Mexico City after dark is an education in contrast, history, and pure, unapologetic pleasure. The capital doesn’t just have a bar scene; it has a liquid culture that spans centuries, from the pulque-drenched rituals of the Aztecs to the sophisticated, globally recognized cocktail temples of today. Whether you are a mezcal purist, a natural wine devotee, or simply someone looking for a cold beer and a great jukebox, this sprawling metropolis delivers an experience that few other cities on Earth can match.
The sheer scale of the city can be overwhelming, but that is precisely what makes the hunt so rewarding. You can find a historic cantina that hasn’t changed its tile floors in a hundred years sitting directly next to a sleek, dimly lit speakeasy that requires a password to enter. It is this beautiful tension between the traditional and the avant-garde that defines the current golden age of Mexico City’s drinking culture.
Navigating the 16 boroughs requires local knowledge, as the best spots are often hidden behind unmarked doors or tucked away on the second floor of colonial buildings. You don’t need to be a mixology expert to enjoy these spaces; you just need to appreciate craftsmanship, hospitality, and the art of a good conversation. The warmth of the staff and the quality of the ingredients consistently elevate even the most casual neighborhood haunt into something memorable.
For the traveler, understanding the local drinking etiquette is key. It is common to order a "botana" (a small snack) with your drink, a tradition deeply rooted in the cantina culture that ensures you never drink on an empty stomach. You will also notice that ice is treated with reverence here; the best bars carve it by hand, understanding that dilution is a crucial ingredient in a perfectly balanced cocktail.
The following list is a curated guide to the most essential drinking destinations in the capital. It is not merely a ranking of the trendiest spots, but a collection of rooms that offer distinct atmospheres, historical significance, and, most importantly, exceptional liquid offerings. From the chaotic energy of the Centro Histórico to the leafy, artistic streets of Roma and Condesa, these are the places where memories are made.
We have personally navigated the traffic, waited in the lines, and sampled the menus to bring you a guide that prioritizes authenticity over hype. These are the bars that define the current state of hospitality in Mexico City, each offering a unique reason to raise a glass.
Toledo Rooftop
| Address | Av Chapultepec 461, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 55 5929 4343 |
Best restaurant i've ever been to. The food was incredible, the vegan ceviche especially with mango, apple & mushroom ooomg. I was in heaven. The whole staff was on top of top-notch service the whole time, including Oscar and Jonathan. Perfecto. 🤌🏼 Not to mention the great view and atmosphere. Coming back next time for sure.
Vanessa was amazing! She was so friendly and welcoming even though I don’t know much Spanish ❤️ Sunset view was amazing and the food was delicious! Definitely recommend checking out. And don’t forget dessert.
Came to CDMX as a solo trip for my birthday and chose Toledo as my birthday dinner treat to myself. Paulo made me feel very comfortable and served me at my own pace. I like to order one thing at a time slowly without any pressure. He knows how to be an excellent waiter. I ordered a 3 course meal with 2 drinks. Definitely worth it and the views and staff are EXCELLENT.
This place had a great view and the food was good, HOWEVER the drinks were ok nothing to brag about and the worst part was the staff tried tipping themselves around 30% when called out they gave me back the correct amount of change it was deliberate and had I not been aware they would have gotten away with it. I doubt I’m the first person they did it to if you decide to go make sure you know how much your charged and what percentage your leaving for tip from asking locals and other restaurants the average is 10 percent tip if you want to be even more generous 15 percent but for them to take 30 percent is ridiculous.
I just want to thanks Cat (or Kate) and Josué for their EXCELLENT service on Saturday night. We have spent with my friend an amazing last night in Mexico City. They have been so kind, helpful and professional.
Food and ambiance were really nice, thanks 🙏
Handshake Speakeasy
| Address | C. Amberes 65, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Handshake Speakeasy
Finally got the chance to visit one of the big names in the bar industry. I never liked waiting for a chance to enter a bar but I understand the prestige that comes with the accolades it has received. The space is beautiful, the people are friendly, the cocktails are great. The music is too loud.
Here's what I had:
Carino - Bacardi, vanilla, lemon, yellow Chartreuse, Greek yogurt. The flavors are very familiar but the yogurt gives it a drying out texture at the end. 👏🏾👏🏾
Poached Pear - Scotch, pear, tonka been brown butter 🧈. I enjoy a good scotch cocktail and this one doesn't disappoint. Sweet with an oaky spice this truly taste like a poached pear. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Orange Blossom - Tequila, Jasmine tea, lemon, vanilla, orange blossom, whey. If you are my age you remember a drink called Bright & Early. This drink taste like that. Super orange while being clean and crisp. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned- Bourbon, brown butter mushrooms, maple and walnut. This drink has so much going for it. But there's something about Michters that just hits me in a bad spot. The design of this drink is on point but I just wish there was a different bourbon. 👏🏾
We joined the waiting list with the front of house for the 9pm sitting on a Thursday night. We got the at about 8:40pm, and were seated by 9:20pm. It was well worth the wait!
5/5! The staff were super friendly and knowledgeable, the vibes were out of the this world and the food and drink were 10/10. The non alcoholic options were very nice too, I’d never had champagne tea before, it was very nice!
