Cantinas in Mexico City / Cantina New York, in Guerrero neighborhood
Despite the "graveyard-like" exterior, Cantina Nueva York offers good drinks and snacks, plus a cheeky mural not suitable for Americans.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
The very brave Guerrero neighborhood was one of the first 19th-century neighborhoods in downtown Mexico City. Originally it was called the Buenavista and San Fernando neighborhood, and it has existed since President Lerdo de Tejada ordered the expansion of Paseo de la Reforma in 1873. For those who don't know, it is located west of said avenue, on the other side of Tepito.
Regarding the cantina that concerns us today, something is said that also made me laugh out loud (I hope you do too): "cantina like in New York, but in Guerrero." (There is a cantina that I know on 345 E 6th Street in the Big Apple that has nothing to do with it: it is much more fresa). This one, the one in CDMX, is next to the Martínez de la Torre market and its facade could completely discourage you from entering. Everything is quite ramshackle.
However, the most surprising thing about this little cantina, in addition to its Saturday chamorro (pork shank) and its quiet atmosphere, is a mural of New York City. The style is naive and exhibits the Statue of Liberty, King Kong (the one from the movies that climbed the Empire State Building), but also, chillingly, the Twin Towers with their smoke and their Picasso-style plane. The first recommendation is not to invite any gringo, of course. Below the irreverent mural there is a phrase that I reproduce with all due respect: "I didn't know what to wear and I got drunk."
We had impeccable attention (despite a complaint I read about the "behavior" of certain waitresses... what would they have meant?). With three drinks, you already have the right to the botana (snack) and the recommendation is the aforementioned Saturday chamorro. People 50 years of age or older and some typically urban characters such as the shoe shiner and the occasional neighborhood guitarist generally attend. There is a jukebox and, as one user said: "it is excellent for drinking together."
- What we love and you should try: the chamorro.
- Address: Calle Soto 217, colonia Guerrero, CDMX. (Almost corner with Degollado).
- Hours and days of operation: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Closed Sundays.
- Ideal for: drinking and snacking
- Payment: cash and cards.
- Accessibility: yes.
- Parking: no.
- Reservations: no
- Phone: 55 2132 1218
- Nearby public transportation: Guerrero Metro.
- Pet Friendly: no.
- Suitable to go with children: no.
- Vegan options: no.
