Late night Mexican in Chinatown? Yes - it does exist! Enter the speakeasy style cantina,
Pulqueria. Brought to you by owners of nearby
Apotheke,
Pulqueria is the entomology of the name meaning local bar/restaurant, while promoting the ancient Pulque - a milk-colored, viscous nectar made from the fermented sap of the maguey plant and is a traditional native beverage of Mexico.
Ingested daily by the Aztecs many years ago, Pulque today is mixed with a variety of ingredients, such as tamarind, agave and lime. When entering
Pulqueria you feel like you're descending into debauchery, but in actual fact, it's a delightful sinless experience...well sort of. Talented Chef Nacxitl Gaxiolas serves up a full menu which is inspired by classic Mexican street food.
Pulqueria is entertaining; pumping out music filled with twenty something’s noshing on Chef Gaxiolas' creations. Get the Sikil Pak, a Mayan pumpkin seed dip with crispy homemade tortilla chips or the tacos, not just your ordinary tacos - these are el primo! Try the Tinga, a slow cooked shredded chicken with tomato and chipotle or the Pescado Zarandeado, a grilled Tilapia with fire roasted pico de gallo and lime - definitely a flavor burst to the palate .
You have to sample the Gorditas de Requeson, and the Papa con Chorizo as well, three little plump pockets stuffed with queso requeson, or chorizo, with shredded lettuce and crema. The Mole Poblano - a classic creamy recipe of that rich dark Mexican gravy we all love - is done very well here with farm raised duck Enchiladas.
Pulqueria is a myriad of traditional Mexican flavors, set in a friendly, fun basement location. Right in the middle of Chinatown - the last place you would expect.