About Salón Tenampa
Salón Tenampa is a historic cantina-bar and live music venue in Plaza Garibaldi, downtown Mexico City. It was founded in 1925 by Juan I. Hernández (originally from Cocula, Jalisco) and opened with famed mariachi groups (Mariachi Cocula and Mariachi Reyes) (salontenampa.com ). Since then it helped launch Plaza Garibaldi’s mariachi tradition, becoming a focal point for traditional Mexican music (salontenampa.com ). Today Tenampa is often called “the temple of mariachi” (elpais.com ), celebrated for its authentic atmosphere. The décor features iconic Mexican imagery – for example a large portrait of Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete and others adorns the main room (elpais.com ) – and the vibe is that of a classic 20th-century cantina. Inside you’ll find painted murals of famous visitors (Chavela Vargas, José Alfredo Jiménez, etc.) and Jalisco-style design elements, preserving the look from its 1970s renovation (salontenampa.com ). Patrons say Tenampa feels like “living history,” a place where you experience the flavors, colors and sounds of an almost antique Mexico (elpais.com ). The venue has played a key role in Mexican culture: songs like José Alfredo Jiménez’s “Mi Tenampa” were written here (salontenampa.com ), and stars like Cantinflas, Pedro Infante, and Frida Kahlo are known to have spent time at the bar (elpais.com ) (salontenampa.com ). All of this – the founding story, its centennial legacy, and its status as a cradle of mariachi – is why Tenampa is a must-visit spot in the Plaza Garibaldi scene (salontenampa.com ) (elpais.com ).
Events and Programming
Tenampa offers live music and themed events most nights. The core programming is traditional mariachi and ranchera music: seven days a week trios and full mariachi bands walk table-to-table performing classic Mexican songs late into the night (elpais.com ). (By custom, each song is paid for separately – roughly MXN120–130 per tune for a full mariachi band (elpais.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ).) You’ll hear songs from mariachi, ranchera, and even son jarocho genres in the main hall and patio. In addition, Tenampa sometimes hosts special themed shows. For example, it stages LGBTQ-friendly drag variety shows like “Una Noche de Arena y Sol” (a Pride celebration with drag performers lip-syncing pop/mariachi hits) (salontenampa.com ). The venue also participates in larger festival events. In 2005 it hosted Mexico City’s official “100 Years of Mariachi” celebration (salontenampa.com ). In November 2025 Tenampa itself will turn 100, and to mark the centennial the family organized a big concert (at nearby Lienzo Charro Constituyentes) featuring top regional artists (www.soygrupero.com.mx ) (tenampa.com.mx ). Regular patrons can expect nightly mariachi performances, occasional cultural celebrations (age-old holidays like El Grito or Día de Muertos can bring special programming), and the chance for impromptu serenades. Tenampa does not sell tickets for the casual mariachi music – it’s included with dining; you simply order food or drinks and tip the musicians at your table when requested (elpais.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ).
Tickets and Booking
On a typical night, you do not need a ticket to enter Tenampa – entry is free (you just pay for whatever you order). There’s no formal cover charge; customers just buy food/drinks inside and pay any musician tips per song (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ) (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ). For held events that require tickets (special concerts or drag shows), Tenampa sells them through its official channels or authorized partners. For example, the centennial concert on Nov 22, 2025 had tickets sold online in advance. Prices for such events vary: in that case they ranged roughly from MXN800 to MXN3800 (www.soygrupero.com.mx ) depending on seating. If attending one of these special shows, purchase tickets early as they can sell out – Tenampa often advertises any presales on its website or social media. Otherwise for routine nights, the best “strategy” is simply to show up early enough to get a good table and be ready to spend on food and the customary per-song mariachi fees. As one reviewer notes, menus are plentiful and pricing is reasonable – most meals end up around MXN310–500 per person (www.opentable.com ), and mariachi songs are an extra MXN120–130 each (elpais.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ). There is a small on-site box office/host stand for cover entry during special events, but no third-party ticket sellers are needed for the nightly mariachi experience.
