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Cantero

4.7 42 votes

111 E Cesar Chavez St

5124789611

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Cantero # 1 Austin Bar
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Loretta Adams Last updated on Dec 02, 2024 by

The Line Hotel has brought us an all new Sotol bar called Cantero. This unique addition to the family allows folks to taste Texan and Mexican made alcohol. One of these is even harvested wild and made entirely in state “ranch-to-glass”, namely, Desert Door. Those folks alongside other distinct distillers provide proof for a new method to mixology madness. Come to Cantero to experience this terrific alternative to tequila, made more sustainably and substantially more saporous. 

Canter over to Cantero


Stroll over to this serene sotol bar located between the LINE lobby and Veracruz. They’ve created a comfortable yet elevated space that matches the succulent simplicity of this spirit. Their bar is accessible from inside or through the window looking out over the pristine pool and old oaks along the river. Sunlight streams in during the day and evenings are luminated by cozy candlelight. The word “cantero” refers to a stonemason and this has inspired everything from the entryway to the stoneware used for tastings.

If you’ve never sampled sotol, now is the time to try it. This spirit floats somewhere between tequila and mezcal, yet it has an incredibly individual flavor. Sotol is filled with the flavor and energy of the earth. When sipping a spirit like Desert Door Sotol, you’re experiencing the culmination of history from around the area. Sotol originated in Chihuahua and spread quickly to Texas and the Southwest where the plant grows wild and abundant. It is considered, in fact, to be the first fermented drink swallowed in our state. Something about the blend of notes found in Sotol is reminiscent of the land and the legends it holds.

Strelitzia (right), Dahlia (left), & Desert Door sotol tasting


Seek out the Strelitzia, a drink that stirs together sotol with luscious lemony, lavender honey, and ginger flavors. This name is also a Bird-of-Paradise plant species which perfectly alludes to the remarkable and refreshing qualities of this well crafted cocktail. Sotol isn’t all they offer, you’ll find vodka, tequila, and mezcal on the menu. Savor the Dahlia, a smokey standout made with mezcal, green pepper, sweet corn, and chili bitters. Cantero also offers cool frozens, classic favorites, CBD, and zero-proof mixed beverages. Cocktails like theirs pack a punch for the palate and will have you sipping and satisfied all night long.

They've got food too!!


One of the best parts about this bar is that they work hand in hand with Veracruz next door and you can order delicious food along with your drinks. Veracruz is a highly acclaimed local family of food joints and trucks that can be found throughout the city. Their brick and mortar location at the LINE is beloved by locals and visiting hotel guests alike. Check out our review for Veracruz COMING SOON. 

We had the pleasure of attending a Desert Door tasting and found ourselves intrigued by their story and enthralled by the experience of sampling sotol. Keep your eye out for events like these at Cantero or even host your next gathering with them. 

See y'all there. 

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