Hussong鈥檚 Cantina, Ensenada
Hussong鈥檚 Cantina holds a legendary place in Mexican history鈥攊t鈥檚 the oldest cantina in Mexico still in operation and proudly claims to be the birthplace of the margarita. Opened in 1892 by German immigrant Johan Hussong, the bar originally served nickel beer and dime whiskey to travelers and locals in what was then a quiet fishing village. Known back then as 鈥淛ohn Hussong鈥檚 Agency and Diligence,鈥� the cantina catered to passing stagecoaches and their passengers, even offering horseshoeing services in the back. By 1974, the name was simplified to just 鈥淗ussong鈥檚 Cantina.鈥�
Through the decades, Hussong鈥檚 has earned the nickname 鈥淭he Bar that Built a Town.鈥� It's steeped in lore鈥攕tories of poker games, political deals, revolutions, and rowdy nights have all played out within its walls. Over time, it became a magnet for tourists, local legends, Hollywood stars, and even adventurers in the Baja 1000 rally. Despite all the changes around it, the cantina has preserved its rustic charm, with sawdust on the floors, lively music, and a no-frills atmosphere that continues to draw in crowds from around the world.
But perhaps the most iconic moment in Hussong鈥檚 history came in 1941, when bartender Don Carlos Orozco crafted a new drink for Margarita Henkel, the daughter of the German ambassador to Mexico. He combined tequila, Damiana liqueur (now often replaced with Cointreau), lime juice, and a bit of sugar, serving it over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. The drink was an instant hit, and the margarita was born. Today, Hussong鈥檚 Cantina is not just a bar鈥攊t鈥檚 a piece of living history and a must-visit for anyone traveling through Ensenada.
Through the decades, Hussong鈥檚 has earned the nickname 鈥淭he Bar that Built a Town.鈥� It's steeped in lore鈥攕tories of poker games, political deals, revolutions, and rowdy nights have all played out within its walls. Over time, it became a magnet for tourists, local legends, Hollywood stars, and even adventurers in the Baja 1000 rally. Despite all the changes around it, the cantina has preserved its rustic charm, with sawdust on the floors, lively music, and a no-frills atmosphere that continues to draw in crowds from around the world.
But perhaps the most iconic moment in Hussong鈥檚 history came in 1941, when bartender Don Carlos Orozco crafted a new drink for Margarita Henkel, the daughter of the German ambassador to Mexico. He combined tequila, Damiana liqueur (now often replaced with Cointreau), lime juice, and a bit of sugar, serving it over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. The drink was an instant hit, and the margarita was born. Today, Hussong鈥檚 Cantina is not just a bar鈥攊t鈥檚 a piece of living history and a must-visit for anyone traveling through Ensenada.
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Hussong鈥檚 Cantina on Map
Sight Name: Hussong鈥檚 Cantina
Sight Location: Ensenada, Mexico (See walking tours in Ensenada)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ensenada, Mexico (See walking tours in Ensenada)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ensenada, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Ensenada
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ensenada is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ensenada Introduction Walking Tour
Ensenada, located on the Baja California Peninsula, is a coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culinary scene and rich cultural heritage.
This dynamic port city offers a unique blend of Mexican charm and maritime adventures, making it a popular destination for travelers looking for both relaxation and excitement. ***PH***
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
This dynamic port city offers a unique blend of Mexican charm and maritime adventures, making it a popular destination for travelers looking for both relaxation and excitement. ***PH***
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles