Tropisueño is not hard to find, but it’s a little hidden gem of Mexican paradise near the Jewish Museum and Bear Papa. They serve honest Mexican food, which is generally easy to find here in San Francisco, but usually it’s either in a lack luster joynt in the Mission District (which can be fun), or chain, which can be tired. Tropisueño falls right in between the two. It’s not expensive, and it’s a really great place.
Happy hour (4pm - 6pm) makes it cheaper than cheap, but even though it’s cheap it’s all good. The margaritas are inventive and traditional, with real ingredients. Each special margarita has a differnt rim - Aji pepper and salt is the house margarita. No mixes or “crank-em-out” stuff here. Just watch Manuel Castillo mixing drinks for the entire restaurant … taking time to make sure each one is just right. I was amazed at how well he pulled this off. Most bartenders (except the ones on my blog) just “sling ‘em out” without really taking the time to make sure they’re anything special. Manuel is a true artist and has an amazing repertoire of amazing mixology talents that will knock your sox off. He’s a good guy and he’s anxious to please your pallet. Ask him about things like cucumber margaritas, his Canton (ginger liquor) and mint specialty, the Dart and others. Just give him the idea and he’ll take it from there. Just trust him. He knows what he’s doing. Then sit back, relax and be prepared to just bask in the luxury of trying something new.
When you go, tell him RandySFO, from Quirky San Francisco sent you.
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Have fun!!!! I did!!!
