his knowledge worldwide! The Tequila choices are unlimited depending on your budget! Our only disappointment was the tortilla chips were past their prime. Otherwise our dinner was delicious and the wait staff were charming!!

We stumbled upon this place when looking for somewhere to have lunch. Parking on the street nearby wasn't too hard to find. The service and food is of a good standard, but the proprietor went the extra yard to give us a round of his special in-house margaritas before we left. We quite enjoyed the whole experience and I think you could do a lot worse than this place for lunch. With drinks our bill was about US$100 for 4 people plus tips.

Walking into this restaurant it sent me back to my childhood, walking into my moms kitchen: smell of great food, the authentic decor (down to the glasses!), and everyone enjoying themselves. Its very evident in the taste that the food is made with love and a long history of traditional recipes. If you find yourself in San Francisco with a craving for a sit down mexican meal or even a few shots of tequila, do not hesitate to try this restaurant, it's been around for years and hopefully for many many more.

This place boasts being in the world's top 50 bars list some years ago. That may very well be. However, it would also probably make a bottom 50 worst Mexican restaurants. Which is inexcusable for a city like San Francisco, which is teeming with Mexican eateries. I think Tommy's has been resting on its laurels far too long. Sure, it's a popular bar and a hangout spot. But could that be because it's in a location where there's simply nowhere else to go? (besides Tradr Sam's, okay). Now, to the specifics. I ordered Poc Chuc, their signature dish. It was one of the worst pork dishes I had in a while. It was huge, sure, but the pork was thick, dry and rubbery. Where's the flavour? Hardly any at all. I couldn't finish half of the dish. My friend had a carne asada, which is also one of the more expensive items on their menu. Same problem - chewy, dry and utterly tasteless. Now, I can't speak for their simpler tex-mex dishes - you know, tacos, burritos, the lot. But I wouldn't hold my breath for anything to write home about. Their table salsa (free, granted) is way too spicy, and not even in a good, flavourful way. Perhaps that's why this place puts so much emphasis on the drinks - the drunk customers wouldn't notice the appalling food. I realize this place is an insitution in the Richmond District, but perhaps it's time for a reality check.

We were visiting from the UK and our friends who live nearby took us to Tommy's. Thanks Anna and Ruben! Seeing our friends was already fantastic, but it was a real treat for us tourists to go to a proper neighbourhood restaurant, and we had a great time and some very good margaritas. Love Tommy's!

Food is subpar, but they do make mean margaritas. Great selection of tequila.

Great Tequila!

After 4 years travelling around the USA, this was one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences ever! Tommy, the owner and host was there to educate us on the finer points of Tequila. He took us through a range of Tequilas, explaining the differences and allowing us to hone in on the style that suited our palette. We tasted the Tequilas neat, sipping them like fine wine. We then sampled a couple of Margritas made to Tommy's simple recipe, and again in each one we were able to compare the noticeably different taste between the two due to the different tequilas used. He is a maestro! We then had a great meal to finish the night off. The cooking at Tommy's is authentic southern Mexican, not your typical Tex Mex. Not overly spiced and well priced. Looking forward to passing through San Fran again so we can repeat the experience.

Food was great but the tequila and margaritas are the real stars - awesome. Great fun night out and good service.

We were looking for a Mexican restaurant in the vicinity of Golden Gate Park, and discovered Tommy's online. And when we got there were we ever glad we did! Such friendly folks. Good food, great margaritas. Julio gave us a little lesson in different kinds of tequila and how they affect the taste of your margarita. Comfortable, warm atmosphere inside, with a long bar taking up one side of the room (all that tequila!). They have some Yucatan style dishes which we didn't try today, but probably will in the future since Tommy's is now on our short list of places to eat in the city (BIX's for class, Mel's Drive-In on Lombard for burgers, Legion of Honor Cafe for fresh & local & arty).

...flew into S.F. to visit us, before returning to L.A. They wanted Mexican food (what's wrong with this picture?) A Chicana and a Puerto Rican asking me to take them to a serious Mexican place in San Francisco can be a challenge, as most of our Latino population is an amalgamation of many groups and our Mexican food a "hit or miss". When I lived in L.A. and learned from these friends, just how complex and rich the flavors of Mexican food can be, I quickly embraced it as a world class cuisine. So,my list for "good Mexican" in S.F. is limited but not entirely dire. Johnny's Mexican Restaurant, in the Richmond District where I grew up just blocks away and where it's been a local's secret seemingly forever. Tommy's offers dependable and consistent food prepared by the same family that has owned this warm inviting establishment for over 50 years...must be doing something right! Go with a large party, that way, you can try standards and some of their special Yucatan dishes, especially the tamales. There's a wait for sure, so if you can dine later, it's advisable as we did. But, while you work up an appetite, treat yourself to something from their incredible selection of great Tequila. If you like your's neat, try a shot of Commemorativo, a favorite from my travels in Mexico...my wife likes her tequila in a Margarita!

