Cantina La Mascota

Washington, DC is a happy hour kind of town.  Meet people at a bar, drink your $4 rail and $3 beer, and then spend the next 2 hours going off about your government or non-profit job. It's not a socializing culture that interests me. I'm not a drinker and I'd rather socialize on the dancefloor.  Sometimes I can have an amazing time at a bar but those moments are far and few between and it really depends on the amigX I am with.  But there is something about cantinas in Mexico City that get me in that good mood.  Multi-generational...folx playing games, others yelling without care about sports, family, politics, sex and it all seems borderline playful and serious. 

My favorite cantina is La Mascota--located in the Centro Historico. I only went one time--with Chuya and M. It was awesome.  They give you free appetizers (aka las botanas)  as long as you buy 3 drinks.  And for your listening pleasure a small cover band hits you with classic rock and Beatles covers. Below is the list of las botanas I had that day.  Que rico!!

1. Caldo "Tlalpeño"
2. Tostadas de Picadillo
3. Paella a la "valenciana"
4. Espinazo de Cerdo con verdolagas
5. Suadero en Salsa Morita
6. Mojarra Frita con Ensalada
7. Rollitos de Jamon

Cantina La Mascota
Mesones, 20 at Bolivar
Centro Historico
Mexico City, Mexico
7 days a week