Cantinas in Mexico City / Cantina La Campana: A trusted classic near Televisa Chapultepec
A timeworn cantina, steeped in history, that's approaching its 100th anniversary.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
We have already published some articles and videos about cantinas in Mexico City. There are all colors and flavors, although, in most, the tradition is to offer you botanas (snacks) so that the alcohol doesn't hit you so hard. This botana is generally a complete meal (some even offer 3 courses). There are about 1,200 cantinas in this great city (not counting those that operate clandestinely). By the way, the word cantina is derived from Italian. It means "wine cellar, warehouse or vault".
One of the oldest cantinas in the city
Today it is our turn to talk about an ancestral cantina. It was founded in 1925, eight years after the promulgation of the 1917 Constitution, and has withstood earthquakes and pandemics. It is located very close to Televisa Chapultepec, where I began my sinuous career in television melodramas (precisely the year of the earthquake). Well: this very old cantina, as is customary, grants you the "botana" (which is a plentiful meal) when you consume drinks. In addition, it has some wild promotions: for example, a liter of mojitos or azulitos (vodka, curacao and some blue energy drink, lemon-flavored soda and can be adorned with gummies, chamoy or chili) or a 1.2 liter bottle of beer for 80 pesos!
What's to eat at La Campana?
The menu includes carnitas tacos, mole, chiles rellenos and homemade stews, and changes every day. La Campana is a pleasant, serene place: in fact, if no one programs the jukebox, thank God, there are no loud noises and you can have a conversation. Although this cantina, which will be 100 years old, presents live music, for example, on its "bohemian nights", on Fridays, with the singer Andrea. Here, unlimited popcorn and tortilla chips with refried beans are added to the promotion. Get ready to see Televisa employees singing their lungs out on Fridays at this down-market cantina.
- Address: Av. Dr. Río de la Loza 103, Centro, CDMX.
- Hours and days of operation: Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Thursday, 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Sunday 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday from 12:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: drinks and botanas.
- Payment: cash.
- Accessibility: yes.
- Parking: no.
- Reservations: no.
- Nearby public transportation: Metro Cuauhtémoc.
- Pet Friendly: no.
- Suitable to go with children: no.
- Vegan options: no.
