Mezcla is Spanish for “mix.” It’s a fun word to say, and a perfect name for a cozy Arts District bar that serves tequilas, rums, salsas and ceviche, in a neighborhood that boasts upscale dining, antiques, microbreweries, world-class street art and an increasing number of young roller skaters. Mezcla, the bar, fits neatly into that offbeat mix.
Its menu is simple—four pages, with a glossary of terms on the fifth. (Don’t know a pisco from a bacanora? Page 5 will set you straight.) It includes shareables like burnt ends brisket nachos ($18) and main dishes like the adobo chicken enchilada salad with charred corn and cotija ($18) and vegan chorizo empanadas with hominy, green onion, vegan smoked provolone and roasted tomato salsa ($15).
The ceviche stands alone. Several delicious varieties are offered, but there’s a box calling attention to the Mezcal Aguachile ($25), for the likely reason that it’s a tempting, savory beast of jumbo prawns, octopus, yellowtail, scallops, red onion, cucumber and Fresno chilies.
Once you’ve committed to a plate, the drinks will come easy; they fill the next three pages of the menu. Mezcla’s selection of añejos, blancos, cristalinos, mezcals, reposados, rums, cachacas and, yes, baconaras and piscos is deep and thoughtfully chosen. You can enjoy them as two-ounce pours or make them into cocktails for an extra $3. And if that’s too much pressure, simply turn to the page of house and classic cocktails and let Mezcla mix you up something great.
MEZCLA 197 E. California Ave. #110, 702-272-0759, mezclalv.com. Sunday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, noon-11 p.m.
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