Cantina Social Club will feature seasonal ingredients from B.C.
Few cities have influenced the way I think about food quite like Mexico City.
Over the past decade, I’ve returned to CDMX more times than I can count. It remains my favourite city in the world to eat, not because of a single restaurant, but because of its incredible energy.
Some of my favourite memories have come inside the city’s historic restaurants, where great food and cold drinks are at the heart of the experience.
That spirit is the inspiration behind Cantina Social Club, a new pop-up concept arriving in downtown Vancouver later this month from the team behind Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized Chupito Cocteleria.
Launching July 22 inside Pinche Taco Shop at 367 Seymour St., the evening concept takes cues from neighbourhood cantinas found throughout Mexico City while allowing the kitchen and bar to explore the best of B.C.’s seasonal ingredients.
Chef Maria Ponce will lead the culinary program, drawing influence from the many regions of Mexico while creating dishes that evolve throughout the season. Rather than offering a fixed menu, guests can expect an experience that changes as local ingredients become available.
Cantina Social Club’s drinks menu features seasonal cocktails and B.C. wines
The beverage program is equally ambitious. Chupito has built one of Vancouver’s strongest reputations for agave spirits and thoughtful cocktails, and bartenders Tara Davies and Erick Vazquez are bringing that same creativity to the project with seasonal cocktails, B.C. wines and classic Mexican beverages designed to complement the food rather than compete with it.
The concept also embraces one of the qualities that has always made Mexico City’s cantinas so memorable: bringing people together. Communal seating, a lively atmosphere and a rotating lineup of guest collaborations are expected to become part of the experience as the residency unfolds.
The experience also features Sergio El Bailador, a dancing skeleton mascot inspired by Mexican folk art. Equal parts playful and symbolic, Sergio reflects the festive spirit often associated with traditional cantinas and serves as a lighthearted nod to the culture that inspired the concept.
Having spent countless evenings exploring the cantinas of CDMX, I’m always excited to see Vancouver chefs and restaurateurs interpret that culture through their own lens instead of simply trying to replicate it. The city’s dining scene has matured significantly over the past decade, and concepts like this continue to push it forward while celebrating the traditions that inspired them.
Cantina Social Club opens July 22 and will operate Wednesday through Saturday evenings. No reservations are required, making it an easy addition to Vancouver’s summer dining calendar for anyone looking to discover a fresh take on one of Mexico City’s most enduring culinary traditions.