Must-see nightlife in Baja California

  • Plaza Fiesta

    Tijuana

    Step into what seems like an aging shopping mall, to some gritty alleyways that, behold, house the heart of Tijuana's craft-beer scene as well as a slew…

  • Hussong's Cantina

    Ensenada

    The oldest and perhaps liveliest cantina in the Californias has been serving tequila since 1892. A Friday or Saturday night will be packed with locals, a…

  • Rooftop at the Cape

    Cabo San Lucas

    Escape the cesspool that is downtown Cabo San Lucas and regain your dignity at this classy rooftop bar, complete with trickling water features,…

  • Playami

    Tijuana

    Channeling Miami's Wynwood art district, the latest drinking establishment from revered local brewery Border Psycho is not exactly at the beach, but the…

  • Baja Beans

    Todos Santos

    Tucked into a grove of mango trees just off the highway in Pescadero, this pleasant coffee shop serves strong Mexican-grown coffee in all the fancy ways:…

  • Bar Andaluz

    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…

  • Norte Brewing Co

    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…

  • Los Remedios

    Tijuana

    Enjoy fabulous festive decor at this cavernous cantina/restaurant with its bullfighting posters, classic '50s movie posters, colorful paper flags and…

  • Seaside

    La Paz

    This swanky bar and restaurant wins for its potent craft cocktails, killer sunset view and friendly service. The setting is incredibly romantic,…

  • Aguamala

    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…

  • Ojos Negros

    Ensenada

    Suffering from margarita meltdown? Then head to this relaxed wine bar for a glass of fruity Passion Meritage, an award-winning red from the owners’…

  • Club Marlin

    La Paz

    Located in El Centenario, around 5km north of the center, this hotel, bar and restaurant dates from the 1980s and has long served as the resident expat…

  • Wendlandt

    Ensenada

    Enjoy craft beers made by the owners, as well as from national and international small breweries; seven samplers will cost you just 105 pesos. The…

  • Baja Brewing Co

    San José del Cabo

    A pub-style environment offering local microbrews. Sample 4oz measures of six different beers in a flight to find your favorite. Popular choices include…

  • Container Coffee

    Tijuana

    If you seriously need a coffee and are serious about the coffee you need, make a beeline to this hip roastery, with seats made from coffee sacks and model…

  • Harker Board

    La Paz

    Head upstairs to the terrace for sweeping views over the bay and a cerveza (beer). Five local beers are on tap, and there about 25 bottled varieties…

  • Cabo Wabo

    Cabo San Lucas

    The most famous bar and club in town, established by legendary rocker Sammy Hagar of solo career and Van Halen fame. Come here for live music and the…

  • Slim's Elbow Room

    Cabo San Lucas

    In the shadow of Cabo Wabo, this teeny, easy-to-miss watering hole, wallpapered in dollar bills and clients’ signatures, claims to be the world’s smallest…

  • El Squid Roe

    Cabo San Lucas

    Crazy. Just crazy. Jello shooters, tequila congo lines. Waiters (and drunk clientele) dance on tabletops to cheering crowds. The everyday epicenter of…

  • Los Barriles de Don Malaquias

    San José del Cabo

    Los Barriles stocks over 300 varieties of tequila and keeps at least two dozen bottles open for tasting. Prices are a bit steep, but the selection is…

  • Canela

    Cabo San Lucas

    A classier option than most for a Corona or cocktail. Moody lighting, rustic furniture and a curious (and entertaining) Día de Muertos theme.

  • Cafelix

    Todos Santos

    This arty cafe is always packed with the local expats here for great coffee and gut-busting breakfasts. On hot days, go for one of its dozen-plus frappés…

  • J&J

    Cabo San Lucas

    Buy your big puffer from the shelves of Cuban cigars then step next door for a real deal mojito served in a giant jam jar with plenty of fresh mint (but…