10 best bars in Oaxaca
There’s something about Oaxaca after dark that feels almost cinematic. As the sun slips behind the mountains and the cobblestone streets begin to glow under warm lantern light, the city transforms into a playground for mezcal lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and anyone chasing that perfect night out. Oaxaca isn’t just about mole, markets, and colorful textiles — it’s also home to one of the most exciting bar scenes in Mexico. From hidden speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors to vibrant rooftop terraces overlooking colonial architecture, every corner seems to hold a new surprise. If you think you’ve experienced Mexican nightlife before, Oaxaca is ready to change your mind.
But with so many incredible spots scattered throughout the city, where do you even begin? Should you start with an intimate mezcalería where the bartender tells stories about every pour, or head straight to a buzzing cocktail bar where DJs keep the energy high until late? Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a friends’ getaway, or a solo adventure fueled by curiosity, finding the right bar can completely shape your experience. In this guide to the 10 best bars in Oaxaca, we’ll take you beyond the obvious and into the places that truly define the city’s unforgettable nightlife.
1. Cayuco Puerto Escondido
If your idea of a perfect night in Oaxaca includes salty air, golden-hour skies, and a mezcal cocktail in hand, Cayuco Puerto Escondido is the kind of bar you’ll want on your shortlist. Set right by the waves, it pairs the easygoing energy of the coast with a menu and drink program that feel thoughtfully curated—never fussy, always flavorful. It’s the type of place where you arrive “for one drink” and suddenly it’s hours later and you’re already planning your next visit.
You’ll find it in the colonia Playa Zicatela, which means the vibe naturally leans beachy, social, and sunset-driven. The setting is made for lingering: think warm lights, a sea breeze rolling through, and that unmistakable Zicatela soundtrack in the background—waves, laughter, and clinking glasses. The atmosphere hits the sweet spot between lively and relaxed, so it works whether you’re easing into the evening or kicking off a bigger night out.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the food and cocktails really shine together. Expect a coastal-meets-Oaxaca approach to the menu, with fresh ingredients that play well with smoky mezcal, citrus, and tropical flavors. It’s also a great choice for friends—the kind of place built for sharing plates, ordering a second round, and turning a casual hang into a full-on memory.
Budget-wise, it lands in the $300–$500 MXN pesos per person range, making it a solid pick for quality without feeling over-the-top. And if you’re traveling with a furry sidekick, you’re in luck: the bar admits pets—so you can toast the sunset with your best friend right by your side.
2. Mezcalería Santo de mi Devoción
Mezcalería Santo de Mi Devoción feels like stepping into a moody little corner of Oaxaca where mezcal is treated with the respect it deserves—slow sips, great conversation, and a vibe that makes you want to stay for “just one more.” This isn’t a loud, party-first kind of bar. It’s the type of place that draws you in with atmosphere: low lighting, curated details, and that unmistakable sense that every bottle behind the bar has a story.
Located in the colonia Centro, it’s right in the heart of Oaxaca City—perfect for starting your night (or making it the main event). The setting is intimate and stylish without feeling try-hard, which makes it ideal when you want something a little more special than a typical bar crawl. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’ve done Oaxaca before, this spot hits differently because it’s rooted in local culture and flavor, not trends.
It’s especially ideal for dinner, either paired with small plates or as a mezcal-forward evening that replaces the standard sit-down meal. It’s a standout choice for couples, thanks to the cozy energy and the kind of ambiance that naturally turns into a long night of talking, tasting, and discovering. The mezcal selection is the main attraction—expect smoky, herbal, earthy, and floral notes depending on what you choose—plus cocktails that highlight regional ingredients and bring out mezcal’s more playful side.
Budget-wise, it lands in the $300–$500 MXN pesos per person range, depending on whether you go for flights, signature cocktails, or a curated tasting. If you want a bar that feels distinctly Oaxacan—equal parts romantic, cultural, and delicious—Santo de Mi Devoción is an essential stop.
3. Liquen Oaxaca
If you’re craving a night out in Oaxaca that feels elevated without losing that relaxed, social spark, Liquen Oaxaca is a standout. From the moment you step inside, you can tell this isn’t just another bar—it’s a space designed for lingering. The lighting is warm and flattering, the music sets the rhythm without overpowering conversation, and the overall atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between stylish and welcoming. It feels intentional, curated, and effortlessly cool.
