Where should I start for great mezcal in CDMX?
Bósforo in Centro Histórico. It's not a bar, it's a mezcalería – focus on the spirit, not cocktails. Skip the flashy places in Roma; they prioritize atmosphere over the drink itself. This is where you learn what mezcal actually is.
What locals actually do
Locals at Bósforo talk to the bartender, who is effectively a mezcal sommelier. You don't ask for a 'mezcal cocktail' here; you ask for a specific agave varietal or a producer from a region, or you describe what you like and they guide you. Tourists often try to treat it like a regular bar, missing the point entirely. Come early, around 19:00, or be prepared to stand – it fills quickly and stays that way until close.
If you only visit one mezcalería, make it Bósforo. Go at 19:00 for a seat, ask for a Tobalá, and let the bartender educate you.
Practical notes
- 01Cash is preferred here, though they do accept cards for larger tabs.
- 02It's loud; don't expect quiet conversation past 20:00, especially on weekends.
- 03Order the chapulines (grasshoppers) if you need a snack – they pair perfectly.
Good to know
- ✗Asking for a margarita or a mezcal cocktail. This is not that kind of place.
- ✗Going to Bósforo on a Friday at 22:00 expecting a quiet experience.
- ✗Trying to rush the experience; mezcal should be savored, not shot.