BARCOA Agaveria

"David Tyda and Jourdain Blanchette opened this bi-level cocktail bar to celebrate Mexico’s famous agave-based spirits — namely, obscure heritage brands of tequila, mezcal, bacanora, raicilla and sotol (the only spirit on this list distilled from a plant called Desert Spoon). Their 40-page drink menu features somewhere around 200 labels, accompanied by tasting notes and explanations of origins and processes. For an even better education, consider one of a dozen flights, or book a group private tasting ($75 per person). Both the colorful upstairs cantina and moodier, dimly lit basement have different vibes and different cocktail menus, but some drinks are available in either setting." - Nikki Buchanan, Chris Malloy

"David Tyda and Jourdain Blanchette opened this bi-level cocktail bar to celebrate Mexico’s famous agave-based spirits — namely, obscure heritage brands of tequila, mezcal, bacanora, raicilla and sotol (the only spirit on this list distilled from a plant called Desert Spoon). Their 40-page drink menu features somewhere around 200 labels, accompanied by tasting notes and explanations of origins and processes. For an even better education, consider one of a dozen flights, or book a group private tasting ($75 per person). Both the colorful upstairs cantina and moodier, dimly lit basement have different vibes and different cocktail menus, but some drinks are available in either setting." - Mcconnell Quinn, Nikki Buchanan

"Know, too, that Xico neighbors Barcoa—a multistory bar with a drink menu that goes well beyond agave, orbiting around a vast range of Mexican spirits." - ByChris Malloy

"David Tyda and Jourdain Blanchette opened this bi-level cocktail bar to celebrate Mexico’s famous agave-based spirits — namely, obscure heritage brands of tequila, mezcal, bacanora, raicilla and sotol (the only spirit on this list distilled from a plant called Desert Spoon). Their 40-page drink menu features somewhere around 200 labels, accompanied by tasting notes and explanations of origins and processes. For an even better education, consider one of a dozen flights, or book a group private tasting ($75 per person). Both the colorful upstairs cantina and moodier, dimly lit basement have different vibes and different cocktail menus, but some drinks are available in either setting." - Nikki Buchanan, Chris Malloy