1st posted this report in October of 2010.... I keep adding to this list - keep 'em coming!
Local friends introduced me to some cantinas that welcome women and serve
botanas or snacks. Order a cold beer (or soda) and you're in.
- El Fish on the corner of 8 North and 10
- Fisherman's Coop on 5 near the cemetery
- El Pioline on the corner of 3 South and 15
- Las Boyas just up the block on 3 from El Pioline
- El Gato Negro on 6 North near 20th.
- Recuerdo is on the corner of 45 (or so) and Juarez, north side of the street.
- La Yucatequita. On 10, about 2 blocks north of Chedraui on the east side of the street. Look for a short palapa overhang.
- Las Tortugas - (the one owned by Adrian's brother) is on 30th close to 21.
- El Cozumeleño - directly behind the San Francisco Market on 30th & Juarez. Not sure of the name of this one (it's on 25th) but has a very nice manager, Don Manual, and has 2 rooms = one for the men so they could be rowdy together and one for "families" i.e. the ladies or mixed company.
- Chendos on 40 or 45 (cross street?)
- La Jungla on 50th (cross street?)
If it says "familiar" on the front women are welcome. I was surprised at the number of local ladies I saw in these places... girlfriends going out to chat and have a beer. It's not just us shameless Americanas.
There are many, many others. Las Boyas and El Gato Negro had live bands. They are noisy and fun and make for some great people watching. Usually the snacks start around 1 or 2 and go till 5-ish. The World Cup games were going on (2010) and at times these places were jammed.
The botanas were welcome and intriguing. They included sliced cucumbers, mini sausages and other meats, refried beans & chips, conch ceviche, fish ceviche, spicy potatoes, nachos & salsa, chicken wings,
papadzules - a pumpkin seed dip, a fish, green pea & mayo dish and once a plate of enchiladas. Served with toothpicks for a bite-sized bite. The more beer you order, the more food shows up. The bottles are usually left on the table for the final tally.