Handshake Speakeasy is one of those places where the experience starts the moment you walk in.
A special thanks to Judas, who introduced us to the concept and inspiration behind the place.
The cocktails are creative, unique, and absolutely worth trying. The service was impeccable, and everything felt thoughtfully curated.
One thing to know before booking: reservations are limited to 2 hours, and if you book after 10 PM, the kitchen is closed, so you’ll only be able to enjoy drinks. We didn’t know this beforehand and had planned to have dinner as well.
Overall, a great experience with excellent hospitality and some truly memorable cocktails.
From the drinks to the service, the experience here is polished and thoughtfully executed.
With a reservation, we were seated immediately. The venue operates with a 90-minute seating limit due to its popularity, but the pacing felt comfortable rather than rushed. Sitting at the bar gave us a front-row seat to the drinks being prepared.
One pleasant surprise was the recommended vegetarian Asian dumplings. Initially skeptical, I found them to be excellent: the rice paper wrapper provided a delicate chew, encasing a fresh and well-balanced mixture of mushrooms, carrots, and other vegetables. The complimentary bowl of nuts and seasoned grasshoppers was also addictive. Neither my companion nor I are insect eaters, but we were both surprised by how tasty the grasshoppers were (once we worked up the courage to try them after getting a few drinks in our systems). They were reminiscent of Japanese dried anchovy snacks.
The cocktails were clearly a highlight. Each drink was well-balanced, though the Fig Martini stood out in particular for its depth and elegance.
What ultimately elevated the evening was the attention to detail behind the bar. During one preparation, an enoki mushroom garnish didn’t quite work visually in the finished drink and was promptly replaced with a more suitably sized ingredient. When the bartenders noticed I was photographing the drinks, they even struck different poses and briefly placed our cocktails in the spotlight for optimal lighting—an unprompted gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of hospitality here.
Overall, a fantastic experience. Highly recommend checking this place out.
We absolutely loved our experience at Handshake. We had such a great experience that we went twice during our trip. Drinks were excellent and service was exceptional. This place is a well-oiled machine and has been designed with a lot of care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail.
We went to the upstairs bar on the first night and downstairs the second night. Upstairs is more chill and downstairs is more lively with upbeat music. The menus are mostly different between the two locations, but the most popular ones are on both menus.
Brad was the star of the show for us. He showed us amazing hospitality both nights and helped make our visits special. He was very attentive, kind, and an amazing bartender.
Concerning some of other comments, others have noted the drinks are in batches. Yes, some of them are and there are several ingredients that are batched too. The unique cocktails with complex flavors requires hours and sometimes days to prepare with infusions, clarification, etc. There is no way to do any of these drinks on the spot without a batch ingredient. You may see a drink taking only 30 seconds to make, but you didn't see all the hours that it took to get it to that point.
I've seen some comments complaining about only having 2 drinks and then you're kicked out. We didn't have that problem and didn't see it happen to anyone else either. We had several drinks while we were there. The only condition was you have 1.5 hours to drink and then you need to leave to make space for the next round of reservations. They are very upfront about that and even give you a last call so you can order one last drink before leaving.
I can't recommend this bar enough. Drinks were excellent and I can guarantee you'll experience cocktail flavors unlike anything you've had before. I don't know the next time we will be back in Mexico City, but Handshake will always be on our itinerary.
Fifty Mils
| Address | Av. P.º de la Reforma 500, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | 55 5231 4856 |
We did a little pre lunch drinks here, wow, what a gem! The drinks were absolute amazing, the Miami nice is forever my favorite drink in life! The jungle sour and the guac are def must tries ! The service was quick, attentive and patient. Pretty patio with amazing house music vibes.
We came here for drinks, but ended up ordering ribeye tacos. I ordered the El Mexicano and a mezcal mojito. We were given complimentary chips and guacamole which was excellent - maybe best I've had in my life? We sat at the bar and the bartenders were knowledgeable and friendly. It was a fun and memorable experience.
Always a great time here, the food is hit or miss imo but still can be very good really relaxed placed for drinks though
Delicious drinks. If I rated the bar simply on how good the drinks are it'd be a 5/5. However the food was just ok. Interesting original concepts poorly executed. The cochinita pibil hot dog sounds like a stroke of genius until you get an o.k. sausage and a dry bun. Service was weird. I like keeping one menu on the table so I can keep ordering drinks (most bars do this by nature) but all the wait staff kept trying to take the menu away even after I told them I wanted to keep it. Two people asked and I told them I wanted to keep it. The third just went ahead and took it without asking. I'm paying $200+ for a meal, stop making me feel like you want me to leave. I left a good tip regardless, but yeah such a weird experience. I've never had that issue anywhere else.
The ambiance is fantastic. Our first round of drinks (espresso martinis) were great. 2nd round of drinks, not so great. I ordered a Moscow Mule that was a mess. First effort had pebble ice overflowing the top like a snow cone and had no drink I could get to. I sent it back to the bar tender to remove a majority of the ice so I could enjoy it. It came back and was basically ice, vodka and lime juice……no ginger beer. At $25 USD per drink, expecting a well made drink shouldn’t be unreasonable. Glad we went once to enjoy the scenery, but no need to go back.
