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El Gallo Altanero

Guadalajara

The very spirit of Jalisco feels manifest in El Gallo Altanero. First, visitors must pass through the Cafe Fitzroy into the adobe and plaster-walled courtyard before climbing a set of stairs to find, perched atop a small balcony, a true temple to agave.

A backlit, stained-glass window featuring a modernist rendering of an agave plant sits behind the square 13-seat bar, with rooster-themed murals and artwork present inside and outside the lounge. Additional seating is available at counters lining the balcony, but sitting at a barstool gives you the opportunity to get a real education on all things tequila. Bartenders pull upon an encyclopaedic knowledge of the agave-based spirit as they select rare bottles from the backbar. The list offers some well-known names, but the focus is on an epic selection of small, independent tequila producers.

Cocktails are also on point, utilising classic techniques and hard-to-find agave ingredients to conjure truly unique potions. The menu changes daily, but some items are regular fixtures, like the Sangroni (gin, campari, vermouth, tamarind and watermelon). The party scene at El Gallo is just as lively as the drinks, with live music a regular fixture.

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