La Nacional

Restaurant · Chula Vista

La Nacional

Restaurant · Chula Vista

3

279 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910

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La Nacional by null
La Nacional by null
La Nacional by null
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La Nacional by null
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La Nacional by null
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Highlights

Mezcal-forward cocktails, chilaquiles, and lively vibes abound  

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279 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Get directions

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@lanacionalcv

$20–30

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279 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Get directions

+1 619 623 3410
instagram.com
@lanacionalcv

$20–30

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Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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@eater

The Hottest Cocktail Bars in San Diego, March 2024

"This modern Mexican cantina offers a cocktail menu curated by Felipe “Pipo” Lopez. Highlights include perfect day drinks like the De Las Flores, a tequila and mezcal spritz with hints of elderflower and jamaica. Or take a break from espresso martinis with La Nacional’s take on the Carajillo with mezcal and local Cafe Moto cold brew with Mr Black, vanilla Licor 43, and a hint of orange." - Kelly Bone, Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/best-cocktail-bars-san-diego
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@eater

La Nacional Brings Cocktails and Mexican Cuisine to Chula Vista | Eater San Diego

"On a bustling stretch of Third Avenue in downtown Chula Vista, I visited a modern take on a Mexican cantina opened by Eddie Trejo and Joann Cornejo. The bar is centered around cocktails curated by bartender Felipe “Pipo” Lopez, whose list includes a daiquiri spiked with Mexican rum and banana liqueur, a mezcal Negroni, and an agave‑sweetened old fashioned variation with Mexican whisky; it's family‑friendly until 8 p.m. and offers a weekday happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. with specials on drinks including select tequilas and mezcals. In the kitchen chef Alvaro Hernandez (of local pop‑up Birrieria Don Alvaro) showcases his fall‑apart birria at brunch Thursday through Sunday—served as a quesataco or a birra bowl with consomé and optionally topped with braised tendon—and the dinner menu highlights a Sonora‑style ribeye taco, housemade chicharron and guacamole, chicken flautas, sopita (a comforting tomato‑based noodle soup), and late‑night snacks like Tijuana hot dogs." - Candice Woo

https://sandiego.eater.com/2023/11/1/23941919/la-nacional-mexican-restaurant-cocktail-bar-cantina-new-opening-chula-vista-san-diego
View Postcard for La Nacional
@postcardnews

From the Machete Beer House team, this cantina channels Mexico City and Oaxaca with late-night energy, mezcal-forward cocktails, and an Oaxacan-leaning menu. Profiled by San Diego Magazine.

https://sandiegomagazine.com/food-drink/la-nacional-restaurant-bar-chula-vista/
Best Restaurants in Chula Vista (2025)
View Postcard for La Nacional

Astrid Torres

Google
This is a great spot to hang out with friends, watch the game (baseball, soccer, football etc), or if you enjoy a great happy hour deal! Their handcrafted cocktails are amazing! At times for the holiday season or for a festive date they always come up with cool drinks. At times they have fundraisers when you buy a certain cocktail the proceeds go to the charity/organization. All the bartenders are great and very knowledgable. I usually order their happy hour cocktail/seasonal cocktail or if i want to try something different I request "bartenders/dealers choice".

Yendry Arreaga

Google
Over ALL... Pretty good. I enjoy the happy hour offerings and pricing, the lively decor and ambiance. FULL bar! Tequila selection is amazing and I love their options for Baja California draft beer. The food is cute, ie small portions and kinda over salted sometimes but maybe that's how you keep people ordering drinks... The entire menu is like a kids food menu, you'll see what I mean when you see the menu. The disposable forks/ knives/ and spoons don't help with that; not a fan of that. They need to figure out a better system for ordering and table service and training their staff on how to manage the flow of customers (food runners need to be more involved) and all of that because it can get a bit confusing with some people sitting before they order and then some people expecting table service even though there's a huge ORDER HERE sign. I actually don't mind that it's counter service because I just prefer to sit at the bar so I don't have to get up every time I need something. I would only go here during a slow, happy hour, I wouldn't bother if the place is packed. You should check it out if you're curious and want a tasty margarita. The bar drinks are way better than some of the other "craft" places on 3rd.

Mark Bays

Google
We had a couple of beers here and ordered some food. The carnitas were pretty good and the tacos were loaded. The cabeza was soft and cooked slow. Their red hot salsa packs a half decent punch. Bar tender was sociable and gave us a couple of tips when visiting Tijuana. His tequila recos were also very good. I would definitely go again.

