La Pasita
La Pasita is a century-old, family-run cantina in Puebla’s historic Barrio de los Sapos, known for its raisin liqueur, eclectic memorabilia and place in local social life. Founded in 1916, it grew from a small grocery store into a cultural landmark where visitors can sample house-made drinks and explore a collection of curiosities (Corazón de Puebla; Poblanerías; Atlas Obscura).
The original cantina is at 5 Oriente 602, also given as Calle 5 Oriente #602, directly across from the Plazuela de los Sapos. A second branch is listed at 3 Sur 504-B and at 3 Sur 504. The central location is close to Puebla’s historic center and its main attractions (El Universal Puebla; Wanderlog; Mexico Travel Secrets).
History and cultural role
Emilio Contreras Aycardo, also named Emilio Contreras Aicardo in accounts of the cantina, founded La Pasita. A military veteran of the 1914 defense of Veracruz, he transformed the grocery store “El Gallo de Oro,” near the Plazuela de los Sapos, into the establishment that became known for its signature drink. La Pasita has remained family-run, preserving features such as its wooden counters and shelves and offering a glimpse of Puebla’s early-20th-century social life (Corazón de Puebla; Poblanerías; El Universal Puebla).
Over the decades, it has served as a gathering place for artists, politicians, university students, locals and travelers. Its traditions and stories include the “pasitas por cuadra” custom: a playful way of ordering a pasita for one, two or even five blocks, with the implication that the drink’s effects might be felt by the time the patron reached the specified distance.
Another local legend is the “100 pasitas challenge.” One account says that anyone who drank 100 pasitas in two hours won a prize, and that only one person, “El Peterete,” succeeded, in 1948. Another describes a contest to drink 100 glasses for a cash prize. The stories reflect the liqueur’s reputation for potency and the cantina’s convivial spirit (Corazón de Puebla; Poblanerías; Atlas Obscura).
La Pasita is also part of Puebla’s gastronomic identity. The city is known for dishes such as mole poblano, chiles en nogada and cemitas, as well as sweet, locally made liqueurs including rompope. Pasita is often recommended as a digestif after Puebla’s rich and spicy cuisine, and its pairing of sweet liqueur with cheese reflects the region’s balance of flavors (Mexico Travel Secrets; Stories by Soumya; Melmex Travel).
What to see and experience
The signature drink and other liqueurs
Pasita is a sweet, raisin-based liqueur, traditionally poured into a small tequila glass, or caballito. It is served with a raisin and a cube of cheese on a toothpick; descriptions identify the cheese as mild, fresh queso panela, while another account calls it aged cheese. The sweet, fruity drink is meant to be sipped slowly, alternating with bites of cheese and raisin. Its alcohol can be masked by the raisin’s natural sugars, but its potency is part of its local reputation (Azteca Puebla; El Universal Puebla; Will Fly for Food; El Universal Puebla).
La Pasita offers more than 20 house-made fruit liqueurs and traditional drinks; another account describes a menu of approximately 22 artisanal liqueurs. Flavors include rompope, blackberry, fig, pineapple and coffee, as well as:
- Calambre lemon liqueur served with toasted peanuts.
- Sangre de Brujas blackberry and hibiscus liqueur.
- Sangre de Artista quince and apricot liqueur.
- Charro con Espuelas tejocote liqueur with rompope and cocoa cream.
- China Poblana blackberry, hibiscus, rompope and mint liqueur.
The drinks are made in-house, and each may have its own garnish and presentation. The signature liqueur and other house-made drinks may also be available bottled to take home (El Universal Puebla; El Universal Puebla).
The cantina and its curiosities
La Pasita occupies a historic casona and preserves much of its early-20th-century décor. Its interior includes wooden shelving, a granite-topped bar, glass display cases, vintage bottles, photographs and memorabilia. Descriptions vary between a small, standing-room-only space and an intimate room with stools at a narrow bar. Visitors may find military figurines and collectibles, foreign souvenirs and banknotes, autographs, newspaper clippings, vintage photographs and memorabilia from Golden Age Mexican cinema.
The collection includes the tongue-in-cheek “Museo de lo Increíble.” Its purported curiosities include Pancho Villa’s skull, Ignacio Zaragoza’s round spectacles, a horseshoe from the Trojan Horse and the brush that painted the Red Sea. The exhibits are playful claims rather than ordinary historical displays. Humorous, rhyming signs on the walls include “Lloraba Elena, Pasita calmó su pena” (“Elena was crying, Pasita eased her sorrow”) and “Para triunfar en amores, tomen pasita señores” (“To triumph in love, drink pasita, gentlemen”). Staff may share stories about the cantina’s history, liqueurs and famous patrons (El Universal Puebla; Atlas Obscura).
Practical visiting information
Hours
Published accounts give different hours for La Pasita:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM; closed on Mondays.
- Monday through Saturday, 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM; closed on Sundays.
- 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; closed on Tuesdays.
Hours may vary during holidays or local festivals. One account says the owners deliberately keep hours short, following the philosophy that “good things come in small doses.” Check current hours before visiting, and consider arriving early, particularly on weekends and holidays (Atlas Obscura; Poblanerías).
