Four historic canteens in Mexico City that no longer exist

The canteens are one of the most important and oldest recreational centers, for more than a century, together with the pulquerias, they have been part of the culture of a large number of Mexicans, they have even positioned themselves as one of the favorite places of many people.

Because Mexico City has always stood out as one of the areas with the most historical sites, among its streets there are still some popular establishments that were opened for a long time, among them: La Peninsular (the oldest canteen), La Opera, El Gallo de Oro, Bar Ghent, La India or La Jalisciense.

Unfortunately, however, not all places, however legendary they may have been, have managed to survive the changes that the capital has faced as a result of social, political and, above all, economic transformations, to which the factor of the pandemic must also be added. Among these, the following canteens stand out.

In the heart of the Historic Center of Mexico City, the first canteen in Mexico was born to be named El nivel. It opened its doors in 1857 and for a long time it was recognized as the first place to obtain a license from the Mexican authorities to sell alcoholic beverages.

Since El Nivel began offering its services, the social life of the capital changed completely, since it was no longer necessary for anyone looking to have fun over a couple of drinks, to take refuge in clandestine pulveries.

It is said that the name of the canteen was due to its proximity to the “Hipsographic Monument”. It was a statue that had indicators that measured the water level in Lake Texcoco, which is why the monument began to be popularly called “the level”, which later gave it the title to one of the most emblematic businesses of the CDMX.

However, in 2008 it had to close due to the fact that the building was expropriated by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), which caused the canteen to disappear, although it is still remembered by many.

It began operating since 1920 and since then it began to become very famous, especially since La Vaquita was visited by several celebrities such as Cantinflas, although it is said that this event occurred when it was not yet famous, in fact, legend has it that he even worked in the place and helped prepare traditional ones drinks.

There is also another anecdote that states that Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera used to go to the canteen to “have a few drinks”, according to this version it was they who named the place.

The writer and journalist Carlos Monsiváis also stopped by the place and even recommended it on multiple occasions with many people. It is located on the corner of Mesones and Isabel La Católica.

Another favorite place of the people of the capital. The La Mundial canteen stood out for offering delicious dishes, ideal to accompany with a drink or, failing that, to lower the binge a little. It was an establishment located on Simon Bolivar Street in the City Center.

Former users say that the snack and the variety of food and drinks on the menu were one of the main attractions, since most of their products were offered at very affordable prices, they also emphasize that the atmosphere was very pleasant and the attention of the waiters was always excellent.

Sadly, the World Cup had to close its doors, it is not yet clear whether it was because of the pandemic or because of some problem with the establishment, what is a fact is that the news caused great shock, since it was a very pleasant place that since the 20th century entertained countless people.

Although its definitive closure has not yet been made official, it has not been opened for quite some time. La Potosina is one of the many legendary canteens that opened in 1890, since then it has been characterized as one of the establishments with the most history, since its cultural value is also found in the fact that it has been visited by illustrious people.

It is said that he received architect Antonio Rivas Mercado, Dr. Atl, Diego Rivera, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara and that supposedly that was where Lee Harvey Oswald planned the assassination of US President John F. Kennedy.

The owners even shared that Emiliano Zapata, the revolutionary hero, also stepped on the premises during his stay in Mexico City in 1914. Even in 2010, then-President Felipe Calderón awarded recognition to the canteen for its historical trajectory.

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