ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANCESCO ZORZI
Just across the border from San Diego, this sprawling metropolis with a checkered past is in the midst of an extreme makeover. Nowhere is that transformation more apparent than along the Zona Centro’s aptly named Avenida Revolución, a former tourist trap that’s reclaiming its Mexican roots. Here, six spots that have us shouting ¡Viva la Revolución!
Container Coffee Roaster Co. manager Enrique González recommends:
“About two years ago, an amazing change started along Avenida Revolución, and [the boutique hotel] One Bunk TJ was one of the places that started it. Each room has a different style, but it’s all minimalist and urban, and you can even play vinyl in the living room.”
One Bunk TJ concierge Bucky Montero recommends:
“In all the pasajes (alleyways), you find unique stores owned by locals. Colectivo 9 is down a secret pathway, so you don’t know what to expect, then it opens up and there are nine food stalls and clothing shops. Between the empanadas and tacos, there’s a little glass door to a secret bar with A/C that plays house music.”
Salesperson Guadalupe Castellaños Ortuño from the Colectivo 9 shop Mazzary Clothing recommends:
“Estación Central Tijuana has excellent service, great food, and really good prices. I love the El Cortez sandwich, with bacon and avocado.”
Estación Central Tijuana hostess Amber Arias recommends:
“There is a passageway called Pasaje Rodríguez that’s filled with little artists’ shops. I go there to look for handmade earrings and bracelets, and it’s all beautiful stuff you can’t find anywhere else.”
Salesperson Krissia Martinez from the Pasaje Rodríguez shop Plata Negra recommends:
“I go to Cine Tonalá [an arthouse cinema and cocktail bar] for the atmosphere and the live music. I don’t drink, but I like to sit on the lower level with friends. They serve brownies from The Brownie Girl, who is known all over Tijuana.”
Cine Tonalá chef Felix Maestra recommends:
“There is a great variety of flavors at Container Coffee Roaster Co., and their drinks have the right balance of caffeine and sugar. I’m Venezuelan, and my country has amazing coffee. The coffee at Container reminds me of home.”
