Agave and taco bar Prickly Pear opens on the Milk Block
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Prickly Pear's bar. Photo: Kim Bojórquez/Axios
A new Liberty Wells bar is spotlighting agave spirits.
State of play: Prickly Pear, which opened on Milk Block this week, serves mezcal and tequila cocktails, Mexican beers and street tacos in an intimate space.
- It's co-owned and run by Danielle Petek and Chase Worthen, the duo behind Neighbors.
How it works: The bar operates on a dual-service model: a walk-up counter for to-go orders, where all ages are welcome, and a 21+ bar section with table service.
Zoom out: Worthen said he visited San Diego's Quixote and Los Angeles' Daisy, both known for their agave cocktails, while researching the bar.
Flashback: Petek and Worthen also co-owned Alibi Bar & Place, which closed last year.
Dig in: Taco options include Fisher Cerveza-battered Baja fish, soy-marinated chicken and 12-hour-braised quesabirria, all on hand-pressed corn tortillas.
- You can also find chips, sides and housemade salsas.
- Cocktails are $12-$16, and tacos range from $5 to $6.
What I tried: The Pink Pony, mixed with mezcal, coconut milk and prickly pear puree, was refreshing, sweet and easy to sip.
- The chicken taco was tasty and memorable for its salsa verde.
What's next: Currently limited to what's available on state liquor store shelves, Worthen said they've placed special orders for spirits from Mexico that are expected to arrive in the coming months.
- Worthen plans to expand to Mexican whiskeys, rums and gins.
What they're saying: "We're committed to starting really small, making sure it's thoughtful," Petek said.
Before you go: It's open 5-10pm Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday and 5-11pm Friday-Saturday. It's closed Monday.