Licorería Limantour
| Address | Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 55 5264 4122 |
Sadly we didn't eat thats why no stars but we drank some amazing cocktails! This venue is amazing! Great atmosphere, super delicious cocktails and even better service! We got it a soon we arrived 🙌 😎 and I forgot our bartenders name but he was da best!! Highly recommend to anyone who likes cool vibes and amazing cocktails! Also well price too!!
Licorería Limantour remains an unmissable legend in Mexico City’s cocktail scene. it masterfully blends technical precision with unpretentious, high-energy vibes in the heart of Roma Norte. Holding strong for numerous years in the TOP 50 bars in the world for a reason.
Highlights:
The Cocktails: You cannot leave without trying the iconic Margarita al Pastor—a liquid tribute to Mexico’s street food.
Atmosphere: A chic, two-story Art Deco space. The ground floor is electric and social, while the upstairs offers a more relaxed view of the city.
The Team: World-class hospitality; the bartenders are incredibly knowledgeable and fast despite the crowds.
Pro Tip: It’s a "Legend of the List" for a reason, so it gets packed. Book a table via SevenRooms or arrive early to snag a spot at the bar.
This place is all about the drinks and it’s my favorite bar in Mexico. You have to try the Mexican Old fashioned, but everything is worth trying. I wanted to try the chorizo verde mezcal cocktail (I love each of those ingredients separately) but it’s seasonal and I will gladly return. They were doing a classic cocktail theme that didn’t excite me so I also also had to order my old favorites. To me the food was average in flavor and better fit as snacks rather than a full on meal.
Place was good, host was quick and friendly. And drinks are good but bartenders were clearly exhausted, one spilled water on us, the other never gave me the cookie to my key lime pie drink, which is ok, a bit overwhelming after taste. Some cups were chipped.. the random whisky sour is a must try and worth a return. Vibes are good, nice neighborhood bar.
Absolutely AMAZING COCKTAILS!!!! Some of the names of the drinks may be familiar but you have never had a cocktail like this! So balanced, so refined, so delicious and so perfect. Our party of 4 went our first night in CDMX and we tried at least 7 different cocktails. All were spectacular but the stand outs for us were the Mango y Chili and the Banana Daquiri (not what you might imagine). We also loved the Fluffy Paloma, Mr Pink, Teggroni, Margarita y Pastor and Le Rose...food was also delicious! This place was so good we went a second night! Go..but try to get reservations.
Supra Roma Rooftop
| Address | Av. Álvaro Obregón 151, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 55 3270 4367 |
Supra is a Great Rooftop Restaurant & Bar where you can spend a Great Time with friends.
As you Enjoy a Sip of a Lovely Cocktail you can also have Delicious Food and Snacks
Perfect for Dinner and Also Pre Party.
There is Sublet Club downstairs so if you’re up to party after dinner you will enjoy it too.
Did I mention the Amazing view from Top of Mexico City?
I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavor. The views are fantastic and make the whole dining experience even more special.
Stunning views over the city and food was nice. Definitely paying for the view. Service was hard to come by and then a group of four drunk people entered, started screaming & making animal noises at the top of their voices, the staff did nothing about it and all other customers, including us, left because it was so disturbing. Odd
Loved the vibe, music & drinks. The music is perfect. We ordered the tuna tostadas & the patatas bravas. The tuna was better but a little over salted.
Def will come back again but just not for food. Came here during the evening. Our waiter Dereck was attentive & very helpful.
¡Gracias!
The aesthetics and vibe are great, however, people do smoke cigarettes there so it’s rough. The drinks were also great; def try the Dutch chocolate. The food was mid; worst falafel ever it’s basically a soft paste and the hummus was slime. The service is insanely slow! By far the most expensive bill despite hitting most of the best 50 bars .
Tlecan
| Address | Av. Álvaro Obregón 228-Loc 2, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | 55 1334 4745 |
We are always scared to try over-trendy spots, but this one is actually a solid one that is worth the wait.
We came in around 8pm on a Sunday and the line was at the door
step, and we were able to get our orders in about 40 minutes.
We tried 3 different drinks, spent about 600MEX. They were all phenomenal.
The mezcal and pulque really comes out with a punch of flavor and well mixed cocktails. I am afraid that I will never be able to enjoy another mezcal cocktail because this place raised the bar really high.
As a courtesy, they also offered snacks, and each time comes something different, which is a very nice gesture to compliment the great drinks.
For claustrophobic people, beware that place is small, crowded and quite dark all around.
Amazing mezcal bar. They really make some creative cocktails. Their version of a Negroni with mezcal and cocoa was excellent. Our waiter was really nice and spent time with us to talk about what they make and what we like.
They had some small snacks that were good. One was mixed nuts with grasshopper!
Cool place. Def check it out.
All the cocktails were unique and I love that they stick to the mezcal drinks. The service was very attentive, they always were checking to see if all was ok. The little tapas were cute and tasty and they gave different ones out. Some were lava beans dusted with spice, some were peanuts, some were other chicharittos. All of the snacks were salty and crunchy. The Negroni was suggested by a gentleman and it did not disappoint. We had a dessert drink, the name is on the ticket, it was more of a sorbet. It was a good last item as it was sweet and did not have alcohol.
