Guadalajara Cantinas: Three Century-Old Bars to Visit
Three century-old cantinas in Guadalajara have been highlighted by Taste Atlas, each with unique history and house drinks. From a poker game origin to a near closure, these bars offer a taste of local tradition. The post Guadalajara Cantinas: Three Century-Old Bars to Visit appeared first on The Rio Times .
Guadalajara, Mexico's second city and capital of Jalisco, is home to several century-old drinking houses known as cantinas. Three such historic cantinas, Cantina La Iberia, Cantina La Sin Rival, and Los Famosos Equipales, have been highlighted by the food website Taste Atlas. These traditional Mexican drinking establishments are known for their signature drinks, botanas (snacks), and ties to popular music and local gossip.
Cantinas generally cluster in historic centers and older neighborhoods, acting as social hubs for locals and visitors alike.
Cantina La Iberia, located at calle Alameda 9 in the El Retiro neighborhood, opened in 1877 under the name El Bosque and was won in a poker game by a group of Spaniards in 1904. The cantina's signature drink, La Batinga de Doña Chela, is a mix of tequila, vodka, aguardiente, cola, lime, and mint, served with tortas ahogadas (shrimp broth sandwiches). Cantina La Iberia is open Monday to Saturday from noon to 1am.
Cantina La Sin Rival, situated at Calzada Independencia Sur 699 on the corner of Gante, began trading in 1898. This cantina is known for its herb drinks, sangritas, and mezcal shots served with caldo de camarón (shrimp broth). Its specialities include tomato, citrus, and chilli-based chaser drinks called sangrita, and the agave spirit mezcal, which is a type of tequila. Cantina La Sin Rival does not have published opening hours as of Tuesday 25 August 2026.
Los Famosos Equipales, located at calle Juan Álvarez 704 in the Artesanos area, has been serving since 1920 and opened its doors to the public on Monday to Thursday from 10am to midnight and until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays. Its house drink, Las Nalgas Alegres, is a mix of gin, rum, red wine, lime, and orange soda. The cantina is named after the equipal, a traditional Mexican chair made of pigskin and wood.
Despite closing for 102 years in 2022, Los Famosos Equipales made a successful comeback and now claims over 104 years of living history on its website.
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