Entertainment in Northern Central Highlands
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A
El Paraíso
This smart bar in the southwest corner of the Mercado González Ortega attracts a friendly, varied, mostly 30s clientele; it’s busiest on Friday and Saturday.
reviewed
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B
El Grito
An oversized face above the doorway of this upscale disco shouts out ‘high prices’ to the young and fashionable Mexican crowd queuing outside.
reviewed
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C
Mama Mía
This perennially popular place has separate areas with different hours to host its weekly schedule of gigs. Hit Mama’s Bar for live rock/funk, or join a more sophisticated crowd in the restaurant patio for live folk music, including South American music, salsa and jazz (check the changing schedule). Up front, Bar Leonardo’s shows big-screen sports and La Terrazza, the terrace bar, offers a fine view of the town. Some serious nightlife gets going around 11pm.
reviewed
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D
Huracanzote
This fun bar is a quirky tribute to both kitsch and Huracán, Mexico’s favorite champion of lucha libre (wrestling). The walls are covered in funky 1960s-style florals superimposed with Huracán’s wrestling mask. You can prop yourself up in a ‘boxing ring’ surrounded by, um, women’s lingerie.
reviewed
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E
Clave Azul
For an authentic experience of Mexican drinking with accompanying botanas (tapas-like snacks served free with drinks, in this case between 1pm and 5pm), head to this artifact-filled, atmospheric cantina up a small alley to the left of Bossanova Café.
reviewed
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F
Limerick Pub
Young Mexicans have some craic in this traditional Irish pub, which has all the paraphernalia to fit the bill: a pool table, darts, eighties tunes and Guinness. Oh and did you hear the one about the belly dancer? (She sometimes makes an appearance, too.)
reviewed
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G
La Viejateca
Whatever you do, don’t miss your nightly liquid dose at this former pharmacy, now ‘barmacy.’ It’s worth going for the decor alone – apothecary jars, former household paraphernalia and much more – besides which, it’s good old-fashioned fun.
reviewed
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H
El Capitolio
This popular disco blasts out techno and dance music to big weekend crowds. Capitolio heavily promotes its karaoke and cheap-drink deals but somehow manages a slightly more stylish ambience than the nearby Guanajuato Grill.
reviewed
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I
Mina Club
Strike it lucky in this unique nightclub – the tunnel of the Mina El Edén. A mix of electronic music and Spanish pop is the soundtrack to the essential Zacatecas nightlife experience. Dig in by 10pm to avoid missing out.
reviewed
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J
Dalí Café & Bar
This sprawling café-bar in front of Ex-Templo San Augustín offers a surreal mix of cocktails, hot chocolates and post-drink munchies. On Saturday, reserve a table outside for prime viewing of the virtual-reality show.
reviewed
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K
El Bar
Upstairs above El Café, this popular, friendly place swings to salsa music, attracting a mixed, but mostly young, crowd. Good dancers will feel right at home; others can ask about Thursday evening salsa classes.
reviewed
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L
Bora Bora
This trendy place attracts young students who love accessibly priced mixed drinks (the 'TNT' is a brain fryer) and micheladas (beer, chili salsa and lime juice). It's beside Bar Ocho.
reviewed
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M
El Ring
Young locals come here for a club fix and a blast of Latin, US and European dance music. On Wednesday it's open from 20:30-midnight and swings to salsa rhythms for a more refined crowd.
reviewed
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N
Boga Club & Resto
The salsa place in town, where hips, dirty dancing and loud salsa music make the crowds bop till they drop. The new upstairs roof terrace has a more contemporary vibe.
reviewed
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O
Teatro Ángela Peralta
Built in 1910, this elegant venue often hosts local productions. The ticket office is around the corner. Tickets range from gratis to M$350 depending on the production.
reviewed
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P
Cantina 15 Letras
Stop for a drink at this oft-crowded classic, filled with bohemians, drunks and poets. Photos portray Zacatecas of old; the art showcases some well-known local artists.
reviewed
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La Carpa
This dynamic circus tent sometimes hosts activities including alternative dance classes, as well as monthly openings including live music, theater, art and circus acts.
reviewed
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Q
Bar Ocho
Bar Ocho locals, expats and visitors seem to love this friendly, unpretentious place. It has seating inside and out, good music and snacks and a pool table upstairs.
reviewed
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R
Liquid Zoo Lounge
Upstairs from Chocolate Lounge, the separate Liquid Zoo Lounge, with its funky leopard skin seating, caters to a cool hip-hop, martini-loving crowd. Gay-friendly.
reviewed
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S
Guanajuato Grill
This rather selective disco and drink spot admits affluent, energetic students who like loud dance music. It’s packed after midnight on Friday and Saturday.
reviewed
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T
Life
This happening disco (which changes name regularly) is located at the Edén Mine, with views overlooking the city. Often has live music (thus its name).
reviewed
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U
La Azotea
Above the restaurant Pueblo Viejo, this terrace is more of a laid-back lounge and tapas bar, with a smart, gay-friendly crowd and a less touristy vibe.
reviewed
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V
Teatro Calderón
This top venue hosts a variety of cultural events including theater, dance and music performances. Check with the tourist office for current events.
reviewed
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W
Todos Santos
A foreigner-friendly, fun bar, with a relaxed atmosphere and long hours. Great place to kick back over a few tequilas and excellent mariachi band.
reviewed
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X
Teatro Santa Ana
This small theater inside the Biblioteca Pública plays host to a good selection of independent and international films, as well as local plays.
reviewed