Surprised this is so popular and highly rated. The drinks were good, but the bar was way too crowded and loud. They do have an open mini bar on the corner where they'll seat you and let you start drinking while you wait to get in. I liked it there more than in the actual bar.
This bar is beautiful. Great vibes. Love to watch the bartenders work their magic. The drinks are funky and unique. SHOUTOUT TROMPAS, the best bartender. The whole staff is so kind and talented.
Baltra Bar
| Address | Iztaccihuatl 36D, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 55 5264 1279 |
I love the worldly theme of this bar! It makes you feel like you’re an explorer collecting all the unique finds you come across, as you will see in the decor. It’s giving taxidermy meets nautical meets terrarium. The cocktails are connected to different parts of the world in terms of ingredients. An ode to exploring! Small & intimate just the right vibe for the explorers that pass through.
My drink was super good and their craft cocktails were cool. We didn’t have a reservation and we were able to walk in. It was a great time and cool inside (albeit very small), I don’t think it being impossible to get a reservation for is worth it.
We went to this bar (1400+ reviews and 4.6⭐) because we wanted to try the cocktails and the place looked nice in the photos. We chose a small table outside. Next to it there were a wooden seats, and I only briefly touched one — I hadn’t even fully sat down yet — when a waiter suddenly yelled at us not to sit because the paint wasn’t dry.
We understood and apologized immediately. Even so, he kept scolding us in a pretty aggressive tone saying he had put a note on the tree. The problem is that area had no lighting and the paper was hidden by branches — literally impossible to see（plus it was only written in Spanish which we couldn’t understand）. We definitely didn’t want our clothes stained with paint either, yet he kept going.
After that we ordered drinks and clearly asked if they had plain fries / chips. We were told yes. While waiting, we noticed the table next to us returned a plate of chips. Less than a minute later we were served an identical plate, loaded with toppings that the waiter added for us, and our cocktails hadn’t even arrived yet.
We each tried one piece — extremely salty, inedible. We called another waiter and spoke entirely in English; he also replied in English and said he would check. However, when he came back he started speaking only Spanish. I clearly said we spoke English, but he ignored it and continued in Spanish until I repeated loudly that we speak English and was told there’s plain chips can be ordered.
He said he would ask again. Eventually the waiter who took the order for us came over. We explained once more time in English: we only tried one piece each, it was far too salty, and when ordering we specifically asked for plain chips — he never explained there would be extra ingredients. His response was:
“Is it not salty enough? Do you want more salt?”
We had to repeat that it was actually too salty to eat. Reluctantly he said he would see if it could be fixed… and then there was no follow-up and no one came back to attend our table.
The cocktails were fine — nothing special but acceptable.
What was truly disappointing was the service: there was a clear difference in attitude toward Spanish-speaking customers and tourists. We felt ignored the entire night. Definitely not a 4.6⭐ experience for us.
Baltra Bar is a tiny gem tucked into a quiet corner of Condesa, one of my favorite neighborhoods in Mexico City. It might not look flashy from the outside, but it’s officially ranked #20 on North America’s 50 Best Bars and once you go, you’ll understand why.
The space is small and stylish, with a modern vibe that still feels super relaxed. You’ll find a mix of locals and travelers, all just there to enjoy good drinks and good company. It’s got that effortlessly cool energy—nothing pretentious, just really good vibes.
I’m usually not a cocktail person, but I ended up having two… and they were incredible. Creative, refreshing, and beautifully balanced. Even the snacks were delicious, light, flavorful, and exactly what you want with a good drink.
It’s the kind of place you stumble into and never want to leave. Great music, cozy seating, international crowd. If you’re in Condesa and want a chill night out with amazing cocktails, Baltra Bar is a must!
Atmosphere is cozy GREAT cocktail collection I tried the MODO AVIÓN UFFF. what can I say smooth & unique. The servers were friendly if you in Mexico City is a must visit spot. 📌
Balmori Roofbar
| Address | Zacatecas 139-Segundo piso, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 4507 9928 |
Amazing evening on Balmori rooftop! Great food - highly recommend the duck confit taquitos. Our server Joaquin was the best and made us feel super welcome.
Came for cocktails and it did not disappoint. It was earlier on a rainy day but didn’t get wet. And honestly very impressed by the flavor and presentation of the drinks. Service was great!
Stopped in here for a first snack and cocktail on this CDMX trip...fantastic choice! Best Negroni I ever had and it's my go-to. Had fun with the drink coasters too! Will be back. (Super nice atmosphere and no it wasn't empty, my AI edit did that 😁🧐)
This bar not only crafts amazing and unique drinks, the waiter who served me was knowledgeable and attentive to my preferences. He suggested two cocktails that not only suited my palette but blew me away with the quality of the cocktails.
A beautiful room with a very impressive bar. Our food was very well presented and very tasty.
As with many upstairs restaurants in the city people with mobility issues will have a challenge with access.
LOS DE ARRIBA
| Address | Av Oaxaca 79-PB, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 55 1803 2856 |
Amazing place for a nice day out with friends. I went with my friends to the standup comedy show and we had so much fun. The entertainers were very funny and the show went very well!!! Thank you for the laughs 💋💋💋
Amazing place, very recommendable. And great service as well.