I rarely review restaurants as I feel like TA is much more suited to true travel planning in the hotel/flights/tours sense but once in a while I feel like I can't avoid adding some color to some of the wonderful travel experiences I have had. Tommy's makes the cut as it was a unique experience shared & appreciated by our entire group of friends. My husband & I are huge fans of margaritas, tequila and mexican food. We are quite picky when it comes to margs wanting them to be made with fresh juices and provide the option for good tequila. A bartender our first day in SF pointed us in the direction of Tommy's and gave us explicit directions to spend a few hours with Julio Bermejo - owner. Julio's father opened Tommy's in 1965 in the Outer Richmond area of SF. Julio has been named U.S. Ambassador for tequila by the Mexican government. These people know what they are doing. We went prior to a concert in nearby Golden Gate Park and ended up returning 48 hours later. Julio remembered us and treates us with amazing service and guidance. The food was good but the margaritas were the best I've ever had. According to Julio even places that fresh squeeze juice aren't good enough unless they are squeezing it as they make your drink. Make some time. Introduce yourself to Julio who is usually behind the bar. Taste the incredible salsas and sit back and enjoy a phenomenal experience at Tommy's. I cannot wait to send local friends and visitors to my new fave hangout in San Francisco. Julio - you made clients for life.

We drove from Santa Barbara to San Fran for a night out, and this place was recommended by a fellow Brit who had visited in the past. We got a cab from our hotel in Union Square, and it was quite a way out, but as soon as we walked in we realised it was legit. The food was traditional Mexican, but this gaff is all about the tequila! We asked for a certain tequila margarita, which was very high end (recommended by our mate) and the owner sat us down and talked us through the flavours of the cheaper tequila to make sure we were ordering a drink that suited us. We built our way up to the top end along with a lesson in how to make the perfect margarita. When we left we didn’t even need to go out afterwards, we felt like our night had peaked. Julio is the man. Would highly recommend!!

Great taquilla selection.

A great little restaurant serving Mexican food. They have a fully stocked bar too and offer a large selection of sipping Tequilas. The owner is very knowledgeable about tequila and shares his tequila expertise all over the world.

Fabulous. No reservations by the by.

Go for the margaritas.

Went there again yesterday with friends, and we were all reminded of how great this place is. The guacamole with freshly-made chips was flavorful and had nothing bu avocado and veggies. No filler powder or any other fake ingredients. The main course, carnitas, was fantastic, with rice and beans that were beyond this world.

Have been here before, but Tommy's is always worth a return trip. We went here with whole family while in San Francisco for a wedding and everyone was pleased with the meal. The Yucatan offerings were delicious. The enchiladas were perfect. The guac was delish and the Margaritas were lovely! The atmosphere and wait staff rounded out a meal that had 3 generations planning to return!

I used to live about 5 blocks from Tommy's and during the heyday of the dot-com era, this was always packed. I am suspecting that it still is busy as its reputation probably lives on. Nonetheless, over the last few years on my occasional visits, I have become increasingly disappointed with the value offered. There are a few really good dishes, such as the Shrimp Veracruzana, but mostly what you'll find is fairly generic over-priced dishes. The big draw are the margaritas, and although they are good, they are over-priced. The wait staff is fair, and their focus is more on flipping tables than service. Look a little more and find a better place - I hear that there are some good places in the Mission.

This is a great bar, it's a little outside of the city but well worth the trip. Grady was our bartender and he looked after us sooo well. My friend did not like tequila and Grady took the time to explain the different tequilas and had the patience to find one my friend liked... We had a fantastic time!

The 47th best bar in world by International Drink Magazine. Fabulous tequilas and a gracious owner and tequila ambassador introducing us to wonderful margaritas and exceptional tequila flavors.

Food is mediocre, but the scene and drinks are the reason to be there, especially the tequilla.

My son recently moved to SF and he discovered Tommy's Mexican Restaurant. He took me there on a visit, and as soon as we walked in, I felt like we were in old SF, which was great. It was a cozy restaurant, and it was a perfect place to sit and have lunch and a good conversation. The portions were big; I ordered the one enchilada plate, and couldn't eat it all. The service was very quick and friendly. I will definitely go back.

Seriously the best margaritas ever! If you love tequila, this is a must stop in San Francisco. Julio was amazing! Friendly, informative and makes me wish we did not live so far away.

