Bernal Heights has a new culinary destination that's bringing the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of Mexico City to San Francisco's hillside neighborhood. Chicano Nuevo, which evolved from a popular pop-up into a full-fledged restaurant, opened its doors in late December 2025 to an eager crowd of fans.
Co-owner Abraham Nuñez, a longtime fixture in San Francisco's bar scene, has created a space that embodies the generous spirit of Mexican hospitality. The restaurant greets many patrons with a small pour of artisanal Divino Maguey mezcal before they even sit down—a ritual that sets the tone for the evening ahead.
"Little, tiny half-shots of something—even a half ounce of mezcal—are a way to say, 'Hey, I like you,'" Nuñez explains. "It's a sign of affection or affinity."
This welcoming gesture has become part of a larger San Francisco phenomenon that some call the "cheeky"—small celebratory pours that have replaced the aggressive shot culture of years past. At Chicano Nuevo, the copita of mezcal isn't about getting buzzed; it's about creating connection.
The restaurant's menu draws inspiration from the dynamic food scene of Mexico City, where traditional recipes meet contemporary innovation. Nuñez and his team have crafted dishes that honor their cultural roots while speaking to the diverse palates of San Francisco diners.
Bernal Heights, with its tight-knit community and independent spirit, has proven to be the perfect home for Chicano Nuevo. The neighborhood's mix of young families, longtime residents, and creative professionals has embraced the restaurant as a new gathering place.
"What Abraham has built here feels authentic to both his heritage and to Bernal," says one regular customer. "It's exactly the kind of place this neighborhood needed."
Chicano Nuevo is currently open for drinks with food service expanding soon. For Bernal Heights residents seeking a new local hangout with soul, the wait is nearly over.