10 Classic Mexico City Cantinas to Drink Like a Local
Mexico City cantinas are more than just bars—they’re a window into the city’s history, culture, and everyday life. Step inside, and you might find yourself in a dimly lit room filled with vintage photographs, a lively bar where mariachi music never stops, or a cantina that’s been pouring drinks for over a century.
This guide takes you to some of the city’s most traditional cantinas in Mexico City, many of which have been in business for more than 100 years. If you’re new to the cantina scene, I’ll also share tips to make the most of your visit, whether you’re going solo, with friends, or joining a cantina tour in Mexico City.
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About Cantinas in Mexico
You’ve probably heard that a cantina will serve you free snacks, called botanas, with each round of drinks. While that can be true, I’ve never found a place that has as strong a snack game as the cantinas in Cozumel, where I lived for several years.
Many of these Mexico City cantinas only serve botanas with the second or third round. And even then it may be a light snack, such as cucumbers with tajin. If you’re looking for more food, you’ll need to order from the menu or ask about a menu del dia.
A quick note – On my many trips to Mexico City, I’ve sought out authentic cantinas where time seems to stand still. That’s why you won’t find La Peninsula on this list. It’s one of the oldest cantinas in Mexico City, but the newly renovated space felt like any other bar in the city.
1. Cantina Salón España
📍 Centro
When I arrived at this lively cantina a few days before Christmas in the city, a guitar player welcomed me to sit at one of the few open tables.
Cantina Salón España consists of two rooms downstairs. Above the bar hangs an old image of the zócalo, looking at the cathedral with trees in the foreground. And in the back, the room is full of bullfighting photos and memorabilia.
The menu includes nearly 200 different tequilas which can be served straight or with your choice of refresco (coca cola, agua mineral, etc). The menu also includes vodka, whiskey, and rum.
The botanas are served when you order your second drink or third beer. And they lean a bit Spanish – stuffed olives, sardines, etc. The chalkboard to the right of the bar advertises the menu of the day which includes soup, a main dish, and drink for under 150 pesos.
2. Tío Pepe Cantina
When my friends and I navigated through Mexico City’s Chinatown one afternoon to this iconic cantina, we were lucky enough to find an empty booth to sit.
But I’d be just as happy standing at the wooden bar which features a gorgeous stained glass piece above the bottles of liquor.
Since 1869, Tío Pepe has been serving patrons in the city looking to wind down with a cocktail or beer. And the margarita I ordered was pretty good!
3. Bar La Opera
📍 Centro
The first time I passed by this bar in Mexico City, its opulent interior stopped me in my tracks. I wasn’t sure if it would be considered a cantina. But after learning about its history and variety of former patrons, I’d classify it as so.
Since its opening in 1895, the client list of this elegant bar includes famous historical figures such as Porfirio Diaz, Carlos Fuentes, Octavio Paz, and nearly all the presidents of Mexico. But perhaps the most notorious is Pancho Villa who fired his pistol and embedded a bullet in the ceiling during the Mexican Revolution.
The menu includes a long list of cocktails as well as liquors you can order by the shot. I decided on a margarita which was deliciously balanced and fairly priced. And my first drink was served with a snack of black beans and chips.
4. La Faena
📍 Centro
While only opened in 1959, La Faena is one of the most visually interesting cantinas in Mexico City. Gorgeous chandeliers hang from the ceilings which are adorned with ornate moldings. And large artwork depicting the world of bullfighting hangs on the walls, creating a space that’s as much a museum as it is a watering hole.
La Faena has a laid-back, almost theatrical atmosphere, where the golden age of bullfighting lingers in the air. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or not, the setting alone makes it worth a visit. Grab a seat, sip a tequila or cerveza, and take in a piece of Mexico City’s cantina history.
Cantina Tour Mexico City
While you can easily explore these traditional cantinas on your own, going with a local guide adds a layer of depth, especially if you want to understand the history behind the city’s vibrant culture and history.
I’ve included two cantina tours in Mexico City that provide distinct experiences depending on your interests.
Cantina Tour With Historical Insights – Sip on drinks at some of the most traditional cantinas in Mexico City while your guide shares historical anecdotes. This small-group experience allows you to fully appreciate the ambiance of each cantina.
Cantinas and Mariachi – Traditional cantina tour in Mexico City, including the iconic Salón Tenampa in Plaza Garibaldi – a quintessential Mexican experience.
5. Salón Tenampa
Located in Plaza Garibaldi, the heart of Mexico City’s mariachi scene, this iconic cantina offers an authentic cultural experience. Open since 1925, Salón Tenampa is one of the most well known mariachi bars in Mexico City.
Its colorful wall murals depicting legendary mariachi musicians celebrates the country’s musical heritage. As you sip cocktails and beers, mariachi bands move from table to table, serenading guests with traditional songs for a fee.