I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing Los De Arriba as a Canadian visiting Mexico City for meetings. A friend invited me, knowing the owner Ricky (who is by the way, an excellent human), and I went not knowing whether we were headed for a dance club or some kind of live-music venue...? Turns out it was neither and much, much more!
I was also touched by the genesis story of Los De Arriba.... During the pandemic, many of Ricky's friends (artists), were struggling, without the ability to undertake live performances. They gathered regularly at Ricky's apartment, which was also a nice backdrop for online performances. Out of these gatherings came the collective ask for him to pull together a space on everyone's behalf for common use when the pandemic allowed. And so.... he did it! So this is a space for performance, but it's also a group of friends and community of both performers and regulars.
What you'll find is a highly interactive set of performances that flow from one to another over the course of the evening, all very much embracing everything from modern Mexican city performance to folk music that everyone sings along with. I speak no Spanish, but was fully swept up in the emotion, humour and inter-generational/cultural warmth of the evening. I stayed until 1am when things were still going strong, knowing I had to be up at 6am, so that's saying something!
If you're visiting Mexico City as a foreigner, this is a great place to be part of a warm, varied, friendly, welcoming space where there's nonstop interaction between performers and audience, along with a lot of laughter. Even without Spanish, I'd highly recommend, as it's a highly entertaining and deeply Mexican experience that supports local artists with great cocktails - go!!!!! (There's a very moderate cover that can be paid in advance online)
Great music shows. The view is nice also. Drinks are delicious.
One of the best surprises of my life. 150 Mexican pesos and we got five different performances, each one better than the previous. Atmosphere is cozy and intimate. Imagine going to a Tiny Desk concert in your local bar. You can't skip this place if you are into live music.
Hanky Panky Cocktail Bar
| Address | Turín 52, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
The signature cocktails were really good and unique. The vibe is chill—good music, friendly service, and it feels like a place that only people who “know”, know. The entrance is perfect—this is what a speakeasy is all about. Will definitely be back next time we’re in CDMX.
One of the best bars I've been to, hands down. Vibes were great, drinks were delicious and so cool in their presentation. It's a very small speakeasy you have to go through a door behind the check in to get into (and you leave through a vending machine). We sat in the big booth downstairs but had no one else with us and it was so fun. Their signature drinks are shown through a viewfinder, which we thought was so unique. The staff was friendly and helpful, multiple people helped us, and we were able to use our entire allotted reservation time. This was once on the list of top 50 bars in the world and I really think it should be added back on, we absolutely loved it.
Concept is a lot of fun, “speakeasy” vibe with really friendly service and great playlist. The drinks are tasty; can be hit or miss, and most are pre-made which takes a lot of the fun out of the live mixology. Bartenders are talented, they should be mixing everything to order. Definitely worth a visit, could improve the drinks somewhat especially for the price point, but it could have just been the specific night. Sampled 6 drinks total, three were spectacular
Visited several bars during a week in CDMX, and this was one of our favorites! Cool vibe, great music, and interesting drinks. Our server was very helpful and friendly. We did not have reservations, but it was fine. We were able to eat out front while we waited for a spot in the bar. We went on Friday night before Lucha Libre. Highly recommend!
Definitely lives up to the hype! I almost don’t want to give away the location because finding it, even with the address known, is part of the fun. Just confidently walk into the storefront food shop with a large table and chairs and ten then you have a reservation! They were very friendly and waved us in off the sidewalk as we were a bit bewildered (and didn’t have reservations; just hoping and praying).
Once inside the dark, very busy space with a couple rooms, long bar and some booth seating, the friendly, English speaking, knowledgeable staff will explain the large cocktail menu (many which can be made without alcohol if that’s your thing).
There is a creative beverage for every palate and there is a section dedicated to collaborations with mixologists from all over the world. Will definitely return to sample several more of these unique drinks. And also the food, which were didn’t try as we came after dinner.
Bósforo
| Address | Luis Moya 31-local 2, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:30 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 2:30 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:30 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
The door is a curtain. That’s good to know. Stopped by around 7pm. It wasn’t crowded and I was easily able to get a seat at the bar. By the time I left a couple hours later the place was packed. The energy was really great. Some places say the music is good. At this place the music is phenomenal. It’s not for the sensitive ear as it blares at a cinematic level and at least when I was there the music was eclectic and free. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
People around me could still talk so don’t get turned off by that. It’s a dynamite setting.
I tried two different types of mezcal. I asked for a recommendation and both were good though one was really good. Papalometl. I recommend this one as it was pleasant with character. Almost obligatory, I also had a beer to wash it all down. No regrets there.
The bar snacks are very nice. I was even given extra oranges.
Great bar. I suggest bringing a friend or two to amplify the experience.
Service was pretty slow unfortunately. We were lucky to have a friend with us who spoke fluent Spanish or we would have been doomed.
They have a large list of Mezcal tequila.
They do not make margaritas, so I sipped on a shot of tequila instead. 🫠
They played really fascinating and experimental music. Something that myself and our guests’ who are from out of town who are all music producers really enjoyed!
Kind of a different spin on Aphex Twin but jungle and then switched to sounds we have never heard before. There was a point we all went silent in our conversations and just listened to the tune.
