The Women of Machista

Moique Mojarro and Jessica Vazquez, owners of the new San Pedro bar, Machista. Photo by Arturo Garcia-Ayala

By Vera Magana, Dining and Cuisine Reporter

The Indian room, then Auggie’s Tavern Bar, used to be on the corner of 10th and Pacific Avenue. The pandemic saw to it that a new bar, Machista, reside in the space next. Co-owners Monique Mojarro and Jessica Vazquez, both 30 years old, founded the women-owned bar in April 2021 but didn’t officially open it until April 2022.

Friends since high school, they’ve done everything together, including joining the restaurant and hospitality industry. Jessica owns another bar in Santa Fe Springs called the S&P.

The idea for Machista came about a year and a half ago. After looking at numerous locations they came back to the town where their families lived and came across the 952 S. Pacific Avenue location and began renovations during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite all odds.

Both had left toxic relationships when they decided to build a bar intended to be a safe space for women, particularly of Hispanic heritage, thus, Machista was born. Monique explained that “Machista” describes women who are powerful and in control.

Monique’s favorite drink is called “Puta,” a Spanish slang word. It is made of cucumbers. Jessica’s favorite is “La Toxica,” which tastes like a chili mango Mexican candy. Their craft cocktails named after derogatory terms towards women that they were called in their past relationships was a brave move to embrace themselves and the power they have since gained.

Though the bar has feminine sensibilities, Monique, who is also a casual longshore worker, said she wants to welcome everyone.

“I was saving to buy a house but did this instead,” Monique said. “I plan for there to be one-on-one contact and for this to feel like someone’s second home.”

Mondays to Thursdays, they will have daily drink specials and different food vendors every day. Check out their empowering vision and how they were able to turn a bad experience into something positive.