On our way to the airport, coming off a week long ski vacation at Lake Tahoe, we stopped at Sotto Mare for a killer seafood lunch, and then here at Tommy's to see what all the margarita hype was about. We weren't disappointed. Our group of 4 sat next to an also newly arriving couple, next to a couple of locals (the bar area only seats 8-10 people). The owner Julio, who took over the place from his father (the place's namesake) after the latter passed away a few years ago, knowing we had come in to check out the place's reputation, rose to the occasion. We told Julio we only had about 20-30 minutes before we had to leave to catch our flight back to DFW. He and his bartender then proceeded to pour us a flight of 6 margarita tastings, while educating us on the different types of tequilas. This was no less nuanced than a wine tasting. We wound up staying about 45 minutes (still made our flight on time), had a blast, got schooled on the ins & outs of tequila and margarita making, and our tab was only about $18/person before tip. These guys know there stuff, which they'll gladly tell you themselves, and are well deserving of their reputation. I know we'll be back next time we're in San Fran. Now we're left wondering what the food is like...

Average, prices okay, but not great. No happy hour or beer specials either. Food was okay, but nothing that jumps out at you. I've had better at Don Pablos. People were nice, and decor is good.

This place is a real hidden gem in the Richmond area of San Fran north of Golden Gate Park, and off the beaten tourist track. Boasting an incredibly large selection of tequilas, and excellent Mexican food, it's a real treat to experience. Definitely recommended for the traveler looking for something different.

Stopped here for Quesadillas and Enchiladas. Quesadillas for starters were great. Enchilada Suisa was really good too

Wow, get over to Tommy's. Be prepared to stand behind the bar, because seats are few and coveted. The bar men are awesome and will take you on a great tequila trip. Watching someone take 5 shots of the homemade habanyero tequila was one of the most funny moments I have had at a bar.

We planned a short stop before going to watch the Giants. We sat at the bar, which was busy, ending up enjoying the nachos and a few margaritas which were made well and with plenty of tequila. A place for locals and visitors and we were made vert Welcome.

Best margaritas in San Francisco and the food is great. They have an amazing tequila bar with probably more than 100 kinds of 100% blue agave tequila.

We were just looking for something good to eat and Tommy's had good reviews. This is an older establishment and the locals were hitting it hard. They serve authentic Mexican and Yucatecan cuisine. I'd say not as much Mexican food as the Yucatecan flavors really stood out. Kind of Mexican with a twist. The food was very good and different... The bar area was jam packed with people drinking and watching a game. This did make it very noisy and difficult to hear. I thought it was a little pricey but not outrageous. I enjoyed Tommy's, but not one of my favs. If you're looking for trying something a little different, slightly unusual with a party atmosphere, this is the place.

I rarely write bad reviews but I cannot figure out why this place has 4/5 star average??? It took waitstaff 5 minutes to acknowledge us, did not get chips and salsa, asked for chips and salsa - still nothing. 10 more minutes to get the bill. My chili relleno tasted like a soggy sponge. Colorado burrito was meh. There are so many better Mexican restaurants in SF.

I have been going here for decades and the food and atmosphere is always exceptional. I usually get tamales but the chimichangas are awesome.

We were headed elsewhere but ended up entering this very picturesque and true Mexican place, attracted by the many people who were eating there and by the street window facing kitchen. It turned out to be a great decision! We had carne asada, pollo piblí and temale: all very tasty and well presented. Friendly atmosphere and good service. Absolutely recommend!

lets be honest, no one really goes to Tommys for the food... The range and quality of the tequila behind the bar is mind boggling - from basic frat-boy stuff up to the very best costing $100s per shot, they have it all. The bar staff can turn your tequila of choice into a mean margarita, and with the volume of these things going from the bar into the restaurant, it seems the eating customers are happy too. perfectly servicable mexican food, amazing tequilas, do yourself a favour and get down there, just make sure you leave the car at home and bring along a DD!

Food and service was very good, the entire family enjoyed their meals in a quaint and eclectic setting with lots see and read on the walls.

I live dangerously close to this establishment for many years, and I wish I could still be there on a moments notice. Every time I am in the Bay Area, this is a MUST stop at least once, and multiple times if I am in town more than a few days. The tequila selection is second to none. Show me a selection finer than this one and I will be booking my plane fair tomorrow. If you like margaritas, these are the best I have ever had. If you like your tequila in a snifter, there is hours of enjoyment in front of you at this establishment. DO NOT order Cuervo Gold!!! Nothing but bad things will come of that. If you decide to eat here, order from the Yucatan Peninsula part of the menu. This is where the family is from, this is the type of food that they know and cook best. If you like shrimp, the Camerones A La Diablo is awesome. For chicken try the Pollo Pibil. It can be a wait at times, but believe me it is worth it. Love it every time.

