Where is the best mezcal bar for a first-timer in Roma Norte?
On a rainy Tuesday evening, there is no better refuge in Roma Norte than El Palenquito. This narrow, dimly lit bar on Álvaro Obregón demystifies mezcal without any pretension. The menu organizes spirits by the specific maestro mezcalero and the wild agave variety used, with pours starting around 130 MXN. Staff here act as guides, asking what flavors you usually prefer—earthy, smoky, or herbal—before bringing out small clay copitas accompanied by orange slices and worm salt.
What locals actually do
While visitors often flock to larger, louder bars in Condesa, locals treat El Palenquito as an intimate starting point for the night or a quiet spot for a deep conversation. Chilangos rarely order mezcal cocktails; we drink it neat, sipping slowly alongside a cold craft beer like a Hercules lager to cleanse the palate. You will not find industrial brands here. Instead, the owners source directly from small-scale family palenques in Oaxaca, meaning the selection changes constantly based on what has just been distilled. It is a slow-paced ritual that honors the plant.
Order a copita of Tobalá—a wild agave with a sweet, floral profile—paired with a simple plate of Oaxacan string cheese and grasshoppers.
Practical notes
- 01Find it at Avenida Álvaro Obregón 39, open Tuesday through Saturday from 18:00 until 02:00.
- 02Expect to pay between 120 MXN and 250 MXN per pour depending on the rare agave varieties.
- 03Seating is limited to a few wooden benches and stools, so aim to arrive before 20:00.
Good to know
- ✗They do not accept credit cards; make sure to bring enough cash for your tab.
- ✗Mezcal should be sipped like hot tea, never thrown back as a quick shot.
- ✗The bar closes on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your weekend itinerary accordingly.