Van D.
Yelp
Reservation highly recommended for La Popular CDMX. La Popular is the newest hottest modern Mexican restaurant and bar to the Claremont Village area. Scarce street parking in the area, but my preferred spot is the free Public Parking lot a little north on Yale, above Bonita.
I arrived around 6pm on a Saturday evening trying to beat the lunch rush and they told me it would be 75-90 minutes for indoor seating, or right away for hot humid outdoor seating. Bar seating is on a first come first served basis. My predatory senses kicked in and I vulture-d a seat as soon as I saw 2 ladies shifting and about to get up. MayLene D. and I were content with the bar seating since the service was pretty attentive, and you got to watch them make their fancy craft cocktails right in front of you.
We started off with drinks. MayLene D. had their Oaxacan Jellyfish ($17) and I had the Desert Rose ($17). The Oaxacan Jellyfish has rum, pineapple, blue lemongrass, coconut cream, and topped with a whimsical lemongrass smoke bubble. My cute Desert Rose was served in a cute cactus cup and it had hibiscus lime infused tequila, mezcal, cinnamon infused liquor, prickly pear, pomegranate and garnished with a toast cinnamon stick and a tasty slice of grilled pineapple. I really enjoyed my drink. Very craft cocktail worthy.
As a shared starter, we got the Ceviche ($18) that came with fresh white fish, tomatoes, cucumber, citrus, serrano peppers, red onions and cilantro. It was served with what looks like fresh house fried tortillas. They were on the small side, but the ratio works out if you generously stack your ceviche onto the chips. MayLene D. seemed to really like the balance of the acidity in the ceviche liquid. I really enjoyed the flavors as well.
For our entrees, we both went for enchiladas. Please note their enchiladas do not come with a side, so they will ask if you want to add a side of rice and beans or a side salad for an additional charge. MayLene D. had the Campechano Enchiladas ($22) with a side salad ($3) and I had the Chicken Mole Enchiladas ($22) with a side salad ($3). We both opted for the cilantro dressing on our side salads. That side salad was amazing, it had quality ingredients with like a spring mix bas with tomatoes, radish, and avocado. The cilantro dressing was perfect. As for the enchiladas, we were less satisfied. MayLene D. got the majority of her enchiladas to go. I was disappointed with the mole sauce cause I normally really enjoy mole, but this one falls short. The tortilla for the enchiladas were also still tough, filling a little dry.
I think this is a cute spot for appetizers and a cocktail, but I don't think I would come back for dinner. It's a bit of a splurge, but definitely nice to try.