Local Food & Drink Tastings

5 (67)

Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

3 hours English

5 (67) 100% Personalized

Discover Oaxaca’s cantina culture through shared plates, mezcal rituals, and local conversation, guided by your host.

Angel

Jocy

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

3 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Transport Mode:

Walking experience (may use public transport for long distances)

Meeting point:

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, C. Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What’s Included:

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

7 food tastings and 3 drinks, tailored to your dietary preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s Excluded:

Additional food and drinks from the ones provided in the experience

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

What makes it special

Classic cantinas come alive through mezcal rituals, shared tapas, and genuine conversation. Your host plans 10 tastings that reveal Oaxaca’s flavor and rhythm at your pace.

Key Highlights:

7 food tastings and 3 drinks included
Visit traditional cantinas locals love
Taste Oaxaca’s classic botanas and moles
Learn the stories behind mezcal and toasts
Relaxed pacing with time to chat and taste
Optional local music and stories at each stop
A flavorful, authentic 3-hour tasting experience

What travelers think of our Mexico experiences

Elizabeth Oct 2025

Alex tailored our tour to my personal preferences

Kathryn Oct 2025

An absolute must in Mexico City. Marisol's passion for the city is contagious. We learnt so much about Mexico City and the culture. We also had the most amazing food and company. Mexico and Marisol have a special place in our hearts.

Suzanne Oct 2025

Oscar is a historian and could tell us all about the architecture and history of the region, plus the history of the war monuments.

Katherine Oct 2025

We did this walking tour our first day in the city to get a feel for our neighborhood. Our guide, Lando, took us on a 2+ hour walking tour of all of the historical, architectural, and culinary highlights in Roma Norte and Condesa. He even suggested a fabulous restaurant where we had our first meal in CDMX, and it did not disappoint. Lando was great, he answered all of our questions, and took tons of great photos of us to capture the memories we made. Highly recommend.

Katherine Oct 2025

We had an excellent private tour of Roma Norte and Condesa with our guide, Lando. He was very engaging and informative and hit all the historical, architectural, and culinary highlights. He took great photos and videos of us at various landmarks that really captured the memory for us. Can’t say enough great things about Lando.

James Oct 2025

I had a wonderful experience on this tour. Lando was an outstanding guide who shared an impressive amount of knowledge about the history and architecture of both Roma and Condesa. His passion for the city really came through and made the walk even more enjoyable. I left with a deeper appreciation for the unique character and charm of each neighborhood. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Mexico City.

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, C. Macedonio Alcalá s/n, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico

Mezcal & Welcome Snack

Begin with your first sip and Oaxacan welcome.

Oaxaca Cantina Tastings: Mezcal, Botanas & Local Rituals

You might start in a historic cantina where your host shares the story of mezcal and the art of the toast. Taste your first sip with orange and sal de gusano, paired with local peanuts or chapulines. Some guests linger to watch the crowd; others move on for more flavors.

Botanas with the Regulars

Small plates and local rhythm in a lively cantina.

Step into a spot where each drink comes with dishes to share, tasajo, tlayuda bites, or guacamole. Your host might point out local rituals or favorite orders. Guests can stay for the atmosphere or continue tasting at their own pace.

Mezcal Traditions Flight

Taste Oaxaca’s spirit, three ways.

At a mezcalería, your host guides you through Espadín, Tobalá, and Madrecuixe mezcals, paired with jícama and chili salt. You might compare flavors or simply enjoy the flow. The tasting feels natural and relaxed, not rushed.

Cantina Classics

Hearty dishes from Oaxaca’s kitchens.

Sit down for two of Oaxaca’s signature botanas, mole empanadas and chicharrón bites. This is where the heart of the cantina tradition shines. Some guests pair a beer, others savor the dishes with stories from the host.

Sweet Farewell

End the night gently, Oaxacan style.

You might close with a tejate cacao-corn drink and a sweet nicuatole dessert. It’s a soft, comforting finish that locals cherish. Some guests linger for one last story before saying goodbye.

What you’ll do

Real Stories, Real Connections

Discovering local drinks and vibrant Mexican culture

Tasting Mexico’s street food, one taco at a time

Exploring local markets bursting with flavor and color

Raising a glass to Mexico’s colorful tastes

Sharing laughter and local flavors in true Mexican style

Immersed in Mexico’s vibrant colors and joyful energy

Floating through joy, music, and local traditions

Experiencing Mexico’s timeless charm and warm hospitality

Sipping tradition and sharing smiles in Mexico

Tacos, laughter, and late-night Mexican magic

Sharing authentic flavors and stories over tacos

Finding flavor and friendship in hidden local spots

Sweet moments and warm connections in Mexico’s cafés

Enjoying a relaxed afternoon with local drinks and good company

Celebrating Mexico’s flavors, one delicious dish at a time

Discovering Mexico’s heartbeat in its bustling markets

Savoring Mexico’s vibrant street food scene together

Tasting bold traditions with every bite

Immersed in color and connection under Mexico’s festive lights

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Can my host accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences?

