A Guide to Barrio Antiguo, Monterrey’s Coolest Neighborhood

Barrio Antiguo, once one of Monterrey’s most ill reputed areas, has come into its own over the last five years. In this compact neighborhood—known simply as ‘Barrio’ to the locals—what were once crumbling facades are now block-color backdrops perfect for Instagram.

Along Calle Morelos, the neighborhood’s main drag, slick cafés, terrace-top restaurants, and independent boutiques have quietly popped up… as have yarn-bombed trees and shaded seating areas. And the nightlife? The live music and craft beer offerings of Barrio Antiguo remain some of the best in the city.

Whether you want to spend a day or five exploring Monterrey’s coolest neighborhood, here are some of the best places to eat, drink, and shop.

Eat

Most of Monterrey’s eating options center around the canopy-covered Calle Morelos. For a quick Mexican lunch, don’t miss Casa de los Abuelos, a tiny locale which specializes in quesadillas, gorditas, and—on weekends only—pozole. Or sample Colombian fare at Sabor A Colombia on the eastern extremes of Barrio Antiguo.

Vegetarians are also catered for in admittedly meat-mad Monterrey: fill up at Hare Krishna’s lunchtime Indian buffet or if you’ve got time to spare, stop in at Trece Lunasfor meat-free twists on Mexican classics.

And in a region where flour tortillas reign supreme, you can even get your corn fix at La Casa del Maíz on Calle Abasolo.

Once that midday Monterrey heat starts getting to you, retrace your steps down Calle Morelos and dip into the blissfully air-conditioned Mercado Barrio Antiguo. One of the latest additions to the neighborhood’s scene, this vast food hall of sorts has over 25 locales, serving up anything from flan to Belgian-style loaded fries.

As evening rolls around, indulge in something a little more substantial. At the southern end of Barrio Antiguo—technically just outside the neighborhood’s official limits—sits El Rey del Cabrito, which serves up the regional specialty of roasted goat seven days a week.

Or, take an international approach to dining at Thai Thai, a Thai restaurant just opposite the Zócalo, Barrio Antiguo’s nightclub hub.

Drink

Day or night, there’s somewhere and something to drink in Barrio Antiguo. Get your caffeine fix at Black Café. Situated towards the upper end of the neighborhood, this spacious coffee shop-slash-record store is worth the minor detour, as is the nearby Tierra Libre.

Harry Potter fans should stop by Callejón Dargon for the novelty factor alone—skip the Butterbeer, but try the mini birthday cakes decorated with that iconic pink-and-green icing combo. Meanwhile, Libros, Café y Detalles will delight book lovers looking for somewhere to browse for their next title while sipping on a milkshake.

As the sun sets, head to the terrace of Me Muero de Hambre and take in the view over Monterrey’s imposing mountains with a beer in hand or dive straight into the city’s live music scene at Casa Morelos, La Tumba, or Café Iguana, the latter of which has been a stalwart of the neighborhood since 1991.

If you’re more of a specialty beer buff, don’t miss the neighborhood’s only craft beer bar—Almacén 42—where there are (appropriately) 42 Mexican beers on tap for you to choose from.

Shop

You won’t find chain clothes stores or big-name brands in Barrio Antiguo, but if used books, antiques, and specialist tea are more your kind of thing, this neighborhood has you covered.

Shop for loose-leaf teas at Hindie Tea, take in the smell of old books while browsing locally-made handicrafts at La Tiendita del Barrio Antiguo, or rummage for antiques at Bazar los Bisabuelos and Bazar La Paloma.

Meanwhile, Sundays see the arrival of Barrio Antiguo’s Callejón Cultural on Calle Mina. This eclectic flea market-slash-craft fair has formed part of the fabric of the neighborhood since the early nineties and is a veritable browser’s paradise.

Pick up anything from homemade ice cream and vintage Coke memorabilia, to hand-woven bags and original artworks.