Traditional Cantinas in Mexico City: Food, Drinks, and Football Culture

Mexico City’s cantinas are more than just watering holes – they’re lively cultural institutions where food, drink, and community come together. Steeped in history, cantinas have long been the place where friends gather after work, families celebrate, and football fans cheer on their favourite teams. With the World Cup heading to CDMX next year, there’s no better time to dive into this side of the city’s culinary culture.

What Makes a Cantina Special?

Cantinas in Mexico City are not like your standard pub. Here, a round of drinks almost always comes with food – sometimes simple botanas (snacks like peanuts, guacamole, or chicharrón), and in many cases, full plates of regional dishes. Order another drink, and you’ll often be served another round of food, creating an experience where you can settle in for the evening without needing a menu.

The atmosphere is typically boisterous yet welcoming. Think mariachi or norteño music playing in the background, clinking glasses, animated conversations, and of course, football matches on the TV.

Classic Cantinas to Try in Mexico City

• La Opera Bar (Centro Histórico)
  One of the most iconic cantinas in the city, famous for its ornate interior and bullet hole in the ceiling (legend has it Pancho Villa fired his pistol here). The food is classic Mexican – enchiladas, chiles en nogada in season, and plenty of snacks to accompany your drinks.
  
• Salón Corona (Centro Histórico)
  A long-standing favourite for both locals and visitors. Known for its tacos and cold beer, this cantina has multiple locations and is always buzzing on match days.
  
• Cantina Tío Pepe (Centro Histórico)
  Dating back to the 19th century, this is one of the oldest cantinas in CDMX. It’s a place full of character, with dark wooden interiors, a long bar, and traditional dishes like pozole and tacos de cochinita.
  
• Cantina Montejo (Roma Norte)
  For a taste of Yucatán in Mexico City, Cantina Montejo offers botanas like panuchos and salbutes alongside refreshing beers and cocktails. A slightly more modern vibe, but still rooted in tradition.
  

Cantinas and Football

It’s no exaggeration to say cantinas are woven into Mexico’s football culture. On match days, they fill with fans wearing their team’s colours, sharing plates of food, clinking glasses, and shouting at the TV. With the World Cup coming to CDMX, cantinas will undoubtedly become gathering points for locals and visitors alike – the perfect setting to experience the city’s passion for both food and football.

Experience Cantinas with a Local Touch

Visiting a cantina is a must if you want to get under the skin of Mexico City. It’s about more than eating and drinking – it’s about being part of the energy of the place. And with so many cantinas to choose from, having a local guide to lead the way can make all the difference.

That’s where we come in. At Mexican Food Tours, we’ll take you beyond the tourist trail to explore cantinas that combine history, food, and atmosphere – the perfect mix for an unforgettable evening in Mexico City.

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