Yes! When you book, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire where you can note any dietary needs or preferences. Your host will plan the experience accordingly to make sure everything suits you.

Can I request specific foods or places to eat?

Absolutely. If there are dishes you’re eager to try or areas you'd like to explore, just let us know in the questionnaire. Your host will use your input to shape a personalized food journey.

Do you use fixed restaurant stops or is it flexible?

There’s no fixed route—your host will tailor the stops based on your tastes and what’s best on the day. Some places may be planned in advance, but there's room to adapt the experience as you go.

What if a restaurant or food stall is unexpectedly closed?

It’s unlikely, as our hosts usually check opening times in advance. But if a restaurant or food stall is unexpectedly closed, your host will have backup options ready and adjust the plan on the spot. The experience is flexible, so you’ll still enjoy a great selection of local spots.

How do you ensure food safety and hygiene?

All hosts are locals who know where to find safe, high-quality food. They avoid places with poor standards and focus on trusted spots they know well—so you can feel confident about every stop.

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Can I mix different themes (food, history, neighborhoods, culture, nightlife) in one experience?

While this experience focuses on food and drink, your host can also weave in local culture, neighborhoods, or a bit of history during the experience. Just share what you're curious about in the questionnaire, and your host will tailor the route to suit your taste.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Absolutely. Your host can adjust the itinerary on the day based on your pace, energy, or any new ideas you have. It’s a flexible experience from start to finish.

What is the duration and typical start times?

This experience includes 3 hours with a knowledgeable local host, a tailored itinerary based on your food preferences, and 8–10 tastings chosen to match your dietary needs. It’s a walking experience, though your host may suggest using public transport for longer distances.

What if I want to extend or shorten the day on the go?

If you’d like to extend your time with your host, just ask about their availability and continue your tour. Hosts can’t accept payments directly, so once the experience ends, please contact our customer service team at info@cityunscripted.com to arrange payment. And if you prefer to finish early, that’s absolutely fine too!

Are there fitness, mobility, or accessibility requirements?

This is a walking experience, but it can be tailored to suit your pace and comfort. If you have mobility concerns or would prefer to minimize walking, let us know in advance—your host can adjust the route, include public transport or rest stops to suit your needs.

How far in advance should I book, and is last-minute booking possible?

We suggest booking a few days in advance so your host can plan tastings around your preferences. Our system requires at least 24 hours’ notice, but if you’re booking last-minute, contact us—we’ll do our best to arrange it based on host availability

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

See what a personalized experience feels like!

Start Booking with us

★★★★★

Peter

Dec 2025

I cannot say enough good things about our full day tour of Hong Kong with Benny of City Unscripted. First, the booking process included a detailed questionnaire regarding our interests, and everything we considered a “must see” or “could do without”. For us, it was History? Check. Architecture? Check. Markets? Sure, but we’ll skip the live chickens at the wet market. Public transportation or Uber? The former, and lots of it. And so on….. Then, we were able to choose our guide, based upon his or her background and reviews. This was definitely a first for us with a tour company. Once we decided on Benny, we immediately heard from him by email with follow up questions, and after some discussion we decided on an itinerary that felt fully customized. The tour itself (8 hours) was everything we asked for. We covered several areas of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, a perfect mix of tourist highlights and off the beaten path sights. We threw questions at Benny all day, which he was able to answer thanks to an obviously deep knowledge - and love - of his native city. And let’s not forget the delicious dim sum lunch and teahouse! We certainly got our steps in, but we always felt Benny was keeping a watchful eye on whether we were flagging a bit. It was a perfect day of touring, and we feel comfortable enough on the Metro and ferry to go out and do some more on our own. In sum, Benny and City Unscripted are highly recommended.

Catherine

Hello Hans, Thank you Thank you Thank you for a perfect day. We saw so many beautiful and interesting places, buildings, and things! You were terrific in showing us around your city! You are perhaps the best tour guide we have ever had anywhere. You made us feel as though nothing we asked of you was too much trouble. Thank you again, Cathy and Randy Chick

Maria Eugenia

Es una opción para conocer a pie la ciudad, y ver lugares recónditos que solo se ven a través de alguien que es lugareño. Para nosotros fue genial. It's a great way to explore the city on foot and discover hidden gems that you can only see through the eyes of a local. For us, it was fantastic.