Whoever was in charge of the music on January 7th, thank you for taking us on a musical journey!
I would critique just one thing. Since the music itself was fantastic and if they wanted to focus on the music and sound for this cute bar, they should invest in high quality sound system. We all noticed the sound proofing and were pretty impressed. However, if they had a voidware system this bar would be trolling with music producers and music industry personal in a heartbeat!
The crowed was intimate and controlled. No one was overly drinking and just enjoying a good time. It was busy but not overly crowded on a Wednesday.
Bathrooms are clean and covered with cool stickers.
Super cool place for mezcal. Despite the hip vibe, everyone was really friendly. The mezcal recommended was probably the best I've had. No food aside from fruit.
Great music, space and drinks. Would go back here every time I’m in mexico city.
There’s new male staff in the waiting staff that’s is very aggressive and unusual for this place. I don’t know why they would hire someone like that but it just made it uncomfortable immediately. Sad since it used to be a nice place
Nardo Cocktail Club
| Address | C. de Venustiano Carranza 69-Loc 2, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 55 3381 3199 |
What a gem of a place!
Our group stayed at the Umbral hotel and found out that the Nardo bar is reopening during our stay. The owner Iñigo and bartender Marite were so welcoming and amazing! The knowledge and the stories shared about the history of the building, the neighbourhood, the art, the city were wonderful and left me wanting to come back and explore more!
The welcome (complimentary) prosecco cocktail is such a great touch!
10 out of 10 recommend!
Drinks and customer service was great. Very close to zocalo. Don’t spend your money at the roof top bars when you can enjoy a very good cocktail with good attentive service from here.
We also ordered fries which were so good.
I saw this place in Google Maps and I don’t regret at all! The bartender (unfortunately I don’t know his name) he went above and beyond to prepare a drink that it was not in the menu rather in his personal menu and honestly I did like it a lot! Mentioning this, it’s clear that the service was above and beyond and I am grateful about it because he put Mexican flavours I was looking for! Decently you should have a stop for a nice drink here!
Such a diverse place to savor one-of-a-kind cocktails, each with a backstory that enhances the whole experience. It's a hip location in the historic center of Mexico City, both Nicolas and Alejandro provided excellent service. Alejandro and Nicolas, our servers, were quite amiable and told us the history of the drinks we had ordered. They both looked after us really well. For some of the greatest vibes in this area of the city, I strongly suggest you check this place out. A big thank you to the proprietors for making such a great place to spend a night in Mexico City.
I felt like I was at my own private little cocktail party. David and Daniel are truly artists and their crafts are beautiful cocktails! It’s one thing to have fun looking drinks but they taste amazing too. The food is really good too. Highly recommend!
Terraza Catedral
| Address | República de Guatemala 4, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06020 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 55 5518 1726 |
Nice roof top bar, overlooking the top of the metropolitan cathedral and C. de Tacuba street. Drinks are reasonably priced. Ice cold brews, an array of intriguing cocktails, and service was good. Didn't order food, but the table next to us ordered nachos, and dish looked well prepared. Wasn't very busy on an early sunday afternoon, we stayed about 3 hours, ordering several different rounds of cocktails and beer. Bartender and servers did great. Got busier as the afternoon progressed. Great spot to watch the sunset. If you are staying in the Zócalo area, this place should be on your itinerary.
A gem in the center of the city, overlooking the cathedral. Great, chill atmosfere. The food was incredible, I dont think it matters what you order everything looks great and tastes even better. They have a wide selection of cocktails including a season cocktail off-menu that Sergio will surely tell you about. The waiters are all super friendly and attentive and are happy take some photos of you and the vieuw if you ask 😉.
The price-quality is very good and fair.
Very nice place with a great view. The cocktails are excellent and definitely worth a visit. I recommend making a reservation in advance.
Keep in mind that you’re not allowed to bring big bags or backpacks upstairs, but the staff provides a key so you can safely leave your belongings downstairs. Overall, a great experience.
Interesting spot. You have to get a wristband on the first floor of a hostel before heading up, and bag check is mandatory.
We snagged a good seat by arriving early, though the venue filled up quickly after. The views were nice, service was prompt, and the drinks delivered. One thing I appreciated was not being solicited at the door. It’s always a red flag for me when restaurants or bars do that.
Terraza Catedral is a fantastic spot. We stopped by just for drinks and guacamole, and both were excellent—the drinks were on fire and the guac was fresh and delicious.
The real highlight, though, is the view—it’s absolutely amazing and makes the whole experience even better. Service was solid and did the job without any issues. On top of that, the prices are actually pretty reasonable, especially considering the location in the downtown area and the kind of view you’re getting.
Overall, we really enjoyed our time here and would definitely come back if we get the chance. Definitely worth checking out.
Bar Pata Negra
| Address | Av. 5 de Mayo 49, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Was visiting for a couple days and stumbled upon this hidden gem. Amazing cocktails, beautiful place, really great service. Highly recommended. So happy this place was opened on a Thursday!
I stopped in here late at night because it was one of the few bars open in the area and the atmosphere was inviting from the pictures. I only had drinks but the staff was very nice and accommodating. My drinks never stayed empty for long. I highly recommend this spot if you want something more elevated than the other late night establishments in the area.
