Inspired by Malcolm Lowry’s 1947 novel “Under the Volcano,” the bar channels the spirit of Mexico’s Dia de Muertos with its vibrant decor, folk art and festive atmosphere.
“It looks like you’re in Mexico,” co-owner Pete Mitchell said. “That’s the vibe we’ve always wanted—colorful, warm and full of life.”
Pete and Vera Michell, purchased the bar in 1998, continuing its legacy while adding their own creative touch. From Vera’s Argentine empanadas to Pete’s love of live music, Under the Volcano is a true family-run neighborhood favorite.
Today, it continues to evolve with online ordering, daily lunch service and private parties on its spacious covered back patio, making it a go-to spot for midday meals, festive celebrations or getting empanadas delivered right to your door.
Fresh flavors meet classic cocktails
Known citywide since 1989 for its frozen screwdriver, Under the Volcano was ahead of its time when it started crafting cocktails with fresh-squeezed juices long before it became the norm.
“We’ve always focused on fresh ingredients, and that consistency is what keeps people coming back,” Pete says. “Everything is made to order—freshness has always been our priority. In fact, a customer once came in with fresh mint and a mojito recipe he’d brought back from Cuba, and that’s how it ended up on our menu.”
Most popular drinks:
- Frozen screwdriver
- Strawberry basil margarita
- Green or Red
- Frozen Cuba libre
- Mojito
Menu favorites that keep locals coming back
At Under the Volcano, food has always been central to the experience, with a menu rooted in Vera’s family recipes and bold Latin flavors, made fresh to order and consistently delicious.
Most popular menu items:
- Empanadas–Baked to order and deliciously flaky. Try all six flavors!
- Taco Buenos Aires–Pulled slow-braised beef with chimichurri aioli is a favorite.
- Nachos–Loaded with chicken tinga or pulled slow-braised beef.
- Salads–Include tomato caprese, shrimp and house-smoked salmon.
Now open for lunch
This year, Under the Volcano expanded its hours and menu—now serving lunch daily at 11 a.m. Lunch specials are just $12.95 and offer variety, letting diners try a little bit of everything:
- Carne special: cup of carne guisada, beef empanada, house salad and churros or fruit
- Pollo special: cup of chicken soup, chicken empanada, house salad and churros or fruit
- Tamal special: cup of chicken soup, house salad, chicken or pork tamal, churros or fruit
Host your next gathering
Beyond its lively bar, dining area and front patio, Under the Volcano offers a spacious covered back patio perfect for private events and holiday celebrations. The area is a local favorite for everything from company gatherings to casual get-togethers with friends, providing a relaxed atmosphere, colorful décor and plenty of room for guests to mingle.
The team at Under the Volcano can accommodate lunch parties, dinner events and festive holiday celebrations, tailoring the menu and setup to each group’s needs. From empanadas and fresh salads to signature cocktails, the covered patio allows guests to enjoy the bar’s full menu in a semi-private, festive setting.
Don’t miss these specials
Under the Volcano keeps the week exciting with fan-favorite promotions:
- Monday Steak Night: Mesquite charcoal-grilled 16-ounce hand-cut rib-eye or New York strip, served with authentic Argentine chimichurri sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and a tossed salad with house sesame raspberry vinaigrette—all for $29. See full menu
- Taco Tuesday: Half-priced tacos all day—including the crowd-favorite Buenos Aires with pulled slow-braised beef, chimichurri aioli, shredded cheese, lettuce, red cabbage and parsley.
Explore the full menu online before you visit—or order directly through the Under the Volcano website, Toast Local app or Grubhub for takeout and delivery.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
