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HUSSONG’S CANTINA ATMOSPHERE
Recommended Reviews - Hussong’s Cantina
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This is as historic and as authentic an Ensenada bar can get. Ignore the pushy vendors trying to get you into their bars for sugary margaritas and happy hour "5 for 1" deals. Hussong's is the real deal. Went as a group of 6 when on a cruise, and so glad we made the trek. Only a 25 minute walk from the boat. Ordered a round of margaritas, as Hussong's is well known as the birthplace of the cocktail. They were delicious. Simple, strong, tart, and satisfying. If you're in Ensenada and want to taste a piece of history, go!
We got up early on our last day in Valle de Guadalupe to swing by Ensenada, and what a treat. The drive was scenic and effortless, the kind that makes you wonder why you don't do road trips more often. We followed some taco recommendations from our hotel staff, then went down a rabbit hole looking for the best margarita in town. That's how we found this spot, apparently the place where the margarita was invented. The second we read that, it was a done deal. We rolled in right at 11am when they opened and immediately knocked back two of their OG margs. Strong doesn't even begin to cover it, you can practically taste history in the glass. It's like drinking the ancestor of every margarita that came after. Then the bartender casually sat down with a flan that looked way too good to ignore, so of course we ordered one. Zero regrets. Super fun stop. Totally worth the detour and the mildly blurry vision afterward.
We stopped here while in Ensenada and although it was very brief just for a few drinks it was still a nice time. From the outside it looks pretty small but once inside you see that this place can hold a lot of people. We opted to sit at the bar since we only wanted a few margaritas. The bartender saw us and greeted us right away. He asked what we wanted and got to making our blended margaritas. They were really good and very affordable that we had to get another round. Perfectly blended where the alcohol was not overpowering and it just made you want more. All that was missing was a nice beach and it would be perfect. All in all we didn't do much besides get some drinks and we're in and out in less then 20 minutes but we honestly had no complaints. If you are in town come down and get some of their original margaritas.
Whenever I travel south of the border, I always make it a point to stop by Hussong's. This iconic cantina is visited by tourists from around the country and has been at its present location for over 50+years. The peanut shelled laced floor, old photographs and memorabilia dating back several years, coupled with an array of beers and mixed drinks makes this one of Ensenada Mexico's hottest spots. Some employees have worked here for years and are happy to share their personnel experiences and the rich history of the cantina. I ordered a few beers which, I received within a few minutes while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. The staff is very welcoming, friendly and eager to serve you. Visiting the cantina during the week, (As I did), you will definitely see a lot less people. The weekends tends to be very busy, noisy and extremely crowded making it difficult to hold a conversation. So, I appreciated the quietness on this visit. On occasions you might have the pleasure of listening to music from a group of musicians who walk around taking song requests and playing them for all to hear. I throughly enjoyed myself and would highly recommend giving this spot a try should you find yourself in Ensenada Mexico.
Apparently there are two bars in Ensenada fighting for ownership of developing margaritas. This is one of two bars. This bar is located in the heart of the downtown tourist area of Ensenada. Turn off the Main Street on the far end to find this location. Goggle will directed you to this location as well! Entering this bar is like stepping back in time. Wood floors and bar. Floor riddled with peanut shells. Peanuts sold for consumption. You can also purchase chips. An outside area exist too. You can hire a band to play music. You pay what you want but don't be cheap! The choice drink is of course margaritas. The drink does not come in a typical Mexican margarita glass but a tall short glass. Margaritas are nice and tart, not overly sweet. Each margarita is about $5.60 if converting from pesos to dollars. A full bar exist, so they will make you whatever you want. When visiting there was a diesel odor. Not sure if coming from floors. Also the bathrooms are not the best, a bit wet on the floor. Not sure why. Grab some toliet paper on the way in. Worth a visit. Don't forget your ID if you look young or under age! Security at the door!
