What is owa and why should I care about it?
Owa is a speakeasy in Roma Norte, known for its creative cocktails and intimate atmosphere. It sits above the restaurant Tencüi, and you need a reservation or to know someone to get in. If you want a pretentious, performative cocktail, you'll find it here – just don't expect a real bar experience.
What locals actually do
Locals know Owa as the kind of place you go to once to see what the hype is about, then never again. The drinks are fine, but the real draw for a certain set is the exclusivity and the Instagram potential. We'd rather grab a classic martini at Handshake, or a proper mezcal at Tlecan for a fraction of the price and none of the fuss. It's a curiosity, not a staple.
Go to Owa once for the novelty, have one experimental cocktail, then head to a proper bar like Baltra for a well-made drink without the pretense.
Practical notes
- 01You seriously need a reservation, often weeks in advance. Don't just show up.
- 02It's located above Tencüi, on Guanajuato 120. Look for the discreet entrance.
- 03Expect prices for cocktails to be around 300-400 MXN – it's not cheap.
Good to know
- ✗Thinking you can walk in on a Friday night without a reservation.
- ✗Expecting a lively, casual bar atmosphere; it's much more subdued.
- ✗Believing the hype means it's the 'best' cocktail bar in the city.