Oaxaca City
A synonym for chocolate in Oaxaco, Mayordomo has numerous branches, but the best is just south of the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Walk in through the sweet…
Must-see nightlife in Mexico
Ciudad Universitaria & Tlalpan
From the makers of the popular Oaxaca-based mezcal brands Alipús and Los Danzantes, this quaint bar in Tlalpan stocks some of the finest mezcal in all of…
Veracruz
If only all cafes could be like this. Calufe occupies the interior of an agreeably peeling colonial mansion with eclectic nooks arranged around a dimly…
Sonora
A short drive (or steep 10-minute walk) up above the Old Port, this place has one of the best sunset-viewing spots in town. There's a full menu of classic…
Alameda Central
A perfect brunch spot to fuel up before a day of exploring the Centro Histórico neighborhood. Head here for strong espresso-style coffees with soy and…
Guadalajara Region
This wonderful upstairs bar and tequila-tasting room in the center of town has excellent cócteles artesanales (craft cocktails) and flights of three…
Roma
For the urban backyard barbecue experience, this open-air beer garden is a fine choice. It's a great little hideaway for chatting over a cerveza, mezcal,…
Cuernavaca
A great drinking option away from roudy La Plazuela, this 'market' is a secluded courtyard with pubs and small terraced bars from where cool locals can be…
Campeche
With ceiling fans high over an airy hall and a solid wood bar amply stocked with rum, this Cuban-style drinking establishment appropriately served as a…
Aguascalientes State
Aguascalientes used to be renowned for its pulque, and this popular student hangout has reintroduced the tradition. It's fun and cheap, with a half-liter…
Mazatlán
This friendly back yard, strewn with picnic tables and cushions for lounging on, is a must for beer connoisseurs. Owner Brian sources over 100 – from the…
Aguascalientes State
This bustling, barn-like place is a place to party. There are performing mixologists who whip up good margaritas, friendly staff and a blend of…
Ensenada
Visit the cultured bar inside the Riviera del Pacífico, where having a drink is an exercise in nostalgia. It’s mostly quiet unless a cruise-ship tour…
Mazatlán
This simple bar only really serves one thing: Pacifico beer, which has been a fixture of city life ever since the Germans opened the local brewery in 1900…
Mérida
This loud, retro-styled bar with nightly live music and tons of Mérida atmosphere has reasonably priced mezcals, beers and cocktails flowing all night…
Tijuana
Feel cool just finding this dark brewery hidden on a mysterious alley with windows overlooking the US–Mexico border. Try the hoppy yet easy-drinking 4…
San Luis Potosí State
Real's reputation as a ghost town may in part be due to the fact that its residents and visitors are often all hiding out at this funky bar, hidden behind…
Roma
Echoing with the sounds of clacking dominoes, this brightly lit old Asturian social hall is a traditionally male enclave, though hipsters of both sexes…
Chihuahua & Central North Mexico
Although cervecería (brewery) is a bit of misnomer at a place with just one craft beer on offer (the decent Mexicali-brewed Cucapá), this three-story bar…
Tulum
There are several bars here and a bunch of tables, all clustered around a cenote (yes!) that's actually swimmable, so if you get bored with your drink or…
Acapulco
This Flintstones-esque faux grotto construction opens up to the thumping of unbridled reverie and bad decisions. The fun kind. Translation: it's a popular…
Palenque
There's an air of secrecy about this smart, concrete-heavy place nestled away in a jungle garden, but that's how Casa Fuga seems to like it ('fuga' means …
San Miguel de Allende
With taxidermied bulls heads jutting out of the walls and shelves full of dusty bottles, this is a real spit and sawdust, cowboy's kind of authentic…
East of Mexico City
Sip one of a dozen-or-so flavors of house-made pulque (low-alcohol brew made from the maguey plant) in a colorful courtyard decorated with Día de Muertos…
Tijuana
Enjoy fabulous festive decor at this cavernous cantina/restaurant with its bullfighting posters, classic '50s movie posters, colorful paper flags and…
Monterrey
A cool cat club in the heart of the Barrio Antiguo, this converted grand mansion has two floors of music – typically, electronica on the first level and…
Isla Cozumel
The term 'Coconuts' is used here metaphorically, and some of the decorations are a bit tacky (the thong-wearing beach balls, for instance), but what would…
North of Mexico City
In a stylish, two-story building constructed from converted shipping containers, Espresso Central has quality espresso, domestic microbrews, decent wine…
La Paz
This swanky bar and restaurant wins for its potent craft cocktails, killer sunset view and friendly service. The setting is incredibly romantic,…
Guadalajara
This fun hipster bar in the Centro Histórico has elevated the michelada (a concoction of beer, lime juice and assorted sauces) to a fine art,…
Mazatlán
The adjoining bar of restaurant La Fiera provides a much-needed escape from the Zona Dorada's raucous nightclubs. Resident and guest DJs spin everything…
Condesa
Themed monthly parties with left-of-centre music for a hip (read: privileged) gay crowd and their pals. It might be all the glitzy decor and international…
Chihuahua & Central North Mexico
An open-sided warehouse-like space dotted with beer stands and picnic tables make this a popular place for drinks. The beer isn't fancy – Tecate, Dos…
Ensenada
Beloved craft microbrewery with sea-creature-themed art and an open-air, second-story tasting room. Whether you're into fruity sours, frothy ales, creamy…
Guadalajara
A laid back, modern beer hall pouring Mexican craft brews – sours to stouts from 14 lines – with flights offered for M$60. A full line-up of bottled…
Campeche
For chocolate cravings, head to this cute little cafe with a patio in front and grassy yard in back. Try bittersweet hot chocolate with green tea or chili…
Puebla
With its impressive beer list, this shrine to las cervezas del mundo (beers of the world) serves beers from far and wide, including 21 varieties of German…
Cancún
One of Cancún’s only beach bars open to the public. With just a few tables on the terrace and on the sand, Bar del Mar serves snacks, beers and cocktails…
Northern Baja
An ideal aprés-surf hangout, this expansive, art-covered, second-story beer hall and performance venue also happens to serve sushi, Mexican food and…
Western Central Highlands
Perched on the top floor of Colima's landmark Hotel Ceballos, Trapiche is one of several outlets of a local craft beer brewery but this one has by far the…
