10 best bars in Jalisco
Jalisco doesn’t just know how to cook—it knows how to pour. As the birthplace of tequila and a state deeply rooted in agave culture, this is where nights start with a proper sip and often end long after you planned to go home. From rooftop cocktail lounges in Guadalajara to beachfront mixology spots in Puerto Vallarta and hidden mezcal bars tucked into colonial streets, Jalisco’s bar scene is as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re into craft cocktails, rare tequila tastings, natural wine, or high-energy dance floors, there’s a corner of this state that matches your vibe.
What makes going out in Jalisco special isn’t just the drinks—it’s the atmosphere. It’s the sunset that turns into a rooftop party, the live DJ set you stumble into by accident, the speakeasy-style bar behind an unmarked door. Some places are built for slow sipping and conversation; others are made for celebrating loudly with friends. In this guide to the 10 best bars in Jalisco, we’re highlighting spots that capture the spirit of the state—bold, social, and unforgettable. Ready to see where your next round should be?
1. Cantina La No. 20 Guadalajara
Cantina La No. 20 Guadalajara is the kind of upscale bar that feels like a full-on event the second you walk in. It takes the spirit of a traditional Mexican cantina—tequila, mezcal, bold flavors, big energy—and upgrades it with dramatic design, polished service, and a soundtrack that keeps the room buzzing. This isn’t a quick “one drink and go” spot. It’s where plans stretch, rounds multiply, and the night turns into a story.
You’ll find it in the colonia Puerta de Hierro, on the second floor of The Landmark in the Andares zone, which makes it a natural choice when you want your night out to feel a little more elevated. The vibe is contemporary and stylish, with details that feel intentionally “wow” without losing that cantina warmth. Add in a terrace setup and entertainment-friendly touches (music, screens, games), and it’s easy to see why groups love making this their main stop.
This bar is especially ideal for night outings, whether you’re kicking off a weekend, celebrating a birthday, or planning a “let’s go somewhere fun” date. It works beautifully for friends and couples, because the energy is social, photo-ready, and built for sharing—drinks, bites, laughs, and plenty of toasts. The agave-forward program is a big part of the appeal, so it’s a great pick if tequila and mezcal are non-negotiable.
For budget planning, the price range is $800–$1,000 MXN per person, depending on how you order and how long you stay. If you want a Jalisco bar that blends a modern cantina mood with a premium night-out feel, Cantina La No. 20 Guadalajara belongs high on your list.
2. Tsekub Restaurante Guadalajara
Tsekub Restaurante Guadalajara is a refined, concept-driven bar and restaurant that blends elevated mixology with a design-forward atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, the space feels intentional—warm lighting, curated décor, and a layout that invites you to settle in rather than rush out. It’s the kind of place where cocktails aren’t just drinks; they’re crafted experiences meant to be savored.
Located in the colonia Providencia, one of Guadalajara’s most vibrant dining and nightlife areas, Tsekub positions itself as a stylish destination for those who appreciate detail. The bar program focuses on creative cocktails with balanced flavors and thoughtful presentation, often incorporating premium spirits and fresh ingredients. The environment feels upscale but welcoming, making it easy to transition from a relaxed early evening drink to a longer, more celebratory night.
This bar is especially ideal for date nights and gatherings with friends, particularly if you’re looking for something polished without feeling overly formal. The ambiance supports conversation, while the energy builds naturally as the night progresses. It’s a strong pick for those who value atmosphere as much as what’s in the glass.
The average spend ranges from $400–$800 MXN per person, depending on what you order and how the night unfolds. Overall, Tsekub Restaurante Guadalajara offers a modern, experience-driven bar setting in Providencia—perfect for an elevated evening out in Jalisco.
3. Thaiger Guadalajara
Thaiger Guadalajara is a scene-stealing bar (with a Thai kitchen at its core) that feels like stepping into a night market—only cleaner, sleeker, and way more Guadalajara. The space leans dark, moody, and immersive, with lighting and décor that instantly set the tone for a “let’s make this a whole night” plan. It’s built for people who like their drinks bold, their flavors intense, and their evenings a little theatrical.
