Hussong's Cantina

Lonely Planet review

Spit-and-sawdust Hussong's Cantina is probably the best-known - and some say oldest - watering hole in the Californias. The margaritas look small and innocent but pack a punch. These days it's the 'mecca of margaritas and mariachis' for a motley crowd of locals, tattooed bikers, college students, honeymooning cruise-ship couples and retirees.

It's never lost its edge. With six-piece bands ripping out corridos (Mexican ballads) at full tilt, it's one of the best party spots on the peninsula. After arriving from Germany in the late 19th century, the Hussong family used their knowledge of traditional German brewing to establish one of Ensenada's first cantinas in 1892. Initially a stagecoach stop frequented by miners and ranchers, it later hosted Hollywood glam queen Marilyn Monroe, rough rider Steve McQueen and a host of other celebs.