Tahona Mercado

"Steven Sadri and Emily Thompson are masters of their craft, showing people the many wonders of mezcal and a good time. The husband-and-wife duo partners with tons of local producers throughout the Bay Area to showcase the regional delights while importing any spirits they deem a significant find. Carrying rare and delicious drinks and food, like their in-house made grilled little gem taco, topped with toasted peanuts, queso fresco, and salsa macha, isn’t even the main draw; the owners are just so dang charming." - Paolo Bicchieri, Caleb Pershan, Eater Staff

"Emmanuel Galvan, founder and owner of this decadent testament to the power of corn, is on his third year in a row selling tamales for the holidays. He’s tripling his output for this year, putting everything he’s got into his Oakland-based heirloom masa project. Tamale enthusiasts can catch his tent at the Foodwise market on 22nd Street in the Mission District every Thursday, too, while the markets runs from March to November. This year, holiday tamale orders can be picked up at Tahona Mercado on December 21 and 22. Galvan is well-known at this point for his corn sourcing and colorful tortillas." - Paolo Bicchieri

"Pricing is ever on his mind, too; he points out their dinner at Tahona Mercado, which cost $125 a person, brought in a more casual crowd." - Paolo Bicchieri

"The new-ish Tahona Mercado makes shopping for the picnic part of the fun; the adorable self-described “Mexicatessen” offers pastries, chocolate, chips, and salsa." - Flora Tsapovsky

"Steven Sadri and Emily Thompson are the husband-and-wife duo behind San Francisco’s only shop dedicated to the complexities of mezcal and tequila. Not only do they want you to drink a fine bottle of agave, but they want you to do so with a pairing that is just right for you, often with one of the many Bay Area producers they highlight in their shop." - Paolo Bicchieri