Okay Mexican food. Service was great. Waiters and servers were very personable. I had a beef burro which came with rice in it. Beef was overdone and I dislike rice as a filler in a burro.

We were lucky to have the owner behind the bar. He set us up with drinks tailored to our sensitivities to Tequila and brought out some habanero tequila that was about the hottest booze I ever had. The food was authentic yucatan and added to the Tommy Experience.

The Margaritas are amazing. Be careful though - you may drink too many trying to wash down that incredibly spicy Yucatecan food.

Loved our visit at Tommy's. Make sure you go to the right one since 2 show up on a map on Geary Street. This one is Geary and 24th. I really enjoyed meeting Julio, his staff and learning everything he knew about Tequilas. He showed us what to look for in taste and smell and had flash cards for us dummies to understand it better. The tasting was great and let us split samples since we had such a large group (10). The bar area is small and only fits about 15 people (tightly packed) but it was nice because we could all listen and learn. If you love margarita's as much as I do, then go here. You will not be disappointed if Julio is there teaching. The food was good, simple and helped soak up all the tequilia we tasted. Kind fo far from the Wharf and Union Square, but sooo worth it.

We were recommended to Tommy's as a placed that served great margaritas, so thought it would be rude not to try it out. Beware, this restaurant is a fair trek out of the city centre - it took about 20 minutes in a cab. We did not expect this (our hotel suggested a 10 minute walk) and although our intention was to eat elsewhere after cocktails we decided to stay. We managed to secure one of the last available tables so I think may have been quite lucky. The restaurant is unpretentious but as soon as you walk through the door you pick-up on the good atmosphere. We ordered a pitcher of margarita while we decided on our food choices. The margarita was very good indeed and so was not our only pitcher of the evening. Now, I'm no expert of Mexican food, but I think it likely to be authentic given it is a long standing family business. It was simply the best Mexican meals I have ever tasted. If this place was in my city I would make sure I went there regularly. Great food, drink and atmosphere - what more could you ask for?

This restaurant is awesome! A must go in SanFran for food or tequila! They have it all. Friendly staff and great ambience as well. Suggestion: Ceviche and enchiladas.

not the best food, but its good, and the atmosphere is great, and thats what makes Tommy's memorable.

The most amazing and quality margaritas. The tequlia section is ridiculous. Salsa is pretty tasty. Wouldn't recommend dining here.

Surprised to walk in at 4pm on a week day and find a festive crowd enjoying food. Good food. Nice atmosphere.

Visiting Tommy's should be on your bucket list. You can read about Tommy's at TripAdvisor or other venues. It's just not the same. You can read a book on how to fly an airplane, it's just not the same !

Family owned for 51 years. Friendly & speedy service! Salsa is spicy. One of the best meals we had in San Francisco!!

The atmoshpere is really the show here, a very busy hopping restaurant with a busy bar scene. We were finishing dinner at 10pm and people were still arriving an being seated in the dining area. This is one of the premier Tequila Bars anywhere with every brand and price you could want. We were even tutored by a bar tender on the different types of Tequilla and how they are aged etc. Like I said in my title, the food was so so here but the atmosphere and energy are what make it.

Yes, go for the Tequila, because the food is tired. I have been to Tommy's several times just because I happened to be in that neighborhood, but really, aside from the Margaritas, the selection of Tequilas and the Spicy red salsa, the food is forgettable at best. Too bad, the staff is friendly and the place has that Mexican patina you find in Mom & Pop places, but as far as their food goes...No.

TEQUILLA- only reason to go- worlds largest selection- good food, ambiance lacking- crowded- but bartenders are very accomodating- will get you a drink even if bar is 5 rows deep- eating they rush you- I hate that- worth going for tequilla/margaritas

While on vacation a childhood friend of my husband's highly recommended we go to Tommy's for a drink. We were hungry, so we added dinner. (Him and his fiancee drink there all of the time, but had never eaten!) We had a great dinner, as good as any decent Mexican restaurant and some great margaritas and tequila! The mole sauce is very good. Prices were comparable for the San Francisco area. Yes, it gets crowded and loud, but that's all part of the tremendous atmosphere! To that, I see this as more of an adult hangout during peak hours. Save the children for early dinner (5-ish?) or lunch.

