Mezcal is poured in a small glass and served neat—no ice, no chaser except the provided tacos. The mezcal brings the terroir of the region where it was made, smoky and complex. Ordering a shot means getting food with it, making it one of the best drinking bargains in the city.
Tips from diners
Ask the bartender about the origin—different regions have distinct flavor profiles.
Sip slowly and let the mezcal warm your mouth—don't shoot it back.
Corn tortillas are filled with shredded meat, rolled tightly, and fried until golden and crispy. Served topped with sour cream, lettuce, tomato, and a dusting of cotija cheese. They're meant to be eaten quickly while hot and crispy. At La Faena, they come free with mezcal shots—a reward for drinking.
Tips from diners
Order mezcal and the tacos dorados arrive—it's the classic pairing.
Eat these immediately—they lose their crispness within minutes.
A cold bottle of beer—typically a light Mexican lager like Tecate or Modelo—is served so cold it's almost frozen. It comes with three tacos and lime wedges. It's the working-person's meal at La Faena—cheap, filling, and authentic. The offering costs very little and is meant to encourage you to stay and drink.
Tips from diners
This is the best drink value in the Centro—a cold beer and tacos for the price of just beer elsewhere.
Corn tortillas are filled with fresh squash blossoms, melted cheese (usually Oaxaca string cheese), and epazote—an herb that gives a peppery, slightly gasoline-like quality essential to Mexican cooking. Griddled until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese melts. A seasonal Mexican favorite.
Tips from diners
If squash blossoms are in season, order this—it's seasonal and special.
A shared plate of various bar snacks: sliced cured meats, crispy pork skin (chicharrón), queso fresco, olives, pickled vegetables, and fresh bread. It's meant for sharing and complements drinking—the salty, rich flavors call for more beer or mezcal. A traditional cantina offering.
Tips from diners
Order this to share with friends—great for grazing while drinking.
La Faena is a legendary cantina in Mexico City's historic center near the Zócalo, famous for its zany vintage bullfighting decor—matador outfits encased in glass and memorabilia covering the walls. It's a place that feels like a time machine to old Mexico, where mezcal shots come with complimentary tacos dorados and cheap beer comes with three tacos. The atmosphere is lively, nostalgic, and purely Mexican—ideal for experiencing cantina culture.
The bullfighting memorabilia and vintage décor tell stories—ask the bartender about the matador outfits.
Friday and Saturday nights are wildly lively—come early or expect crowds and loud music.
Located near the Zócalo and Palacio Nacional—ideal stop after exploring historic sights.
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