You’ll find it in the colonia Monraz, a neighborhood that already knows how to do elevated dining and nightlife. Thaiger stands out because it doesn’t feel like a typical cocktail spot—it feels like an experience. The vibe encourages you to settle in, order with curiosity, and let the night unfold through shared plates and a steady rotation of drinks. If you’re the type who judges a bar by its atmosphere as much as its menu, this one makes a strong first impression.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner and night-out drinks, since the energy really clicks once the evening starts moving. It’s ideal for friends and couples, whether you’re planning a date that needs something different, a birthday-style table that wants good music and good vibes, or a casual meet-up that turns into “okay, one more round.” The format naturally fits sharing—order a few things, pass them around, compare favorites, repeat.
Budget-wise, the price range sits at $300–$800 MXN per person, depending on how drink-forward the plan is and how much you order for the table. If you want a Jalisco bar that blends a lively, modern setting with adventurous flavors and a night-out pace, Thaiger Guadalajara belongs on your shortlist.
4. Barolo 8C Chapalita Zapopan
Barolo 8C Chapalita Zapopan is a stylish, wine-forward bar that feels made for people who like their nights out with a little more intention. The atmosphere is modern and inviting, with an upbeat edge that still leaves room for real conversation. It’s the kind of place where you can start with “just one drink” and end up settling in for a full evening—because the vibe is comfortable, the music is on point, and the setting encourages you to stay.
Located in the colonia Cd de los Niños, Barolo 8C stands out for its mix of elevated bar energy and a kitchen that complements the experience. The space offers a terrace or garden, which instantly makes the plan feel more relaxed and social—perfect for lingering over cocktails, toasting with friends, and stretching the night without feeling rushed. Add in details like valet parking, entertainment screens, and strong service, and it’s easy to see why it works for everything from casual meetups to planned celebrations.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the mood really clicks and the room feels at its liveliest. It’s ideal for friends and couples, whether you’re planning a date night that feels elevated, a birthday-style table, or a “let’s go somewhere nice” plan that still feels fun. There are also private rooms, making it a solid pick when you want a more intimate setup for a special occasion.
For budget planning, expect $300–$500 MXN per person, which keeps it comfortably in that sweet spot: polished enough to feel special, but still approachable for a night out. And if you’re bringing a four-legged companion, good news—this bar is pet friendly.
5. ICÚ Puerto Vallarta
ICÚ Puerto Vallarta is a chef-driven bar experience that feels like a secret you’re lucky to know about. This is where you go when you want more than “good drinks”—you want a curated night, paced slowly, with flavors that build course by course and cocktails (or pairings) that actually mean something. The vibe is intimate, design-forward, and quietly confident—perfect for anyone who likes their nights out with intention.
You’ll find it in the colonia Zona Romántica (Emiliano Zapata), right in the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s most walkable, nightlife-friendly area. That location makes it easy to turn ICÚ into the centerpiece of your evening: start with the experience here, then step back out into the neighborhood’s buzzing streets. Inside, the energy stays calm and focused—more “immersive” than “party”—so the drinks and dishes get the spotlight.
This spot is ideal for dinner, especially if you’re into tasting-style experiences where the night unfolds slowly and every round feels deliberate. The bar side shines when you treat it like part of the journey: thoughtful cocktails, carefully chosen beverages, and pairings that elevate each bite. It’s a place for savoring—no rushing, no loud chaos, just a steady rhythm that keeps the evening feeling special.
ICÚ is ideal for couples, particularly for anniversaries, date nights, or any “let’s do something memorable” plan. Expect a higher-end spend: $1,200–$2,000 MXN per person, depending on what you choose and how you build out the experience. If you want a Puerto Vallarta bar night that feels elevated, intimate, and genuinely curated, ICÚ belongs on your shortlist.
