Paula García is one of the co-founders of Barra México which just celebrated their 10th year. What makes Barra México stand out from all of the rest of the bar shows around the world is that it is Women-led and plastic-free. For a show that has 2,500 guests each year, they are proving that doing these things is possible if you make it a priority. After years of watching BM from afar, we were finally able to attend this year and we loved every moment of it.
Bartender Atlas: And where were you born?
Paula García: I was born and raised in Mexico City.
BA: And you work out of Mexico City now?
PG: Yes. Always. Well, no, I went to Mendoza in Argentina for a few years. That is where I trained to become a sommelier.
BA: So what would you describe your job title as or what’s your role in the industry?
PG: A promoter of Mexican spirits and Mexican culture through the bars and through spirits.
BA: …and also sommelier.
PG: Also, yeah a cocktail sommelier, jajaja!
BA: When you go out to eat and drink in Mexico City, where do you go?
PG: Well, normally I try to go for seafood. Obviously I love tacos and tacos are always on my mind, but I love seafood here in Mexico, so maybe Mi Compa Chava, Contramar, or even El Picha, I love them.
BA: What do you do outside of eating and drinking and work stuff?
PG: I’m a full-time mom which makes me very very happy. It’s my full-time job. I’m raising a nine-year-old.
BA: Who’s your favourite fictional bartender?
PG: Well, I just love the guy from Cheers, you know, Ted Danson, he was super cool. Very in charge of everything.
BA: What’s the best advice that you’ve ever gotten?
PG: Keep pushing! If you get a no and no and no… you have to keep going. Because there’s going to be a yes at some point.
BA: What’s something that you are excited about?
PG: Well, I want to keep promoting Mexico through their spirits, but also the talent. For me talent is the key to fully transmitting what’s happening in Mexico and people are very sensitive and I love the connection between people, so I think they [bartenders and spirits producers] are the perfect way to promote what’s happening in Mexico right now.
RETURN TO ALL HOSPITALITY GEMS
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Posted August 5th, 2025
