The Bottom Line
The "DF" refers to Distrito Federal, Mexico City's designation as Federal District -- also an allusion to the various cultural infusions in Mexico DF's cuisine. The menu at Mexico DF is best suited to sharing plates in order to experience the variety of flavors and preparations.
Sample Dinner Menu Prices:
- Guacamole classico: $9
- Ceviche of ahi tuna, orange, mint, avocado: $12
- King salmon with corn puree and poblano crema: $15
- Carnitas with handmade tortillas (1/2 lb): $15
- Burnt caramel flan: $8
Pros
- SoMa location convenient to downtown and Muni/BART
- Happy hour margaritas - $5
- Diverse menu, flavors
Cons
- A bit pricey for small plates
- Downtown parking
Description
139 Steuart Street (at Mission & Howard)
San Francisco, CA 94199
Telephone: (415) 808-1048BART Station: Embarcadero - short walk to Steuart
Muni Station: Embarcadero & F-Line- Muni Bus Routes
- #1 California
- #14 Mission
- #12 Folsom
- #41 Union
- Trip Planners
Guide Review - Mexico DF - San Francisco
Mexico DF Food
Mexico DF comes to San Francisco by way of Felipe Sandoval (of Maya) and Victor Hugo Juarez. Executive chef is David Rosales of Fonda in Albany -- one of my favorite East Bay small-plate venues.
If I could make a comparison to any other venue in town, it would be Colibri, where prices are similar and where the menu could be construed, as some say, high end or gourmet Mexican.
I might give Colibri the edge as a matter of personal preference. It's an established favorite. And to be fair, Mexico DF is new on the radar.
That doesn't detract from the fact that our experience at Mexico DF on a recent evening was superb.
We started with guacamole classico -- a beautiful presentation. We also shared a cucumber, mango and radish salad (blend of textures with sweet and salt), halibut with poblano crema, and quesadillas with squash flowers. The halibut and quesadillas were favorites at the table.
Mexico DF Bar
Seeking a margarita with no added Grand Marnier or sweetness, I settled on the margarita tepito with Herradura silver -- rocks and salt (if desired).
The margarita was good, but not quite as well-balanced between sweet and tart as the margaritas I've had at Tommy's or Tres Agaves. Still, that's being particular. I would go back for another margarita -- especially during Mexico DF's happy hour when select beverages are five dollars.
Happy Hour
Happy hour is from 4p to 6p on weekends, with a bar menu served from 4p to 5:30p. As I noted earlier, select drinks are $5, including the tepito, a shot of Cabrito silver, mojitos and several wine selections.
Ambiance
Mexico DF has soft lighting, with selected works of art rotating in electronic displays. The dining room features a view to the open kitchen, with comfortable bench and booth seating along the wall.
08/2007 - Prices, items and events are subject to change.
