So here's the scenario: you and your crew are posted up in Telegraph Hill, you want margaritas and Mexican food, and you know the Mission is calling. You're already smarter than most tourists. Let's make you smarter still.

The Mission is the move, but be specific. Don't just wander down Valencia hoping for the best. Nopalito — technically in the Panhandle area — is a standout pick. It's upscale Mexican with legit flavors, a great cocktail program, and they're notably accommodating if anyone in your group has dietary restrictions. One local foodie recommended it as "very GF-friendly," which matters more than you'd think when you're planning for a group.

If you want something brand new, Clementina recently opened and has been generating buzz. It's a dedicated gluten-free spot, which is either a dealbreaker or a godsend depending on your crew's needs.

For the broader "fun dinner with good drinks" brief — because not everything has to be tacos — Liholiho Yacht Club and Good Good Culture Club both deliver on the vibes-plus-quality equation and can handle various dietary situations without making it weird.

And since you're in Telegraph Hill, you're a stone's throw from the Ferry Building. Swing by Mariposa Baking Company for pastries the morning after. You'll thank us when you're recovering from those margaritas.

Here's our unsolicited fiscal advice: the Mission still offers some of the best value-for-quality dining in the city. You don't need to drop $80 a head to eat incredibly well in San Francisco. The entrepreneurs running these kitchens — many of them small, family-connected operations — are doing more for this city's culture than any municipal program ever could.

Go spend your money where it actually supports people doing great work. That's a girls' night we can get behind.