La Mezcalteca

La Mezcalteca is the place downtown to drink mezcal properly rather than as a novelty shot. It sits on Calle Adolfo Rosado Salas at 10a Avenida, a few blocks inland from the waterfront.

What To Expect

A small mezcalería and kitchen with indoor and street-side seating. The bar is built around agave spirits — mezcal poured neat with orange and sal de gusano, plus cocktails — and the food is straightforward Mexican, with chiles rellenos among the dishes regulars single out. It opens at 15:00 and runs to 1:00, so it suits an early evening drink that turns into dinner, and stays calmer than the plaza bars.

Good To Know

Open Monday to Saturday 15:00 to 1:00; closed Sunday. Mid-range prices. Credit cards accepted, free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, takeout and street parking. It is around three blocks inland from Avenida Melgar and an easy walk from anywhere in Centro, but note it does not open until mid-afternoon — no good if you want somewhere for a post-morning-dive lunch.

Getting There

From the waterfront, walk inland along Calle Adolfo Rosado Salas to the corner of 10a Avenida; the bar is at number 198. It is about ten minutes on foot from the ferry pier and a short taxi ride from the southern hotel zone.