MAYAHUEL: Not Your Ordinary Tequila Bar
Mayahuel, located on 6th street between 1st ave and 2nd ave, is a welcome edition to the lower east side. If you are not aware of the exact location, you might walk right past its entrance with a low slung door and casual wood facade. Be warned that Mayahuel only allows customers to sit at tables and not stand. The space fills up fast with limited tables and does not take reservations. However, the very friendly doorman will take your name and mobile number….calling you when a table is free. Owned by mixologist genius Phil Ward, partner in Death & Co., Mayahuel features some of the most innovative tequila and mezcal (a smoky flavored tequila.) inspired cocktails in the world. Come hungry as Mayahuel serves amazing tapas and Mexican cuisine.
Mayahuel is named after the Aztec goddess of fertility-the agave plant is fabled to have sprouted from her grave. As you walk in through the heavy wood door, it feels as if you have entered an old Mexican monastery. The brick walls are complemented by church pew benches and don’t spill your secrets in the confessional booth shaped table spaces. As you head upstairs, you notice a stained-glass chandelier shaped like a tarantula and around seating for 25 guests.
For the tequilla lover, you will really be in heaven. I have never tasted such delicious blends of various bitters, tequila, and mezcal . Drinks are broken down into 7 categories, reminiscent of the 7 deadly sins. I was brave enough to try one from each category of Agave Fresco, Strange Stirrings, Punch-O-Villas, Tea-Quilla Cocktails, Vino en mi Copa, Cerveza Cocktails, and Fugitives. It was not easy walking down the narrow staircase after a long night of sampling. Cocktails are created with perfect hand sliced ice cubes (reminiscent of the famed ice at Double Seven). Be sure to try the Git Ur Lapsang in which the tequila is infused with smoked tea and tamarind soda. Another favorite is Red Ant River Swizzle, created with mezcal swizzled sugar cane, lime & absinthe. Even the salt and cayenne pepper rimmed glass are complemented by a sweet watermelon sugar tequila.
Try some of the authentic Mexican tapas style food between drinks. I loved the Cochinta braised pork belly with papayo mango and mustard. Other memorable favorites are the tacos with chorizo and roasted sweet pepper. The most unique dish is the Palomitas popcorn with lime, cotija cheese, and ancho chili (popped fresh as ordered. End your Mexican feast with churros, that come with a dish of melted chocolate sprinkled with cayenne.
