Candelaria : tacos & cocktails

One of the places that started a real buzz going more than two years ago, was Candelaria in Paris, a small but rather iconic taqueria and cocktail bar. The place could not be more authentic Mexican. Although the owner and cook may not be exactly Mexican, the menu is simple and authentic. It also changes daily. They offer tacos, tostadas, guacamole, etc. Serious cocktails, are served in a hidden from plain view lounge in the back.

The actual restaurant is one table and about 7 seats at the bar in front of the kitchen. Seriously super tiny and no frills ; exactly where Mexican food should be and how it should be served. You order at the bar and pay cash and they make everything right in front of you.

The crisp tortillas are made in-house with meseca imported from Spain. Spicy sauces are on hand, and thankfully so are Mexican beers, bubbly fluorescent Jarritos sodas and hibiscus juice. There’s no wine or coffee.

Hidden behind a mural-covered door in the back is a cocktail bar whose alcoholic arsenal includes well-aged tequilas, organic mezcal, rare rums and a curated drink selection with contributions from international bartender aficionados. 

Read an extensive review here and here.