The Mexico City lounge experience seems to be the new craze in New York, with a few similarly-themed places opening, including Salon Hecho, the loungier version of Hecho en Dumbo, and Pulqeria, the next-door sibling to Chinatown’s fancy cocktail den Apotheke. I had to visit them both and see why suddenly NYC is taking cue from DF.

One of my favorite Mexican joints in the city, Hecho en Dumbo, got a spinoff next door to its Bowery location. (The original restaurant, as the name points out, is in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood).

My partner and I happened to be the very FIRST customers on the first day Salon Hecho was open to the public! I don’t know if this is because I like to check out new things right away, or that I am getting older and show up at bars much earlier than I should! 

Either way, I am so glad I discovered this place. The small stage will showcase local and Mexican indie bands and the vibe is comfy lounge more than speakeasy-chic snobbery! The menu  includes a few cold small plates (the pickled shrimp is superb!), but the main reason to visit is, of course, for the fantastic drinks.

Lots of mezcal and tequila naturally, both in fantastic cocktails (my partner loved the Pantera Rosa sporting infused serrano tequila, fresh grapefruit juice and St. Germain), as well as in shots accompanied by sangrita, a spicy tomato shooter. They also specialize in curados, which are traditional cured mescals, served in old medicine glass bottles (we tried the habanero chili and avocado leaf, both superb). The michelada options are also tantalizing (I enjoyed the spicy Michelada Cubana).

The other day I visited Pulqueria with a friend visiting from Vienna. Tucked underneath a nondescript Chinatown restaurant, this new space is above all an experiential delight. Yes, the unmarked, speakeasy sort of thing is getting out of control, but few places do it well. Here, it’s not too hard to figure out that the candle-lit staircase leading downstairs will take you to Pulqueria, but it’s thrilling nonetheless. The decor and overall atmosphere transports visitors to a whole different part of the world, not necessarily a local joint in Mexico City, but maybe a very stylish creative’s interpretation of a Mexico City dive.

The spacious bar is joined by an even more spacious dining area (perhaps this is why Chinatown is the new hotspot: cheap real estate!) and the staff is hip yet friendly, another major surprise in the era of hipper than thou hipsters.

My friend and I enjoyed every bite of the sophisticated, light Mexican fare, which costs ten times more that its inspiration, Mexican street food, but after all, we’re paying for a fancy recreation of authenticity, which ironically, is always more expensive than real authenticity… The drinks are fantastic and the star here is pulque, a fermented agave libation that is usually consumed on the rocks, infused with various herbs and fruits, or in cocktails. The folks at Pulqueria claim that theirs is the only establishment in town to serve this drink, so kudos for the exclusivity quotient.

I’m curious to see whether the latest nightlife inspiration spurs more imitators. I bet it’s one that will work well with New Yorkers, who are familiar and comfortable with Mexican food and drinks, but would also like the opportunity to try new flavors and experiences. 

I’m just ecstatic to have more opportunities to try more varieties and uses for mezcal, my latest favorite liquor!