Hussong’s Cantina — Restaurant in Ensenada

Oldest Bar in Baja, so it's worth a visit, but maybe just one. It's got history, it's got peanuts, cheap beer and simple drinks. The paintings are great. It's surprisingly well lit, but packed on a Saturday and I feel bad for the staff having to duck and dive around people, most of whom don't even attempt to move, they post up like entitled locals. The bands that sing drinking songs here are super loud and with the drunkards singing along it's more like all your drunk uncles doing the most at your nieces quincineira, just stealing the spotlight.

They actually have a decent selection of liquor, mostly brands you won't recognize. I wanted to try both Havana Club's side by side, but it was too loud and too crazy to do that. No shelves they keep them at bar height. The water is bottled and poured in glasses. Ice is at a minimum, they use more ice in the buckets than in any drink I saw being made. The back bar was pretty spacious, way more room than anyone on our side had to move. Not much else to say other than unless it's significant less packed I doubt I'll come back to give a more in...

The service, beer and margaritas we got were good. However, what I really did not appreciate is their pricing policy. First, there were musicians who approached us and asked if we want them to play a song. I said ok, assuming I will tip them in the end. I gave them 50 pesos (3 musicians, short song). The main musician complained that it is only 2 USD. I dont know where he gets his money exchanged, because nowhere in Mexico I saw exchange rate 1 USD = 25 pesos. He pushed for 8 USD. In the end we settled for 90 pesos. So jut be aware, when they approach you in the bar - unless you are willing to pay 130 pesos/ 8 USD per song. Another thing I did not like was their drink menu, on which they had "national beer" a.k.a from Mexico and "international". I oredered Hussong beer, which I understood to be national / Mexican. I was wrong again... as this beer was not listed on the menu, and was more expensive than national or international. So... please. Tell your patrons that your musicians want greedy 8 USD/ song, so they dont feel scammed/ cheated, and put all prices of all drinks...

I'm giving 5 Star's because without a doubt Hussong's is legendary! Not going to share all my experiences as that would surely incriminate me, so let's just say I am who I am today because of that wonderful bar in Baja. Meet amazing people from all over the world & had more fun than humanly possible. Only downside is that the atmosphere & vibe changed when they updated & became so commercialized. Shame on all who thought mainstream would suffice! BAD CALL If possible...Take me back to the wooden floors with peanut shells & God only knows what on them. The fireplace & the backroom where some, who shall remain nameless, were detained for behaviors we still talk about today with love in our voices as well as our hearts. To the many surf trips that started there as well as ended there, most all with hangovers I care not to ever re-live. What I would do to have just one more day with Jorge or Pepe that served us so well for years on end... I'm glad Hussong's is such a huge part of my past. Don't miss the opportunity to experience it yourself....