Cantina in Mexico City / La Flor de Valencia, a traditional cantina in Mixcoac
An iconic cantina with a slightly gloomy atmosphere, but very good food.
By Alejandro Pohlenz
I don't know if the origin of this "real cantina" in the Mixcoac neighborhood, on Revolución avenue, is actually Valencian (although they serve paella on Saturdays). We had talked a bit about Valencian food in another Food Police article. I have already referred to some restaurants that had been produced by Spanish immigrants fleeing the civil war in the 30s and 40s: I don't know if this is the case or why it was named "La Flor de Valencia" (The Flower of Valencia). Valencia, by the way, is a splendid city on the Mediterranean that presents us with two faces: one, that of the old city in the center (very touristy) and, another, that of the beautiful beach area with its fabulous hotels and restaurants, boiling with activity especially for students.
Cantinas in Mexico City
La Flor de Valencia is, I was saying, traditional, not only because of the furniture: a classic dark wood bar and square tables with bottle holders on the legs and its waiters with white shirts, but also because of the fact that, after three drinks, you are entitled to a botana (snack).
However, there is also à la carte service: you know, milanesa, pig's trotters in vinaigrette, chistorra with cheese (highly praised by customers), kidneys in sherry, Spanish tortilla, sweetbreads, fish fillet, mojarra , shrimp, criadillas al mojo de ajo, filet mignon, arrachera, pierna albañil (I don't know how that one goes), breaded breast, golden tacos and, of course, all kinds of tortas.
It is said that it is a place "to enjoy with friends", but what is most commented on (and photographed) are the snails. It is a delicacy that everyone talks about, but that you can only appreciate on Thursdays.
- What we love and you should try: chistorra with cheese.
- What we don't like so much: criadillas (bull testicles).
- Food Police insider advise: on Fridays, peak attendance between 4 and 5... will it be "Godínez time"? (Godínez time refers to the time when office workers finish their workday and go out for drinks)
- Address: Av. Revolución 1011, Mixcoac, CDMX
- Hours and days of operation: Monday to Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Closed Sundays.
- Ideal for: drinking and snacking.
- Payment: cash and cards. Accessibility: no.
- Parking: Valet parking ($20).
- Reservations: no.
- Phone: 55 5563 5904
- Nearby public transportation: Mixcoac Metro.
- Pet Friendly: no.
- Suitable to go with children: no.
- Vegan options: no.