You go to Tommy's for the bar, not the food...although the food's acceptable. But the bar: I've never seen a better selection of tequila, and they're known for their margaritas--you can watch the bartenders make pitcher after pitcher, made with fresh lime juice and poured with an expert (and generous) eye. The bar's small and convivial. The food's fairly ordinary, but the overall experience is terrific: friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, colorful art. I think everyone leaves Tommy's happy.

Great Margaritas! Food was good, authentic Mexican. The special red snapper filet was very nice and recommended. Rellenos and chicken burritos were tasty as well.

If you're into tequila, and I mean really into tequila, this is the place. No frills, but seriously knowledgable and stocked with the distilled fruits of the blue agave. Lots of good tequila drinks on the menu, but these guys prefer it straight. Food is good enough, but go for the bar.

We had a couple of drinks here and was educated on the benefits of drinking Tequila by Julio. The cocktails made were smooth and very palatable. The place was really buzzing. Had a lovely chat with Julio's Mother who was a lovely lady.

good tequilla

Stopped here for lunch with some friends as we were in the neighborhood. I was told this was a really famous Mexican place in San Francisco. I'm from the east coast and love trying Mexican food when out in California as it's always better. But Tommy's seemed just okay to me and a bit over hyped. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything special and I've certainly had better Mexican in California. The margaritas were good and our server was friendly.

We like going to this restaurant for lunch. Tommy's is the best Mexican restaurant in our neighborhood. The chips are made on the premises. We both ordered the daily special. The menu did not say that it contained peppers which my wife cannot eat.The waiter took it back and made her another entree and apologized about the oversight on the menu.

This is a famous San Francisco restaurant, so get there early for dinner or you may have to wait awhile. The food is very tasty and reasonable priced. The margarita bar is world renown and has every kind of tequila imaginable.

Love the Strawberry Margarita here. I think this place has some of the best Mexican food in town. A little bit pricey and can get really noisy and crowded at night.

Great food and atmosphere! It gets quite busy but it's well worth the wait. Plus, the bar can keeps you buys as you wait for your table. Drinks are just as delicious as the food.

Bomb

What more could you ask for then what they offer at Tommy's. Owner is good guy and very knowledgeable. If your looking for a real Mexican meal come here. On the next trip to San Fran let everyone know you are a city insider. Drink here!!

Taken here by a family member who'd been here about 20 years ago, was one of the best meals of my life. Got there at 6pm thinking that it would be easy to get in but had about a half hour wait. This wasn't any stress though given the margaritas and free chips&dips. Had a great meal with great service and a good price tag!

Places close early on Geary on Sunday, but Tommy's is open till 11:00 PM. The bar atmosphere defines the place augmented by plenty of families with kids at the tables. Drinks are great and the food portion sizes are more than ample. You can always take the extra home. A pleasant surprise in the otherwise standard menu is the Poc Chuc. Mountains of grilled pork.

Amazingly strong margaritas. I love that they are family owned and the owners daughter gave us souvenir shot glasses since we were visiting from Texas for our anniversary. Very personable staff even though they were so busy. Good food and met some great people eating nearby.

Hands down, maybe the best and broadest selection of Tequila in the US. You can actually work your way up to being a recognized expert (literally), depending on the time spent sampling different kinds. The chips are are always freshly made and add an authenticity to a fun neighborhood place with an interesting mix of regulars and folks who come from all over the world. Julio had been written up in many publications for his expertise on tequila. You really can't throw him a curve ball. Food wise there are way to many better places in the City to get Mexican food that is exceptional. Some even nearby.

we where passing through the area an wanted to stop for lunch and stumbled across Tommy's Mexican. we went at lunch time and it was really quiet only a few people at the bar and a couple eating. the waiter was super friendly and helpful! they kept bring over more corn chips for us to much on. we ordered and the meals came quickly, and they where HUGE! neither my partner or I could finish the hole meal! the food was unreal, so fresh and so much flavor! I'm someone that never likes beans on my nachos but I got beans and they where awesome! I couldn't get enough! it's also super cheap! afterwards we where asking the cashier about a few places near by and she was really helpful and lovely and even the regular customers where pitching in. great place to eat, awesome people, awesome atmosphere! we where told afterwards by friends apparently they have the best margaritas!

This place was not far from the apartment we rented and we Texans loved the Mexican food here. They have an extensive tequila menu. No kids menu but large portions for great prices!

This is one of those restaurants where the walls and rafters are jam packed with 51 years of stuff but you don't care because the margaritas as so good. Tommy's gone now but his wife and family still run it and by the look of the patrons, it's been a neighbourhood favourite all these years. I ordered tamales forgetting that I don't like the doughiness of them but I could still appreciate that they were cooked just right. Delicious beans and rice. My partner enjoyed his chicken enchilada and beef taco. I would go again. Really loved the servers especially Tommy's cousin, probably in his 70's and still shuffling along taking orders, serving food and mixing drinks. A true family affair.

