A trendy downtown spot where DJs bump Latin music as you sip aguas frescas, tequila drinks and more. Stop in for Mexican-inspired cocktails and authentic street food. Drinks are made to order with freshly squeezed juice. Pose in front of the beautiful mural with Instagram-worthy drinks. The menu is full of snacks and street food items, so order a spread and share with a group. If you’re an aspiring influencer, you won’t want to miss the glow-in-the-dark La Buenota and the Trajinera gives club vibes with a sparkler and eight shots of your choice.
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Hours:
Monday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
We came here for brunch. I would highly recommend this place. It had The chorizo burrito and was not disappointed. The food was delicious and nicely plated. The green hot sauce was homemade and was killed twice.
I also ordered a paloma cocktail for the first time. Since it was my first time, then I can't really say much. It was sour and pleasent. The salt around the glass was surprisingly enough to enjoy the entire drink with it. I would def order it again.
Courtney Lee Garay
Dec 16, 2024
5
Excellent addition to the downtown scene. You can tell the staff are proud of their business and want to do a great job. Food was served hot and management came by for feedback. Excellent presentation of food and great cocktail choices. I loved the tres leches French toast. Would totally come here again, way to go La Mala.
Adolfo Lambert
Dec 14, 2024
5
This restaurant its in the heart of Durham North Carolina, it has very traditional Mexican plates, the selection is great and the food was delicious.
The cocktail are great too. I personally had the Cuban sandwich or torta, it was delicious. My wife tried the corn on the cob as an appetizer, and it was amazing. We tried several items in their menu, and all the plates were delicious. The establishment has a live DJ in Friday’s night so the atmosphere was great.We definitely coming back and its definitely our favorite Mexican food restaurants in Durham.
amaka okoroji
Dec 8, 2024
5
It's a little dark. Very romantic atmosphere. Servers were excellent. Food was excellent even as leftovers for the next couple of days. Drinks were delicious. Spent a pretty penny but worth every dime
jay g.
Nov 22, 2024
5
Stopped by after a comedy show nearby & the drinks were so good. I love craft cocktails & this place hit the nail spot. Ordered an appetizer, the flautas de papas & they tasted like my mom’s. Very authentic. Will stop by again whenever i am back in Durham!
Joannah Jones
Oct 11, 2024
5
Great Mexican bar! Stopped after the Durham Art Festival for drinks and appetizers between lunch and dinner and was not disappointed. The vibe was modern Mexican in all the right ways. Drinks were creative and delicious. Very good service and appetizers were also good. I love how downtown Durham has evolved. Looking forward to returning.
Stacie Dye
Sep 21, 2024
5
We enjoyed a fabulous brunch today! The food was amazing. The atmosphere has a nice vibe and the staff were lovely. We will be back.
Filipp Nesterov
Aug 16, 2024
5
It is a great place with excellent service, a nice atmosphere, a beautiful design and interior, and an impressive presentation of drinks. You can see how the bartenders carefully and skillfully prepare the drinks with attention to detail, from the glassware to the garnishes—each glass looks unique and beautifully presented. While we were there, a manager came over and offered to take a shot of tequila with us. Unfortunately, we declined, but it was a nice gesture. Overall, the staff created a very pleasant atmosphere with positive energy.
From food we've ordered Vallartaso Ceviche, Tacos De Pastor, & Carrito De Churros.
My wife said the ceviche was delicious, and as for my tacos, I absolutely loved them. The meat was unique and flavorful, with a thin slice of pineapple on top, and the side sauce was also very tasty.
The churros were presented in a really interesting way, served in a fun cart with three different dips.
From drinks, we've tried La Ultima Y Nos Vamos, El Chavo Del Ocho, Là Bichota, and my wife ordered a custom spicy drink.
All the cocktails were, first of all, incredibly delicious, and secondly, the proportion of mezcal, syrup, and flavors was perfect. There was no need to ask for an extra shot, which we usually do when we go to other cocktail bars or restaurants.
Leah Carbonell
Jul 9, 2024
5
We had amazing service! My cocktail was flavorful and not super sweet. I had the Al Pastor Tacos and the spicy pineapple MOJO type sauce that came with them was awesome too ! Thank you to all staff and especially the kitchen for preparing the meal !
Elizabeth Helminski
Jun 2, 2024
5
BIG fan! Was craving tacos & I saw previous reviews on the Mexican fries, super tasty. Rosa was awesome, very friendly and attentive. We had the Birria tacos and Al Pastor in addition to the Mexican fries, everything was very flavorful down to the last bite.
Oh! And the churro cart was so cute & tasty too.
Nick Leghorn
May 24, 2024
5
Delicious Mexican dishes with tons of GLUTEN FREE options! Amazing cocktails! An interesting number of tamarind based cocktails, all excellently executed. Excellent service!
T Pham
Apr 29, 2024
5
Everything about this place is so delicious! The drinks, the tacos, the ceviche... I wish my stomach was bigger so i could try more things off of the menu. Seriously, everything was THAT good. Guess we'll have to come back again.
Anum Garraway
Jan 5, 2024
5
Jackie was such an amazing waitress and super bubbly personality. She gave great recommendations on drinks!! The vibe of the restaurant was perfect too. Definitely coming back!
Crystal Lin
Dec 29, 2023
5
Came here through an Offline subscription offer. Fruit and ceviche were refreshing, and the rest hit the savory spot. Delicious!! Would come back here again. Shared this with a friend and had leftovers. 🤤
