The Top 10 Bars & Nightlife in Mexico City

A classic Mexico City cantina operating since 1870, serving cold beer, house wine, and traditional botanas in an old-school setting that feels genuinely historic. The botanas — small snacks brought to your table with each round — are part of the ritual and are excellent. It's cash-only, men-dominated in the old tradition, and closes in the afternoon.

One of the most authentic pulquerías in the city, serving traditional pulque — the ancient fermented agave drink — in a no-frills cantina setting that hasn't changed much in decades. Try the curado (flavored pulque) in flavors like guayaba or piñón. The atmosphere is genuinely local and the prices are remarkably low.

A gilded 1876 cantina on Avenida 5 de Mayo where Pancho Villa allegedly shot a bullet hole into the ceiling (it's still there). Come for the belle-époque booths, mezcal, and old-school botanas, not culinary fireworks — the food is decent, the atmosphere is the whole point. Open from 1pm; Sundays it closes early at 6pm.

La Faena is a classic old-school cantina in Centro Histórico decorated with bullfighting memorabilia and matador outfits, serving micheladas, tacos dorados, and other traditional Mexican fare in a spacious, historic hall with a jukebox spinning Mexican classics. The service is attentive and the crowd is lively and down-to-earth. Note that it officially closes at 10:30 PM, though staff may let in groups if you tip the doorman.

Mexico's most decorated cocktail bar, a fixture of the World's 50 Best list, on Álvaro Obregón in Roma Norte. Inventive drinks built on Mexican spirits and produce, served in a buzzy two-floor room. Worth it even if you're not a cocktail person — but book ahead or arrive at 6pm sharp, because weekend waits are real.

A rooftop bar in the historic center with sweeping views of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Order cocktails (including seasonal off-menu options), guacamole, or mocktails—everything is well-executed and reasonably priced. Note: bags and backpacks aren't allowed upstairs, though staff will secure them downstairs with a key.

A mezcal-focused bar in Centro with a hidden entrance (curtain door) and phenomenal experimental music played at high volume. The mezcal selection is excellent and staff are genuinely friendly, though service can be slow and Spanish helps. One real caveat: the place gets packed quickly in the evening, and they don't serve food beyond fruit, so come with realistic expectations.

A century-old mariachi bar in Plaza Garibaldi where live bands perform table-to-table and you can request songs (₱150–200 per song, or hourly rates). The atmosphere is lively and historic, the food is decent, and it's a quintessential Mexico City experience—but bring cash for musicians, expect it to be very loud with multiple bands playing simultaneously, and be aware that food quality can be uneven and portions pricey.

A rooftop bar with a fun, tropical-leaning cocktail menu and great views over Roma Norte that draws a young, social crowd. The margaritas and mezcal cocktails are well-made and the vibe is festive without being a club. Lines can be long on weekends and the wait to get in can test your patience.

An old-school cantina in San Miguel Chapultepec that's part bar, part restaurant, serving traditional Mexican food and drinks with consistent quality over decades. Must-tries include the milanesa gratinada, salt-crusted fish, and tacos de lechón; margaritas are also very good. Service quality varies noticeably—some find staff excellent and friendly, while others report it can be unwelcoming.

Tlecān is a mezcal-focused cocktail bar in Roma Nte. with a ritualistic atmosphere featuring pre-Hispanic design, dim lighting, and carefully curated agave-spirit drinks. The bartenders are skilled at mixing unique mezcal cocktails, and the venue brings small snacks like roasted crickets. Expect a line at the door, especially on weekends—arrive early or use their open mini bar on the corner while you wait.

A 100+ year old cantina in Centro Histórico that's still mostly local despite its reputation, with live guitar, cheap drinks, and complimentary tapas with each round. The bartenders know how to entertain visitors, but this feels authentically Mexican rather than touristy. Come for traditional tequila and the street-side people-watching—just know it's a standing-room, old-school kind of place.

A tiny, intimate mezcaleria in Roma Norte run by Eduardo, an Italian mezcal enthusiast who shares his knowledge generously. Order their margaritas or mezcal flights to experience high-end spirits in a vintage, quiet setting with knowledgeable bartenders. The main caveat: it's very small, so expect limited seating and potentially long waits during busy hours.

Bar Las Brujas is a women-owned cocktail bar in Roma Norte with a distinctive comic book menu where each drink is illustrated and tied to stories of powerful women and folklore. The cocktails are expertly crafted—try the Kampachi ceviche, Reina Yara, or ask the bartenders like Angie or Jade for recommendations—and the moody, mysterious atmosphere feels like a hidden sanctuary. Make a reservation to guarantee indoor seating, as walk-ins may end up outside.

A hidden speakeasy in Juárez with craft cocktails made by thoughtful mixologists and a sophisticated atmosphere enhanced by house music and low lighting. The drinks are the main draw—reviewers rave about high-concept creations like whiskey with matcha and chocolate—and the staff is notably attentive. Make a reservation ahead, as tables fill up quickly and the unmarked entrance makes walk-ins challenging.

A sleek, intimate cocktail bar widely considered one of the best in Latin America, run by a team of serious bartenders who rotate seasonal menus. Order whatever the bartender recommends — the house cocktails are inventive without being gimmicky. It's small and fills up fast, so arrive early or expect a wait on weekends.

A sprawling craft brewery in Roma Norte with a huge space, energetic vibe, and excellent house beers—their light lager is a standout. Go for the beer selection and atmosphere, grab a brewery tour if you want to learn the story, and order food carefully: the beer and venue shine, but wings and heavier dishes are hit-or-miss.

Handshake is a world-ranked cocktail bar in Juárez known for innovative, exotic drinks and a welcoming atmosphere despite its elite status. Order the signature cocktails (reviewers rave about Earl Grey, Sparkling Jasmine, and Matcha Yuza) and expect complimentary snack pairings. Book 2 weeks ahead—it fills quickly—and note there's a strict 90-minute table limit, so plan accordingly.

A sophisticated cocktail bar in Roma Norte with two distinct spaces: the front "Less" side serves refined classics and inventive drinks, while the back "More" section experiments with bold, unconventional cocktails. Bartenders like Daniel and Faver are genuinely passionate and will tailor recommendations to your taste—try the pistachio old fashioned with strawberry vinegar or any of their creative house cocktails. The main caveat is that reviewers only mention the front bar's food (soft shell crab tacos, peppers, fried chicken), so the back bar's food offerings aren't well documented.

An innovative cocktail bar in Roma Norte that's earned a devoted following for drinks that blend unexpected flavors—kimchi gimlets, blue cheese martinis, butter cocktails that play with temperature. The bartenders are attentive and the whole operation feels intentional without pretension. No caveats emerge from the reviews, though it's popular enough that you may want to arrive early or expect a wait during peak hours.