Seating and Layout
Salón Tenampa is mainly an indoor cantina but with multiple sections. The main dining hall (Salón Principal) occupies the historic interior spaces, and there is also an outdoor “Patio” area for open-air seating. Additional spaces include a side lounge called “Salón La Negra” and a roof terrace named “Terraza Cocula” (after the owner’s hometown) (sitioarevision.com ). Seating consists of tables and booths arranged floor-to-ceiling; there is no formal balcony or fixed stage. Mariachi bands simply walk among the tables to perform, so guests are essentially on the floor of the “stage” wherever they sit. Because of this layout, every seat gets a good view of the action when a band passes by. (According to one article, Tenampa can host around 200 diners at once, but sees about 800 people through on a busy night (elpais.com ) – it can feel crowded.) For the best experience, many visitors aim for a table near the center of the main room so that mariachis reach them quickly. The acoustic environment is lively: polished wood surfaces and close quarters amplify the music, so it’s party-level loud during performances. Walls are adorned with historic portraits and murals (for instance, giant images of Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete loom on one wall (elpais.com )), which also makes photo-ops from any viewpoint interesting. Some say that corner tables can be slightly quieter, but generally any seat will have music. Note that after-hours crowds are mostly standing near tables anyway, so people often walk around. There is no assigned VIP seating – special sections are usually only reserved when hosting private events in one of the side rooms. In short: expect a traditional mexican tavern layout, with humming tables, mariachis moving freely among them, and a fun but boisterous atmosphere from almost every seat.
Getting There and Parking
Salón Tenampa’s address is Plaza Garibaldi #12, Colonia Guerrero, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ). It stands right in the historic Plaza Garibaldi, adjacent to Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas. The easiest way to reach it is by metro: take either Line 8 (the green line) or Line B to the “Garibaldi/Lagunilla” station (depaseopormexicoblog.wordpress.com ). From the station, it’s about a 5–6 minute walk: head southeast along Eje Central, passing República de Ecuador and República de Honduras streets, and you’ll arrive at Plaza Garibaldi and Tenampa (depaseopormexicoblog.wordpress.com ). Several city bus and trolley routes also serve the area. Notably, trolleybus “República de Perú” stop drops you right at the plaza if coming from the northbound direction (e.g. from North Bus Terminal), while “Violeta” does so for southbound direction (depaseopormexicoblog.wordpress.com ). Ride-share and taxis can use Eje Central drop-off (just a minute’s walk from the entrance). If driving, parking is limited. Plaza Garibaldi has an underground lot (Deprisa Garibaldi) with about 285 spaces (www.parkopedia.mx ); it charges per hour. Overnight street parking is scarce. In practice for special events, the Tenampa organizers actually advise using a taxi or Uber due to the area’s limited parking (tenampa.com.mx ). In summary: one of the safest and most convenient options is public transit (metro), with rideshare or official taxi stands for late-night departures.
Inside the Venue
When you enter Tenampa, expect a classic Mexican cantina ambiance – a warm wooden bar, dim lighting, and framed photos of legendary musicians. Security at the entrance is usually minimal (it’s not a nightclub cover-check environment), so you’ll simply be shown to your table. The atmosphere is electric and unpretentious: guests often mingle standing near tables, and there’s a communal party vibe. The service staff is friendly and works with the music – they move with the pulse of the songs, sometimes even dancing or keeping time as they bus tables (elpais.com ). Food and drink orders are placed with the server at your table. Tenampa serves an extensive menu of Mexican fare, specializing in Jalisco and regional dishes. Signature items include quesabirrias (consomé-filled birria tacos), birria stew, pozole, and the classic torta ahogada (a drenched pork sandwich) – all hearty, home-style Mexican comfort foods (elpais.com ). One house specialty is the “Botana Tenampa,” a sharable platter of mixed garnachas (street snacks) that showcases flavors from across Mexico (elpais.com ). On the drinks side, tequila and mezcal take center stage: the bartender recommends margaritas, mezcalitas and even a special “ponche de granada” (a tequila-pomegranate punch) made by a local expert (elpais.com ). In short, the menu emphasizes a taste of Jalisco – as one longtime staffer said, “our essence is Jalisco” (elpais.com ). Music is continuous: mariachis stop at tables to perform individual songs (at roughly MXN120–130 each) (elpais.com ) (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ), and you can order drinks or snacks during the breaks. Expect occasional live vocals and plenty of tequila shots – Tenampa is as much a fiesta as a dinner. Facilities are basic: restrooms and a coat rack are available but nowhere lavish. There’s no formal stage or sound system (the bands play acoustically), and while cell signal is generally okay, Wi-Fi is not advertised. No outside food or drink is allowed (you must order on-site). Photography is common (guests often snap pictures of the murals and bands) and is not restricted. Overall, inside Tenampa feel is lively, historic, and very much “authentic Mexico” – a place to eat, drink and revel in live folkloric music without pretense.