Located in the colonia Centro, Liquen places you right where the city’s energy is at its peak. One of its biggest draws is the terrace, where you can soak in Oaxaca’s evening vibe while enjoying a cocktail in hand. Whether you’re starting your night here or making it your main destination, the setting makes it easy to relax into the experience. The design blends modern aesthetics with subtle nods to local identity, creating a space that feels contemporary but still connected to Oaxaca’s spirit.
Liquen is especially ideal for dinner, since the menu is structured to complement its ambitious cocktail program. It’s a fantastic choice for friends, whether you’re celebrating something special or simply gathering for a memorable night out. Expect shareable plates, thoughtful presentations, and a drink menu that goes beyond the basics—house-made distillates, creative infusions, and cocktails that highlight regional ingredients in unexpected ways.
In terms of budget, you can expect to spend around $350–$500 MXN pesos per person, depending on how many rounds and dishes you explore. Another big plus: the venue admits pets, making it an excellent option if you’re traveling with your dog and don’t want to compromise on a stylish, high-quality night out in Oaxaca.
4. Archivo Maguey
The first thing you notice at Archivo Maguey Oaxaca is that it feels like a night plan, not just a stop. There’s a confident, mezcal-forward personality in the room—dim lights, a lively hum, and that sense that the evening is going to build the longer you stay. It’s the kind of place where the bar is the main character, but the food keeps you grounded and happily ordering “one more.”
Located in the colonia Centro, this spot fits naturally into a downtown night out—easy to reach, easy to slip into, and even easier to make your anchor for the evening. The space is designed for lingering: you can keep it casual with a quick cocktail at the bar or stretch it into a longer hang with conversation and shared plates. The overall vibe is energetic without being chaotic, which makes it feel social but still comfortable.
Archivo Maguey is ideal for dinner, especially when you want your meal to feel like part of the nightlife rather than a separate plan. It’s also ideal for friends, because everything about the place encourages sharing—flavors, pours, and the kind of table talk that turns into laughter. Expect cocktails and pours that lean into Oaxacan ingredients and agave culture, paired with food that’s bold enough to stand next to mezcal’s smoky edge.
In terms of budget, you’re looking at $300–$500 MXN pesos per person depending on how deep you go into drinks and dishes. This is a strong pick for anyone who wants a bar that feels distinctly Oaxaca: flavorful, social, and built for the kind of night that ends later than you planned.
5. Zolem Beach Club
There’s a certain rhythm to Playa Zicatela, and Zolem Beach Club Puerto Escondido moves perfectly in sync with it. Days here start slow—sun overhead, ocean breeze cutting through the heat, cold drinks landing on the table. As the afternoon stretches into golden hour, the entire mood shifts. The sky explodes in color, the music feels louder (in the best way), and what began as a relaxed beach hang subtly turns into one of the most memorable parts of your night.
Located in the colonia Zicatela, this beach club sits right where Puerto Escondido’s social energy thrives. The setting is open, coastal, and effortlessly photogenic—think lounge seating, direct ocean views, and a front-row seat to some of the best sunsets in Oaxaca. It’s casual enough that you can arrive straight from the sand, but polished enough that it still feels like a destination. You don’t just stop by Zolem; you plan around it.
It’s especially ideal for dinner, when the atmosphere transitions into something more dynamic and the table fills with shared plates and fresh rounds of cocktails. This is also ideal for friends, because everything about the layout and energy encourages group moments—splitting bites, toasting mezcal cocktails, and staying longer than expected. The menu leans beach-friendly and easy to pair with drinks, making it simple to build a relaxed but satisfying meal around the bar experience.
One of the biggest advantages? The price point. Zolem falls within a $85–$270 MXN pesos per person range, making it one of the more accessible oceanfront spots in the area without sacrificing the vibe. And yes, it admits pets, which means your beach-day companion doesn’t have to sit out when it’s time to grab a table. Affordable, social, and steps from the Pacific—this is Puerto Escondido nightlife done right.
