The Centro's cantinas have been hearing appeals since Porfirio Díaz. Botanas with your drinks, dominoes optional, mariachis at the end. Court convenes at La Ópera.
- 1 · The Cold Open
La Ópera
Gilded ceilings since 1876, with a bullet hole upstairs that the house attributes to Pancho Villa and no one has dared repair. Tequila, botanas, brass and velvet. Aim higher than the general did.
est. 1876 · afternoon · verified Jul 2026
- 2 · The Detour
Bar Mancera
A gentlemen's cantina from 1912 preserved mid-century, dominoes clacking under chandeliers. Order a paloma and watch retired lawyers settle old scores at two pesos a point.
est. 1912 · late afternoon · verified Jul 2026
- 3 · The Anchor
Café de Tacuba
Feeding the Centro since 1912 under tiles and oil paintings: enchiladas, tamales, hot chocolate thick enough to plead the fifth. The nuns' recipes outlived every government since.
est. 1912 · dinner · verified Jul 2026
- 4 · The Wildcard
La Faena
A cavernous bullfighters' cantina hung with suits of lights and taxidermy that watches you drink. Caguamas at family prices in a room built for matadors' nerves. Nowhere else like it on the continent.
the bullfighters' hall · night · verified Jul 2026
- 5 · The Last Call
Salón Tenampa
Plaza Garibaldi's mother church since 1925, murals of the great charros, mariachis working the tables. Pay for one song you know and one you do not. Then a cab home, singing. Final appeal granted.
est. 1925 · till the mariachis rest · verified Jul 2026