Nearby Amenities
Plaza Garibaldi is a tourist and nightlife hub, so there are plenty of nearby amenities. For dining beyond Tenampa, you’ll find other Mexican restaurants and cantinas in the area. Within a 5–10 minute walk are well-known spots like La Casa de las Sirenas (a popular Mexican restaurant with views of the Zócalo) (www.tripadvisor.ie ), and Restaurante El Cardenal (famous for classic Mexican breakfasts and dinners) (www.tripadvisor.ie ). Casual eateries and taquerias line the plaza streets, plus several tequila bars and pubs are steps away (countless patrons spill into the plaza for drinks after or before their night at Tenampa). This area is also near the historic center, so major hotels are clustered a few blocks from the venue. For example, the Hotel MX Garibaldi (Wyndham) stands right on Plaza Garibaldi (www.tripadvisor.com.mx ), and others like Hotel Diligencias or the upscale Historic Hotel Central are all within a 5–10 minute walk (www.tripadvisor.com.mx ) (www.tripadvisor.com.mx ). If you’re staying elsewhere, note that taxis and Uber work well here at any hour. Because Tenampa stays open late, many visitors arrive early: plan to be in the plaza by 8pm on busy nights. (In fact, even on a weekday by 9pm the tables can be almost full (elpais.com ), so arriving around opening time is wise.) Lastly, late-night transportation is easy: taxis line up at Plaza Garibaldi all night long, and ride-share services have no trouble dropping off or picking up here late. The Baja (turibus) stops to the south of Zócalo run 24/7, but most people simply take a cab or Uber back when they leave Tenampa after midnight.
What Makes This Venue Special
Salón Tenampa’s unique appeal lies in its deep roots and rich character. As the oldest continuously running mariachi cantina in Mexico City (nearing 100 years old), it’s a living monument to Mexico’s musical heritage (salontenampa.com ) (elpais.com ). Unlike generic music bars, Tenampa is intertwined with folklore: its founder styled it after his Jalisco hometown, complete with live tequila fountain parties and Jaliscan food (elpais.com ). Over the decades it became legendary – visited by everyday citizens and celebrities alike. Travel writers note that Joaquín Sabina, Chavela Vargas and even Frida Kahlo once drank here (elpais.com ). In the 1940s-60s (the Golden Era of mariachi) the club became a filming location for Mexican cinema – Cantinflas shot scenes of “El Portero” here and Negrete’s movie was filmed around Tenampa (salontenampa.com ) – and songwriters kept it alive in ballads (“Mi Tenampa” by José Alfredo Jiménez was written as an ode to the local cantina (salontenampa.com )). Inside, the ambience is truly “authentically Mexican”: as the current owner puts it, you experience “tequila, gastronomy, mariachi and the agave fields” here – four Mexican cultural treasures rolled into one (elpais.com ). In short, Tenampa isn’t just another restaurant; it’s a cultural institution and a piece of living folklore. The colorful décor (murals of Cantinflas, Vargas, etc.), the family-run history, and the nonstop mariachi performances give it character that guests and musicians both adore. For artists it’s a homecoming stage, and for visitors it’s a dive into Mexico’s soul – a venue beloved for preserving tradition in lively, unabashed style (elpais.com ) (elpais.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: Being a nearly century-old building, Tenampa is not fully wheelchair-accessible. There may be small steps at the entrance and the booths have narrow aisles, so mobility-impaired visitors should call ahead or inquire. The restrooms are traditional style and may be tight for big wheelchairs.