5 months ago
Hussong's Cantina is a living piece of Baja history. You don't come here for polish or trends -- you come for atmosphere, stories soaked into the walls, and cold beers served exactly the way they should be. This place feels authentic in the best sense: loud, lively, unpretentious, and timeless. Grab a beer, soak in the energy, and let the room do the talking. It's the kind of bar where generations have passed through, and it shows -- proudly. Friendly service, great vibes, and an unmistakable sense of place. If you're in Ensenada and want to experience something real, Hussong's isn't just a stop -- it's required. read more
Just okay. This is a true dive bar, complete with peanut shells on the floor and birds wandering around looking for snacks. The service wasn't great -- it honestly felt like we were bothering the bartender. We ordered a couple of beers, hung out for a bit, and then decided to leave and look for something better. There's also security at the door who pats you down before entering. The bar was pretty empty when we visited. Prices were average, but you can definitely find better ambiance and cheaper beers elsewhere. They also don't offer free Wi‑Fi. With so many other options in town, I'd recommend choosing a different spot. read more
This is as historic and as authentic an Ensenada bar can get. Ignore the pushy vendors trying to get you into their bars for sugary margaritas and happy hour "5 for 1" deals. Hussong's is the real deal. Went as a group of 6 when on a cruise, and so glad we made the trek. Only a 25 minute walk from the boat. Ordered a round of margaritas, as Hussong's is well known as the birthplace of the cocktail. They were delicious. Simple, strong, tart, and satisfying. If you're in Ensenada and want to taste a piece of history, go! read more
We got up early on our last day in Valle de Guadalupe to swing by Ensenada, and what a treat. The drive was scenic and effortless, the kind that makes you wonder why you don't do road trips more often. We followed some taco recommendations from our hotel staff, then went down a rabbit hole looking for the best margarita in town. That's how we found this spot, apparently the place where the margarita was invented. The second we read that, it was a done deal. We rolled in right at 11am when they opened and immediately knocked back two of their OG margs. Strong doesn't even begin to cover it, you can practically taste history in the glass. It's like drinking the ancestor of every margarita that came after. Then the bartender casually sat down with a flan that looked way too good to ignore, so of course we ordered one. Zero regrets. Super fun stop. Totally worth the detour and the mildly blurry vision afterward. read more
7 months ago
I loveeeeeee this place ! The drinks are simple and very well served ! Our servers and bartenders are the funniest and greatest! Great music with Norteño or Mariachi . read more
19 days ago
1 year ago
Service was terrible. Felt like we were bothering them by ordering a beer. We wanted to come and check it and see the history. We didn't feel welcome at all, I even spoke Spanish, but it was obvious that they didn't want us there. read more
We stopped here while in Ensenada and although it was very brief just for a few drinks it was still a nice time. From the outside it looks pretty small but once inside you see that this place can hold a lot of people. We opted to sit at the bar since we only wanted a few margaritas. The bartender saw us and greeted us right away. He asked what we wanted and got to making our blended margaritas. They were really good and very affordable that we had to get another round. Perfectly blended where the alcohol was not overpowering and it just made you want more. All that was missing was a nice beach and it would be perfect. All in all we didn't do much besides get some drinks and we're in and out in less then 20 minutes but we honestly had no complaints. If you are in town come down and get some of their original margaritas. read more
Whenever I travel south of the border, I always make it a point to stop by Hussong's. This iconic cantina is visited by tourists from around the country and has been at its present location for over 50+years. The peanut shelled laced floor, old photographs and memorabilia dating back several years, coupled with an array of beers and mixed drinks makes this one of Ensenada Mexico's hottest spots. Some employees have worked here for years and are happy to share their personnel experiences and the rich history of the cantina. I ordered a few beers which, I received within a few minutes while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. The staff is very welcoming, friendly and eager to serve you. Visiting the cantina during the week, (As I did), you will definitely see a lot less people. The weekends tends to be very busy, noisy and extremely crowded making it difficult to hold a conversation. So, I appreciated the quietness on this visit. On occasions you might have the pleasure of listening to music from a group of musicians who walk around taking song requests and playing them for all to hear. I throughly enjoyed myself and would highly recommend giving this spot a try should you find yourself in Ensenada Mexico. read more
5 months ago
8 months ago
Lots of character. Sawdust on the floor. Arguably where the margarita was invented. Very lime -y , until you get to the bottom. ..be sure to stir well read more
Apparently there are two bars in Ensenada fighting for ownership of developing margaritas. This is one of two bars. This bar is located in the heart of the downtown tourist area of Ensenada. Turn off the Main Street on the far end to find this location. Goggle will directed you to this location as well! Entering this bar is like stepping back in time. Wood floors and bar. Floor riddled with peanut shells. Peanuts sold for consumption. You can also purchase chips. An outside area exist too. You can hire a band to play music. You pay what you want but don't be cheap! The choice drink is of course margaritas. The drink does not come in a typical Mexican margarita glass but a tall short glass. Margaritas are nice and tart, not overly sweet. Each margarita is about $5.60 if converting from pesos to dollars. A full bar exist, so they will make you whatever you want. When visiting there was a diesel odor. Not sure if coming from floors. Also the bathrooms are not the best, a bit wet on the floor. Not sure why. Grab some toliet paper on the way in. Worth a visit. Don't forget your ID if you look young or under age! Security at the door! read more
