Mexico DF

I was attending a conference in San Francisco, which allowed me to get back to my old stomping grounds along with a few friends from school in Seattle. I met up with my buddies from the bay and introduced them to my Seattle friends and the inevitable debate over California having superior Mexican food was sparked. But no one knew that this spark would turn into a fire. Instead of going to places we knew, we were cocky and said any place is better than Washington. With that mindset it made sense to go to the Mission District to get something there, but that was met with a “Just as good as Chipotle.” That would not do at all; California’s reputation was on the line. And still refusing to go to our own favorite restaurants, as we wanted to be surprised as well, we eventually found or way to Mexico DF. On arrival we could tell this was going to be a different case, this was destiny. The restaurant was decorated nicely and seemed to have a trendy vibe. Paintings displayed through LCD frames changed to provide an always-interesting view. And the staff was all attentive and well dressed. Ready to order we all choose dishes we liked and asked for a recommended drink, then set on a voyage to try as much of the spread as we could, and we would not be disappointed. The reviews for the food we ate are below. California was saved; its reputation in the restaurant department was restored. Inspired to show our own favorite Taquerias at this point since Mexico DF was a restaurant, we totally destroyed the “just as good as Chipotle” review and found new pride in a great cuisine, restaurant or not thanks to Mexico DF.

Its location is great, being so close to the Bay and the menu seemed promising, but this restaurant is nothing more than a singles bar that happens to sell mediocre food, with an ever-so-slight hint of Mexican-ness.

The most interesting part of the evening was when two women, dressed like Playboy bunnies, brought my wife and I a free tasting of Tequila, but it went downhill from there. When we asked about getting some chips and salsa, we were told they don’t have that. We could, however, buy some chips and guacamole for $11. On the bright side, when we expressed our disappointment about this, our waiter was nice enough to put together two of the hot sauces they use in the kitchen and bring them to us with some chips, at no charge (this probably happens all the time).

My meal was the Carne Asada, which was fair, but I wouldn’t order it again—that is, if I were forced at gunpoint to eat at this establishment again. My wife had Tamales, which were mostly corn meal (which was quite dry) with very little filling.

If you are in this part of San Francisco, and want some really good, authentic Mexican food, go across the street, to 101 Spear Street, and eat at Pepe’s Taqueria. To be sure, Pepe’s is located in an upscale food court, but the flavors at Pepe’s are truly Mexican. The flavors here at Mexico DF are a flaccid “meh.”