A lively cantina-restaurant in the historic district serving an extensive menu that mixes potosino staples like enchiladas potosinas with arrachera and dishes drawn from across Mexico. The setting is informal and family-friendly with a full bar and typical mains around 180-260 MXN (about USD 10.60-15.30).
La Historica Cantina de Autor occupies a building in the historic district of San Luis Potosi and operates as a full-service cantina rather than a chef-driven fine-dining room, with an extensive menu spanning potosino staples like enchiladas potosinas alongside arrachera and molcajete mixto drawn from wider Mexican regional cooking. The dining room is informal and loud in the best cantina tradition, with a full bar, television screens for sports, and a mixed crowd of families early in the evening giving way to a drinking crowd later at night. There is no sommelier programme; the bar leans toward beer, mezcal, and classic cocktails rather than wine. Mains run roughly 180-260 MXN, keeping the format accessible despite the broad menu. Reservations are recommended for dinner and weekends when the cantina fills with groups, though walk-ins are accommodated at the bar or on a wait. The overall experience trades refinement for volume and energy, making it a better fit for a group night out than a quiet meal.
Signature dishes
- Enchiladas potosinas
- Arrachera
- Molcajete mixto
Good to know
- Known for
- Mexican regional; known for arrachera and enchiladas potosinas
- Hours
- Daily 1PM-1AM
- Reservations
- Recommended for dinner and weekends
Location
Av. Venustiano Carranza 750, Zona Centro, 78000 San Luis Potosi, S.L.P., Mexico
22.1518, -100.9820 View on map
Highlights
- Extensive menu spanning potosino and pan-Mexican dishes
- Full bar with a lively, informal cantina atmosphere
- Arrachera and molcajete mixto as standout mains
- Historic district location with late-night hours
Tips for visiting
- Expect a livelier, louder room after 9PM as the crowd shifts from families to drinkers
- Reserve ahead for weekend dinner, when tables can run a wait
- Molcajete mixto is sized for sharing between two or more
- The bar seating is a good option for solo diners who don't want to wait for a table
Accessibility
The entrance is at street level, but the interior includes some raised sections and narrow aisles between tables that may be tight for wheelchair users during busy periods.
Frequently asked questions
Is La Historica Cantina de Autor family-friendly?
Yes during the day and early evening, though the room becomes more of an adult drinking crowd later at night.
Do they serve food all day?
Yes, the cantina is open from 1PM to 1AM daily with a full food menu throughout.
What should first-time visitors order?
The enchiladas potosinas and arrachera are the two dishes most representative of the menu.