The city's oldest cantina, open since 1906 and run by the same family for four generations, pouring Zacatecas mezcal with free botanas in a historic, unpolished setting near the centro.
Cantina Las Quince Letras has poured drinks since 1906, making it the oldest continuously operating cantina in Zacatecas, and it remains in the hands of the same family after four generations, currently run by Don Agustin Llamas. The cantina follows the old-school Mexican tradition of serving a round of free botanas with every drink order, a custom that has largely disappeared elsewhere but survives here alongside a strong selection of Zacatecas mezcal. Live music frequently accompanies the evening crowd, and the unpolished, well-worn decor - dark wood, faded photographs, a long bar - gives the space genuine historic character rather than a curated retro look. It draws an older, local clientele alongside curious visitors and forms one of the five stops on the Zacantinas walking route through the historic center's most traditional bars. No reservations are needed; regulars simply claim a stool at the bar, and the cantina is at its liveliest in the early evening.
Signature dishes
- Zacatecas mezcal flights
- Free botanas with drinks
- Traditional cantina snacks
Good to know
- Known for
- Historic cantina since 1906; known for Zacatecas mezcal and free botanas
- Hours
- Daily 1PM-11PM
- Reservations
- Not required
- Dress code
- Casual
Location
Martires de Chicago 309, Centro, 98000 Zacatecas, Zac.
22.7692, -102.5852 View on map
Highlights
- Open continuously since 1906, the city's oldest cantina
- Run by the same family for four generations
- Free botanas served with every round of drinks
- Strong selection of Zacatecas mezcal
- One of five stops on the Zacantinas walking tour route
Tips for visiting
- Order a mezcal flight to sample several regional distillates at once
- Arrive in the early evening when the cantina is liveliest but not yet crowded
- The free botanas are part of the tradition - accept them rather than ordering separate food
- Ask about the Zacantinas route to combine this stop with four other historic cantinas
When to visit
Early evening, before the after-dinner crowd arrives
Accessibility
The cantina occupies a historic, ground-floor building typical of centro histórico construction; specific wheelchair-accessible facilities are not confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
How old is Cantina Las Quince Letras?
It has operated since 1906, making it the oldest cantina in Zacatecas.
Is it still family-run?
Yes, the same family has run it for four generations.
Does it serve food?
It serves free botanas with drinks and traditional cantina snacks rather than a full restaurant menu.
Is it part of a guided route?
Yes, it is one of five stops on the Zacantinas walking tour of the historic center's traditional cantinas.