
Family owned since 1965 and the home of the original skinny margarita! According to the Wine Spectator, July 2024, Julio Bermejo is known as a pioneer of quality tequila awareness in the U.S. In the 1980s, at his family’s Tommys restaurant in San Francisco, he eschewed mixto versions and began serving 100% agave as his house tequila and elevating cocktails from the spirit.
Lively Yucatán restaurant best known for its margaritas & extensive tequila list.
Hours
| Friday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 1–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 1–8:30 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8:30 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 5929 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (415) 387-4747
Website: http://www.tommysmexican.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant
Tommy’s – San Francisco – Bar – 50Best Discovery
Tommy’s Mexican (@tommysmexican) · San Francisco, CA – Instagram
Reviews
Tommy’s offers a unique experience for those seeking to explore tequila, providing tastings and educational opportunities alongside traditional Mexican and Yucatecan cuisine in a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
One of my closest friends, Gary, introduced me to this exceptional establishment, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. The margaritas are exceptional, and the Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo is the best I have ever tasted. Pork Chops “Chuletas” and cheese quesadillas are also outstanding.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Julio, the owner. He is an exceptional individual, highly attentive, friendly, and exceptionally kind.
To ensure a pleasant experience, it is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot at the bar and engage in conversations with Julio. I assure you that you will not be disappointed.
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.
Tommy’s is such a homey, personal restaurant. I honestly don’t think it has changed a single thing in the 30 years I’ve been visiting, aside from more and more magazine articles and awards pinned to the walls. It’s still a family-run affair.
It’s loud, cramped and energetic, in all the best ways. It’s a place for locals: after work margaritas, celebrations, family gatherings, or a quick bite to eat on a Wednesday. There’s just the right amount of authentic funk and lived-in wear and tear.
As far as I can tell, the menu doesn’t change. You can expect all the standard Mexican dishes with the addition of some Yucatan specialties. All of it is delicious and served in large portions.
The staff is always friendly and attentive. I have never had a bad experience with the service. I’m pretty sure Tommy’s doesn’t take reservations, but it’s usually no more than a 15 or 20 minute wait on a weekend night.
Of course Tommy’s is known and recognized worldwide for its enormous tequila selection. If you love tequila, well this is THE place.
If you live in The City or happen to be visiting the Richmond District, you really must eat at Tommy’s at least once.
If you choose to give a thumbs-up or not, I hope you found my review helpful!