1 year ago
Great bar. Ice cold beer, good margaritas-sold old fashioned bar service. Fun local spot. Great prices and they take credit cards. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
We were looking for something fast on our way to wine country. Stopped at Hussongs. The food was pretty good. Wish they had beans like they said on their menu. Also, the Carne con Papás has nacho cheese instead of melted shredded cheese. Ended up soupy. Overall good. We'd go back. read more
This joint has been around a looong time, but I think that has become the draw. Located in a main tourist thoroughfare, you feel obligated to give it a look see. A bright spot was their private labeled beer, which was ok. Dirty and overpriced drinks, but the tourists keep coming! Ambiance is dirt cantina, service was average, and prices were above it! read more
For excellent , refreshing & cheap margaritas, this is the place for it! Only food available are peanuts & chips. You'll see and hear local guitar performers that come through the cantina and some live birds who preys on the peanut shells ( and accidental droppings of nuts ). You can pay $4 or pesos ( cheaper ). Love the bar seating & airy indoors but limited seating indoors. Wait isn't long. Service is friendly. Just call "Jose or Maria" to take your drink order. read more
The services and security is 10/10. The waiters and bartenders and security guard are working hard. I love history and this place offers it. I've been here several times I'm finally writing a review. The first couple times i came here for a bar hopping tour and recently came back by on a weeks cruise. Lucky to have had a conversation with Sergio the bartender who made sure our drinks were on point. He even gave us a sticker of the bars logo. So grateful. I ordered a Margarita and my boyfriend got pina colada. Both drinks were deliciously made and it got to the point. Thanks Sergio. For food there are snacks I wasn't sure if it had food I didn't go here to eat but I did notice ppl bring food from outside. The ambiance is of history decor, TVs available for sports and music. Will always come back and stop by for a drink or two. It's funny because it's only a few steps away from Senior frogs. But only the locals come here. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
3 years ago
Glad I came out to try this place. Best margarita I've ever had. This place is always packed and filled with people who want to have a good time. Music is great too. :) read more
4 years ago
Tiny bar with lots of history. Came in, they had a mariachi band performing in the middle of the bar. Everyone was nice. read more
This bar is a gem of Ensenada. My husband and I stopped in because it is the oldest bar in Ensenada and wow upon arriving you feel true authenticity. It's a busy and dives bar, very old school beach bar vibes feel. The staff is very nice and quick. We had a single margarita and holy cow it was one of the strongest you'll ever have in your life! It's fresh. You can taste the fresh lime juice and the tequila in it tastes great to. read more
3 years ago
Love this place! A bit loud but what do you expect! Beer is cold, Mariachi's can SING and the vibe is good! read more
4 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
This is a historic joint in Ensenada. Arguably the birthplace of the margarita. It's definitely old school with pigeons running around like little stray dogs looking for scraps. This place is more about the ambience and being in a long-standing Ensenada establishment. Their house lager beer is pretty good, but I will have to be completely honest, their margaritas are super crappy! This is definitely one of those places to be to say that you've been. read more
3 years ago
Since 1872! Old school dive bar with great margaritas, ice cold beer, and mariachi. Don't miss out on this legendary drinking spot when you are in Ensenada! read more
The first stop of any Ensenada trip is Hussong's, especially on Saturdays. In fact, we only hang out here on Saturday because it's 2-for-1 margarita day. It's cheap enough to drink here but even cheaper on the weekend. Imagine that! This place is old school, the original, with no-nonsense bartenders and live entertainment most days. I've been here a dozen times and always have my drinks on the rocks and have never had a problem (the water and ice are filtered). Watch out because these drinks are strong. They're on the small side but they pack a punch. Try to sit at the bar for the best experience, and sit near Daniel. He's heavy-handed on the pours and I swear has been a fixture behind the bar for at least 30 years. It's located in the main tourist area but walk right past Papas and Beer and the obnoxious whistles and upside-down shot stunts and go to the real deal instead. Bonus points for clean restrooms! Bring a sticker to leave on the bar or on the bathroom mirror. read more
3 years ago
Such a fun place! Old style all the way. Margaritas are delicious and fresh , peanuts to unshelled and munch on. Wood floors and and old saloon bar. Doesn't look like much on the outside but a pleasant surprise when you enter. Sports more of a local fell than a tourist destination attraction! read more
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More info about Hussong’s Cantina
Av. Ruíz 113
Col. Zona Centro
22800 Ensenada, Baja California
Mexico
Directions
646 178 3210
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http://www.cantinahussongs.com/home.html
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