Cantinas in Mexico City / Salón Puebla: Diplomats and Paella
Salón Puebla Cantina (free snacks) in Santa María La Ribera resists the passage of time, like any traditional cantina. Its sangrita and neatly lined-up "caballito" witness its paella in northern Mexico City.
Photos courtesy of: Social Media Salón Puebla
In 1859, the Santa María ranch was divided. It was the only thing left of the old Teja Hacienda, very close to San Cosme Avenue. The Santa María La Ribera neighborhood began its journey into the history of Mexico City, where neighbors would see Gerardo Murillo (Dr. Atl) and Amado Nervo walking its streets.
Located at Fresno Street number 246, corner of Eligio Ancona, Salón Puebla cantina has stood unbeaten for countless decades. Gone are the times when the tramway shook the earth with its heavy rails, vibrating the patrons inside. Founded in 1943, during World War II and the presidency of Mexico's last military president, General Manuel Ávila Camacho, Salón Puebla has witnessed the evolution of its neighborhood and the now disappeared Federal District. Its tables have witnessed countless meetings of Mexican foreign service members who frequented the cantina for chess games, when the central headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was nearby.
What do they sell at the cantina?
Protocol dictates that today's snack options are written on a piece of paper: shrimp broth, seafood soup, mushroom quesadillas, pig's feet, grilled meat. With three drinks or four beers, it's on the house. If you're thirsty, you won't pay for the food. But I'm inclined towards a tempting dish that caught my eye: egg and chorizo torta, straight to the heart and to the memory of taste. The semicircular bar gives it a distinct touch, and the wise, aged bartender stands like a pirate observing his destiny, his horizon, his ocean. The table next to us savors their Valencian paella, because they say it's one of the best around. Our waiter informs us that there's a buffet on Saturdays, so I'll have to come back. The season for chiles en nogada is approaching. The waiter says it proudly, with a smile that invites curiosity. Salón Puebla cantina fulfills its mission. A witness to the passage of time, a accomplice to the charm of appetite, and undoubtedly, a guardian of eternal Santa María La Ribera.
- Address: Fresno 246 corner Eligio Ancona, Colonia Santa María La Ribera
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 12:45 pm to 10:00 pm
- Ideal for: Lunch, Dinner
- Type of cuisine: Mexican and Spanish
- Payment: Cash and cards
- Accessibility: Yes
- Parking: Valet service available
- Reservations: Recommended on Fridays and Saturdays
- Contacto info: 55 2630 1453
- Nearby Public Transport: San Cosme Metro, Normal Metro
- Pet friendly: No
- Suitable for children: No
- Vegan options: No
