Mexico DF
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 808-1048
- Cross Street:
- Mission Street
- Specialties:
- Mexican Food
- Hours:
- Daily 11am-2pm, 5pm-1:30am
Editorial Review for Mexico DF – by Michael Peck
The Scene
A far cry from the taquerias and downscale eateries which make up the lion's share of Mexican establishments in SF, Mexico DF strikes a balance between simplicity and elegance. Black ductwork and a matching exposed ceiling help make the space seem larger than it is. A communal table, split by a support girder and lit by a wrought-iron chandelier, is the room's centerpiece. The open kitchen, rimmed by bar seating and topped by a cherry-red awning, is also an attention-getter.
The Food
The guacamole classico (with serrano chile, cilantro and cherry tomatoes) and the ahi tuna ceviche (with orange, mint avocado and radish salpicon) get things rolling, helped capably by a respectable margarita list. (In particular, the polanco and the tepito offerings--specialty versions are named for various Mexico City neighborhoods--are quite solid choices.) Entree-wise, carne a la tampiquena (grilled steak) is accompanied by chiles and mole, while a roasted dourade is served whole.
Hits: Service is friendly and knowledgeable. One side never arrived, but didn't show up on the bill, either--and margarita recommendations were spot-on.
Misses: The kitchen can be uneven. While the aforementioned dourade was a revelation--perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor--the guacamole, which should be a signature dish, needed more life and the ceviche, while tasty, was a bit overwhelmed by oil.
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Insider Tips
The ExtrasAfter 10pm, the space becomes a more casual taqueria lounge.
Fun FactDon't let friends gaslight you: The artwork, displayed in framed monitors disguised as paintings, rotates periodically, with each screen cycling through its programmed assortment.
Look GoodDuring a lull in the conversation, casually mention to your fellow diners that "DF" stands for "Distrito Federal," which signifies a capital city.
User Reviews for Mexico DF
06/05/2008 Posted by lkcoops
First I went to Mexico DF for drinks after work. The $5 margaritas and mojitos are killer, and when happy hour ended I didn't mind paying full price one bit. I haven't had a margarita that good since The Red Cabbage in Puerto Vallarta. The guacamole is wonderful - I especially loved the mango guac. I could have eaten that all night. But I moved on to the Gorditas and the Duck Flautas which were divine. My drinking buddy had the Huarache and loved it. Several days I went back for lunch on my birthday. I had the Torta Ahogada that melted in my mouth. My lunch mates had the Carnitas and loved it. Mexico DF is a gem. I will be back often for lunch, dinner, drinks - whatever. The food is awesome, the service is great and the atmosphere is so comfortable it's like being home.
Pros: Food, drinks, service, atmosphere
Cons: Parking, Bar seating
09/13/2007 Posted by joefoodster
Really enjoyed the atmosphere and cocktails at the new Mexico DF. Most of the food was authentic and enjoyable as well. One minor gripe: We ordered lots of the small plate selections and everything arrived at once! (We felt like pigs and dishes got cold before we could consume them.) Kudos to the interior designer here ... interesting colorful digital art and mix of modern color and rustic beams. Our server was friendly, informed and engaging. And almost forgot ... it's worth a visit if for drinks alone ... the margaritas are simply spectacular!
Pros: The cocktails and ambiance