What to Bring: Bring cash (pesos) for payment and tipping, since some patrons still prefer cash for small bills when hiring musicians or tipping servers. A camera is a good idea – the murals and festive atmosphere make for memorable photos. There’s no coat check, but you can leave small bags at your table. Don’t bring outside food or drink (all dining/drinking must be purchased there).
Dress Code and Age Policy: There is no strict dress code – smart-casual attire is typical (jeans and a nice shirt or blouse are fine). One thing to note: some reviews say children or teens have on occasion been turned away from Tenampa (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ). It seems to be an adult-oriented bar/restaurant (the focus on tequila and late-night music). If you have young children, it’s best to check with staff first – many visitors treat it as an over-18 environment. In any case, always carry a photo ID (18+) since waitstaff may randomly check age.
Timing: On busy weekend nights the place gets very crowded. Aim to arrive around 7:00–8:00pm on weekends or show nights to secure a table. (Even on a Wednesday, by about 9pm most tables were occupied (elpais.com ).) If you’re running late for a ticketed event, be aware doors typically open about an hour before showtime (for example, a 9pm show might have doors at 8pm (salontenampa.com )). The venue closes at 1:00am Sunday–Thursday and 2:00am Friday–Saturday (depaseopormexicoblog.wordpress.com ), so late-night rides home are available until then.
Avoiding Scams: Be aware of hustlers around Plaza Garibaldi. Some touts will try to tell you Tenampa has “no food” or can’t take outsiders, in an attempt to send visitors to another bar. Don’t fall for it – Tenampa does have full kitchen service and welcomes diners (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ). If anyone claims otherwise, just keep walking to the venue in the plaza.
Etiquette: At Tenampa, tipping the musicians is expected. When a mariachi group plays at your table, discreetly manage the payment (they will pass a hat or send an envelope for you to put money into, though at bigger tables a server can help). Also tip your waiter or bartender in pesos. Other than that, just relax and join the singing – it’s customary to clap and sing along to favorites. Finally, remember the vibe is very casual and festive: feel free to request songs (plenty of patrons do) and to get up and dance if you wish – just keep the party spirit friendly.
Do I need to buy a ticket or pay cover to enter Salón Tenampa?
For normal evenings, no ticket or cover charge is required. You pay only for what you order (food/drinks) and any songs you request from the mariachi bands (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ) (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ). On special event nights (themed concerts or shows), tickets must be purchased in advance. In those cases, Tenampa usually sells them through their official site or authorized outlets (for example, the 100th anniversary concert had tickets sold for MXN800–3800 (www.soygrupero.com.mx )).
What is the address of Salón Tenampa and how do I get there by public transit?
Salón Tenampa is located at Plaza Garibaldi #12, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ). The nearest metro station is Garibaldi/Lagunilla (Lines 8 and B). From the metro, walk a few minutes southeast along Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas to reach Plaza Garibaldi (depaseopormexicoblog.wordpress.com ). Several city buses and trolleybuses also drop you nearby; for example, trolleybus lines stopping at “República de Perú” (northbound) or “Violeta” (southbound) put you a block from the plaza (depaseopormexicoblog.wordpress.com ). Ride-sharing and taxis are also convenient – ask the driver to drop you off at Plaza Garibaldi.
Is Salón Tenampa wheelchair accessible?
Because Tenampa occupies a historic building, it is not fully wheelchair-friendly. There may be a small step at the entrance and narrow aisles between tables. The floors are mostly flat once inside, but if you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, it’s advisable to call ahead and confirm. Unfortunately there is no elevator or ramp in the main dining area.
Where can I park my car when visiting Tenampa?
