Cantina La Fuente

"La Fuente is a Mexican cantina out of a movie set. Founded in 1921, it’s Guadalajara’s oldest bar, located appropriately in the Centro Historico. There’s no sign on the door, nor a way to peek inside, but listen for the tinkle of piano keys and you’ll find your way into this time warp of a watering hole. Inside, old regulars share bar space or sticky wooden tables with hipster locals there for the cheap hooch (pretty much just tequila and beer) and simple food. An old-fashioned bicycle mounted above the bar is rumored to have belonged to a drunk customer who came in to use the restroom in the early 1950s and left without his wheels. It now serves as Casa La Fuente’s unofficial mascot, featuring prominently on the staff’s aprons."

"While the polish has worn away since the founding of this traditional Mexican cantina, the pulse of Guadalajara still beats in the pale-yellow walls, well-worn bar, and battered tables covered in bottles of Victoria and shots of Tequila Herradura in tall caballitos. The botanas (snacks) are simple: pickled pigs’ feet, tacos dorados, petite tortas ahogadas, or potato chips with lime and hot sauce. But the mariachis are the best in town, and the room is packed with locals and tourists wandering in from a hike through the historic center. Two-ingredient cocktails — rum and Coke, palomas — are served do-it-yourself style; you get a shot, a glass with ice, and a mixer. In this real Mexican cantina, all that mixology stuff won’t get in the way of the drinking. [$]" - Bill Esparza