Escape the Snow Banks and Book a Trip to Pacifico

If you’re seeking refuge from the winter winds and snow-piled streets — and don’t want to leave the borough — is your neighborhood haven.

Boerum Hill's Mexican bar will transport you south of the border with its vibrant, painted-brick and stucco walls, hanging pottery and folk art, slowly-churning ceiling fans, glowing strands of big, colored lights and a food and drink menu oozing with rice, beans, cheese and, of course, [pitchers of] margaritas.  

 “This place feels unique to the neighborhood. It’s the only spot around here that looks like The Alamo, post defeat — in the best way possible,” said Dan Liebermann, 28, of Long Island City. “The crumbled façade when you walk in, the hanging wagon wheels, the smoldering fireplace that smells rich and rustic: I’m somewhere else.”

Pacifico has a standard selection of beer, hard alcohol, mixed drinks and what most patrons agreed were delicious margaritas.

“Our margaritas are cheap and strong and definitely a favorite here,” said bartender Renata, of Red Hook. She’s been working at Pacifico for four years and said patrons keep coming back because “it’s relaxed and unpretentious inside, with a diverse, fun-loving crowd.” Renata said Friday is the bar’s most popular night. 

Patrick, a Pacifico regular and Stephanie, a Pacifico first-timer, describe the bar as warm and welcoming.    

“This is my happy place,” said Patrick. “I live in Carroll Gardens and have been coming here for years. The atmosphere and the people make you feel comfortable. It feels like my family inside.”

“The other people here and even the lighting is so laid-back. None of those fluorescent, scary lights,” said Stephanie, who lives on the Upper East Side. “I’ll be back.”

With several spacious rooms, a roof terrace and outdoor seating in the summer, there is room to breathe in Pacifico. This is a draw for barflies looking to spread out in a neighborhood with smaller, more intimate (read: sometimes cramped) watering holes.

“You can find your own little piece of the bar here,” said Lauren from Long Island, who was part of a five-person table sitting in their own wing of Pacifico. Her friends at the table hailed from Carroll Gardens, Greenpoint and San Francisco.

“We’re from all over but came together tonight to relax and get warm,” Lauren said.

Sounds like a well-booked destination vacation.