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Pulquería Las Duelistas
A century-old pulquería on Calle Aranda, covered in murals of Mexica gods and warriors, where young crowds try natural pulque and fruit and vegetable curados.
At a glance
- Type
- Pulquería
- Area
- Centro Histórico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Price
- $ · Budget
Good to know
- Pulque and curados
- Free botana
- Murals
- Jukebox
Why we recommend it
Las Duelistas is a classic place to try pulque in the historic centre. It has been a pulquería on Calle Aranda for more than a century, always in the same location, and it has had four owners over that time. The current owner, Arturo Garrido, took it over around the turn of the millennium when it was struggling, renovated it and modelled the new concept on La Rosita, a historic pulquería in Coyoacán. México Desconocido calls it a pulquería de iniciación, the place where many people drink their first glass.
The room is small and covered in colour. The artist Guillermo Carreño, a regular customer, painted murals over every surface, from floor to ceiling, and Chilango reported that the work took him three years. The images draw on pre-Hispanic and especially Mexica themes, including Mayahuel, goddess of the maguey, and the Jaguar and Eagle warriors.
The pulque itself comes from Nanacamilpa in Tlaxcala. You can drink it natural or as a curado, blended with fruit, grains or vegetables. Oat, celery and guava are the regular flavours, with more added on busier days and seasonal options through the year. For a first visit, Chilango suggested the celery curado with a touch of lime and chilli powder, or a tasting tray of six small glasses with different flavours. Leave the natural pulque until last: it is strong, sour and thick, and easier to appreciate once you have tried the sweeter curados. A free botana of Mexican stews is put out for customers, which helps soak up the drinks.
The crowd is mostly young, and the atmosphere is informal and friendly, with music from a jukebox and occasional concerts, recitals and cultural events. Prices are low, which is part of the appeal for students.
Las Duelistas suits curious travellers, budget drinkers and anyone interested in Mexican drinking traditions beyond tequila and mezcal. Allow an hour for a tasting tray and a botana. Opening hours are not published on an official website, so check the pulquería's social media before you go; it posts the next day's flavours there. The tasting tray is the easiest way to decide which curado to order next, and it includes the natural pulque so you can compare.
Pulquería Las Duelistas FAQs
What does natural pulque taste like?
Chilango describes it as strong, sour and thick, which is why it is best tried after the curados.
What are curados?
Pulque blended with flavours such as oat, celery or guava.
Which flavour is best for beginners?
Chilango suggested the celery curado with a touch of lime and chilli, or a tasting tray of six small glasses.
Where does the pulque come from?
From Nanacamilpa in the state of Tlaxcala.
Who painted the murals?
The artist Guillermo Carreño, who covered the walls with pre-Hispanic themes such as Mayahuel and the Jaguar and Eagle warriors.
Is there food?
A free botana of Mexican stews is served to customers.
Is it expensive?
No. México Desconocido describes it as an affordable option for young people.
How old is it?
It has operated as a pulquería at the same address for more than a century.