Justeen Frazier

Google
I love the atmosphere here. You can tell everyone cares deeply about making this feel welcoming and inviting and they put alot of care into the details. Bartenders are creative and innovative, all are great at their craft. Appreciate every experience I've had here.

Octavio Hernandez

Google
Vibe is amazing. Bartenders super cool. Definitely will be going back! Didn't eat food so can't rate that. Mezcal list is amazing. A few good beers. Dancing cumbias was a blast! The only thing that could make this place better is hard kombucha from Boochcraft!

Pranjali Sharma

Google
Excellent chilaquiles!! Very close to my absolute favorite restaurant in Palm Desert. I love chilaquiles which don't try to behave like an elevated version of themselves - make good nachos that don't sog up quickly, a delicious sauce that lives up to its name, whether creamy, mild or spicy, give me some delicious creamy sour cream and a good side of beans. That is a good chilaquiles. This place had exactly this. We ordered the combination plates where you can mix and match - a Rojas and verde and a creamy poblano and verde. Both were excellent and I don't think you'll go wrong with choosing any of their chilaquiles options! We went at opening time on Sat, so the place was empty and we ordered at the bar. I don't know if that is how it works when it gets busier. It is an open space so I think it will have the tendency to get loud. There is paid street parking all along main street. I will definitely come back here for Chilaquiles. This is it!

Daniela Rosas

Google
Great drinks and bites! Happy hour ends at 6pm. I ordered a Tamarindo mezcal and 3 asada tacos. The drink goes by another name. It was good!

mario croce

Google
I've been a couple times since they opened and it's been great each time. The tacos are good I like that the spicy shrimp is actually spicy and if your lucky enough to get the chicharrón and guacamole try it out. There's no other place on third with this vibe and there tequila selection is super solid. If you haven't checked them out definitely make the effort to grab a drink and some food. 💯
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Leila N.

Yelp
Most of the staff here is very knowledgeable about mezcal and tequila, one gentleman(tall, long hair) in particular is very creative and will create a drink based on what type of mezcal you like etc or what you're craving. I completely blanked out on his name but they need to hire more people like him. The bartenders on Father's Day were disappointing. Servers were great as usual creating a fun atmosphere for the new friends I brought.
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Isabella R.

Yelp
Definitely would recommend for Happy Hour. I had the flautas and a quesadilla. The flautas reminded me of ones I've had in Mexico City; very flavorful and crispy. The bartender was very friendly. I had a refreshing beer that was on draft but I can't remember which one it was! I went on a weekday: like a Wednesday or Tuesday and it wasn't too packed which was also nice.
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Christina L.

Yelp
Bummer, but honestly the staff is really unfriendly now. Mostly the bartenders. We've been coming here at least once a week with a group of friends since they opened but have all decided to stop. I originally gave them a 4 star review. Now I'm dropping it down. Adam is great but that's about it. He's the only reason I'm giving 2 stars instead of 1. Too bad. We live blocks away and it was great while it lasted. Clearly they don't care for the locals or have turned bitter.
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Eric S.

Yelp
Nestled in our neighborhood, La Nacional proved to be an exquisite find during our leisurely stroll. From the moment we stepped in, the service was exceptional. To celebrate Mother's Day, they surprised my wife with champagne, adding a delightful touch to our experience. The culinary adventure began with horchata paired with mezcal, a unique and refreshing combination that set the tone for the meal. We indulged in chilaquiles with birria, a flavorful twist on a classic dish, and asada poached eggs, a savory delight that pleased both the adults and the little ones. The ambiance was captivating, with an inviting atmosphere that exuded both sophistication and warmth. The decor was impeccable, contributing to the overall charm of the place. La Nacional undoubtedly exceeded our expectations, offering impeccable service, delectable food, and a vibrant atmosphere. It's a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in the neighborhood.
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
All the food was delicious! Served quick and freshly made. Service was excellent they are super friendly and accommodating with your order. The drink was very well made and server is very nice and polite. Place has amazing vibes and very clean. The food did not disappoint at all, can't wait to come again.
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Marisol A.

Yelp
If you like tequila then you'll love this bar...a large majority of cocktails start with a tequila, there are some beers in tap and the one hard cider selection available. I came for happy hour and our table ordered a variety of items but I ordered the flautas for myself thinking they would be traditional style flautas but they are not, to me it was like eating frozen rolled taquitos. The music was kind of loud especially being there wasn't many ppl in the place yet as it was around 5PM. Overall it's a nice spot, service for food was in the slower side, my friends who had the beers from tap had no complaints.
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Denise M.

