By Sharmila Chand

Some stories are best told over bold Mexican flavours and exclusive handcrafted cocktails.

My story begins the same way. As I step in, the rhythm of the restaurant lures me into a true Mexican Cantina – colourful yet grounded, lively yet intimate. Design, music, food, and energy is in perfect synergy and I am well settled to begin my culinary feast.

Founded by seasoned restaurateur Swadeep Popli, Popes’ blends authentic Mexican cues with Southwestern influences to introduce a unique concept, perhaps the first one in the city –  a fresh, craft-driven take on Mexican and American Southwest dining to Gurugram.

Charming Decor

The interiors blend rustic roadhouse charm with warm Mexican inspired elements – earthy tones, handcrafted details, and subtle neon playful accents.

Vibrant Menu – Mexican Heart, Texas Heat!

The menu celebrates Mexican basics while embracing American Southwest comfort. Expect slow-cooked meats, fresh house-made salsas, hand-pressed tortillas, smoky grills, bold spices, hearty burgers, wings, and classic New York–New Jersey pizzas. Together, these styles create a balanced, inclusive menu full of flavour.
Fresh, crisp and bursting with flavours at every bite are the loaded Nachos. The perfect balance of cheese, crunch, and goodness.

From crowd favourites to signature specials, every dish indulge diners to come back for more.

Bar Program

While Tequila and mezcal take centre stage at the bar, the cocktails lean into clean, bold American craft-bar builds – meant for relaxed evenings; they are easy to sip, full of flavour, and made with skill rather than showmanship. It isn’t a tiki spectacle or a dark speakeasy; it’s a cosy, character-driven bar built for connection.

Monsoon at the Cantina

Built around the philosophy of “Rain, Spice & Slow Comfort,” a specially curated seasonal menu brings together bold Tex-Mex favourites paired with handcrafted cocktails, creating a vibrant dine-in experience that celebrates the season.

The menu features The Monsoon Nine, a specially curated selection of seasonal favourites including the Lamb Birria Taco served with a rich lamb consommé for dipping, Crispy Prawns, Baja Fish Taco, Wings Flight, Buff Nachos, Chimichanga, Shroom & Onion Rings, Hot Honey & Pepperoni, and Fungi Funk. Every dish is thoughtfully paired with one of Popes’ signature cocktails, bringing together bold flavours and comforting textures that perfectly complement the monsoon season.

What can be a better way to draw curtains to an exclusive gastronomy experience than to indulge in Churros with hot chocolate dip.

The concept is rooted in craft-led food, thoughtful cocktails, lively interiors, and a hospitality experience designed around connection and good times. At the heart of Popes’ is a team that brings the concept to life every day. From chefs with a meticulous understanding of Mexican flavours to bartenders who craft thoughtful drinks, and a service team that makes hospitality feel personal. Every detail has been shaped by professionals who share a common goal: to deliver consistency, warmth, and delight.

“With Popes’, we wanted to create a Cantina that feels soulful, vibrant, and rooted in craft. Our aim was to blend the authenticity of Mexican basics with the comfort of the American Southwest to build a warm, energetic space where people can connect, relax, and enjoy flavours that are genuine and full of character.”

–  Swadeep Popli, Founder, POPES’ Southwest Cantina

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Sharmila Chand is the Consulting Editor