Parking is limited around Plaza Garibaldi. The plaza has a large underground garage (Deprisa Garibaldi) with about 285 spaces (www.parkopedia.mx ), which charges an hourly rate. Street parking is scarce and often monitored, so plan to pay or park elsewhere and walk. For special events, Tenampa even recommends taking a taxi or rideshare due to very limited parking (tenampa.com.mx ). In general, using public transit or Uber/Taxi is more convenient than driving.
What are the best seats to watch the mariachi performances?
There is no fixed stage at Tenampa – mariachi bands roam floor-to-ceiling between tables. For a great view, many guests choose a table near the center of the main salon so the musicians pass by easily. The main bar area and front tables also get frequent attention. Any seat in the interior hall has good sight lines since the bands come to you. Some quieter diners prefer side tables or the terrace, but for full mariachi immersion, central tables in the main hall are ideal.
What is the seating capacity and layout of the venue?
Salón Tenampa consists of several areas: the main indoor dining hall, an adjacent patio, a lounge (“Salón La Negra”) and a rooftop terrace (“Terraza Cocula”) (sitioarevision.com ). The indoor hall seats roughly 150–200 guests at a time, although on busy nights up to 800 people may come through (elpais.com ). Tables are generally closely spaced. There is no formal stage; live bands circulate among tables. The décor features booths and wooden tables, and historic portraits decorate the walls (e.g. paintings of Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete (elpais.com )). All seating is open – there are no assigned seats or separate VIP section for regular nights.
What kind of dress code does Salón Tenampa have?
Tenampa has a casual dress code. Most locals and visitors wear smart-casual attire (jeans, nice shirts, etc.). There is no formal requirement, but since it’s an upscale historic cantina, avoid beachwear or overly athletic clothing. You can enter in regular evening clothes with no issue. The focus is on enjoying music and food, so comfort and neatness are all that’s expected.
Are children or minors allowed inside?
Tenampa is primarily an adult-oriented cantina. Many guests note that younger children or teens have sometimes been turned away (www.tripadvisor.com.pe ). There is no explicit sign posted (that we know of), but past visitors recommend verifying with staff first. In general, expect the crowd to be mainly adults. If you do bring children, know that the atmosphere is loud and centered on drinking and singing. IDs may be requested at staff discretion, especially for younger patrons.
Can I bring a large bag or backpack into Tenampa?
There is no strict bag policy, but Tenampa is a crowded bar and space is tight. It’s best to bring only a small bag or purse if you can. Large backpacks or rolling luggage may be cumbersome in the narrow aisles. If you have a large bag, plan to keep it on your lap or at your feet; the staff likely won’t prohibit it, but it may inconvenience other guests if space is limited.
What specialties does Tenampa’s menu offer?
Tenampa’s menu highlights Jalisco-style and Mexican comfort foods. Popular dishes include quesabirria tacos with consommé, traditional birria (stewed goat or beef), pozole (~pork stew), and torta ahogada (a chile-drowned sandwich) (elpais.com ). A house specialty is the “Botana Tenampa,” a sharable platter combining many Mexican garnachas (street snacks) in one hearty spread (elpais.com ). The emphasis is on rich, flavorful dishes meant for sharing with a group. Mexican beers, tequila shots, margaritas and other classic cocktails (like a “granada punch” with tequilas) complement the meal (elpais.com ) (www.opentable.com ).
Does Tenampa accept credit cards or only cash?
Tenampa does accept credit/debit cards for payment. It has a full-service restaurant/bartender, so you can usually pay your bill with plastic. However, it’s still wise to carry some cash for tipping. Local custom is to tip the mariachi musicians in cash at the table when they perform. So while a credit card works for food and drinks, keep small bills handy for the performers and servers.
Can I make a reservation at Tenampa?
Tenampa operates mainly on a walk-in basis. It does not typically accept reservations for regular nights – seating is first-come, first-served. On rare occasions (for example, if they are hosting a large private event or you want to rent a room) they may take bookings. If you have a specific event in mind, you can inquire by phone. Otherwise, just arrive by 7–8pm on busy nights to get a table.