6. Balboa López Cotilla
Balboa López Cotilla is a lively, grill-forward bar that blends steakhouse indulgence with nightlife energy in one seamless space. From the moment you walk in, the mood feels upbeat—dim lighting, music that keeps the tempo high, and a crowd that clearly came to stay awhile. It’s the kind of place where dinner naturally turns into drinks, and drinks turn into a full evening plan. The concept leans social and celebratory, making it a strong choice when you want more than a quiet table.
Located in the colonia Americana (Lafayette), right along Manuel López Cotilla, Balboa sits in one of Guadalajara’s most dynamic corridors for going out. The area alone sets the tone: walkable, energetic, and packed with options—but Balboa holds its own thanks to its bold personality. Inside, you’ll find a mix of indoor seating and a terrace/garden area that adds flexibility to the experience, especially on warm nights when open-air plans just feel right.
This bar is especially ideal for dinner and late-night drinks, since the energy builds as the night progresses. It works beautifully for friends and couples, whether you’re organizing a birthday dinner, catching up over cocktails, planning a casual date with music in the background, or even meeting up to watch a game on one of the screens. The environment encourages sharing, toasting, and settling in rather than rushing out.
In terms of budget, expect an average spend of $400–$600 MXN per person, depending on how food- or drink-focused your visit is. And if you’re bringing a furry companion along for the night, good news—this bar admits pets, making it an easy choice when you don’t want to leave anyone behind.
7. Terrazzo Puerto Vallarta
Terrazzo Puerto Vallarta is the kind of bar that instantly feels like a “main plan,” not just a stop for one drink. The concept is built around a high-energy, ocean-view vibe—think house-music atmosphere, bold murals, and a setting that’s clearly designed for nights that keep going. It’s equal parts laid-back coastal and nightlife-ready, which makes it a standout when you want something more memorable than a typical cocktail bar.
You’ll find it in the colonia Centro, right on a busy, walkable stretch that makes it easy to include in a full Puerto Vallarta night out. The space leans into a terrace experience, so you can actually feel the destination while you sip—open air, a view-forward setup, and a crowd that’s there for the music as much as the drinks. The bar is known for its signature-style cocktails, designed to be bold, fun, and easy to keep ordering once the vibe kicks in.
Terrazzo is especially ideal for night-out drinks, but it also works well if you’re starting earlier and letting the evening build. It’s ideal for friends and couples, whether you’re planning a birthday-style meetup, a fun date night, or a “let’s go somewhere with music” plan that doesn’t need a dance club to feel exciting. The mood encourages lingering—one round turns into another, and suddenly it’s later than you expected.
Budget-wise, the price range is $500–$1,000 MXN per person, depending on how cocktail-forward your night becomes. And if you’re traveling with a four-legged companion, good news: the bar is pet friendly, so you don’t have to leave anyone behind while you soak up the Vallarta nightlife energy.
8. Tequilera Hacienda de Oro Amatitán
Tequilera Hacienda de Oro Amatitán is a destination-style bar experience that goes way beyond ordering a round. This is the kind of place where you don’t just drink tequila—you learn it. Set inside a working tequila operation, the vibe is authentic and culture-forward, built for travelers who want to understand why Jalisco is the world’s agave capital, not just take a quick photo and move on.
You’ll find it in the colonia Obrera, in Amatitán—right in the heart of tequila country. The experience is organized through guided activities led by the tourism team, so your visit feels structured but relaxed. Instead of a typical nightlife bar, think of it like a tasting-driven stop where the “menu” is the process: how tequila is made, what makes each expression different, and how to taste it with intention.
It’s especially ideal for lunch, since most people visit as part of a daytime Tequila Route plan (and it pairs perfectly with an afternoon itinerary). It’s also ideal for friends, couples, and families, because the format is interactive and easy to enjoy as a group—everyone gets to taste, compare notes, and walk away feeling like they actually learned something fun.
For budget planning, the listed public prices for the main experiences range from $300–$500 MXN per person (depending on whether you choose the tequila-making process tour or the tequila tasting with pairing). If you’re building a Jalisco bar-hopping list with a cultural twist, this one is a must—because here, the best “drink” is the story behind it.