In an attempt to be a fancy bar they serve flat beer at an extreme price horrible service just paid for a water and left. The service was extremely slow and the guy who served the beer was on his phone the whole time. Its overpriced and definitely not worth it. Just go across the street.
Great spot and Leo is great! He is so fun and entertaining. We came here for our wedding anniversary and everything was awesome, so we came back on our last night in Mexico City. Leo took care of us again and we had a great time!
Had a couple drinks here earlier in the night before things got too busy. I had the smoky pineapple and the 1975 which were both unique in their own right. The bartenders know how to give a little flair too while they make your drinks. Good vibe and wish we could have seen how the energy progressed later into the night.
The Midnight Monkey
| Address | Plaza Río de Janeiro 54, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 55 9136 1978 |
I had a great time here. Live music and this particular night there was a live performance. Great place to hear great music and chill. The saxophonist did a lot of heavy lifting. Overall nice place and not overally expensive. Get here a bit early thought, the place fills up soon
It's a "jazz tourist" trap. The place looks better than it really is once you are in your table. The tables are low and extremely uncomfortable and the setup for tables are extremely weird.
Service is bad, people are talking around and not really helping customers. I think it's a management problem.
It's somewhat disorganized! I did not like it, I would not come back nor recommend to friends, except for the band, they play fantastically!
A lovely place to spend some time enjoying good jazz and excellent drinks. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the music after the band finishes makes you want to stay a while longer. This time I got to sit at the bar with my companion, and the service was excellent. Thanks to the bartenders for making this an unforgettable evening; I'll definitely be back for that espresso martini.
Midnight Monkey is a speakeasy bar in Roma Norte that we were excited to visit, especially after hearing about it from Lara at the nearby Filomenos gallery. We’re big jazz fans and thought it would be a great spot to celebrate my husband’s birthday with some live jazz. Unfortunately, the experience left us disappointed.
First off, the bar isn’t cheap, so we decided to get a bottle instead of individual drinks. As vegans, we didn’t eat, which wasn’t an issue for us. However, the main disappointment was with the music. The live jazz start at 9 PM. We were seated in a great spot, having paid extra for a mid-range table, which gave us a nice view of the stage. The band was good.
What really let us down was the music during the band’s breaks. Instead of keeping the jazz vibe going, the bar switched to a generic playlist that included rap and hip-hop—genres that didn’t fit the atmosphere at all. If it’s a jazz bar, I expect jazz throughout the night. We mentioned this to our waitress, Laura, and she was very understanding and changed the music back, which we appreciated. However, it took us out of the mood.
The band only played for a couple of hours, which I felt was too short, especially given the high cost. For the money, I expected more live music or even a second band to keep the energy going. Once the band stopped, the music again shifted away from jazz, and it really broke the atmosphere. We ended up leaving right after because the vibe just wasn’t the same.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this place if you’re looking for a true jazz experience. It felt like a waste of money, and the inconsistency in the music was frustrating. If you’re planning a night out for jazz, I’d suggest calling ahead to ensure the venue plays jazz all night. I wish I had done that myself, as it would have saved me from this disappointing experience.
Had a great evening here with my dad and sister. We didn't make a reservation, and had to wait around 45 minutes before we could get in, but it was well worth it. I tried the espresso martini and the dirty gin martini - both tasty. We also shared the truffle fries which were a great addition. It was crowded, but that can be expected. I will definitely be going back next time I am in Mexico City.
FORM + MATTER (FO+MA)
| Address | San Luis Potosí 37, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM Saturday: 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM Sunday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
I visited plenty of bars in Mexico City and FO+MA was definitely the best one from my trip. Eventually ended up being there 3 times in one week. All the cocktails were great and unique in their own way. The bartenders were the sweetest and most friendly people I ever met! Biggest shout out to Alex, Marco, Martin and Joseph who made all the visits absolutely memorable! Don’t miss out on this place while in Mexico City ❤️
Also Jose (one of the owners) is very handsome if you run into him 😉
I can't say enough good things about this place. The drinks were super interesting and absolutely delicious. My favorites were the kim-let and alotta-butta. Trust me, you won't regret getting either one of those. Our bartender was very nice and attentive. We enjoyed our experience so much that we brought our other friends back the very next night.
The drinks here were so good!
They were unique and I’ve never had anything like them before.
My favourite was the butter one that plays with temperature but is also just delicious as a dessert. If you’re into savoury drinks, they also have a kimchi drink as well as a blue cheese martini!
Overall, would revisit and drink the entire menu. The staff were also lovely.
Out of all the incredible bars we visited in Mexico City, including several on the World’s 50 Best list, Form & Matter was the only one we went back to twice. That alone says a lot.
The drinks here are some of the most innovative and fun I’ve ever had. You can tell how much care and intention goes into every cocktail here, from the concept to the execution. The whole team clearly loves what they do and takes pride in both the craft and the guest experience.
I could talk cocktails with Jose and the rest of the team all night. It’s a rare place that perfectly combines creativity, hospitality, and genuine passion. We’ll absolutely be back next time we’re in Mexico City.
