Must-see nightlife in Central Pacific Coast

  • Garbo

    Puerto Vallarta

    If you enjoy jazzy stylings and like your martinis dirty or extra tart, make your way to this concrete-floor habitat. The jazz and torch singing kicks off…

  • Puerto Cafe

    Puerto Vallarta

    A classic rock soundtrack, vinyl records and a giant map of the world welcome you to Vallarta's premiere caffeine lab. There's cozy seating at the back…

  • Panchöfurter

    Puerto Vallarta

    Mexico meets Germany at this trendy brats-and-bier haus, where you can order craft brew alongside homemade sausage, burgers or salad (dishes M$95 to M$165…

  • Generals Sports Bar

    Ixtapa

    Popular with visitors and locals, this buzzy sports bar is good for catching the game on the big screen while downing an ice-cold Pacífico. There are…

  • Vitrolas Bar

    Mazatlán

    This gracious gay bar in a beautifully restored building is romantically lit and, overall, more button-down than mesh-muscle shirt. It’s also a popular…

  • Mezcalina

    Acapulco

    This ain't your typical mezcal joint (unless dancing to loud reggaeton music is a new trend taking over mezcalerías), but it's easy enough to join the…

  • Malagua

    Zihuatanejo

    A friendly neighborhood watering hole specializing in imported and Mexican craft beers. It's a nice spot to chat it up with locals and the fine music…

  • Yaco

    Manzanillo

    This wannabe biker bar on a breezy oceanside terrace really packs 'em in on weekends when locals come to see live rock bands playing spirited covers. You…

  • Partenon

    Ixtapa

    This wildly popular weekend dance venue stages live bands playing northern-style banda (big band) music, the occasional reggaeton act and DJs spinning…

  • Café Bean

    Manzanillo

    A good spot for a morning pick-me-up before hitting the beach, this air-conditioned cafe pours Veracruz- and Chiapas-grown coffee along with affordable…

  • Christine

    Ixtapa

    Christine has the sizzling sound-and-light systems you’d expect from one of the most popular discos in town. Admission varies, but is hefty in peak season…

  • Esquina Paraíso

    San Patricio-Melaque

    This curious open-air corner bar has done its decor out of driftwood, recycled packing crates and the like; it's well worth a stop for the swing seats and…

  • Paco’s Ranch

    Puerto Vallarta

    This venerable disco-cantina stages smashing transvestite shows, with the music pumping loud. It's an amiable scene, with plenty of locals and reasonably…

  • Antropology

    Puerto Vallarta

    It’s raining men at this sizzling dance mecca and male-stripper venue; expect lots of skimpy underwear and terrific dancing. Women are unapologetically…

  • Demás Factory

    Acapulco

    The city's longest-running gay club is mixed but draws a mostly male clientele. There are shows on weekend nights and M$300 gets you all you can drink on…

  • Cuattro Café

    Ixtapa

    One of the better places in town for a strong coffee. If you need something stronger, the original Zihuatanejo location (Altamirano 19) serves cocktails…

  • Reinas

    Acapulco

    Reinas karaoke bar and nightclub is a rough-around-the-edges but popular bar serving a mostly gay clientele on Avenida Costera. Admission is free.

  • PP Club

    Mazatlán

    This colorful club attracts a fun-loving, mostly gay crowd. It's a friendly, inclusive place with nightly live shows featuring go-go dancers.

  • Burros Bar

    Puerto Vallarta

    This palapa-style beachfront spot is famous for its gargantuan margaritas, free-flowing buckets of beer and perfect sunset views.

  • Mamitas

    San Patricio-Melaque

    The choice spot for adult beverages. It's set above the plaza and is an open, airy bar that cranks the music up pretty loud later on.

  • Barbarroja

    Acapulco

    Ahoy, matey! From a design shaped like the deck of a ship to women in corsair costumes dancing on tables, this over-the-top, pirate-themed pub is one of…

  • Andale

    Puerto Vallarta

    Party hearty with throngs of young vacationers in this dark den of drink, sports and loud rock music even during the day. This joint has old-school dive…

  • Si Señor

    Acapulco

    Yes, it’s cheesy and touristy. But dammit, it’s still lots of fun! Zany antics attract families by day while the party atmosphere brings in college kids…

  • Billy Bob's

    Central Pacific Coast

    With a sort of Texas-meets-Mexico vibe, this bar has plenty of soul and hosts a few local characters. Witticisms and worryingly named drink descriptions…

  • Albatros Restaurant-Bar

    San Patricio-Melaque

    Dine on the terrace and dance to oldies covers at this popular beachfront bar with live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

  • Café Costeño

    Manzanillo

    Sit in the shady garden out back while sipping on an espresso or cappuccino accompanied with pastries.