This restaurant-bar has carved out a heck of a reputation. Some know it as “La Bipo”, some as simply “La B” and some associate it with the dive bar feel of the ground level while others as more of a club because of the upstairs vibe. Either way, this Diego Luna owned staple is revered by thousands of residents of Mexico City’s south side.
The concept is of an old-school Mexican cantina but, it’s unmistakably different. The décor is both sophisticated and kitschy; phrases written on the wall, Lulú soft drink bottles doubling as salsa containers, Modelo brewery tabletops, and classic Mexican imagery like the lucha libre wrestler, El Santo, or the Virgin of Guadalupe adorn the walls.
When we think of a cantina, we think usually of tequila shots and drunken confessionals but, here the varied and original food menu can be the draw. We are partial to the hibiscus quesadillas, tecolota (tamale sandwich), or the mi jefita potatoes. The house drink is a simple cucumber water and, if you’re up for it, you can booze it up with a shot of vodka or mezcal.
The unofficial house specialty is mezcal. The dupla – a shot of mezcal with a beer, the picosito – a chili-powder rimmed glass of mezcal with pineapple-flavored Lulú, or the paris del naco – brandy with whatever flavor of Lulú you prefer. The pricing here is very affordable, which makes it a great option for a weekend session.
If you’re looking for more action, head to the terrace where the music is lively and loud and where you can find the smoking area.