Tickets, prices and payment
There is no entrance fee or ticket for a regular visit. Guests pay for the drinks, food or souvenirs they purchase. Reservations are not required for ordinary visits, which operate on a walk-in basis, though reservations may be needed for special events or private group tours.
A serving of Pasita is listed at around 35 pesos as of 2024 and typically around 35 pesos as of 2025; another account gives a typical price of around 35 pesos (approximately $2 USD as of 2025). Prices for drinks are also given as ranging from 25 to 40 Mexican pesos (approximately $1.50–$2.50 USD as of June 2025). Prices are displayed. La Pasita is described as cash-only, so bring Mexican pesos; ATMs are available within a few blocks. Tipping is customary but not mandatory.
Getting there and accessibility
La Pasita is within walking distance of Puebla’s historic center and the Zócalo. Visitors can also reach it by taxi, public transportation or ride-sharing services such as Uber. City bus routes stop within a few blocks. Public parking lots are available nearby, although spaces are limited during peak hours (Mexico Travel Secrets; Mexico Relocation Guide).
The cantina’s historic building is small and not fully wheelchair accessible. The entrance has a small step; floors may be uneven, and the interior can be crowded. Visitors with mobility concerns are advised to inquire in advance. There are no restrooms on-site; nearby cafés and restaurants provide facilities.
Tours, photography and other visitor information
La Pasita does not routinely offer formal guided tours, but local tour operators may include it on Puebla historical or culinary tours. The cantina occasionally hosts tasting events or cultural celebrations, announced through local tourism channels or social media. For group visits or special events, visitors can contact Puebla’s tourism office or local guides.
Photography is generally permitted, but ask staff for permission before taking pictures. The colorful bottles at the bar, vintage signs, memorabilia and signature drink are among the photographic subjects. Most communication is in Spanish, and menus are in Spanish, though some staff speak basic English and bartenders can assist non-Spanish speakers. A useful phrase is “¿Me puede recomendar una bebida?” (“Can you recommend a drink?”).
Bottled liqueurs may be available as souvenirs, but availability varies with artisanal production. Ask staff about current offerings and export regulations.
Tips for visiting
- Sip the classic Pasita slowly, alternating with bites of cheese and raisin; the combination is intended to balance the liqueur’s sweetness and bring out its fruity notes.
- Try other house-made liqueurs after the classic drink, and sample them slowly.
- Visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience. Weekdays are described as quieter, while weekends and peak hours can be crowded.
- Arrive early to improve your chances of finding a seat, especially given the short hours and limited space.
- Bring cash in Mexican pesos.
- Take time to examine the memorabilia and read the humorous sayings on the walls.
- La Pasita welcomes children and visitors of all ages. It is described as family-friendly during the day, with a more adult ambiance in the evening.
- Dress is casual; there is no formal dress code. Respect staff and other patrons, ask before photographing, and drink responsibly.
- Puebla’s historic center is described as among the safest tourist areas, but standard precautions apply: keep belongings secure and be cautious after dark (Mexico Travel Secrets).
Nearby places
La Pasita is across from the Plazuela de los Sapos, a lively square known for artisan markets and colorful colonial architecture. The surrounding Barrio de los Sapos also has antique markets.
Other nearby sites include:
- Puebla Cathedral / Catedral de Puebla A short walk away; described as a 16th-century cathedral renowned for its Baroque architecture.
- Amparo Museum / Museo Amparo Collections of pre-Hispanic, colonial, modern and contemporary Mexican art.
- Biblioteca Palafoxiana Near La Pasita in Puebla’s historic center.
- Zócalo de Puebla The main square, surrounded by colonial buildings, cafés and street performers.
- Calle de los Dulces (6 Oriente) Known for traditional Poblano sweets.
- Historic-center street art.
A suggested itinerary is to visit the cathedral and museums in the morning, have lunch at a local Poblano cuisine restaurant, stroll through the Zócalo in the afternoon and stop at La Pasita for a late-afternoon tasting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are La Pasita’s visiting hours?
Published schedules differ: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, closed Mondays; Monday through Saturday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, closed Sundays; or 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Hours may vary, so check ahead.
Is there an entrance fee or are tickets required?
No. Regular visits have no entrance fee or ticket; guests pay for what they order or purchase.
Are reservations needed?
No reservations are required for ordinary walk-in visits. Reservations may be needed for special events or private group tours.
Is La Pasita family-friendly?
Yes. Children and visitors of all ages are welcome, though the atmosphere is described as more adult in the evening.
Are guided tours available?
There are no routine formal guided tours, but some local tours include La Pasita. Staff may share stories and information.
Is La Pasita wheelchair accessible?
It is not fully accessible. The small historic space has a step at the entrance and may be difficult to navigate; visitors with access needs are advised to inquire ahead.
Can I take photos inside?
Photography is generally permitted, but ask staff for permission.
What payment methods does La Pasita accept?
It is described as cash-only, in Mexican pesos.
Can I buy liqueur to take home?
Bottled versions of the signature raisin liqueur and other house-made drinks may be available; availability varies.