Yelp
Food: 3.8, service: 2.0. Therefore, 3 stars on average. We got the carnitas tacos and the camaron enchilado tacos, and a La Nacional margarita. Carnitas had crispy edges and good guac, and the camaron had big plump shrimp, with yummy tortillas. Margarita had passion fruit and was fine. Service though- the bartender didn't say a word to us for a good 5 minutes, even after we stepped up twice. When my dude asked about what was a good IPA on draft, he said "our draft list is there" and pointed at the QR code. Wow, so friendly. I would take the tacos to go to not deal with the tepid, dismissive service.
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Tom V.

Yelp
Great place. Wednesday night rib eye special 10/10. Will be back. While not as expansive as Cantina Mayahuel's collection, its thorough and top notch. It had a better vibe than Cantina Mayahuel. Decent craft beer with good prices too. I went hoping to find some Caballito Cerrero tequila, and they had 4 different types. 10/10
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Ruben A.

Yelp
Great bar with really good food. Definitely recommend the consomé. Pairs well with tequila. Bartender was really personable. Clean spot (and I'm including the bathrooms)
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Samantha T.

Yelp
Omar was at the bar with a pleasant greeting. He served up two amazing margaritas and explained the brunch menu to us. OMG, the food was incredible! The vibe was super chill and relaxing. I wanted to stay all day!
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C J.

Yelp
We found a new spot! This has it all: Great vibes/ambiance, tasty and STRONG cocktails, huge variety of drinks, food available as well, and the bartenders are awesome too! Check it out!
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Lester B.

Yelp
Enjoyed some delicious high level grub and drink an afternoon or (2) ago at La Nacional CV. Without any doubt , an outstanding experience on Third Avenue. The birria bowl & corn tortillas were savory & plentiful. Craft cocktails are strong and abundantly tasty. Layout of the joint is welcoming. Most of all the professional service is attentive, knowledgeable and efficient. Run, DON'T walk to this new establishment......U won't be sorry.
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Chelo M.

Yelp
La Nacional is the place to go in Chula Vista! The owners were able to bring a slice of Mexico to La Nacional, from the photos, to the food. You get a taste of Mexico without crossing the border. The first time, we have their tacos, los de Sonora, de camarones, and I had the tacos de cabeza. It's rare to find tacos de cabeza at this side of the border so if you are craving them, visit La Nacional! Now, let's talk about the drinks.... I had the Paloma and the carajillo and both were great. Last Sunday, I had the barbacoa and it was delicious. I can't wait to eat the chilaquiles.
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Sunem W.

Yelp
Great ambiance and yummy food! I can't wait to come back and try something else! You order at the bar and seat yourself which is nice
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Fernando F.

Yelp
Just opened, Jay behind the bar was on point Happy Hour is Monday to Friday 3pm to 6pm
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Ona R.

Yelp
All I can say is Tequila!!!! I had the best time here and so glad I tried it today 1/7/24. It's been on my list! I want to try every signature drink!!!!! Today I tried 5, but so far the daiquiri is my fav!!!!! The bartender, Soto and the hostess, Jocelyn (not too sure if that's how the name is spelled but if I'm wrong I'll update this review), both staff members were the best!!! This is one of my new fav spots to go too when in the area. The drinks are outstanding, Soto is professional, attentive, approachable and funny. He encountered a customer who was a lil extra and met her with grace. It's takes skill, patience, experience and maturity to handle one as such. The chips and salsa was on point! Thank you for that wonder experience! The red salsa was on point. I need to come back and try more food items! So far everyone was chowing down and families appeared to be having a great Sunday meal. This establishment is clean, welcoming and safe. Had such a great time and will definitely be back!!!
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Zari M.

Yelp
My one star is for Jay. He was super nice and friendly. Very knowledgeable when answering questions about Mezcal. We would have had a great experience if he was our bartender. Unfortunately we were served by Jazmine. She was incredibly rude!!!! We sat at the bar for some drinks and watched how rudely she would speak to people. There was a family who came in for dinner. They didn't have a chance to order dinner, just a round of beer. They didn't get very far with her. When the gentleman called her over to place his order she rudely told him she wasn't where he was from. She did a lot of talking with her hands while she was speaking to him. He did not wave her over, or yell. He clearly waved to try to get her attention. I felt so bad for him and apologized for her behavior. I told him maybe she's having a bad night??? He paid and left. We couldn't believe how rude she was acting with him. I even told a young lady who was wiping down a table how rude she was to him. We were there to celebrate a birthday and our intention was to stay and enjoy the night but she was very rude. We left after a few drinks and took our business elsewhere. Here's a picture of her. Avoid her and ask for Jay for better service. I can say that the margarita I had was good.
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Adam P.