9. La Rafaela Zapopan
La Rafaela Zapopan is a lively bar-restaurant that brings Northern Sonoran flavor to the Guadalajara metro area with a vibe that feels both welcoming and “night-out” ready. It’s the kind of place where you can show up for cocktails and end up staying for a full meal—because the menu is built around craveable meats, bold house specialties, and the kind of hospitality that makes the table feel taken care of.
You’ll find it in the colonia Jardines del Tepeyac, a convenient Zapopan area that’s easy to fit into a weekend plan. The space includes a terrace, giving you the option to keep things breezy and open-air, while the overall atmosphere stays polished enough for celebrations without ever feeling stiff. It’s also big on entertainment—if you’re the type who likes your drinks with a side of major sports moments, this spot is known for playing big matches and keeping the energy up.
This bar is especially ideal for dinner, when the cocktail program and the “let’s order a few things for the table” mentality really shine. The kitchen leans into Sonoran-style comfort and variety—think tacos and tostadas with house personality, plus meat-forward favorites that make it easy to build a meal around sharing. Whether you go heavy on the grill or keep it snacky with rounds of cocktails, the pacing encourages you to linger.
La Rafaela is ideal for friends, couples, and families, because it flexes with your plan: a casual group night, a fun date, or a family meal that doesn’t feel too quiet or too formal. Budget-wise, the listed price range is $100–$300 MXN per person, depending on what you order and how drink-forward the night becomes.
10. Los Camellos Agaves Amatitán
Los Camellos Agaves Amatitán is a laid-back, tequila-country bar experience that feels like a mini escape the moment you arrive. Set up for relaxed afternoons and group plans, it’s the kind of place where you come for the agave vibe—and end up staying because the atmosphere makes it easy to slow down. Think open-air energy, countryside scenery, and a setting that naturally pairs with tequila-based drinks and long conversations.
Located in the colonia El Pueblito, in Amatitán, this spot fits perfectly into a Tequila Route day. It’s not a “quick stop” kind of place; it’s built for hanging out. The setup feels spacious and casual, ideal for groups who want to toast, snack, and enjoy the landscape without the pressure of a formal dining room. It’s the kind of place where the view becomes part of the experience and the mood stays light from the first round to the last.
This bar is especially ideal for lunch, when the countryside setting hits best and the plan usually includes food plus drinks. It’s also ideal for friends and families, whether you’re celebrating something, traveling with a group, or just looking for a tequila-country stop that feels relaxed and fun. The vibe is social and easygoing—perfect for shared tables and “try this one” moments.
For budget planning, the listed price range is $400–$500 MXN per person, making it a very approachable option for a Tequila Route outing. If you want an Amatitán bar stop that feels authentic, scenic, and built for a good time, Los Camellos Agaves deserves a spot on your list.
Keep exploring Jalisco after dark
Jalisco doesn’t just know how to party—it knows how to set the scene. From rooftop cocktail spots in Guadalajara to beachfront lounges in Puerto Vallarta and tequila-country stops in Amatitán, the state’s bar culture is as diverse as its landscapes. Whether you’re sipping small-batch tequila where it’s made, ordering craft cocktails in a design-forward lounge, or dancing the night away in a modern cantina, every night out here feels rooted in identity. The agave heritage runs deep, but so does the creativity—mixologists, DJs, terrace views, and hidden gems all come together to make Jalisco one of Mexico’s most dynamic nightlife destinations.
And the truth is, this list is just your starting pour. There are still speakeasies behind unmarked doors, neighborhood bars locals swear by, sunset terraces waiting for golden hour, and late-night spots that only truly wake up after midnight. If you’re the kind of traveler—or local—who plans weekends around where to grab the next round, keep exploring. Dive into our guides for rooftop bars, tequila tastings, party-ready cantinas, and low-key gems across the state. Your next unforgettable night in Jalisco might be closer than you think.