From French cafés and Hemingway to New York dive bars and the Beat Generation, places to eat and drink and literature enjoy a long and happy marriage. Malpaso joins the tradition, offering “good food, good drinks and good reads.” Filled with books, the space is a project by Malpaso Ediciones, a Barcelona-based publisher of indie texts. Malpaso’s founder is Mexican, and its cuisine reflects his cultural heritage.
For starters don’t miss the excellent house nachos, served with cheese, pico de gallo, gaucamole and sour cream, or Vuelve la Vida, a seafood ceviche with avocado, tomato and lime. Star entrées include the Arrachera, a grilled US prime hanger steak served with baked vegetables, and the Atún Moctezuma, pan-seared tuna battered in Mexican spices, served with pico de gallo, avocado and mint sauce.
They do an all-you-can-eat Mexican brunch on weekends and weekday lunch menus; come early and there’s a free tapa with every drink. There’s also a “Malpaso Hour” on weekday evenings with deals on beers and cocktails. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for cultural events such as book presentations, concerts and art exhibitions. Good food, drink and culture go best hand in hand.