You'll be brought to all your senses the moment you walk into La Urbana. From the colorful touches of the bar by Mexican architect/restauranteur Juan Garduñoocal to the sultry smells of authentic Mexican food to the delightful sting of that first tequila shot, La Urbana grabs hold of guests and won't let go.
Although this new bar in San Francisco's Divisadero Corridor is the perfect nightlife spot on weekends, it's really a great choice at any time, any day of the week. Just like an authentic Mexican cantina that wants guests to treat the space like their own home, La Urbana offers many different reasons to visit throughout the week.
La Urbana's modern space — Photo courtesy of La Urbana
For example, for those football fans out there, La Urbana offers a tantalizing brunch hour until 4 p.m. every weekend. The best part of the brunch is that it takes place in "El Garaje," which feels like an open-air garage, the perfect spot to spread out, relax and enjoy a football game.
The brunch features house-made sangria, beers, street tacos and Mexican comfort food. There are even card tables for those who like to play their own games while their friends watch TV.
If Sunday brunch or football isn't your thing, join Head Bartender Trent Simpson for a fascinating (and quite intoxicating) lesson on tequila at the always popular Monday Mezcal Lab from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
An hour and a half with Simpson will reveal just how seriously this place takes tequila. From the Pechuga (49% candied apricots, celery, marzipan, licorice, almonds, smooth and plantains) to the Ensamble (40% Ag. salmiana, espadin, americana, light aromas of tobacco and caramel), you'll never think of tequila the same way again.
Trent Simpson shares the glory of tequila — Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy
And one more detail that makes these labs so special: Mezcal cocktails created in the lab can never be exactly duplicated, as they are only available on the night of creation. How's that for a special drink?
If brunch or tequila lessons don't interest you, how about inexpensive but delicious food? (We thought that might be a winner.)
Taco Tuesday in El Garaje at La Urbana offers authentic Mexican street tacos for just $1.75. And if you think you can stand authentic Mexican heat, then ask for Chef Julio’s new muy caliente ("very hot") secret salsa.
Whether you go for beers and football, tequila and its history or a bite of a fiery taco, you're sure not to forget your experience at La Urbana. It's a twist on Mexican food that will have you begging for more.
La Urbana's distinct exterior — Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy
