15 Best Bars in Mexico

This diminutive bar along nightlife-rich Avenida Álvaro Obregón is further evidence of Mexico City's increasingly fervent embrace of craft beer. As the name suggests, it has a particular soft spot for Belgian beers, but you'll find a little bit of everything here, including some bottles from smaller, cult brewers around the world, as well as one of the most current selections of up-and-coming Mexican producers. The friendly bartenders really know their stuff, too.

Below the popular restaurant Páramo, this lively spot with vaulted brick ceilings offers up one of Roma's most extensive selections of craft beers on tap and by the bottle. Order a flight to sample a few different kinds of ale, which range from aromatic sours to hoppy Pacific Northwest–style IPAs. There's a good selection of gastropub fare as well such as tacos, chili dogs, nachos, and chocolate brownies.

If you love a good beer, Los Muertos Brewing Company is for you. The first craft brewery in Puerto Vallarta offers a relaxed atmosphere and the best beer on tap in town. It's a mix between a typical cantina and a traditional sports bar and they have a selection of rock and pop both in English and Spanish. Young gringos love it, and it's also getting attention from locals who come for the pizzas and stay for the beer.

This craft beer bar represents Mexico's burgeoning artisanal brew culture in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. In the country that gave you Corona and Bohemia, a more sophisticated beer culture is growing slowly but surely, especially in recent years. Check out this tiny little spot where you can find beer from all over the world, including several from Mexico.

Los Cabos' Baja Brewing Company tends to get all of the love when it comes to the local craft beer scene, but this brewery in Todos Santos has a wider variety with arguably better flavor—all 28 taps are made fresh on-site. Todos Santos Brewing is open seven days a week and regularly organizes fun entertainment like live music, trivia, and karaoke.

Don’t be fooled by the name “bad water.” This artisanal brewery pours a mean oatmeal stout and imperial IPA. Nearly a dozen handcrafted beers are served in the container bar where menu items like fish tacos and artisanal pizzas pair well with just about everything on tap.

The Baja Brewing Co. serves cold, on-site–microbrewed cerveza and international pub fare. You'll find entrées ranging from ahi tuna quesadillas to basil-and-blue-cheese burgers. Our favorite of the eight beers is the Baja Razz Ale; the BBC also brews Oatmeal Stout, a gluten-free honey mead, an Indian pale ale, and experimental brews served the first Friday of every month. If you can't make up your mind, order the sampler.

Set in a cozy and convivial historic space with stone walls and a ornate tile floor, you can sample the superb European-style craft beers of this acclaimed local brewer, including a light and refreshing Hefeweizen and heady Dunkles Bock. The bar also serves well-made cocktails and fine mezcals. There's an additional location in Cholula.

The owner of Dzalbay Cantina has this low-key alternative on the opposite side of Centro. Instead of live music, most nights, the soundtrack is provided by the extensive and curated vinyl collection. The bar serves pizza and beer—there are 12 different artisanal brews on tap every night.

Cozumel's first microbrewery serves a range of delicious brews from lighter ales to darker beers. The pub fare pairs well with the brews offered, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven with excellent results.

This two-story brewery is a game changer for Ensenada, luring locals and travelers alike for craft beers in a warehouse-like setting. They have live music, jam sessions, open-mike night, and NFL Sunday. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events and specials.

In a two-story redbrick brewery on a quiet alley in historic Romita, you can sample some of Mexico City's finest craft brews, from a crisp golden pale ale to a toasty and rich porter. There's a small selection of bar food, and occasionally musicians perform.

With more than 35 beers on tap and more seating than nearby beer haven El Trappist, this is another of the city's best bets for sampling unusual beers from around the world (or purchasing cans and bottles to go). It's dog-friendly, too. There's a second location in the charming southern Mexico City neighborhood of Tlapan.

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.

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.