Bar Ocho
Guanajuato, GTO, Mexico
Bar Ocho is a nice little haunt just a block or so south of the Plaza de la Paz in downtown Guanajuato. Its tri-level layout has an inviting aura about it. During off-hours its dark, compact interior pass as pub coziness. During the peak hours the contagious college student ambiance tempts you beyond the sparse beer selection into considering -- dare I say! --a mixed drink. Good beer choices, as is typical in most places I've been in Mexico, are slim compared to Europe and North America. I usually find safe haven in Negra Modelo, Mexicos most popular dark beer, but struck out here.
We asked what their specialty drink was. The bartender described something good for killing brain cells and degreasing motors. Melissa and I split a Bohemia, a nice Mexican lager derived from Czech brewing techniques, and left the brain cell genocide and motor degreasing to the students.
The first floor bar (above and below)
The second floor had a mini makeshift bar, unstaffed during off hours. The bartdender on the first floor takes your order as you walk in, then brings up your drink. Pay on your way out. The seating on the second floor appears misleadingly plentiful; the chairs and tables are tiny!
Second floor area (above and below)
Seeting for little people?
There is an outside patio by the entrance, and a ridiculously small balcony (but with a nice view) on the second floor. The third floor houses a billiard table and few places to sit.