Yelp
Nice to have another place with a liquor license on 3rd that isn't a dive bar. The menu is limited and nothing really adventurous- rolled tacos, birria, sopita, etc- but it's all done really well. Nice beer selection. Liquor skews heavily towards mezcals and tequilas. Decor is fun with a kind of playful Spanish-colonial style but doesn't veer into cheesy sugar skull mural territory. It's hipster-ish but not uncomfortably so. Service is good and friendly. The only time they seemed a little disorganized was when they'd been open for only a few days, which is to be expected. Ordering at the bar and then finding a seat can be a little confusing the first time because it's not immediately clear that's how the place is set up. Like a lot of new places on 3rd, it can be relatively pricy if compared to a lot of the older establishments on the same street but it's catering to a different, younger demographic. I'm sure there will be people inexplicably dismayed by the ongoing 'development' of downtown Chula- of which this is a part of- but I hope we continue to get more businesses like this popping up. Unlike that two star review, my feelings aren't hurt by a Mexican flag hanging in a Mexican-themed bar in Chula Vista that is a 15 min drive from Mexico. Some people are just looking to take offense at anything and everything that doesn't conform to their narrow sensibilities.
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German P.

Yelp
I've been to this location twice. It's a great place with great food and drinks. On Friday nights they have music playing and is overall a great vibe. I've tried their loaded nachos and Carne Asada fries which were great. I tried three of their drinks, including their margarita, and they were all well crafted. I was treated very well by all employees.
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Claire D.

Yelp
Hands down, the best chilaquiles I've had in a long time. I was strolling down Third Ave on a Friday morning and decided to pop into La Nacional and I'm so glad I did. The vibe was chill and relaxing, the staff was welcoming, and the chilaquiles were amazing. The best chilaquiles I've had in a long time. I ordered the poblano chilaquiles with 2 over easy eggs and birria, and it was a party in my mouth with the first bite. I'm excited to come back with friends and get some drinks to go with the yummy eats next time!

Mario C.

Yelp
I've been a couple times since they opened and it's been great each time. The tacos are good I like that the spicy shrimp is actually spicy and if your lucky enough to get the chicharrón and guacamole try it out. There's no other place on third with this vibe and there tequila selection is super solid. If you haven't checked them out definitely make the effort to grab a drink and some food. The service was great to everyone behind the bar had a great personality and the drinks they made us were perfect.
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Carl L.

Yelp
Love this bar! The food and drinks are so good. Came in on Monday night around 7 had the best bartender I can't remember his name but he was so helpful and helped me find the perfect cocktail. Very cute bar. Amazing tapas style food. Will definitely be back.
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G B.

Yelp
pro I wholeaeartedly support the Machete principals in their goals even though I drink wine, not beer; their establishment has proven itself an anchor of laudable enterprise in National City. Today's La Nacional menu prices were reasonable & competitive. The flavor quality was perceptibly one step above the average so I surmise any aspiration to gastropub scratch kitchen is not unfounded. con With so many alternatives for Sunday brunch available, it is unimaginable why a proprietor would thimk today's scant & uninspired copycat place holder menu would sell enough tequila cocktails to pay the overhead of keeping the doors open. Not an auspicious launch. No matter how well done, chilaquiles & birria are commonplace to the point of utterly inconsequential; regardless of earnest intent, they inescapably denigrate rather than distingush a bill of fare, all the more so as centerpiece & best available. No hot coffee for sale. No wine by the glass for sale. Since you're so clearly in need of a clue, I suggest you add champurrado y café fuerte con Don Pedro Reserve y Tuaca o Cointreau to the cocktail list. == = postscript I understand why you'd loathe putting NFL on the big screens but you'll know you're no longer struggling when you do so. See if they reduce exorbitant licensing cost if you only use Spanish language feed.

Alfonso S.

Yelp
Walked in with a group of 6 people Sunday morning. No one attended us for over 5 minutes. When I tried to order I stood by the bar and was told "the line is over there". I took this as a very clear indication of the level of service staying there would have been like (cringe). Walked out and went to El Comal and had had a great brunch.
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Joseph R.

