As the birthplace of Mexico’s national spirit, the town of Tequila in western Mexico is the perfect place to unwind with a drink. Whether you are looking for a shot with lime and salt, or a margarita cocktail, these are the best bars and cantinas to check out in this iconic Mexican town.
The oldest cantina in Tequila, La Capilla (The Chapel) is a legendary institution that has been a regular feature on the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars. So-called because patrons walk in on their feet but soon fall to their knees, La Capilla has a raucous but welcoming atmosphere and a range of inexpensive drinks. Make sure to sample La Capilla’s signature drink – La Batanga – a tequila, lime and coke cocktail.
Inaugurated a little over a year ago, La Cata is the place to head if you’re a serious tequila connoisseur, or if you’re interested in becoming one. Just a short walk from Cuervo’s distillery, the tequila tasting room boasts a vast selection of Mexican spirits. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about tequila, so make sure to ask for recommendations.
One of Tequila’s liveliest bars, Destilados has a neon-lit interior and a sizeable selection of drinks. A popular place for visitors who have over-indulged on one of Tequila’s many distillery tours, Destilados has the liveliest and most inebriated clientele on this list. The venue also offers karaoke nights on Fridays and Sundays. A great choice if you’re out to make friends.
This trendy hangout is never too far from the top of any local hipster’s recommendation list. The stylish but welcoming joint hosts great live music events and is known for its incredible cocktails. A mid-sized establishment, but with a loyal base of regulars, it’s worth heading to Bar Quiote early because it does fill quickly.
Around a 12 minute walk from the cathedral, La Palapita is a charming bar and grill with an extensive seafood menu and drinks list. Although many people come just to drink, the menu boasts excellent fish, shrimp and octopus tostadas and tacos. There are also live music performances on weekends. We would highly recommend the micheladas – spicy cocktails made with beer, lime juice, Maggi seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
If you are looking to eat as well as drink, the Restaurante Bar La Jima is your best option. This spacious and rustic cantina offers excellent Mexican cuisine, as well as efficient and friendly service. When you order a drink you’ll be given botanas (snacks) with delicious guacamole. The beautiful, tranquil garden patio is a great place to unwind after a hard day of touring local tequila distilleries.
Around 15 minutes’ drive from Tequila city center, this famed establishment is one of the best places in the country to order cantaritos – clay pots filled with a potent cocktail of tequila and fruit juices. Since 1997, Cantaritos el Güero has been serving the traditional drink to thirsty visitors. Overlooking rolling hills lined with rows of blue agave, you’d be hard pressed to find a more beautiful setting to enjoy a tequila cocktail.
One of the city’s friendliest bars, what Catrina Cantina lacks in size it makes up for in personality. Part dive bar, part traditional cantina, the walls of the venue are decorated with licence plates, a deer head bust and of course, plenty of catrinas – the elegantly depicted skeletons so popular in Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. The colourful little cantina boasts an extensive tequila selection, as well as some of the liveliest and most inebriated clientele in town.