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If you happen to get José María “Chema” Dondé Rangel talking about mezcal, be prepared to strap in for the ride. A study of the spirit for 17 years, Rangel can easily speak through the tasting notes and terroir of one bottle while telling the tale of a family rift that spawned two competing brands. He's used his expertise wisely over the years, tending bar at Cosme, Claro and Maison Premiere and launching Panorama Mezcal, where he champions Mexican-derived spirits through education and events. Recently, he put his knowledge to good use, stocking one of the Financial District’s newest bars with mezcals, tequilas and agaves, 400 bottles deep.
You can find this spirited collection at Mexi located right off New York’s historic cobblestoned street at 57 Stone Street. If the name sounds familiar, that's because this is the second location of Mexi, the original having debuted in Williamsburg back in 2023. While the latest locale is much smaller compared to its older sister, the central focus is all the same: telling the stories of agave.
Housed in a landmark building dating back to the 1600s, the newest Mexi takes inspiration from the colonial homes of Mérida, Yucatán. Patterned tiles line the walls and the bar, while commissioned artwork nods to Catholic iconography. Mezcal and tequila double as decor as wrought iron gates partition off a rows of illuminated bottles.
But the best place to view the collection may just be the bar, manned by Rangel and his team. There, you can take your time thumbing through the spirits list, heavy with rare and small-batch tequila, mezcal, racilla and sotol. And if navigating more than 400 bottles feels daunting, simply ask the bar team for a tasting and let them lead the way.
Beyond single pours, Mexi also has a strong lineup of cocktails. Modeled after Lotería, a Mexican game similar to bingo, the menu features illustrated cards that tap into Mexico's culture with drawings of Luchadores and women in traditional dresses. Talented staff from behind the bar are also immortalized on the menu, including Rangel himself, whose face can be found on El Drácula, a blood-red hibiscus-infused mezcal drink with Giffard cacao, Campari, oloroso sherry and an allspice and hibiscus foam. Even the classic margs get a spin with five options to choose from, including hibiscus and pineapple with mint.
And if you need a little something to bring you down from all the spirits, you can find a selection of eats here, too. Hailing from Puebla, chef Jose Luis Dominguez honors traditional dishes of Mexico with fresh salsas and guacamole, slow-cooked carnitas and chicken tinga tacos, served on corn tortillas from Sobre Masa, and churros with chocolate for dipping.
So for slow sipping or a rowdy good time, put Mexi on your next bar rotation.