Bring on the fajitas and margaritas. We love this family-operated joint that features cuisine from the Yucatan and, of course, a world famous selection of tequila.

Horrible food here. Eat at San Jalisco in the Mission or even Taco Bel. Just go there if you want to sit at the bar.

This is actually a world renown tequila stop. I don’t think you can find a more diverse and complete selection of tequila anywhere else in the world, though I admit to not have been everywhere. None the less, where else can you work your way up from being a student to a Ph.d in tequila. It doesn’t look like much but it’s the best! Warning though, the food isn’t that great for a Mexican restaurant. However, the fresh made in house chips and salsa at the bar are killer!

Years ago Tommy's margarita was on the cover of San Francisco magazine; my husband and I entered thinking we'd have one drink and leave. Now, we stop in every time we're in San Francisco. We affectionately refer to it as our favorite hole in the wall. Great margaritas and excellent, authentic food. Truly a family run and neighborhood loved restaurant.

I've visited Tommys Mexican about every oyher time I visit SF! My aunt, who lived there from 1962 til her recent passing raved over the food! We had to try it out! Its way out on the western end of town, The Richmind, but worth the drive! Parking may be your biggest issue although I've gotten a space directly in front before and I've had to walk a block or two! The food is da bomb! Fresh, tasty ingredients, I always go for the fajitas but I am fajita boy! Great, quick setvice. Affordable. Unpretentious. And if you love tequlia, I am told north of Mexico, Tommys is THE place to go! Highly recommend!

Went for an early Sunday dinner with DH and a good friend and we've come to realize that this is the best strategy for good service and a relaxing meal: go early! In the past (I'm talking over 5 years ago) we always felt rushed here and I clearly remember one of our friends hiding his plate from the servers who were anxious for us to finish our food so they could turn over the table. Annoying!! Now we have decided that a sure way to enjoy a meal at Tommy's is to go either on a weekday or on Sunday. The service was attentive, the margaritas con Hornitos Silver, delicious and the food met all expectations. I had the enchilada suiza (yummo), DH had the special of cochinita pibil (pork in a delightful sauce typical of the Yucatan area of Mexico) and SC had the beef burrito; oh and the boys ordered ceviche as an appetizer. The ceviche was about 3 lbs of shrimp, avocado and lemon slices on the side - the lads were happy! Each entree comes with a modest house salad, they serve complimentary chips and salsa (one red, one green - beware the green!) and the glasses of water never go empty! The boys also had a shot each of a nice brand of tequila (I don't remember it) and I did sneak a taste and it was smooooth! Remember: if you want to appreciate a good tequila sip it and leave the slamming to the frat boys. Tommy has a ton of tequila so ask your server for a recommendation. Good fresh food and good service!

If you want to experience the best tequila in the world and learn all about it...this is the only place to go. I will warn you that you will be spoiled for any other margarita. Julio and his amazing team will provide you with the best service, an amazing education on tequila and how it is made, the different regions it is from in Mexico and help you to appreciate it. You will never drink bad tequila again. The food is delicious. I would highly recommend the carne asada or the chilie rellenos...two of my favorites. My favorite part of a visit to Tommy's is that it is family run - and the staff is a part of that family. If you are lucky enough to sit at the bar - you will feel like family by the time you leave as some many people that come in are regulars and are super friendly. It is my absolute favorite place to visit when I am in San Francisco and if you haven't been there - i highly recommend it!

go only for the margaritas.

I was attending an expo in San Francisco and my colleague and I finished our work at about 2pm and were at a loose end......so we got a cab and went to Tommy's. Its about a 15 min ride from downtown SF. We arrived about 3pm and were the only people there. Julio (Tommy's son) was sitting behind the bar taking a rest after the lunch crowd and doing a crossword. We introduced ourselves and explained we like tequila but were novices and could he explain some of the more subtler aspects of tequila. We then had one of the most educational and drinking experiences that lasted 6 hours. Julio explained tequila in all its glory and proceeded to give us small samples of about 30 different types of tequila that he had within his collection of 1,000 in the bar. Tequila drinking does not come in a shot glass with salt and lime at Tommys! Tequila is meant to be savoured and sipped and enjoyed (especially the more expensive brands). We then learnt about Margarita's and sampled many different styles and types. During this period, I had a look in the kitchen and found 3 very busy workers making fresh guacomole, mexican tacos, enchiladas etc. They were pleased to hand me a large plate of both and I went back to the bar to continue. Nothing was to much for Julio and his team and my colleague and I stayed until about 10pm. We sat and enjoyed the atmosphere as a continual crowd of local people came in for drinks and food starting from about 6pm onwards. Julio seemed to know all of them by first name. The food was excellent however, please note that this is family style cooking and NOT fine dining and its a small restaurant so they dont take bookings (so get there early). Lastly the price is very reasonable....for 2 people who drank for 6 hours sampling some of the finest tequilas and margarita's, a 3 course mexican meal......120 USD! If you are a soccer fan, then do go and meet Julio. He has been to the last 6 World Cups and has a lot of stories to tell.

