Mezcal restaurants and bars are increasing in numbers and popularity in most major US cities. If you live in Austin, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, you probably noticed one or more Mezcal establishments pop up in your area. 

But why have these establishments become so trendy recently? Well, it was a process in the making, given that Mexican cuisine already enjoyed tremendous popularity in the US and across the globe. So many patrons were already willing to try Mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage that originates in Mexico. 

However, a series of events helped popularize Mezcal cocktails in the US. Initially, bars introduced Mezcal cocktails alongside tequila to keep the costs of these cocktails down and to make them more palatable to new customers. Yet, the creativity of innovative bartenders like Phil Ward helped skyrocket the beverage’s reputation among modern drinkers. 

In 2007, Ward created the delectable Oaxaca Old Fashioned at the trailblazing Death & Co bar in New York. The cocktail contained tequila, Mezcal, agave nectar, orange peel, and Angostura bitters, which helped give the beverage its well-balanced fruity and oaky flavor. Word quickly spread about the cocktail’s phenomenal earthy taste, and Mezcal gradually took center stage in many bars across the US.

Nowadays, Mezcal restaurants and bars offer an impressive variety of cocktails and food options carefully curated for modern tastes. These establishments often boast stylish interiors, atmospheric lighting, and eye-catching Mexican artwork or graphics. Read on to learn more about these fine establishments helping to boost your city’s culinary and bar scenes. 

Mezcalería Tobalá in Austin, Texas

Austin isn’t known for its Mezcal restaurants, but it has a hidden treasure you need to discover. Mezcalería Tobalá is a tiny, exquisitely decorated bar that fits around 20 patrons. Thus, it boasts a uniquely intimate atmosphere with a great and fun crowd enjoying many exotic spirits. 

If you’re one of those lucky patrons, you can try house favorites like Arroqueño, Madre Cuixe, and Pechugas. Feel free to ask the friendly bartenders about tastings and their recommendations if you’re unsure what to order. The bar also features live music and hosts special events and private functions.

Del Toro in Chicago, Illinois

Denizens of the Windy City know where to go for Mexican comfort food, strong tequilas, and exotic Mezcal cocktails. Del Toro has become a hotspot for hip-in-the-know Mezcal fans and families who only wish to order tasty tacos. Thus, Del Toro serves the diverse tastes of its clientele with aplomb while still retaining its formidable Latin character. 

There’s a plethora of delicious food items on the menu, with the Camaron, Del Toro Chips & Salsa, and Puerco Adobado coming highly recommended. And when you’re ready to try out the establishment’s cocktails, consider the Fresa, Mango, and Tamarindo. But don’t leave without trying out their Mezcals like Burrito Cenizo, Los Vecinos Tobala, and Lucy Pistolas. 

La Doña Mezcaleria in Denver, Colorado

La Doña Mezcaleria is one of the premier Mezcal restaurants in Denver. It comes highly recommended by locals due to its stunning rustic interiors, helpful staff, and mouth-watering Mexican dishes. Naturally, it also has a well-stocked bar that serves a wide range of Mezcal cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. 

The food menu features several Mexican delights like Lamb Flautus, Mole Oaxaca, and Portobello Mushroom Flautitas. The Mezcal drinks menu doesn’t disappoint either since it features Ensamble en Barro, Madre Cuixe, and Mexicano. And if you’re craving non-Mezcal-based cocktails, you should try out the Baya Vieja, House Margarita, and Paloma.

Las Perlas in Los Angeles, California

Do you fancy sipping a Bozal Coyote while enjoying the foundation-shaking basslines of reggaeton? If that’s your vibe, Las Perlas may soon become one of your fave Mezcal bars in the City of Angels. The bar attracts a young and hip crowd, yet it’s one of the first genuine Mezcal bars to operate in the US.

With a whopping 450 Mezcal spirits on the menu, Las Perlas is for the hardest of the hardcore Mezcal enthusiasts. Several choice drinks on the menu include Divino Maguey Tepeztate, Don Lorenzo Espadin, and Real Minero Pechuga.  

Casa Mezcal in New York City, New York

New York boasts more Mezcal restaurants and bars than any other American city. It’s also where the North American Mezcal scene took off, with Casa Mezcal widely considered as the first establishment of its kind in the US. While many patrons visit Casa Mezcal for its tasty Mexican food and exquisite margaritas, some visit specifically for its reggaeton DJ events and rooftop patio. 

Overall, it’s a well-rounded establishment that presents South American cuisine and music culture to a cosmopolitan clientele. The establishment’s food menu features faves, such as Enchiladas Mole Amarillo, Pozole Oaxaca, and Shrimp Aguachile. The happy hour drinks menu includes refreshing options like Bloody Maria, La Mula de Pedro, and Oaxacan Spritz.

Mezcalito in San Francisco, California

If you’re seeking a cozy yet stylish Mezcal restaurant and bar combo to meet friends for cocktails and guacamole, add Mezcalito to your list. It’s popular with locals and out-of-town visitors due to its phenomenal service, generous servings, and inviting atmosphere. 

Now, it’s common to balk at the prices on the menu, but food portions are large, and the quality is high. Popular food items on the menu include Avocado Mash, Carnitas Quesadilla, and the Mezcalito Burger. Popular beverages you can order here include Beso de San Felipe, Espiritu Santo, and Mezcal Negroni.

Tequila & Mezcal in Washington, DC

Washington is yet another city with a good selection of Mezcal restaurants. Tequila & Mezcal is one of the better options here due to its authenticity and neighborhood vibe. For most long-time patrons, Tequila & Mezcal has become their preferred Mexican restaurant in the capital. 

The restaurant’s popularity is due to its well-seasoned dishes, reasonable pricing, and traditional approach with a modern twist. Some choice dishes include Carne Asada, Cheesy Quesadilla, and Sinaloa Shrimp. There are also several excellent Mezcal options worth mentioning, like Coyote Reserva, Crema de Mezcal, and Vida. 

Mezcal Restaurants In Conclusion

While it took a while, Mezcal restaurants and bars have become a mainstay of the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. Thus, it’s a great time to be a fan of Mexican food and Mezcal if you’re heading out for brunch, lunch, or dinner. To stay informed, follow DistilleryNearby to learn more about craft spirits, cocktail bars, and the culinary scene near you.