SFReview
photo credit: Mary Lagier
Loló
Included In
Loló is a Mexican restaurant in the Mission that’s decorated with everything from car doors to bright wallpaper to chandeliers made of bike handles. It feels a bit like you’re inside the mind of a junkyard artist, or, at least, that relative you only see once a year. But unlike that relative's cooking, the food here is actually great.
Most of the menu focuses on Jaliscan cuisine and is designed for sharing. You’ll get things like carnitas, panko-encrusted shrimp on refreshing jicama tortillas, and chipotle-topped shrimp albondigas. Even if you’re just here for drinks at the bar—which is a fun way to catch up with a friend—their guacamole with salsa verde is great as a starter snack. too. We also like the corn and mushroom empanadas, which are puffy, cheesy, and good enough to make you ask about buying them in bulk to store in your freezer.
The combination of really good and shareable food, strong margaritas, and a lively space that feels pulled from a traveling circus makes Loló a great place to come for a chill, fun birthday with a small group (they don't accept reservations), or a casual first date when you don’t want things to feel overly serious. And if you do end up here with your one relative who collects stuffed squirrels, at least you’ll both be able to appreciate the absurdity of the place. Just make sure to keep an eye out for raining unicorns.