Yelp
Hands down best cabez tacos with fresh tortillas! Bartenders are super attentive and food comes quick! Over chill vibe at this establishment and will be coming back forsure! Thank you and welcome to 3rd ave.
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Gail P.

Yelp
Great place and friendly. Everyone loved the food! Nice to have more real bars to complement the breweries

Susana L.

Yelp
Last night myself and my husband went and the servers were extremely arrogant, very rude and ignored everyone near them. Do not recommend.

Angela H.

Yelp
I live very close to downtown chula and first time we went we could tell they were working out the kinks. We've been back several times now and love treating ourselves to a cocktail and a bite to eat. The staff is super nice to my shy dog (we usually walk there from the dog park) and the food is simple but really tasty. My go tos are the ribeye quesadilla and the mezcal Negroni but most of the cocktails have been great. I love that Chula Vista is getting these cute little spots to shop and eat, especially ones full of culture. I know this place is going to be packed in summertime so happy we're getting in before it blows up.
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Luis S.

Yelp
"Arrived at La Nacional feeling confused - unclear seating, a delayed acknowledgment, and a peculiar order process at the bar. The menu review was followed by an unusual request to order at the bar, leading to an extended wait. Despite a flavorful taste, portions were small, and prices seemed high. A lack of clear guidance and service left room for improvement. Chilaquiles lacked value at $15. Good taste but overall an average experience."

Rosza O.

Yelp
Very disappointing. Went for brunch and they were out of birria and it seemed that was the only thing on the menu besides chilaquiles

Danielle C.

Yelp
Worst service worst food worst drinks tasted like pure sugar I would not come here if I was paid !!! Don't even give it a chance !!! 0 stars !
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Jose A.

Yelp
Honestly... and I mean Honestly Jazmine makes some of the best drinks I ever had and I don't really do mix drinks. Try the Horchata, you won't be disappointed!

Aaron G.

Yelp
The Drinks are top notch. The Food is delicious. The vibe is amazing. If you're ever in downtown CV, you HAVE to hit up this spot.

Vale I.

Yelp
Today we were walking on 3rd ave and we saw this good looking place so we decided to sit at the bar. This woman I think her name is Jasmine was SO FREAKING RUDE! my husband asked if she could recommend a light beer and she literally threw the menu and said with a long face "you look and decide" She was also extremely rude to me when asking me what I wanted to order. At this point I could tell my husband was mad and I wanted to enjoy my Sunday and not see her long a$$ face so we decided to leave and we politely said Thank you we are going to keep looking.. who hired her? Not good for business!

Andrea V.

Yelp
This was my first time at this place. I had always been curious because it's usually pretty full at night . Went during the day, don't spend your money here! I didn't get her name but with all the other bad reviews of her I'm guessing it's Jasmine, the woman bartender with curly hair and glasses. She was extremely rude! I've never had a problem at any brewery or restaurant on 3rd Avenue, everyone is always extremely sweet and helpful. Her customer service was absolutely horrible, an asshole without reason. Save your money!

Alberto C.

Yelp
I didn't know what to expect going to a bar for their new Wednesday steak dinner. Also, it was kind of weird going up to the bar and ordering your food. But nonetheless, the beer was great and the steak was very tasty - even better than most steak houses in San Diego. I was also impressed that the Chef came out to ask what we thought of the steak. He was open to any suggestions... none needed, as it was delicious. The ribeye came with beans and some type of cheese strips. For me, the combination was perfect, although I should have asked for more beans. You had a choice of a beer or a Paloma to go with your meal and the best part was the price - all for only $28! I will definitely return, but this time I will bring a jacket because they have a big open window in the front. I highly recommend you try it!

Isma M.

Yelp
Went there for the beer, Their beer selection is good. What is really disappointing is seeing a big Mexican flag hanging on the wall. the very least you can do is have an American flag next to your flag. This country gave you the chance to open you business, be grateful of that. Is not only Mexican people that patronize your business, us proud Mexican Americans would like to support you also. Again beer is good, cheers

Dallas F.

Yelp
Great atmosphere food and drinks! The service is always amazing love it for a Sunday brunch!

Felipe A.

Yelp
The ambiance is awesome with great food and drinks. For food I would recommend the Sonora tacos and for a drink La Mula

Augie G.

Yelp
The pub and the ambiance was open and welcoming! The staff treat you like family! The food and beverages were exactly what you need on a day on 3rd Ave!