Plaza Libertad is “a place where the arts, delicious dishes and authentic Mexican mezcal converge,” located on the east end of San Cristóbal. I wandered in for refreshments after a long day of sightseeing one end of the city to the other on foot, before catching a taxi home. I was delighted that I did.
The establishment consisted of two buildings — the main, front building had a few rooms with rotating local art of various mediums, a courtyard seating area, a wood fire oven kitchen, a beautiful bar, and a little gift shop. Out the back door you find yourself in a beautiful yard and various murals, with another small building just past that, where artists work and live.
After meandering around the sprawling property admiring the design and exhibits, I grabbed a table and ordered a rare, local IPA, some mezcal, and a wood-fired pizza. In two ticks I was recharged and enjoying the setting, so I moseyed up to the bar to peruse the complete mezcal selection, requesting another and sampling a few others. I also discovered cannabis mezcal.
I attempted to buy a bottle, but was told I couldn’t use a credit card for that, only my bar tab. I didn’t really understand but, it’s México so 🤷♂️. Luckily my timing was perfect, because the owner (Mr. Mack) just happened to stop by then and told his staff I absolutely could buy a bottle of cannabis mezcal with my credit card. Hooray! He walked over and was coincidentally an American, so we started chatting and cracking jokes. He was in a hurry and noticed I was leaving, so he asked if I wanted to hop into his SUV with him to check out his estate up the hill, hang out with him and the renters that live on the property after we run a couple of errands in the neighborhood. I apprehensively accepted and my concerns were eased when I got in and met the others, all younger travelers from various parts of the world. The vibe was good and we were headed to El Jardín de las Delicias…
Mr. Mack’s estate sits on a hill, up a very long, windy driveway. A little below the main house is a 4-unit apartment building, each occupied by someone from another part of the world, each with an amazing view. The main house was ridiculous. It was like an art museum, but with rustic overtones. It was a really cool place and I was completely awed. In addition to the residents, I met a few other people that were coming and going, as well as a few tourists that stopped by to see the spread.
We spent the rest of the evening hanging out, trading stories, drinking, eating, smoking, playing games, some poker, and, of course, enjoying the cannabis mezcal. All of it. I somehow managed to win some money at poker and we definitely had a good time until late, when I decided it was best to head home. Unfortunately the walk down that long, windy driveway got the better of me in the end, but I still managed to get into a cab and direct the driver home, where my bed, a worried kitty, and cannabis mezcal dreams awaited me.