8 Best Nightlife in Cozumel, Mexico

You'll find the best and largest frozen margaritas in town at Wet Wendy's. Sit at the bar, and down one of the potent concoctions, or grab a table in the outdoor garden to dine on remarkably good food and dance to the salsa, rock, and jazz bands that play here several nights a week. Service is friendly, so don't be surprised if the bartender asks you if you want "the usual" on your second visit.

This reggae bar serves deep-dish pizza that gets rave reviews, and the Mexican-inspired meals provide something for every palate.

The vibe at this beachfront palapa bar is laid-back throughout the day. It's open early morning till late at night, and is an easy place to get a meal and do some great snorkeling at the same time. The meals are uncomplicated Mexican fare, but you can't beat the view of the ocean and downtown.

On the northwest corner of the square, this watering hole draws cruise-ship crowds by day and vacationers staying on the island at night. Expect frozen daiquiris, ice-cold beers, and blaring rock at tourist prices. You'll find a second location at the Puerta Maya cruise terminal.

Mexico is home to a growing number of artisanal brewers, and this is the place to try craft Mexican beers as well as additional selections from over 33 other countries. The bartenders are knowledgeable about their brews.

The Animal House ambience at Señor Frog's at night includes loud music and a bar-dancing, bead-throwing, balloon-hat-wearing, anything-goes drinking scene. During the day, the pub grub is better than you'd expect, the drinks are flowing, and the waiters are always entertaining. You'll find two locations here, near the Punta Langosta and the International cruise terminals.

A second-floor restaurant called Trattoria by day transforms into a salsa dance club called Tiki Tok after dark. On Friday and Saturday, local bands draw salsa aficionados of all stripes from 10 pm to about 3 am; a DJ spins Latin and reggaeton through all hours of the night.

Live bands and DJs play dance music some evenings at Viva Mexico, but it's the extensive food menu with the expected items (burgers, quesadillas, and such) that makes this second-floor bar-restaurant popular. Happy hour generally runs from 6 to 8 pm. The best seats overlook the waterfront and the sunset.