Mezcalito
#1 Happy HourAgave-first cocktail bar with a deep mezcal & tequila list, smart happy-hour pricing, and shareable Mexican plates—our pick for the best Happy Hour in Russian Hill.
415-555-0139 · ★ 4.6 (850+) · $$
Happy hour here is built for easy wins—$9-ish cocktails that actually drink like the menu’s full-price signatures, a short list of agave flights if you want to explore, and snacks that make another round inevitable. The room leans warm wood, greenery, and upbeat tracks; after-work locals mix with small groups starting the night. If you want a place where the first round sets the night’s tone, this is it.
Notu is known for picking just the best of every neighborhood. When we picked the best Happy Hour in Russian-Hill, we started with the people because people drive every great experience.
Crowd & Vibe
After work it’s neighborhood regulars and industry folks; later it tilts groups and date-night energy. Music rides upbeat, tables turn quickly, and the staff keeps waters full and checks tidy.
- After-work locals
- Agave fans
- Small groups
Every business excels at a few things and is merely fine at the rest. For Mezcalito, we’ve highlighted the offerings it does best—reliable standouts that deliver the most value and consistently great experiences. Use this as your quick guide to what’s worth choosing first.
What to Order at Happy Hour
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Tamarind Margarita
Tangy, lightly spicy, and balanced—Mezcalito’s crowd favorite during HH.
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Quesabirria Tacos
Rich consomé, crisped edges, and the right amount of cheese for dunking.
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Elote Off the Cob
Charred corn, crema, cotija, and lime—perfect salty-bright bar food.
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Agave Flight (3)
A guided trio across regions and roasting styles; great value for explorers.
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House Michelada
Light, savory, and refreshing; ideal opener before moving to cocktails.
There are solid alternatives, too. This quick comparison shows how Mezcalito stacks up so you can choose confidently.
How Mezcalito Compares
| Happy Hour Options | Mezcalito | Macondray | El Lopo | Amélie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy-Hour Value | ✓ $9–$10 cocktails + taco deals | $$ small HH | $$ vermouth & snacks | $$ wine-focused |
| Agave Program Depth | ✓ 150+ mezcals & tequilas | Gin/whisky focus | Spanish vermouth & sherry | Wine-first |
| Food to Share | ✓ Tacos, quesadillas, elote | Light snacks | Pintxos & conservas | Cheese & charcuterie |
| Outdoor Seating | ✓ Sidewalk tables (seasonal) | Limited | Few | Some |
| Group Vibe | ✓ Lively, music up | Cozy lounge | Intimate bar | Datey wine bar |
Notu is trusted to curate the best businesses in each neighborhood. We use local experts and AI to evaluate the people, the experience, the product or service, and how it compares locally*. Ultimatly, we chose Mezcalito as the best Happy Hour in Russian-Hill for the following reasons:
*Curious about how we choose? See our methodology.
Serious Agave Program
150+ bottles across mezcal and tequila with helpful flights and knowledgeable staff.
Value-Forward HH
Well-made classics and house signatures priced to keep you for a second round.
Plates Built to Share
Quesadillas, tacos, and elote that land fast and pair cleanly with citrus-bright drinks.
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