Cantina Crawl: La Ópera Bar

It’s rumored that the bullet hole in the tin ceiling of La Ópera was left behind by Pancho Villa. Opened in 1876, La Ópera is a traditional 19th century Mexican cantina with a long bar, tall dark-wood booths, linen-covered tables, tiled floors, gilded baroque ceilings, lace and red velvet. Frosted windows help to keep the bright sunlight out and the atmosphere inside La Ópera is truly unique. Mirrors and oil paintings adorn the walls, chandeliers hang from the ceiling and waiters in jackets and suits tend to well-dressed customers.

Restaurant Bar La Ópera, Mexico City

One of the most famous bars in Mexico City, tourists and locals alike visit La Ópera to take in the elegant atmosphere and admire the décor. The service at La Ópera often receives mixed reviews. Some people praise La Ópera while others claim that at times the waiters appear to cater to regulars at the expense of newcomers. Service is likely to be best during lunch hours or later in the evening.

The cantina offers a good Mexican and Spanish-inspired menu with a variety of dishes. Menu items include Spanish tapas and Veracruz-style red snapper served with tomatoes and olives. Drinks at La Ópera Bar are excellent and prices are reasonable.  Occasionally there is live music at the cantina. La Ópera’s central location makes it a great place to relax with a drink when visiting the city’s top attractions.

La Ópera Bar (map) is located three blocks east of La Alameda on Cinco de Mayo 10 in the historic center of Mexico City. The bar is open from 1pm until midnight Monday through Saturday and from 1pm until 6pm on Sunday. The closest Metro stations are Allende and Bellas Artes.

Photo Credit: Laura Nazimiec