Home of the best margarita in San Francisco and one of the best places to explore the world of Tequila in the entire country, the bar is where you want to be at this San Francisco landmark. If you've come with friends, order those margaritas by the pitcher or take the opportunity to sample that fancy añejo Tequila you've been wanting to try, because, well, when in Rome ... er, Tommy's.

This Mission District restaurant is a party waiting to happen. Grab an oilcloth-covered table and order a round of tropical cocktails in decorative mugs. Order plates of vibrant Lao dishes like Isaan barbecue chicken and spicy aromatic salads while all around you tables full of people are doing the same. When you’ve had enough of the bustle, head upstairs to Holy Mountain, the bar within a restaurant, for another round.

The Tonga Room is unlike any place in San Francisco, if not the world. Its glories — the pool, the rain, the tiki, the band playing on an actual boat — have been broadcast many times over the decades, but they still feel like magic the first time you step inside.

If colorfulness were the only measurement of fun, then Lolo would be the funnest restaurant in San Francisco — maybe even the world. Everything about this Valencia Street hot spot is fun: the art, the drinks, the menu of Mexican small plates and most of all the atmosphere, which feels like the start of an evening where anything might happen.

There’s never not a wait for Swan Oyster, but you get to pass the time in line with other pilgrims drawn to the prospect of that first briny jolt of raw oyster, the slurp of Anchor Steam, that creamy-crunchy-cold bite of crab, iceberg and Louie dressing. You know you’ll probably get barked at for standing in the wrong place but also made to feel right at home when you finally sit down behind the counter, head nodded in quiet thanks.

Toyose still feels special, like you’ve found a secret door that transports you to a place that is not San Francisco. Located in a converted residential garage with no windows and a bustling vibe, the late-night haunt starts to feel like a soju-fueled reverie by the time the second order of wings and kimchi pancakes arrive.

Think there's nowhere in SF to drink margaritas out of cactus-shaped glasses? Fear not. And here’s something you should know about the margaritas at Tia Margarita: They’re as strong as they are large. But it’s not just the alcohol and warm chips that fuel the bonhomie here. It's the welcoming and low-key vibe, where everyone feels like a neighbor, whether they live across the country or across town.

Some restaurants are fun in spite of the food. State Bird is fun because of it. Don't let the Michelin star dissuade you; tasting your way from duck confit dumplings to garlic fry bread to the actual California state bird (with provisions) is a seriously good time. Because even if you're never totally sure what's going to arrive on your table, you can be certain it will be delicious.