Guide to Cantinas in Mexico city / Salón España, a Centennial Cantina with Plenty of Tequila, Bulls, and Snacks, Just Like in the Old Days.
Established in 1925 by Spanish refugees fleeing the conflicts of the Civil War.
By Anna Lagos / Photos courtesy Salon España
Salón España resides as a time capsule within the former university district's historic walls of the ex-Convento de la Enseñanza.
The Convent played a crucial role as one of the capital's first schools for women, achieving outstanding educational prestige. Its temple, dedicated to the Virgen del Pilar, stands today as one of the city's best-preserved Baroque churches. During the times of New Spain, this land belonged to the Old Teaching Convent, situated between the ancient streets of Cordobanes, now Donceles, and Reloj, now República de Argentina.
This place boasts an extensive menu featuring over 193 varieties of tequilas, wines, and liqueurs, complemented by daily-changing snacks. The rules here are clear: "Order 3 beers or 2 drinks or more, and we'll include the day's snack consisting of 4 servings." Each national beer costs $70 pesos. So, do the math.
Amidst walls tinted with pistachio green, this place holds a deep cultural connection with its founders. This connection becomes particularly tangible in the Salón Bardo de la Taurina, named in honor of the illustrious Mexican chronicler and benefactor of the establishment. It was this figure who donated all the photographs adorning the walls of this room, offering an iconographic journey through bullfighting. In every corner, a visual testimony of bullfighting unfolds: a bull's head, a trio of banderillas protected behind glass, and a photograph of María Félix admiring a cape. All these elements celebrate the essence of bullfighting, engraved in the memory of Salón España.
Despite its undeniable European roots, evidenced even by a section of delicacies such as sardines, olives, and abalones, the Asencio family has led this establishment for almost 50 years. It was precisely they who introduced to the menu the pride of Arandas, Jalisco: tequila. In fact, there are about 180 brands of tequila from Arandas, Jalisco.
And the most popular snacks include chamorro, paella, and pancita. Also, pozole and mole enchiladas. But you can also order à la carte: sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, soups, and even set meals. España is ideal for having a drink, listening to music, watching a game, or playing a game of dominoes.
The colonial building housing this place has its origins in the year 1752, a true gem within the architectural heritage of the Historic Center, very close to the Templo Mayor, the Porrúa bookstore, and the Antigua Escuela de Jurisprudencia. Its patrons are mainly residents and visitors of the Historic Center, as well as local and foreign tourists, who find in this place a refuge to quench their thirst and hunger.
- What we don't like as much: the snack selection is somewhat neglected in flavor and presentation.
- Location: República de Argentina 25, Historic Center, Mexico City.
- Contact info: 55 5702 1719
- Service hours: Monday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Closed on Sundays at 7:00 p.m.
- Ideal for: Eating and drinking while chatting in the dim light, as in days of yore.
- Cuisine: Mexican and Spanish.
- Payment: Cash and cards.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
- Parking: No.
- Beer price: $70
- Reservations: No.
- Nearby public transport: Metro Zócalo
- Pet friendly: No.
- Suitable for children: No.