6. Esencia Oaxaca Cocktail Bar
Tucked into Oaxaca’s nightlife like a well-kept secret, Esencia Oaxaca Cocktail Bar is all about craft, intention, and that “this place gets it” feeling the moment you sit down. The concept leans into sustainable cocktail-making and house creativity—here, drinks aren’t just mixed, they’re built. Expect a menu shaped by native ingredients and a team that treats every pour like a small performance, without turning it into a show. The vibe stays intimate and personal, which makes the experience feel curated from start to finish.
You’ll find it in the colonia Centro, right in the city’s core—easy to reach, yet it feels pleasantly removed from the street’s rush once you’re inside. The space is on the smaller side in a good way: it naturally creates a sense of closeness, better attention, and a pace that encourages you to slow down. Lighting stays warm and low, the soundtrack supports conversation, and the bar becomes the visual anchor—watching the drinks come together is part of the fun.
This spot is ideal for dinner, especially for people who like their night to revolve around cocktails with food that complements them rather than competing for attention. It’s ideal for couples, thanks to the cozy layout and the kind of ambiance that makes it easy to talk, linger, and turn “one round” into a full evening. The drinks lean heavily on technique and local identity—think medicinal herbs, house-made liqueurs, and bitters crafted in-house—so every cocktail feels distinctly Oaxacan, not copy-pasted from somewhere else.
Budget-wise, it falls into the $300–$1000 MXN pesos per person range, depending on how deep you go into the menu (a couple of cocktails vs. a longer tasting-style night). Esencia is the move when you want Oaxaca’s modern cocktail scene at its most thoughtful: creative, ingredient-driven, and genuinely memorable.
7. Sur a Norte
Bold flavors, creative plating, and a bar program that keeps pace with the kitchen—that’s the energy at Sur a Norte. This isn’t just a place to grab drinks; it’s a full sensory experience that blends contemporary technique with regional inspiration. The concept feels modern but grounded, making it a strong contender for anyone who wants their night out to revolve around both food and cocktails in equal measure.
Located in the colonia Centro, Sur a Norte sits right in Oaxaca City’s culinary heartbeat. The space strikes a balance between stylish and welcoming, with a layout that works for everything from intimate dinners to group gatherings. Whether you’re seated inside or enjoying the open-air sections, the atmosphere leans lively without becoming overwhelming—ideal for a night that unfolds at a steady, satisfying pace.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the kitchen and bar are fully in sync and the menu truly shines. It’s also ideal for friends, thanks to its shareable plates and cocktails that spark conversation at the table. Expect bold combinations, thoughtful use of local ingredients, and drinks that move beyond the expected—mezcal appears, of course, but so do inventive house creations that play with spice, citrus, and seasonal elements.
In terms of pricing, you can expect to spend around $350–$600 MXN pesos per person, depending on how many dishes and rounds you order. Sur a Norte delivers a dynamic, flavor-driven experience that feels distinctly Oaxaca—vibrant, social, and built for long, memorable evenings.
8. Mixtú Oaxaca
A night at Mixtú Oaxaca feels like stepping into Oaxaca’s more modern, cocktail-forward side—where the music is at the right volume, the lighting makes the room glow, and the menu is built for people who like to try a little bit of everything. It’s the kind of bar-restaurant where you can start with one drink “just to warm up” and suddenly you’re deep into the cocktail list, comparing flavors, passing plates around, and realizing this is the main event.
You’ll find it in the colonia Reforma, an area that’s perfect when you want a dinner plan that still feels lively and stylish. The space leans contemporary and polished, but it doesn’t lose warmth—there’s a relaxed confidence to it. Whether you’re posted up at the bar watching the cocktails come together or settled into a table with your crew, the atmosphere reads social, upbeat, and made for a longer stay.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, because the experience is designed to pair food and drinks in a way that keeps the night moving. It’s ideal for friends, thanks to a vibe that encourages sharing, ordering rounds, and turning a simple plan into a full evening. Expect contemporary Mexican cooking with a creative edge—dishes that feel familiar at first glance, but land with unexpected twists once you taste them—plus cocktails that pull from Oaxacan flavors (agave, citrus, herbs, spice) without falling into the predictable.
On budget, Mixtú Oaxaca sits in the $300–$800 MXN pesos per person range, depending on how big you go on cocktails and plates. Another major plus: the place admits pets, which makes it an easy pick when you want something fun and elevated without having to leave your four-legged companion behind.
