A brainchild of the creators of Limantour, Baltra is small, has a shorter menu, and is considered “informal” as there are no servers or hosts. But, that’s not to say that the service suffers or that the attention to detail is absent. The inspiration behind this concept was to allow those behind the bar to interact with the customers more closely.
There’s a seasonal menu on the chalkboard to the left of the bar that serves as a complement to the regular menu. If you’re lucky, the Mezcal Sazerac will be on it when you come. If not, try the splendidly refreshing Lavandula on a hot day – made with bourbon, Cynar, lavender and a touch of citrus. It’s the yin-yang of cocktails; strong bourbon and delicate lavender with herbal notes from the Cynar. I could have this one multiple times over but, the idea here is to taste multiple concoctions.
Baltra snacks are delectably simple, olives with house salsa, and quail eggs served in the same sauce – a dish that’s making the rounds in Mexico City with more and more frequency. If you’re actually hungry, there’s a lunch menu, too, with entrees like duck with tamarind or a handful of vegetarian friendly options made with tofu.
We loved the vibe here, the music – “happy hipster” comes to mind – is a perfect match for the majority of the clientele and since it’s still relatively new, arriving around 7 or 8 is totally doable. It’s a great spot to bond with your fellow bar goers thanks to the dim lighting, comfy armchairs, and narrow hallway to the restrooms. In short, you’re going to be seen here so, dress appropriately.
A final note: this spot is open on Sunday, something that was once entirely foreign but, is becoming increasingly more popular in the city.