Candelaria: a hidden (literally) gem of Paris
Courtesy of Quixotic Projects.
Courtesy of Quixotic Projects.
Upon first glance, you’d pass the no-frills, fluorescently-lit Mexican cantina without a second thought – if it weren’t for the fact that authentic Mexican is extremely scarce in Paris.
But not only does the kitchen serve the best tacos and chilli-salt-rimmed margaritas we’ve had in Europe (which is hard to come by, as show by the fact that a lot of European bars have served me margaritas with vodka...), but it's home to a magic corridor á la Chronicles of Narnia that leads to a stylish, semi-underground cocktail lounge complete with intimate stone walls covered in tapestries and mirrors (and sans the blizzards and Ice Queen).
Between the geometric paintings on the walls of the cave-like bathrooms, the shimmery pompom wall hangings, and mirrored backsplash of the wood-crafted bar, the candle-lit interior is seriously dripping in ambiance. And among the experimental, thoughtfully-prepared cocktail menu you'll find what is allegedly one of the top 10 cocktails in the world, as well as punch bowls served in a crystal basin for 56 euro. Candelaria is certainly a repeat visit kinda place.
The cantina - often too packed with guests to make out the hidden door in the back. Courtesy of Quixotic Projects.
52 Rue De Saintonge, 75003 Paris (Le Marais).
Speaking of Paris...
Sry bout it.