Impala (CLOSED)

In the otherwise honky-tonk heart of North Beach, this buzzing, popular restaurant is surprisingly chic. It aims to raise Mexican cuisine to a higher level and, in many aspects, it succeeds. Mains focus on fish dishes, slow-roasted meats and Mexican classics; the crowd eats them up with as much enthusiasm as it does the lounge-style atmosphere, a combination of candlelight and DJ-spun music. The bar is open until 2am.