I’ve lived in California all my life. This has influenced me in many ways: I talk fast, say the word “like” more times than I’ll ever admit, and I have a deep, undying love for Mexican food. It makes up a solid 60% of my dining out experiences as it is and if I lived a little closer to this place, that number would skyrocket…
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| 306 Broderick St. – San Francisco nopalitosf.com |
It’s a quaint, casual spot with a menu meant for sharing and a small but potent cocktail list. The margaritas are a given but I found this little gem to be the perfect way to kick off the meal:
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| El Diablo Pueblo Viejo Blanco, Cassis, Bundaberg Ginger Beer, Lime |
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| Totopos con Chile Tortilla Chips, Salsa de Arbol, Cotija Cheese, Crema and Lime |
It’s hard to go wrong with their sustainable, organic menu but there are two things you shouldn’t skip out on. The first is this incredible take on “nachos.” The chips are drenched in the fiery salsa and the cool sour cream with fresh lime is the perfect complement. You’ll be tempted to resist this one so as not to “fill up” before the main courses, but my advice? Just come hungry! You won’t want to miss out on anything because it’s all spectacular…
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| Ceviche Verde de Pescado Marinated Fish, Lime, Tomatillo, Jalapeno, Cilantro, Avocado |
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| Empanada con Desebrada de Res Fried Masa Pastry, Grass-Fed Beef, Tomato, Jalapeno, Cabbage, Avocado, Queso Fresco and Salsa Frita de Guajillo |
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| Carnitas Braised Pork, Orange, Bay Leaf, Milk, Cinnamon, Beer, Cabbage Salad, Pickled Jalapeno and Salsa de Tomatillo |
Carnitas is basically my favorite thing on every menu it makes its way onto, and it’s especially good here. The same goes for ceviche. I’ve ordered both every visit and plan to continue this trend.
Whatever you choose though, be sure to pace yourself because the second thing you mustn’t skip out on (no matter how much you’ve had to eat or drink) is dessert.
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| Mexican Coffee: Siete Leguas Anejo, Araku, Whipped Cream, Orange, Canela Popsicles: Cafe con Leche & Dark Chocolate Cinnamon |
The popsicle flavors rotate but the dark chocolate cinnamon has been on the menu every time I’ve been and it’s incredible. They also serve Blue Bottle coffee, which is fantastic by itself but I highly recommend the tequila spiked version above. I’m not really a “dessert cocktail” type of person, shy away from the sweet drinks for the most part, but this is one I could begin AND end every day with.
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| Mexican Wedding Cookies |
Oh, and did I mention dessert comes in two courses? They save their amuse-bouche for the end of the meal! This single, perfectly crumbly bite will put a smile on your face as you walk out the door, already dreaming about your next trip back.
