Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most culturally rich states, home to 16 recognized indigenous groups, the archaeological capitals of Monte Albán and Mitla, and a coastline stretching from the surf town of Puerto Escondido to the calm resort bays of Huatulco. Oaxaca de Juárez, the colonial capital, is celebrated for mole, mezcal, and some of the finest regional cooking in the country.
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
In Situ Mezcalería
Known for: mezcalería with over 100 varieties from small producers
Calle Vicente Guerrero 413, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
La Mezcaloteca
Known for: reservation-only mezcal tasting library curated by producer family
Reforma 506, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
Sabina Sabe
Known for: mezcal cocktail bar with rooftop-adjacent garden seating and live DJ sets on weekends
5 de Mayo 209, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
Mezcalería Cuish
Known for: producer-owned mezcalería pouring the family's own Cuish-brand mezcal
Díaz Ordaz 712, Centro, 68090 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
Zandunga Mezcalería
Known for: in-house mezcalería attached to an Istmeño restaurant, wide regional selection
Calle de Manuel García Vigil 512, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
El Sol y la Luna Live Jazz
Known for: live jazz venue and longtime cultural hub with weekend evening sets from 9 PM
Calle Reforma 502, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
Terraza Los Amantes
Known for: hotel rooftop bar with direct views of Templo de Santo Domingo, mezcal cocktail menu
Calle Ignacio Allende 108, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
Bar La Tentación
Known for: live salsa and cumbia venue with dance lessons before live sets
Mariano Matamoros 101, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
Sunset Beach Bar, Zicatela
Known for: beachfront palapa bar overlooking the Zicatela surf break, live music some nights
Av. Del Morro s/n, Zicatela, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax.
La Punta Beach Bars, Puerto Escondido
Known for: low-key strip of beach bars popular with surfers, bonfires after sunset
Calle del Morro, La Punta, 70934 Puerto Escondido, Oax.
Zipolite Sunset Bars
Known for: beachfront palapa bars known for sunset viewing and a laid-back, low-key vibe
Playa Zipolite, 70904 San Pedro Pochutla, Oax.
Congo Bar
Known for: long-running beachfront live-band venue known for its Wednesday salsa night
El Adoquín, near Playa Principal, 71980 Puerto Escondido, Oax.
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.