La Catrina: Where Christ Comes Face to Face with Zorro and Godzilla

La Catrina Mexican Restaurant

Corredera Alta de San Pablo, 13
Metro: Malasaña
Click here for a map
T: 91 522 57 59

La Catrina restaurant in Malasaña is living proof that Mexican culture has officially perfected the art of clutter. This cozy space boasts more objects per square centimeter than any other establishment in the neighborhood!

The shelves in the bar area are a jumble of children’s toys and mini-statuary that, together, seem to roughly delineate the parameters of Mexican pop cultural cosmology: Zorro, Christ, professional wrestlers, Godzilla, and Ernie (Bert makes no appearance). Add to this some Christmas lights and cowboy hats and you have the makings for a very creative and festive atmosphere.

In contrast with the chaotic environment, the menu is a very simple affair. It’s been scaled down to a few well-chosen tapas/raciones and cocktails – main courses aren’t served, but a few of the a-la-carte items are an ideal substitute.

All food items are a modest 7 euros and range from nachos to quesadillas to a variety of chicken dishes including Pollo al chipote. The cocktails, which will only run you 5.50 euros, include, but are not limited to, tequila sunrises, mojitos (a popular choice), and margaritas.

All of the above food can be enjoyed in the little dining area just off the bar. Here, of course, we encounter more wonderfully expressive Mexican decorating including shrines, stained glass, flamboyant table cloths and, what restaurant would be complete without… a small disco ball? The half-sized tables are suited to the “picar” (nibblies) style menu. A great place to hang out with friends!