About La Barca Cantina:
Where Mezcal Meets Art & Preserves Mexican Culture
Welcome to La Barca Cantina! Our unique three-story yacht is a vibrant Mexican restaurant, offering daily excursions along the Hudson River and NYC harbor. With roots in Oaxaca and New York, we pay homage to Mexico’s rich culture, history, and textures.
Join us at Pier 81 for a fusion of Mexican flavors, art, and culture. As NYC’s first and only floating Mexican restaurant, we guarantee a memorable dining experience, combining delicious tacos, scenic cruises, and lively ambiance. Indulge in our curated selection of delightful drinks.
WHAT TO EXPECT
BOOZE. FOOD. CRUISE. VIEWS. FUN!
The Mezcal Experience:
Immerse yourself in the essence of mezcal as you sip our vibrant margaritas, enveloped by the awe-inspiring NYC skyline from our open-air sundecks. Crafted with top-tier tequila, tangy lime juice, and a touch of sweetness, our margaritas serve as the quintessential dining companion. With an unparalleled selection of tequila and mezcal, elevate your libation of choice and toast to unforgettable moments. Here’s to a dining experience that lingers in memory long after the last sip! Cheers!
Our Mezcal CollectionThe Taco Boat:
Embark on a taco adventure with us! Our menu boasts an array of tantalizing options, from classic carne asada to succulent shrimp and flavorful vegetarian creations. Each taco is crafted with care, using the freshest ingredients and authentic recipes to ensure a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Join us and indulge in the flavors of Mexico, right here in the heart of NYC!
Our MenusA Fiesta on the Hudson:
Join us for regular dinner service, La Barca After Dark dance parties on Friday nights, Sunday Bottomless Brunch, Mezcal Festivals, Holiday Specialty Cruises, and more! Whatever the occasion, La Barca Cantina promises an unforgettable fiesta on the Hudson.
Our ScheduleLa Barca Cantina’s Art: Stories of Mexican/Latinx Heritage
Discover the soul of La Barca through its captivating artwork. From vibrant murals portraying Mexican folklore to intricate crafts celebrating indigenous traditions, each piece tells a rich story, reflecting the vibrant cultural heritage of the Mexican/Latinx community. Experience the essence of our boat’s interior and exterior as every artwork adds depth and character to your journey.
MURAL TRIBUTE:
Outside, you’ll encounter the Annals of the Codex Naguatika—a stunning mural celebrating the flora and fauna that define La Barca’s unique blend of desert and sea environments. This masterpiece draws inspiration from the pictorial language of Mesoamerican cultures, adding an extra layer of depth to your experience aboard.
The Rabbit and the Moon
In Mesoamerican cultures, rabbits are associated with the Moon. There is a rabbit figure seen in the shadow part of the moon in this icon.
Mayahuel
Mayahuel, Goddess of the Maguey. The Maguey plant is a genus of the agave and is from where tequila, mezcal, and pulque come from. Mayahuel is a goddess associated with fertility, fecundity, and nourishment–there are/were medicinal aspects of the aforementioned alcoholic drinks. In the mural She is intricately connected to the maw of the earth goddess. Rabbits are Mayahuels “children”.
Agave
The Maguey plant belongs to the Agave family, and was/is an important plant for Mesoamerican cultures. Among its many uses, Tequila, Mezcal, and Pulque are made from it.
Camazotz
Bats are essential to the pollination of the maguey plant, from whence mezcal and tequila come. The Mexican long nose bat, the lesser long nose bat and the long tongue bat evolved with the maguey plant. Both rely on the other for sustenance and proliferation. Bats were also important deities and figures in Mesoamerican cultures. Seen here, they are singing and dancing in the night wind.
Octopus
8 arms, 8 hidden talents. Inspired by Moche.
Humpback Whale
The Sun
The SunMoonEclipse
Featured Artists
Tlisza Jaurique
(Rain or shine, you’ll find her stunning murals located outside on the top deck!)
