"You might assume that a restaurant named Don Pisto’s in North Beach is another red-checkered tablecloth establishment dishing out mediocre penne à la vodka and garlic knots. The Don! But you would be wrong: the Don of Don Pisto’s is a señor, and he is throwing a fiesta we regularly and enthusiastically attend. Tucked away in an unmarked brick space, Don Pisto’s is our go-to spot for a party vibe and some dressed up Mexican food that doesn’t feel pretentious. Truffle-dusted fennel fronds should stay out of taco shells - that’s where we store the pork. Don Pisto’s is a great experience once you show up - the lack of a sign makes it feel like a secret, and while you wait for a table, a man with a clipboard simultaneously serving as the host/bouncer hands out drink tickets like it’s ’05 Cabo Spring Break. Upstairs, you’ll find a bustling, but civilized dining room, while downstairs the lights go down and the volume goes up. It’s essentially like attending numerous bachelorette parties simultaneously As for food? Oh, the tacos. These things are good - and the rest of the menu is as well. We recommend starting with tacos and seafood starters, and following up with the pollo asado. If you’re going for a more casual situation, you can hit up the sister taco shop Pisto’s down the block, where the emphasis is more street-food/to-go. Either way you can’t lose. Food Rundown Chips & Guac & Salsa Chips are hearty and home-made. We’re fans. The guacamole is basically just a mashed up avocado that spices, onions and cilantro forgot. We too, have two thumbs and access to mashing instruments. The salsa, on the other hand, is killer. Also chips and salsa are free. What is the world we live in where this is a point of note? Not a world we want to live in, so thank you DP for fighting the good fight. Mexican Sashimi This is a big, pretty plate of salmon, nicely garnished and super-fresh. Not super Mexican but super good. Calamari Grilled with a nice citrus tang. They don’t scrimp on the tentacle pieces, so if that’s your jam, this is for you. Hamburguesa A lot of people call this dude incredible. It’s fine. It’s a hamburger wearing a guacamole toupee - with some bacon and onions in the mix. You’re at a Mexican restaurant, your digestive tract will accept non-burger sustenance for at least one meal. Promise. Tacos Al pastor, chicken and carnitas are A plus. The tortillas are so good you really can’t go wrong though. Pollo Asado Bold statement: this is one of the best Mexican chicken dishes we’ve had. The drunken salsa is insane as are the corn tortillas. Don’t miss this. Brunch If you don’t think of Mexican when it comes to a mid-morning meal, it’s time to rethink that. Pork tamales that involve poached eggs are a breakfast revolution. Join the cause. Huevos rancheros are another stand-out. Wash it all down with the bottomless not-too-sweet sangria and you’re good to go. Adios." - Taylor Abrams
