Entertainment in Central Pacific Coast
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A
Andale
Party hearty with throngs of young vacationers to very loud classic rock.
reviewed
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B
San Blas Social Club
Run by the affable Agustín, this cozy, eclectically decorated bar is the hub of San Blas’ expatriate nightlife. Jazz records line the wall – you are welcome to pick one out and the bartender (a former matador and actor named Bernardo) will slap it on. Here you can down a mean margarita or one of the bar specialties – ask for a ‘Martin Lewis’ and see what you get. It offers live music most Saturdays (and some Fridays), steak night on Tuesday, movies on Wednesday, guest-chef night on Thursday, good strong coffee every morning and free wi-fi at all hours.
reviewed
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C
Fiesta Land
That ostentatious white castle on Punta Camarón at the south end of the Zona Dorada is the undisputed epicenter of Mazatlán’s nightlife. Inside its walls are a half dozen clubs, including several of the city’s most popular dance spots: Valentino’s draws a mixed crowd to three dance floors throbbing with hip-hop and Latin music; Bora Bora is popular for its open-air dance floor and lax policy on bar-top dancing; and Sumbawa Beach Club is the perfect after-hours spot for dancing in the sand, lounging on a oversized mattress or cooling off in the pool.
reviewed
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D
Teatro Ángela Peralta
To feel the pulse of Mazatlán’s burgeoning culture scene, a night at the Peralta is a must. Built in 1860, the theater was lovingly restored over five years to reopen in 1992. It has an intimate auditorium with three narrow, stacked balconies. Events of all kinds are presented – movies, concerts, opera, theater and more. A kiosk on the walkway out front announces current and upcoming events. The schedule is fullest around the November–December Festival Cultural Mazatlán.
reviewed
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E
Zihuablue
This huge club is spread over three levels; the top two include a hookah bar, an outdoor terrace with canopied beds and comfy couches, and an outstanding restaurant (mains M$135 to M$260) run by French chef and Zihua gastronomy pioneer Edmond Benloulou. The lower level features La Valentina, a Mexican restaurant recently transplanted from Mexico City. Frequent live music invites dancing on the open-air terrace. The drinks are strong and the views superb.
reviewed
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El Nivel
If you get a chance, try to hear a rousing traditional banda sinaloense – a boisterous brass band unique to the state of Sinaloa. Watch for announcements posted around town or broadcast from slow-moving cars with speakers mounted on top, and check out the weekend performances at El Nivel, a cantina-style bar in the Fiesta Land complex.
reviewed
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F
Palladium
Hailed by many as the best disco in town, Palladium attracts a 20- to 30-something crowd with its fabulous views from floor-to-ceiling windows. DJs pump out hip-hop, house, trance and techno from an ultraluxe sound system. Around 3am the famous ‘Silver Aztec’ entertains the screaming crowd with fire and dance. Dress up, and expect to wait in line.
reviewed
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G
Disco Beach
Right in the heart of Playa Condesa, the Disco Beach attracts a fairly young crowd. The dress policy and atmosphere are more relaxed than at other clubs. Music is house, disco, techno, hip-hop, ’70s and ’80s; women get in (and drink) for free on Wednesday; and the Friday foam parties can be wild.
reviewed
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H
Barbarroja
Ahoy matey! From a boat-shaped bar to girls in sexy pirate costumes dancing on tables, this over-the-top, pirate-themed pub is one of several beachfront bars near the bungee tower. But it’s the only one where a 30-year-old can walk in and not feel like the oldest person in the world.
reviewed
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I
Bullring box office
Bullfights take place at the Plaza de Toros, southeast of La Quebrada and northwest of Playas Caleta and Caletilla, every Sunday at 5:30pm from January to March; for tickets (M$150 to M$350), try the bullring box office. The ‘Caleta’ bus passes near the bullring.
reviewed
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J
New West
This popular local bar has cheap beer, rodeo videos and a jukebox blaring música ranchera (Mexico's version of country music, covering a wide range of styles) and a smattering of US country-and-western hits. You can't miss the cowboy hats and big belt buckles.
reviewed
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K
Edgar's Bar
For a taste of Old Mazatlán grab a tequila or two at this crusty old bar, a mainstay since 1949. Friendly old men sing karaoke beneath vintage photographs, and giant shrimp are brought to your table in buckets. According to the sign on the door, women are welcome.
reviewed
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L
Mariachi Loco
Attracting a very enthusiastic all-Mexican crowd, this restaurant-bar presents an entertaining (if slightly amateur) show of music, comedy and mariachi every Tuesday through Sunday evening starting at 11pm. It’s a great bit of local color. Dinner costs M$80 to M$145.
reviewed
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M
Jungle Bar
Bob your head to the kick-back bass pulsing at this streetside bar with fun staff and cheap drinks. It's a good place to meet locals and other travelers. The jungle murals were painted by local artist Malinalli of Hostel Rincón del Viajero fame.
reviewed
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Blue Chairs Beach Club
Blue Chairs Beach Club is the most popular, visible gay beach bar, with droves of gay couples enjoying the sun’s ubiquitous rays and cool drinks. A great place to start, it’s located at the south end of Playa de los Muertos.
reviewed
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N
Torino
Expats patronize this bar, run by an US-French couple, for everything from breakfast to late-night drinks. If you’ve had too many, don’t venture out back without a flashlight – the 75-year-old crocodile (Fluffy) is no hallucination.
reviewed
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O
Señor Frog’s
Yes, it’s a chain. Yes, it’s cheesy and touristy. But dammit, it’s still a lot of fun! The zany antics attract families by day, the far-party atmosphere brings in the college kids at night and the bay views are unbeatable anytime.
reviewed
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P
J&B Salsa Club
Vallarta’s premier Latin dance club (pronounced ‘hota-bey’) features live bands Thursday through Sunday, with DJs the rest of the week. The salsa lessons (M$20, from 9:30pm to 10:30pm Wednesday to Friday) are a big draw.
reviewed
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Q
Il Paccolo
Six night a week this low-key patio bar features live music from 8:30pm onwards – everything from jazz to ’80s and ’90s pop to Beatles covers. The menu (mains M$70 to M$170) revolves around ribs, steak, pizza and pasta.
reviewed
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Club Maeva
Club Maeva is popular for its twin clubs, Disco Moorea and Palapa Tropical, between them offering everything from disco to cumbia to traditional banda music.
reviewed
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R
El Caracol
This after-hours favorite boasts Mazatlán's best light show and a gargantuan two-level dance floor connected by a chute. The smartly dressed crowd stays late for techno, hip-hop, salsa and cumbia music.
reviewed
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S
Baby’O
Very popular with the upscale crowd, this cavelike club has a laser light show and Wednesday theme nights, and spins rock, pop, house and ‘everything but electronica.’ Drinks are not included in the cover charge.
reviewed
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Nautilus
The industrial Nautilus looks like one of the many cargo ships anchored in nearby Manzanillo Bay. A superb sound system, lasers, smoke machines and strong drinks keep the crowds gyrating.
reviewed
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T
Tequila's
This upstairs restaurant-bar features live mariachi music every night except Monday, between 20:00 and 22:30. There's no cover, but you'll be expected to tip well if the mariachis serenade your table.
reviewed
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U
De Santos
Vallarta’s choicest nightspot commands the most artful DJs and an open-air rooftop bar furnished with oversized beds. On the dance floor the music is frenetic, but there’s also a mellow chill lounge.
reviewed