Tlisza Jaurique is a Mexican/Latinx multidisciplinary artist, scholar, and educator whose intricate paintings and installations using glitter and mirrors have garnered renown. With a background in Philosophy from Vassar College and a Master’s in Art Education from ASU, she pursued doctoral studies in Education, focusing on Curriculum/Instruction.
Jaurique’s work delves into philosophical concepts such as change, language, power dynamics, and decoloniality, rooted in her indigenous upbringing and aesthetic sensibilities. She teaches and develops curricula in various disciplines, including Studio Art, Art History, Philosophy, and History, with a special emphasis on Native American Cultures.
Her collaborations and consultations include prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, where she received the Community Scholar Award, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she made history as the first Mexicana/Xicana to exhibit. Jaurique has received numerous awards and grants, including the NDN Collective Artist Grant.
Her work has been featured in significant publications and exhibitions, contributing to the discourse on Mexican American Chicana/o Art and contemporary Latino art. Jaurique’s practice underscores the transformative power of art and education in challenging dominant narratives and fostering cultural dialogue.
Dina Leor (Keep an eye out for her handcrafted figurines scattered throughout La Barca, especially near the Mezcal Bar!)
Dina Leor is the visionary behind “La Sirena NYC,” a beloved Mexican folk art store that has been a cultural hub in New York City since its opening in November 1999. Translating to “The Mermaid,” La Sirena embodies the beauty and richness of Mexico and its people through its curated collection of arts and crafts.
At La Sirena, visitors are transported on a journey through Mexico’s diverse regions, encountering a treasure trove of handcrafted items sourced directly from artisans. From museum-quality pieces to traditional marketplace merchandise, La Sirena offers something for every taste and budget.
What sets La Sirena apart is its unwavering commitment to authenticity and cultural preservation. Many of the items available are crafted by families who have preserved their art-making traditions for generations. Each piece in the store carries with it a piece of this rich cultural heritage, contributing to a larger narrative of Mexican artistry and tradition.
Crucially, La Sirena prioritizes purchasing directly from the artists, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their work. This practice not only supports the livelihoods of these artisans but also helps sustain the continuation of their traditional crafts. Through fostering these direct relationships, La Sirena serves as a vital link between the artists and enthusiasts, preserving and promoting Mexico’s artistic heritage in the heart of New York City.
Dina Leor’s dedication to showcasing the beauty and craftsmanship of Mexican folk art has made La Sirena a beloved institution, enriching the cultural landscape of New York City and beyond.
Zarco Guerrero (Spot his decorative masks inside La Barca, positioned on the right-hand side of the bar!)
Zarco Guerrero is a multifaceted artist renowned for his groundbreaking work as a giant puppet sculptor, sculptor, maskmaker, and performance artist. Born in Mesa, AZ, Zarco has dedicated his artistic endeavors to effecting positive social change through the arts, embodying Cesar Chavez’s ideology of art as a social service.
Beyond puppetry, Zarco’s artistic repertoire encompasses music, poetry, and theater. He is the visionary founder of Xicanindio Artes (now Xico, Inc.) and the Cultural Coalition, Inc., pivotal organizations contributing to the development of Latino Arts statewide.
Zarco’s impactful contributions to the arts have garnered international acclaim and numerous prestigious awards. In 1985, PBS broadcasted a one-hour documentary about his art titled “The Mask of El Zarco”. Notable accolades include the Japan Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arizona Governor’s Arts Award, and the Artistic Excellence Award from American Hispanics in Higher Education.
His influence extends beyond traditional recognition. Zarco’s innovative work as a mask maker in Childsplay’s 2011 production of “The Sun Serpent” earned him the esteemed 2012 Zony Award. He has received grants from the Doris Duke Foundation to present theater to Latino communities in Arizona and was recognized as a Master by the Southwest Folklife Alliance in 2015.
Zarco’s talents are celebrated not only in the arts but also in urban design, as evidenced by his selection to design the Light Rail Station at Baseline and Central Avenues in Phoenix in 2017. Named “Best Storyteller” by the New Times in 2016, Zarco Guerrero continues to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