stopped in after concert in the park. was busy but hostess was great at getting us a table for 4. while we waited grabbed drinks at the bar. Bar tender works very hard and does a great job.

If you like to drink, this is a great restaurant. However, if you like to eat, then no. We were not really impressed with the food here, but our margarita were pretty strong.

For anyone who likes great tequila then this is a place of pilgrimage. An incredible selection of tequilas lovingly assembled and curated by Julio Bermejo. The bar is tiny and regularly pretty bustling with locals, tequila-heads and a motley crew of hospitality people. They have an Agave Appreciation Society that you should join and learn while drinking. Or drink while learning. Friendly staff, good food and interesting clientele. Who could ask for more?

The food was okay. The green salsa was super hot. The highlight was the margaritas. They were fantastic!

Selection of tequillas is what this place is all about. The food is horrible. But seriously, go there for a margarita. Outstanding!!!

I found this on SF Eater's 26 Classic Restaurants Every San Franciscan Must Try. It looks like your typical Mexican Cantina. But it is a clear cut above. You don't get ground hamburger in your tacos. My disappointment is that they don't have cheese dip. I guess that is consistent with their effort to be more authentic. The Margaritas are excellent.

Tommy's has been on Esquire tv's best bar in America, and their margaritas and tequila collection is the reason why. The owners son Julio has built and great following of families and your clients and offers social networking events and educational tasting sessions about all the different tequila's he carries . This is one of the top Mexican restaurants in the city and worth the drive up Geary Ave. Limit 3 is a sound recommendation. The staff is amazing as well and the bartenders taste the drinks before serving you to make sure they are strong enough and taste great .

We were going to my son Will's masters degree graduation celebration. There were five of us and when we first arrived, the restautrant was not crowded. The place looked like a typical San Francisco restaurant that had been around a while, you know, broken in so to speak. It had a greasy feeling to it literally. The menu, the table, etc. The food was just not good. It was like the green sauce was burned. It tasted like they put lime in everything. The drink order was questionable as the drinks seemed to be mixed wrong or they mixed up the order. And by then, 6 pm, the place was crowded so service was hard to attract. My wife didn't eat her order, our guest had mixed reactions and I couldn't finish my cheese enchilada as it had turned to cement while eating. It was not a good experience. Perhaps an off night, I don't know. We could live with the surroundings but the food was just not good. I would not recommend it.

We went to Tommy’s for a late lunch and were treated like family. The food was fantastic, service was very special, and when we ordered some nice tequila, well, we were definitely in the right place. We got a complete lesson and history on the makings of tequilas along with a few tastings. We were introduced to the owner and her son Julio along with his uncle and numerous others. This small unassuming restaurant has awesome food and an even better atmosphere as well as family service. I can’t recommend a finer place that when we left, we were very, very happy to have met such nice people.

Family business for 50 years, Tommy's is more than a tequila temple. Embracing 100% agave tequila since they open. Julio Bermejo's cocktail bar program has been voted one the best in the United States. He also makes the most delicious margarita on that side of the globe. A must go when you are in SF. I Highly recommend it.

Overpriced, floors are filthy... Go to the Mission... my wife really enjoyed her margarita. That's why they get two stars. I had a beef taco that I would describe as barley edible. I have been here before and the drinks are good. I don't think I'll eat here again. If you like authentic Mexican cuisine, this is not your place. If you like tequila, ok this works.

After walking for miles we really needed a quick dinner that the entire family would enjoy. Tommy's was it. It's the only Mexican restaurant we could find for blocks. We're from AZ, and pretty spoiled when it comes to Mexican food, but Tommy's was good, basic Mex.

Tried it twice. Food dried out both times. Maybe the Margarita's are awesome, but I don't drink them . . .

The food is good yet disappointed at times the ground beef is used in some of the menu items. The Margaritas are the best and their selection of Tequila is great. Also the staff is very attentive.

