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Tlecān

Mexico City

An authentic hub of Mexican culture driven by agave distillates

Agave distillates are the lifeblood and beating heart at Tlecān, a discreet and intimate spot hidden away in Mexico City's trendy Roma Norte that is instantly noticeable for the invariable queue lining up outside. Translating as the Náhuatl word for 'place of fire', step over the threshold and come face to face with an impressive carved stone Disc of the Death that pays tribute to the country's pre-Hispanic roots; Tlecān is an authentic hub for Mexican culture and head bartender and co-owner Eli Martínez Bello one of its finest ambassadors. Naturally, mezcal is a protagonist, although Martínez Bello – who was named Altos Bartenders' Bartender as part of North America's 50 Best Bars 2025 – is both passionate and relentless in her search to source hard-to-find distillates directly from craft producers all over the country. Lesser-known spirits include bacanora, sotol, pox and raicilla available by the shot or used in one of Tlecān's creative concoctions that usually bear a twist; whatever you order will inadvertently be an education in agave. 

A house favourite is the Paloma Blanca, a refined classic made with carbonated and clarified grapefruit juice, lime juice, mezcal and volcanic salt, that's topped with soda water; enjoy it to a special curated cumbia playlist. For a twist on the classic Piña Colada, give the Pulque Colada a whirl: pulque (fermented sap of the maguey plant) plays out with pineapple milk punch, coconut water and espadín mezcal with a coconut oil fat wash. Should you find the drinks list overwhelming, the friendly agave-loving bar team is always happy to chime in with expert opinion. 

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