• 5
• Mexican gold in the Mission

Mission Street runs thru a surprisingly hard-scrabble area SF with parallel upscale Valencia Street just a block away. One thing that it has is Gracias Madre, possibly the best Vegan restaurant I've ever eaten at. Gracias Madre is also organic. The place gives a spacious feeling, despite being typically packed. To maximize space, customers at peak times are seated at unused places at already occupied tables, a strategy that in no way interfered with our enjoyment of the place or the food. I wish I could have tried all of their entres, but their corn tortillas filled with asparagus, broccoli and mushrooms, all perfectly cooked, and the cashew cheese topping were memorably delicious, as was my wife's zuchini, onion and garlic-filled tamales. Both dishes came with rice and wonderfully-seasoned black beans. The food is beautifully presented, competently and surprisingly quickly served without feeling rushed. I can't wait to get back to Gracias Madre, it's a must stop for anyone visiting San Francisco.