Empty on a Wednesday afternoon

I was getting cranky as we were long past lunchtime, although part of it was a mental block against the idea ANY meals in a place so full of deliciousness should be skipped. After splitting up to wander around the colonial churches and various galleries in the area, we stumbled upon a brightly-colored bar called El Baresito on Quetzalcóatl & Garcia Vigil. Yellow and blue on the outside, with cute red stools on the inside, the design just made me happy.

On the drinks menu, there was a note that food came with drinks. We didn't know if that would just be the Mexican equivalent of pretzels, but were so hungry we figured we'd get by. Rubina & I ordered beers and Jasmine got some bizarre fruity green drink. We were alone with staff outnumbering us, in a very pleasant bar to spend the afternoon. But it was the amount and quality of the food that blew us away.

It soon became clear that the longer we sat there nursing our drinks, the more food would come. First was peanuts tossed in lime juice and chili powder...yum. Next up we had sliced jicama coated in chili sauce, a great flavor combination. Then we received bowls of spicy meat stew, plus more peanuts in a crunchy coating. Meanwhile, the bowl of chili-and-lime-coated peanuts was constantly refilled. Finally we got some tasty chicken tacos. All this for the price of 3 beers?

El Baresito's staff was very friendly. When the older sister found out we were heading out to the coast, she raved on and on about the handsome men in Puerto Escondido. She eagerly practiced English on us while Rubina insisted on practicing her Spanish. It was pretty funny to watch...sort of the reverse of how I speak to my parents in Chinese.

It was a Wednesday, so likely the reason for emptiness in the afternoon was school or work...but by 6PM the place was much busier. We hated to leave but we had a bus to catch. Would definitely recommend all visitors to Oaxaca check out El Baresito!

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