The Pastry War - Houston

This is undoubtedly the most impressive bar in the area. They boast over a hundred selections of Tequila, Mezcal, and Sotol, along with incredible margaritas in various styles, including some unique mezcal options, and a complete regular bar. The menu features intriguing bar food, such as Tamales and Queso, and they offer a fantastic happy hour. I have to say, their Michaelada is the best I've ever had. With a captivating and eclectic atmosphere, affordable prices, and excellent service, this place is a must-visit. Plus, they have free pool!

Although I initially planned to visit another place, the allure of this establishment is too strong to resist. Days pass before I finally cross the threshold, greeted by a small entrance adorned with two-tone walls: white on top and a deep red below. This color scheme evokes the charm of picturesque towns throughout Latin America, not just Mexico. The opposite wall features exposed stone and holds a billiard table, its sticks haphazardly arranged in a stand. String connects the transom windows, and as I pass beneath a marquee reading “Mezcaleria” in bold Futura Condensed font, I’m struck by the chaotic history that permeates the atmosphere. The U.S. played a role in aiding France during the blockade of Mexico over a 600,000 Peso grievance, complicating any singular narrative of Mexican identity. Behind locked barriers, I spot Nahua masks—seemingly forsaken relics of cultural exchange, starkly contrasting with the limes and lemons available for use in cocktails. These masks serve as a reminder that history is a tapestry of intertwining stories. With a backdrop of clandestine mezcal production dating back to the Spanish conquest, I make my way into the main room, where the bar resides. On a wooden wall beside it, a black-and-white amateur rodeo film is being projected alongside scenes from the 2005 film "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada." This moment pulls me back to memories of watching the film with my late grandfather at the Spanish Meadows Nursing Home in Brownsville. Snapping back to present, I'm jolted back to reality as the bartender asks for my order, which I place amidst his preparation of three other cocktails. A Margarita seems like the perfect start—on the rocks with salt on the rim. As I glance at a map of Mexico decorating the bar wall, my drink quickly arrives. The house Margarita is absolutely delightful—a perfectly balanced mix of silver tequila, lime, and agave, enhanced by a citrusy twist to the salt. I recall how my grandfather would pour a little salt onto a saucer, press his thumb into it, lick it, and sip his beer while regaling me with tales from his past—stories I’d likely heard before. His method of salting seemed unrefined, yet it was part of his charm. For my second drink, I opt for an Alipus San Baltazar Mezcal. The back room shares the same metal-topped porcelain tables and string lights as the bar area, along with another pool table. I spot a half-VW Beetle that I’ve seen on Instagram and admire the wall decorated with lowbrow newspapers, comics, ads, and lucha libre graphics. Just like the religious masks adorning the walls, the lucha libre masks symbolize the cultural narratives they represent. I finish my copita of mezcal, pouring a small sprinkle of salt on the bar and taking a pinch with my thumb before leaving. The echoes of the Pastry War linger in the air.

This was our first visit, and we absolutely loved it! It felt like stepping into a little piece of Mexico. The decor is beautiful, and the atmosphere is vibrant. The drinks are a bit pricey, but they are both delicious and refreshing. My husband really enjoyed the Micheladas; they were fantastic! There's a great selection of beverages available. The line for drinks can get a bit overwhelming, but it’s definitely worth the wait.

If you love special drinks, you will love this place. You can only know from mezcal as the alcohol with the worm in it, but a stop here and everything they have to offer you can let it know as your drink of choice. The more the drink has infused better!

Expensive but AWESOME Margaritas. Great place to go for tequila and other Mexican booze. Not quite what I expected after hearing the name. Fun times for everyone though, and they had great music.