Must-see nightlife in Central Pacific Coast

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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

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 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…

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…

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

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

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…

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

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

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

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.