315 Best Bars in Mexico

This tiny, cash-only palapa bar has a diehard fan following, many of whom will wear its branded merch around town and abroad. Stop by for margaritas made with fresh-squeezed juice and conversation with the friendly owners and regulars. Pace yourself, though, as these drinks have been known to pack a punch!

Though it's around the corner from the clubbing scene, the vibe at Vas Que Vuelas couldn't be more different. Come by to enjoy an artisanal cocktail or pour of small-batch mezcal; they've got the largest selection in town. Like the drinks, the food is also inspired by Oaxaca; order a tlayuda for a great late-night snack.

Vertice is one of the few bars where you can have a conversation. There's music Tuesday through Thursday.

Wine and charcuterie are the orders at this simple but sophisticated spot, conveniently located right in the historic town square.

For a casual yet refined bar scene, this chic spot is a favorite of Ensenada's many vintners, chefs, and brewers. Showcasing local beers from the region, as well as wines from nearby Valle del Guadalupe, the friendly owners have literally mastered the craft with their own cervezas that landed them the titles of Mexico's best beer in 2015 and 2019. Beer tastings in their brew pub are available by reservation only. If you're hungry, Wendlandt serves elevated bar food using local ingredients. The nondescript bar is simply marked by their logo and an antique door.

A few blocks up the hill from Plaza de Armas in the La Cruz neighborhood, this classic Irish pub lives up to its theme with a great selection of imported whiskies and beers, plus live rock bands many evenings. It has pretty tasty burgers, wings, and the like as well.

This unpretentious place filled a bar void in Nuevo Vallarta. Large TV screens show every major sporting event, and the second floor has a pool table. The bar fills with young locals, especially on Thursday when there is live music (mostly rock). A variety of chicken wings and other snacks are available, along with a wide array of beers, both national and international. 

A wall of windows allows the fashionable patrons of this posh champagne bar to enjoy views of lush Parque España. Inside, beneath a coffered ceiling and vintage light fixtures, you can sip bubbly or any number of well-poured cocktails while noshing on upscale bar fare. There's also seating on the rooftop deck.

Centrally located and open past midnight, Yambak Bar has a live DJ and craft beer on tap.

Drop by this cozy, festive brewpub to sample the well-crafted blonde, amber, and brown ales or to sip traditional mezcal and pulque. There's a lovely tree-shaded terrace illuminated by hanging lanterns and offering nice views of town.

A moody subterranean jazz bar tucked into the basement of an art deco building straight out of Gotham, Zinco is as chic a place to pass a night as Centro has to offer. Keep an eye on their website for up-to-date performances of some of the city's best musicians.

Named for the nearby surf break, beachfront Zipper's attracts a mixed crowd of surfers and nonsurfers alike. A good selection of beer, as well as ribs and burgers, is always on hand, with live music weekdays and Sunday.

Ready to party? Head here for DJ-spun techno, Latin, reggae, and hip-hop. The adventurous can dance in the cage. It attracts a mixed crowd of mainly young locals and travelers, though after midnight the median age plunges. It's open until 6 am when things are hopping. The restaurant fills with cruise-ship passengers early in the evening.

La Bodega de Ajijic has dancing on the weekends and live guitar the rest of the week. It's closed Thursday.