I went to SFO to go to this bar/restaurant. I saw it featured on the Food Channel about five years ago and ever since that time, I have had it on my list of places to visit. I was extremely lucky to find the owner Julio behind the bar when I arrived. He welcomed me and set about educating me regarding tequila and its production. I thoroughly enjoyed the four hours I spent in his establishment. What an education! I now know a bit about highland and lowland tequilas and the difference salt on the rim of a margarita glass can make even with a lesser grade tequila. Julio has a passion for tequila and sharing what he knows with his customers. The trip to SFO from Wisconsin was worth it just to visit this place. There were people from other parts of the country in the bar and even one guy from Germany. Julio and Tommy's is famous for the extensive tequila selection and the fresh squeezed limes that go in their drinks. Go there and enjoy learning about margaritas and tequila.

He dinner here with some great friends at the beginning of the year. Crowded but that adds to the atmosphere. Margaritas were awesome and the food was better. A must when in SF

The bright side of Tommy's, the food is amazing and the margaritas are delicious. Downside, they have so many people who come in that the service is rushed. I enjoyed my food but felt like they were trying to turn the table over quickly. If you want a yummy fast dinner though, I would recommend.

Truly deserves 'best margarita' ratings. always easy-going fun.

I'm a food snob- I love to eat and try different things. I went to visit my friend and she said we HAD to go to Tommy's- so happy we did. I've eaten so much Mexican food in my life- in mostly NY and CA and even Mexico and I have to say, this might have been the most authentic food (and delicious) that I've had in awhile. Everything we ate was amazing- and the margaritas- OMG- so so good and they actually had good alcohol in them. The prices were so reasonable too and SUPER friendly and fast service. I'm so jealous my friend lives there- I wish I can go tonight!!

We went because Tommy's was recommended in our guide book. It was a very long taxi ride away from the wharf ($50). When we got there people were queuing out the door (the guide book did warn us) so we put our names down and went for a drink down the road at Trader Sam's bar (which was great!). Tommy's is mega-packed and chaotic which makes for fun atmosphere, although as a customer, I felt as though I couldn't relax because the staff were all so manic and the room was jammed. The margaritas (one of the reasons we went to a Mexican restaurant) were only so-so, and when they served our mains, they told us that half of one of the meals was missing, because they'd run out of ingredients - they didn't tell us that when we ordered, or come back and check, or replace it with something else, or take if off the bill. In the end it felt like we were a slight inconvenience to them rather than us being paying customers. They wouldn't call us a taxi, said we could get one outside (which we couldn't) so we ended up getting a bus back into the city and walking home. An adventure, but overall a bit of a let down.

Party time at Tommy's for breakfast!!!

A nice, family-run and family-friendly joint with a great tequila selection! I like visiting here with friends young and old - simple, good, and pleasant.

great food, good service, fair prices. Love the fajitas, and mole enchiladas. Large portions. Ceviche was excellent- great for sharing

ok so I've read the reviews about the food. However who goes to a tequila/margarita bar for the food? I actually didn't mind the food. It was fast getting out to us. It was fresh and flavoursome and although you do feel a bit rushed, you're not there for the food. It's about the margaritas! We were actually happy to finish our meal and get to the bar to try some of the best tequilas I've seen. The bar is definitely where it's at. Very busy however you get serviced very quickly. We were very lucky to be there on a night when Tommy's son, Julio was working. This guy knows his tequila! And after sampling quite a few, I knew a little something about it as well!! Overall, one of the best nights I've had thanks to the bar staff. If you're a tequila fan and want to 'talk shop' then this is the place for you. If you want to try some tequila in a friendly atmosphere and learn a little as well, then this is the place also! Tommy's is world famous and coming all the way from Australia to see it, I was not disappointed!

The staff was friendly and welcoming. Freshly squeezed lime juice is used to make excellent margaritas. Yucatán steak was flavored perfectly. Would definitely go back.

Our son lived in this area for a while and suggested Tommy's for dinner after we worked up appetites playing in Golden Gate Park. We live in California's Central Valley and are very familiar with a wide variety of mexican food. It looked and smelled very familiar as we entered even though it seemed out of place. Good, friendly service and a nice menu. Prices were just a little higher than we are used to but not by SF standards. We ordered a pitcher of margaritas and everyone found something on the menu. We all agreed it was a great choice for dinner.

all about the atmosphere

As many others have written the food is average at best. We had two items from the Yucatan specialty section thinking that would be their best offerings. The tamales were ordinary with a bland tomato salsa topping. The chicken pilpil (sp?) were dry slices of chicken breast swimming in a sour sauce. The Bohemia was cold and tasty.