Casa Franca — Restaurant in Mexico City

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE. I went there without a reservation and checked with the host if there was a possibility we can get in to see the band. The response was that we could grab a bite at the terrace and after that come downstairs to see the band playing at a sofa or chair available if we paid the entrance fee (150 MXN per person). So we did that, we grabbed a bite (probably the most meh food we have tried so far in CDMX) and a few cocktails. It was definitely overpriced and there was a notably lack of communication between the staff. After finishing eating we paid the bill with the entrance fee and the waitress tried to charge service fee to the entrance fee which was the start of a very fast downfall of our night. The host CLEARLY told me that we could get at least a sofa or chair after eating at the terrace, so we tried to spot one, which off course we didn’t, so we tried to sit at the bar. The bartender told us it was occupied by people watching the band at sofas and that if we wanted to see the band the only way was to do it standing. I tried to talk to the host again to check why did he gave us false information about the seats, to which he responded “I never promised you that”. The condescending ways of the staff was honestly ridiculous and so out of place. Why would anyone on their right mind pay a fee to see a band if it would mean being in the middle of a hallway getting stumbled upon by staff and people trying to get out or in of the place? The host proceeded to ignore us so we left. I guess the main goal of this place is to let as many people as they can in so they would earn the most money, without taking care of their customers and focusing on giving them an good experience, being attentive or at least being honest in the beginning or end by accepting their miscommunication.

Good lighting is not enough when the human part of a bar does not have a customer...

This was such a mixed experience. Went twice - the first time just sat at the bar and had great cocktails. A total ‘4 star’ experience. Ambiance is great. We didn’t have reservations on the weekend and went around 830pm. We did this to check out the suitability for this venue as a family New Years Eve spot. Even though it took weeks to figure out how to make reservations from contacting various people via WhatsApp, Instagram messaging and even going in person to book with the bartender…once we actually arrived for New Years Eve at 9pm (as they advised) we had to wait outside for 30 minutes….why? They seemed so unprepared as if they’d never had an event there before. We were sat at the wrong table and asked what we ordered - huh? (we partially prepaid and pre-ordered.) The food was really bad. Most of it was cold - we sent it back, it came back still cold. The dessert was some dirt-dry chocolate inedible thing. The service took forever. We had a table full of cocktails and then food with no beverages, not even water. We had about 4 different servers trying to figure out what was going on. And the music was so perplexing. Kind of experimental jazz improv instead of some fun NYE crowd pleasers. Then some guy got on the mic at 11:50pm and talked completely missing the actual 2025 countdown. What a disaster. I could go on but overall it was a bust. One star experience…

However on a regular night with normal expectations this place could be a cute option - great roof top bar and lots of potential if only they could get some half competent people to...

Jazz bar with great music and a rooftop for a more intimate setting. Arriving at the nondescript door, we were greeted by a rather pretentious host who wasn’t very clear on the bar’s overall concept, other than mentioning that the jazz bar had a $150 pesos cover charge to be paid at the end of the visit. We headed up to check out the main floor, which was lively and packed. The performance leaned more towards rock than jazz but still had a lively atmosphere.

Finding the bar area was a bit confusing, as it wasn’t clearly indicated. While deciding whether to stay, a waitress informed us that there’s a rooftop with no cover, offering a more intimate experience. We headed up to the top floor, where we were seated and given menus. The menus were the same as downstairs, but the quieter rooftop allowed for easier conversations.

We ordered cocktails, which were served promptly, but the service remained a bit impersonal throughout. The drinks were great, and the rooftop’s atmosphere was lovely, with our waitress checking in on us throughout the night. I’d recommend making a reservation if you’re interested in enjoying the jazz performance downstairs, or opt for the rooftop if you’re looking for a quieter spot to enjoy good drinks and conversation. A clearer explanation of the bar’s two different areas (one with a cover charge and one without) would have...