On September 16, 1810 Father Miguel Hidalgo from Dolores, Mexico along with several conspirators – including Iganacio Allende and Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez- rang the bell of his little church, calling everyone to rise up against the Spanish and cast off the 300 years of mostly devastating colonial rule (deadly epidemics that demolished the indigenous population, strict racial stratification, economic exploitation, etc.) This was the beginning of the Mexican Independence War, which lasted 10 years, and was pretty much a total downer. However! The end result – Mexican Independence – not only paved the way for Mexico’s self-determination, it also paved the way for an annual reventón of epic proportions. So it’s really the gift that keeps on giving. Here at Remezcla we want you to celebrate Mexican Independence in true Mexican style – con una corrida de juerga – so we’ve put together a guide for where to Eat/Drink/Party/Scream/Then Drunkenly Eat Some More in your city. ¡Qué viva México, carajo!
NY| MIA| CHI | LA | SF
The Mexican Día de la Independencia in Los Angeles is anything but ordinary! With a Mexican population exceeding that of most towns and cities in México, you can be sure you will find lots of celebrations around this very latin town. But where to find Mexican food that doesn’t taste like Californian mexican food?- THAT IS A CHALLENGE! Lucky for you, we have this small but amazing guide to places where you will satisfy your craving for a good mexican drink and antojitos:
(213) 427-0608
Right in the middle of Koreatown, you will find this gem of a restaurant. It has such a good Oaxacan style menu, that it will be difficult to pick what to eat. We recommend the Botana Oaxaqueña, some Tlayudas, and why not! a plate of crickets to share with your friends, while getting your buzz on with the 2 for 1 margarita special! Or a flight of mezcal tasters. All of their margaritas are made with mezcal, so beware! – they are addictive, especially the Mango Margarita.
(323) 852-1552
With the largest tequila and mezcal bar in the city, this place never disappoints! Imagine having to choose from 300 different types of tequila while listening to great music, surrounded by mexican wrestler decor, the kitschiest velvet paintings, and the best nachos in the area. And to celebrate Mexican Independence day, they are having a $5 margarita and $3 Tecate drink special event. Don’t even think of going to this place and not trying their spicy Jalapeño Margarita and carnitas tacos!
(323) 255-6871
This little bar is somewhat off the beaten path, but if you like good cocktails, it’s a must! Have you ever tried a Mole Manhattan? or how about a Mezcalada (roasted poblano peer, clamato, mezcal, lime and corona beer)? … No? Neither had we! It will blow your mind. They refer to themselves as an “ Old-World Mexican grotto,” we just refer to them as AMAZING! They have a cute patio with great tacos during the evening, and a little bit of a dark/goth Mexican decor. Oh, and they’ll have a $5 drinks special event until 10 pm, so you can get to try all their exotic mezcal blends.
This is the best on the list, especially if you REALLY want 100% authentic mexican food, love mariscos, and don’t want to take a trip south of the border to get your ceviche fix. Throughout the month of September Play Rivera will be hosting the top names of the culinary revolution of Baja California as guest chefs. This series of cultural exchange events will begin on September 16th, hooray for us! And it kickstarts with the famous Sabina Banderas “La Guerrerense”, the most famous woman in Ensenada. She is bringing to LA her delicious 20 salsas, fish paté, and various exotic tostadas: sea urchin, sea snails, pismo clam, and more traditional ones like octopus, abalone shrimp, etc. This event is not to be missed! After you have tried her creations, you will want to move to Ensenada just to be around the corner from her stand. But what about the drinks in this place? We’ll let them speak for themselves… you are in for a delicious treat! But we will recommend the “A Vicious Rumour” cocktail, with Butter-Washed Mezcal, Fresh Lemon, Peach Brandy, Celery Shrub, Cinnamon Bark Tincture.
So, pick whichever of these fine establishments is nearest to you, because you probably shouldn’t drive after trying these places out, and don’t forget to have a shot of tequila or mezcal while letting out a very enthusiastic: “VIVA MEXICO!”
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Curated by Paloma Encinas and Afroxander