Bar La Ópera

A gilded 1876 cantina on Avenida 5 de Mayo where Pancho Villa allegedly shot a bullet hole into the ceiling (it's still there). Come for the belle-époque booths, mezcal, and old-school botanas, not culinary fireworks — the food is decent, the atmosphere is the whole point. Open from 1pm; Sundays it closes early at 6pm.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Pancho Villa bullet hole in the ceiling real?

There is genuinely a hole in the ornate tin ceiling, and the story is that Villa fired his pistol there when he rode into the capital in 1914. Whether it happened exactly that way is debated, but the staff will happily point it out. It's near the bar — look up.

What should I order to drink at Bar La Ópera?

A mezcal or tequila served neat with sangrita is the classic move, and their martinis are surprisingly good. Beer with a plate of botanas works too. Prices are fair for the Centro — expect around 100-200 pesos per drink.

Is Bar La Ópera touristy?

It gets tourists, sure, but it's also full of chilango office workers, older regulars, and families celebrating something. It's been a beloved institution since 1876 and never feels like a theme bar. Weekday afternoons skew very local.

Is the food at Bar La Ópera good or should I just drink?

Go for drinks and classic cantina snacks — the escamoles, sopa de médula, and traditional plates are solid but not why you're there. The room itself, all carved dark wood and gilded ceilings, is the main course. Save your big meal budget for elsewhere.

Is Bar La Ópera expensive?

Moderate — drinks and a few botanas for two runs maybe 500-800 pesos. Full meals push it higher but you're not obligated to eat. For the setting, it's honestly a bargain compared to what a room this gorgeous would cost anywhere else.

How do I get to Bar La Ópera by metro?

Metro Allende on Line 2 drops you two blocks away on the same street, Avenida 5 de Mayo. Bellas Artes station (Lines 2 and 8) is also a five-minute walk. It pairs perfectly with a stroll from the Zócalo or Palacio de Bellas Artes.

Do I need a reservation at Bar La Ópera?

Not on weekdays — walk in and grab a booth. Weekend evenings can have a wait, so either come before 7pm or call ahead. Groups of six or more should definitely reserve.

What are Bar La Ópera's hours?

Monday to Saturday roughly 1pm to midnight, and Sunday 1pm to 6pm. It fills up on Friday and Saturday evenings, so come mid-afternoon if you want one of the beautiful wooden booths.

Nearby in Ask Mexico City

• La OperaRestaurant0.02 km · 0 min walk
• Café La PagodaCafé0.02 km · 0 min walk
• Casa de los AzulejosRestaurant0.1 km · 1 min walk
• Museo Nacional de Arte (MUNAL)Museum0.16 km · 2 min walk
• Torre LatinoamericanaAttraction0.16 km · 2 min walk