9. Parrilla Andina Oaxaca
Big cuts, big energy, and a bar that refuses to be an afterthought—Parrilla Andina Oaxaca is the kind of place you pick when you want your night to feel like an event. The room is spacious, the vibe is upbeat, and there’s a constant sense that something is happening: cocktails shaking, plates hitting tables, and groups settling in like they’re here for the long haul. It’s confident and lively without feeling chaotic, which makes it easy to relax and still feel like you’re somewhere special.
You’ll find it in the colonia Santa María Ixcotel, a convenient area that draws both locals and visitors who are in the mood for a proper grill experience. One of the standout features is how much space you have to enjoy the night—this spot is known for being large and comfortable, with areas that work for different moods, including outdoor-style seating that’s perfect when you want air, conversation, and a drink that stays cold. The atmosphere is versatile enough to handle celebrations, casual hangouts, and those “let’s order the good stuff” dinners.
This is absolutely ideal for dinner, especially if your group loves bold flavors and the satisfaction of food that comes straight off the grill. It’s also ideal for friends, because the menu naturally lends itself to sharing: order a couple of cuts for the table, add sides, and let the cocktails keep the momentum going. The concept blends a parrilla vibe with international touches, so you get that hearty steakhouse satisfaction—but with enough variety to keep everyone at the table happy, from meat lovers to people who want something a little different.
Plan on spending $300–$500 MXN pesos per person, depending on how many rounds you order and how deep you go into the grill menu. And if you’re traveling with a furry plus-one, this spot is pet friendly, which makes it even easier to turn dinner into a full evening out.
10. Sushido Mazunte
Ocean air, a laid-back soundtrack, and sushi that somehow makes perfect sense in a bohemian beach town—Sushido Mazunte is one of those places that becomes part of your trip’s highlight reel. Instead of trying to feel “fancy,” it leans into Mazunte’s natural magic: relaxed, breezy, and built for slow evenings that start with a cocktail and end with the table ordering “just one more roll.” The concept is all about Sushi Fusion, mixing Japanese technique with local freshness and tropical energy, so every bite feels both familiar and new.
The restaurant is located in the colonia Rinconcito, just a short walk from the beach, which is exactly why it works so well for a night out. The setup gives you options depending on your mood: a cozy terrace for lingering, big tables that are perfect for groups, and a bar with a view that keeps the experience feeling social. The overall ambiance hits that sweet spot between casual and special—ideal when you want dinner to feel like a plan, but not a production.
This spot is especially ideal for dinner, when the vibe turns warm and the menu shines. It’s ideal for couples, because the setting naturally feels intimate—soft lighting, beach-town calm, and plates that invite sharing. The must-try energy here is in the variety: sushi rolls, poke “Sushido style,” gyozas, miso soup, and fresh fish options like tataki. On the drinks side, you’ll also find choices that fit the coast perfectly, including cocktails with sake and mezcal from the region, plus seasonal fruit waters that keep everything refreshing.
When it comes to budget, expect a range of $250–$350 MXN pesos per person, making it a surprisingly accessible option for the quality and location. And yes—this place admits pets, which is a huge win in Mazunte, where travel often includes a four-legged companion. For a dinner that feels coastal, creative, and unmistakably Oaxaca, Sushido is an easy yes.
Where the night keeps going
Oaxaca after dark is more than a collection of bars—it’s a layered experience shaped by mezcal culture, coastal energy, rooftop conversations, and hidden corners that only reveal themselves once the sun goes down. From intimate cocktail dens in Centro to breezy beach clubs along the Pacific, every stop on this list adds a different note to the soundtrack of your trip. Some nights call for a slow sip of something smoky and complex; others demand sunset views, louder music, and one more round with friends. The beauty of exploring the 10 best bars in Oaxaca is realizing there’s no single way to do it right—only your way.
And the best part? This is just the beginning. Oaxaca’s food and drink scene evolves constantly, with new openings, seasonal menus, and local collaborations always around the corner. If this list sparked your curiosity, there’s plenty more to discover—hidden speakeasies, must-try restaurants, brunch gems, and destination-worthy spots across the state. Keep exploring, keep tasting, and let your next unforgettable night in Oaxaca start with our next guide.