TLDR; go before it’s too hard to get in to
I visited Mexico City from NYC for a weekend trip and went to a few of the renowned bars. Foma was by far the best bar we visited - the drinks were incredible. I highly recommend the Lotta Butter and the Kimlet - these two drinks are unlike anything I’ve ever had in the cocktail scene in NYC and truly unique. The staff was incredible - we had the privilege of touring their back lab area and getting a firsthand look at how some of the drinks are made.
While Handshake has its merits, I personally felt like cattle at handshake where we were rushed in and out and Handshake was overall highly overrated. In comparison, Foma’s staff was kind, the drinks were truly better, and the vibe was way less like being in line at Disney and more like being at a world class cocktail bar.
I expect the next time I visit, Foma will be really difficult to get into.
If you’re in the area and want amazing drinks, I highly recommend Foma!
Casa Franca
| Address | Mérida 109, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:30 AM Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 55 5208 2265 |
The seating in different is actually a great idea so you can enjoy the live music and still talk.
The service was wonderful - and so were the drinks. Food was okay, but nothing to wow over.
Cover is included in bill so that was a nice convenience.
I come here for the amazing bands and the wonderful music they create! Their drinks are pretty spectacular (I don’t drink but my friends who do say they’re amazing) however they have amazing non alcoholic beverages as well! We don’t have food here so can’t comment on that. My only 1 issue here is the seating. If you want to see the band & you’re walking in, go early and get the table you want. But I’ve heard people say the tables at the front are reserved (however not sure about this so confirm With the managers)
Charged a cover of 100 pesos but worth it, cool space once inside and the love jazz was top tier. Drinks were good vibe was right.
A 4.5 score. Great venue. Lovely that is sort of hidden. Upstairs is great decor and ambiance, with many rooms. However, you need to book well in advance if you want to see the band. Otherwise they put you in the bar, where you cannot see the band. Also you need to eat with alcoholic drinks. Situated just off the chic Alvaro Obregón avenue. There is no parking available. Worth a visit, even if you're not a jazz lover. And yes it is a tad expensive.
One of the most memorable places I went during my recent trip to CDMX. The band was amazing - really talented musicians. It was a nice space also, with stagefront tables and bar seating out near the stage, as well as a couple of more private areas for groups. Drinks were good (strong), too. I will definitely recommend and plan to be back next time I’m in the city!
Essential Tips for Navigating Mexico City’s Bar Scene
Diving into the nightlife of a city this massive requires a bit of strategy and local insight to ensure you have the best possible experience. From understanding the geography to knowing how to handle the altitude, a little preparation goes a long way in maximizing your enjoyment and minimizing friction during your evening out.
1. Master the Neighborhoods
Do not try to bar-hop between neighborhoods in a single night. Traffic in Mexico City is notoriously heavy, and distances are vast. Choose a zone—like Roma/Condesa for trendy cocktails, Juárez for a mix of classic and new, or Centro for historic cantinas—and stick to it. Walking between venues within a neighborhood is often the best way to discover hidden gems you didn’t plan for.
2. Book Ahead for Speakeasies and High-End Bars
While the classic cantinas usually have walk-in availability, the city’s most famous cocktail bars are often small and intimate. Many operate on a reservation-only basis or have strict capacity limits. Check their Instagram pages or websites a few days in advance to secure a seat at the bar, as watching the bartenders work is half the experience.
3. Carry Cash and Small Bills
While credit cards are widely accepted in upscale establishments, many traditional cantinas and smaller local bars are cash-only. Having pesos on hand is essential, especially for tipping. Tipping culture is important here; 10% to 15% is standard for good service, and it is often easier to tip in cash directly to the bartender.
4. Pace Yourself with the Altitude
Mexico City sits at over 7,300 feet above sea level. The high altitude can make the effects of alcohol feel much stronger and faster than you are used to. Start slowly, drink plenty of water between cocktails, and eat a substantial meal before you go out. The local tradition of serving botanas (snacks) with drinks is not just for flavor; it helps you handle the altitude.
5. Dress Smart Casual
While Mexico City is generally relaxed, many of the top-tier cocktail bars and speakeasies enforce a smart casual dress code. Avoid athletic wear, flip-flops, and overly casual tourist attire if you plan to visit the more refined spots on this list. Looking put-together shows respect for the craft and ensures you won’t be turned away at the door.
6. Embrace the "Fondo" Culture
If you find yourself in a traditional cantina, don’t be surprised if the waiter brings you a small plate of food without you asking. This is called a "fondo" or "botana," and it is a sign of hospitality. Ordering food is often expected if you are staying for more than one drink, and it is one of the best ways to experience authentic Mexican home-style cooking.
The beauty of drinking in Mexico City lies not just in the liquid in your glass, but in the atmosphere that surrounds it. Whether you are listening to a trio play boleros in a century-old cantina or watching a world-class mixologist torch a rosemary sprig, you are participating in a living history. The city’s bars are its living rooms, where artists, politicians, students, and travelers all come together under the soft glow of a neon sign.
As you plan your nights out, remember to be present and flexible. Some of the best experiences in this city happen when you let go of a strict itinerary and allow the night to guide you. Strike up a conversation with the person next to you, ask the bartender what they are excited about, and order something you have never tried before. That is where the real magic of Mexico City’s nightlife lives.
