Mixteca

Mixteca, the new opening from the team behind Please Don’t Tell, opens in the heart of the West Village, marking the trailblazing speakeasy’s first venture in nearly 20 years. Located within the iconic corner building at 1 Cornelia Street and West 4th, the multi-concept space features three distinct experiences, including the street-level agave bar run by inveterate PDT bartender Victor Lopez; the East Coast debut of LA’s beloved taqueria and friend of PDT, Tacos 1986; and Kees, a luxe subterranean cocktail lounge. Born out of Jeff Bell and Victor Lopez’s long-standing partnership at PDT, Mixteca is the duo’s ode to Victor’s hometown of Puebla, Mexico, and its vast array of agave spirits. Cocktails made with tequila, mezcal, bacanora and raicilla showcase the versatility of the category, in standout drinks such as the Vampiro made with tequila, sangrita, lime, Squirt and adobada rub; the Los Santos made with palo santo-infused mezcal, Lillet and bitter bianco; and the Machata, made with horchata, reposado tequila, Pedro Ximénez, cinnamon and matcha. For bites, guests are welcome to order selections from the Tacos 1986 menu, served directly to their table. Opening out onto West 4th Street, Mixteca merges the rich artisanship of Mexican mezcalerías with the eclectic charm of the West Village. The focal point of the space is a vaulted back bar clad in deep blue talavera tiles reminiscent of historic cantinas. Designer Post Company worked with local NYC-based artist Violet Oliphant to create the hand-painted tiles, which feature flora and fauna patterns, landscapes and traditional insignias that echo the Puebla region’s famed pottery. At Mixteca, seating ranges from lively bar stools made from recycled agave plant fibers and high tops to built-in banquettes tucked beneath adobe-inspired arches. Toward the back, smaller dining tables create a more intimate setting for group dining.