Mexico City Nightlife
 

I am going to Mexico City for 10 days at the end of June. I would like to know of any good, safe, bars, night-clubs, fun spots etc. I was also wondering average cost (US dollar) of a good dinner, and night out. Any advice is appreciated, Thanks.

Two weeks ago I was once again in Mexico City and twice ate at my absolute favorite place in that city. It is the Hosteria de Santo Domingo (http://www.hosteriadesantodomingo.com.mx/) in the historical center of Mexico City ---- near the cathedral and Zocalo. It is reputed to be the oldest restaurant in Mexico City. Strangely enough, it is not frequented by that many tourists.

During the afternoon, they have strolling musicians, in the Mexican tradition. It's really croweded at that time. However, the BEST time to eat there is in the evening, when they have a piano player and a lady singing in the lounge-music-tradition of a 1930's or 1940's Bogart film. You'll be transported back into time. It is fabulous for ambiance, tradition, and great food.

Don't be afraid of the abandoned streets when you leave at sometime after 9:30pm or later. I safely walk back to my hotel nearby. If you stay out of the central district, they will call you a cab.

The menu changes daily, and the wait staff of older gentlemen are most polite and helpful. However, they don't speak much English. So, pull on your knowledge of Spanish or their help. The prices are very moderate: 35 pesos for an appitizer, 60-150 pesos for dinners, 100 pesos for a bottle of red wine from Chile.

I'm green with envy knowing you might eat there before I do again!

Safety questions are tricky. I lived in Mexico City for a year (Nov 02-Nov 03). The trick is to be smart and make good decisions. Pick a place to go for the evening (like Polanco), and have a transportation plan (for example, pay the extra few dollars to have your cab wait to take you home at the end of the night if you are unfamiliar with the place you are going... DO NOT save the two dollars to take a street taxi.. NEVER EVER. Always take a "Sitio" taxi (these are taxis with a dispatch station that you call and they come to you) or have your hotel/restaurant call you a car. Sitios are much safer as they take pride in having repeat customers. Polanco (an upscale neighborhood) has a number of bars and restaurants that are safe and easy to navigate at night. I recommend an evening at Karisma Cantina (inexpensive) right in from of the Intercontinental Hotel. Check http://www.mexpat.com/ to see if you will be in town around the Mexpat party which will let you meet people living in Mexico from around the world and they will tell you the best current info... Have fun, do not dress flashy and carry only what cash you need and you will be fine. It is a city of millions with many very nice parts that are as safe as your hometown. There is enough to see in those parts to keep you busy. The Zona Rosa does not have much worth seeing in my opinion, and it is the type of place that attracts people who are attracted to tourists...

Must Do!!- Take a day and go to San Angel and eat a formal "Comida" (start at 1PM and trail into 5ish) at the San Angel Inn. Order the margarita served in crystal glasses with your own little shaker and shaved ice! It is a bit pricey, but will be a highlight. On weekends there is a great open air market nearby right nearby and you can catch Frida and Diego's house which is also nearby.

Thanks to both of you. I will check out all these locations. Any other advice would be great.

Bump!