While the cantina’s popularity has grown over the years, attracting both locals and tourists, it’s an experience that can’t be missed. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Salón Tenampa offers an authentic slice of Mexican culture.
Tip – Plaza Garibaldi has a reputation for being unsafe. And I think that’s true if you’re walking around drunk or in the middle of the night. I recommend being mindful of your surroundings and how much you drink. It’s best to take an Uber there and back to avoid walking around the surrounding neighborhood.
If you can, make time to visit the Tequila and Mezcal Museum located in Plaza Garibaldi before going to Salón Tenampa. I highly recommend that you buy tickets that include a tasting before you go because you can’t book the tasting when you arrive.
Love Mexican culture? Check out these Lucha Libre tours in Mexico City
6. Cantina La Dominica
📍 Centro
La Dominica has all the classic vibes you want in a traditional cantina. The mint green walls are decorated with old scenes from Mexico. The bar is lined with three shelves of bottles of liquor, although most of the patrons drink beer.
And you can tell good times have been had here if not only for the sign behind the bar that reads, “No confunda la amistad con el negocio.” (Don’t confuse friendship with business.)
When I stopped by on a Saturday afternoon, two guitar players were taking turns, which definitely added to the ambiance.
7. Cantina La Potosina
📍 Centro
This is a no frills cantina in Mexico City centro. They serve a simple botana with the first round and a more filling botana (think taco de guisado, ceviche, or chicharrones en salsa verde) with the second round.
Open since 1890, Cantina La Potosina is a nice break from this super busy area of downtown Mexico City. It’s also close to some of my favorite murals by Diego Rivera and others of the Mexican Muralist Movement.
While I felt safe walking around the streets of this area, it’s very crowded. I also wouldn’t feel as comfortable here after dark.
Want to explore more of CDMX? You’ll want to read about my favorite rooftop bars in Mexico City too.
8. Cantina El Centenario
Established in 1948, Cantina El Centenario is a neighborhood favorite tucked away in the Condesa neighborhood. This is another Mexico City cantina whose interior is adorned with bullfighting memorabilia, including a prominent bull’s head mounted on the wall.
El Centenario is known for its selection of tequila and other liquors. With the purchase of three drinks, guests are treated to complimentary botanas (snacks) such as pork adobada or you can order from the menu.
And they often have live music on the weekends, including mariachi, norteña, and trío performances. Cantina El Centenario offers an authentic glimpse into Mexico City’s cantina tradition.
9. Villa de Sarria
This tiny bar in Roma has been serving patrons for decades. Cervecería, cantina, hole in the wall bar – whatever you want to label it, I found the people at Villa de Sarria to be incredibly welcoming.
I was barely into my first sips of beer when I was offered a plate of chicken en adobo with rice. And that is the distinction of a good cantina.
The second indication that Villa de Sarria is a top cantina is the decor on the walls. It’s a mix of memorabilia and old photos of patrons enjoying the bar, with a few risque photos thrown on the mix. If you’re looking for a cantina in Roma Norte, it’s the most traditional one I found in the area.
10. La Jalisciense
📍 Tlalpan
Established in 1870, La Jalisciense is a traditional cantina located in Tlalpan, a neighborhood along the city’s southern edge. This Mexico City cantina is most well-known for its tortas de bacalao (salted cod tortas).
The drink menu features cocktails and beer, plus dozens of tequilas and other liquors. On Fridays and Saturdays the atmosphere becomes more lively with mariachi bands and a food menu that expands to include paella.
Given its location, La Jalisciense is an excellent addition to a day spent exploring the murals at UNAM – Mexico’s oldest university. After immersing yourself in art and culture, unwinding at this historic cantina offers an authentic taste of Mexico City’s enduring cantina tradition.
Tips for Visiting Mexico City Cantinas
- Go in the late afternoon – Many locals arrive in the mid to late afternoon. At this time the vibe is typically more relaxed but lively.
- Bring cash – Some traditional cantinas in Mexico City are cash-only, so it’s best to have pesos on hand.
- Don’t expect craft cocktails – Most cantinas focus on beer, tequila, mezcal, and simple mixed drinks.
- Don’t expect free botanas right away – Many Mexico City cantinas serve complimentary snacks, but usually with your second or third drink.
- Pace yourself – Cantinas are meant for socializing. Take your time, enjoy the drinks, and soak in the history.
Final Thoughts About Mexico City Cantinas
Mexico City cantinas aren’t just places to grab a drink—they’re living pieces of history where tradition, culture, and community come together. Whether you step into a neighborhood spot where locals have gathered for decades or an old-school cantina decorated with bullfighting memorabilia, each one offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past and present.
Mexico City’s cantina culture is best enjoyed with an open mind, a bit of curiosity, and maybe a shot of mezcal or tequila. It’s not about finding the best cantina, but about embracing the atmosphere, the people, and the stories you’ll encounter when you visit.
