Cantina – Downtown
580 Sutter (betw. Powell & Mason)
San Francisco , CA
(415) 398-0195
See larger map and more nearby
VdV Rating: 3
Food: Mexican
Ambiance: Casual
First, what sick mo-fo came up with that logo? You’re hired! Pirates of the Caribbean meets Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. Or something like that.
Anyhoo, we’ve been to Cantina more than once, but it was just this weekend we put it all together. The laid back spot we dropped in on Saturday afternoon for a shot or three of tequila is one and the same the place we were at several Saturday nights ago, with the downstairs lounge, the boom boom, the pick up scene and all that awesome Tom Foolery Hi Jinx! Yes, we are pretty quick on the uptake, as they say.
Yeah, this place is a little Jekyll & Hyde. Or is it Clark Kent? “By day, just an innocent, laid-back, locals hang out for a little socializing or afternoon cocktail quaffing, but after the sun sets a balls-out night club that expedites reckless sex with careless abandon. Or is it careless sex with reckless abandon? Hmmm. Who knows. Hell, who cares! Just use protection. OK, enough with the PSA.
Regardless, the nights we’ve been here for the balls-out portion seemed OK all-in-all. Not as d-baggery as some spots, slammin’ busy, a decent DJ with some serious mixologist dudes who can rock it big time. Y’know those types that eschew (yes, eschew) jiggers and basic retard measuring things and just go with it? Yeah. They’re good. Try the Laughing Buddha. It’s just been a little too wall-to-wall for my tastes when I’ve been here. But I get it. For what it is, it’s good. But hey, I already 
scored a hottie for life (that’s what our vows said), so maybe that’s just not my bag. But as an objective observer, guys, there’s some hot women here!
But what we’re talkin’ about today, young ‘uns, is the upstairs laid back bar, in the daytime, bitches. Daytime drinking is the new black. Ya heard it here first. The photo to the right (or left, above or below depending on the screen size & resolution of your Mac, PC, PDA or mobile device) doesn’t do the bar justice. It’s actually more gritty than this. Righteous! These guys know their tequila, they even schooled VdV! And they have the selection to back it up. Aside from not stocking Siete Leguas (whimper), they have darned near just about any fine tequila ya could shake a stick at. And after my rant about the Siete Leguas, I think they may bring that on soon. We even got a glass of a not-yet-released tequila, Don Roberto Anejo, that is excellent. Not too oaky, excellent semi-sweet vanilla on the finish and packs a punch.It should be in stock in acouple weeks, ask for it!
So bottom line, depending on what you’re into on any particular day, this place can deliver. Laid back ‘hood feeling bar during the daytime, or get your swerve on and (try to) bag a hottie at night (or just hang with friends, that’s OK too, but more boring) Cantina brings it.
Oh yeah, ask for Anson, he’s a cool dude and a great bartender. Tell him VinDivine sent ya and see what happens. Do not hold us responsible.
VdV Rating: 3
Hours:
Mon-Sat 5p-closing
Cantina
580 Sutter (betw. Powell & Mason)
(415) 398-0195
