Tlecan Mezcaleria Mexico City Scores Top 10 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024

Tlecān, a standout bar located in Mexico City, has recently garnered recognition by securing the number 10 spot on the prestigious list of North America’s 50 Best Bars for 2024. This notable achievement highlights Tlecān’s unique approach to mezcal, an integral aspect of Mexican cultural heritage.

I took a trip to Roma Norte in Mexico City for myself to check it out for myself, The Coolest Mezcaleria in CDMX – Tlecan Mezcaleria in Roma Norte, and give you an inside look.

Situated in a region renowned for its mezcalería scene, Tlecān offers a compelling mix of tradition and innovation. The bar is named after the Náhuatl word for “place of fire,” reflecting its vibrant and dynamic essence. This theme is emphasized through its decor, prominently featuring the iconic Disc of the Death clay sculpture—a nod to Prehispanic culture—overlooking the bar’s interior.

Under the leadership of former Pujol’s beverage director Eli Martínez, Tlecān has crafted a drink menu that delves deep into the soul of agave. Patrons can explore a wide array of artisanal agave distillates sourced from small producers across Mexico. The bar offers these distillates neat or incorporated into meticulously crafted cocktails. Signature drinks include the Paloma Blanca—comprising carbonated clarified grapefruit juice, mezcal, lime, and grapefruit salt—and the Tascalate Sour, which is inspired by an ancient Mexican beverage made from cacao, achiote, and corn from Chiapas.

Tlecān’s focus on celebrating Mexican archetypes with pride, coupled with a passion for excellent service, has resonated well within the cocktail community, earning it its distinguished spot on the 50 Best list. This recognition is not just a testament to the quality of its offerings but also to its role in shaping a more cosmopolitan vision within Mexico City’s cocktail landscape while staying true to its roots.

An interview with Tlecan’s founder Bernardo Serna and mezcal curator Diego Garcia.