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Old 06-27-13, 02:30 PM   #1
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Smile Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Anyone have a good or bad stories to tell about this famous or infamous bar? I first visited there in the early sixties when the bartenders would always give you an extra portion when you ordered a margarita. They were always joking around like placing a metal tray on top of the women's restroom door so when the person came out it would fall off and bang and everyone would cheer. Good times. I would love to have a penny for every drink that was served there since the beginning, which I believe was around 1900.

Last edited by larry; 06-27-13 at 02:32 PM. Reason: spelling
Old 06-27-13, 04:33 PM   #2
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Hussong's used to be the place to go, but that was a generation ago. It's still Hussong's, and people still go there, but the younger crowd has other options now.....Mango Mango......Papas + Beer.......many others.

Hussong's in my mind, has museum status.....as well as good parking out back. I still go there, mostly to reminisce.
Old 06-27-13, 04:51 PM   #3
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

I've been there a few times when the music was great and the entire place was rocking. The band had everyone going and I didn't want to leave. . . . . and I've been there when the music was bad and I couldn't wait to leave. It seems like they alternate between Mariachi playing Mexican classics and Norteno playing American classics. . . . .

Always seems to have a nice mix of Mexicans and Americans, almost all of them tourists.

The pours are generous and prices right, but the beer is always stale. Don't quite know how they manage that. . . . .
Old 06-27-13, 05:44 PM   #4
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by bwall

the beer is always stale. Don't quite know how they manage that. . . . .

If you were in a Hussong's frame of mind, I don't know how you could tell.
Old 06-27-13, 07:24 PM   #5
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by DENNIS
If you were in a Hussong's frame of mind, I don't know how you could tell.
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Old 06-28-13, 06:56 AM   #6
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

One of the major hotels in Las Vegas has opened a duplicate of Hussongs that even includes the famous goose in the glass case in the corner.
Old 06-28-13, 08:05 AM   #7
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

It was a honor to meet Walt Hussong (great-grandson of the founder) in 2003 when he attended my Viva Baja #4 party.



He kindly invited me to hold a Viva Baja party at his San Carlos hot springs ranch... very nice guy! My dad and his dad were high school friends, in San Diego.
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Old 06-28-13, 08:45 AM   #8
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by David K
It was a honor to meet Walt Hussong (great-grandson of the founder) in 2003 when he attended my Viva Baja #4 party.



He kindly invited me to hold a Viva Baja party at his San Carlos hot springs ranch... very nice guy! My dad and his dad were high school friends, in San Diego.
Do you know if the ownership of Hussongs has still been kept in the family?
Old 06-28-13, 09:42 AM   #9
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

We were there last Sunday evening... still a great place to go and people watch. Great pours on the Margaritas still !! Love the smell in that place.... lots of history. I am surprised it has survived this long with no fire.
Old 06-28-13, 02:43 PM   #10
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

First time at Hussongs, '72 or so, surfing San Miguel no. Ensenada, back when
70 mi. below the border was an adventureous surf trip. Stopped by months back, was struck on how small the place seems. Anyone remember an Old Gringo that
played his guitar in front of the fireplace in Hussongs? '80's, called himself
Ensenada Papa
Old 06-28-13, 09:48 PM   #11
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by larry
Do you know if the ownership of Hussongs has still been kept in the family?
Not sure today, but when I had Viva Baja #4, yes... and the Quintas Papagayo (sp?) hotel as well.
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Old 06-28-13, 11:14 PM   #12
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by larry
One of the major hotels in Las Vegas has opened a duplicate of Hussongs that even includes the famous goose in the glass case in the corner.
I would like to see this place... where in Las Vegas is Hussongs located?
Old 06-29-13, 05:30 AM   #13
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob H
I would like to see this place... where in Las Vegas is Hussongs located?
Mandalay Hotel on the south end of the Las Vegas strip.
Old 06-29-13, 08:33 AM   #14
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by David K
Not sure today, but when I had Viva Baja #4, yes... and the Quintas Papagayo (sp?) hotel as well.
Right at Quintas Papagayo, "Sano's" restaurant as well. It's one of Ensenada's more popular establishments.

All still in the family. it's just that the family is getting larger and more diversified.
Old 06-29-13, 10:47 AM   #15
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by larry
Mandalay Hotel on the south end of the Las Vegas strip.
OK, thanks... High end place for a Hussongs... but, I will go try it out for sure!!
Old 06-30-13, 07:31 AM   #16
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by larry
One of the major hotels in Las Vegas has opened a duplicate of Hussongs that even includes the famous goose in the glass case in the corner.

Doesn't even have the slightest resemblance to the original one. Just a Vegas bar, like every other one.
Been years since I've been to the original one, but I remember it was always a blast.
Also remember there were always cops at the entrance, ready to haul obnoxious folks off to the hoosgow.

Last edited by edinnopolo; 06-30-13 at 11:52 AM.
Old 06-30-13, 06:37 PM   #17
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

I haven't been in Hussongs in a log time. Somebody said they had remodeled it - anybody know if that's true???
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Old 06-30-13, 06:44 PM   #18
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Quote:
Originally Posted by BajaGringo
I haven't been in Hussongs in a log time. Somebody said they had remodeled it - anybody know if that's true???
Since last visit about 6 mos. ago, it is still pretty much the same. They have over the years replaced the wood floor but still have the sawdust on it and the bar has been rebuilt but it still looks like the original. I like to look at the old photos on the wall, brings back fond memories.
Old 07-01-13, 09:56 AM   #19
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

Hussong's Cantina Las Vegas reviews... some good some bad...

Hussongs Cantina - Southeast - Las Vegas, NV
Old 07-06-13, 08:35 PM   #20
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Default Re: Hussongs Cantina-Ensenada

When we surfed at K38 years ago at night my buddies and I would go to Ensenada and eat our fill of tacos and then hit Hussongs. There was always a very short policemen at the front door which would check everyone out. One night my buddy was lightly tapping the table like a drum with the mariachi music. The short cop came to our table and told my friend to go into the room under the moose antlers. After about 15 minutes he came out wearing handcuffs and was escorted by the cop out the back door. I asked the cop why he was sent to jail and he told me my friend was drunk and causing a nuisance..... I told him he only had one beer, which he had, and he didn't believe me. We went to the jail and they said he would be released the next morning after $200.00 was paid. We only had about $30.00 between all of us and after lots of discussion they took it and we left.

Two weeks later we came down again. We sat at our usual table and just before we were served out first beer that short cop came over to my friend and took him to jail again! This time for nothing. Same thing.... paid $30.00 and we got out of there.

I know the cop just didn't like any of us. We all had long hair and dressed like bums.

About 7 years ago I went to Hussongs and there was the same cop. I asked him if he remembered taking my friend to jail twice about 35 years ago. I explained the situation and he said he always had people put in jail every night even if they didn't do anything..... He laughed and called me a pinche gringo.....

The cop was murdered about two years ago. I was told by a friend of mine that this guy was selling cocaine in the back parking lot behind the bar and apparently pissed the wrong person off and he shot him dead.

I will never forget that guy. He got what was coming to him. I called my buddy that was put in jail by this guy and told him what happened and we both had a good laugh.

Every night there were drunk American girls lifting their shirts up giving everyone a good look and always someone so drunk passing out or hurling. It was always good for a laugh.

Those were the days!





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