Oaxaca City's drinking scene is vibrant and deeply rooted in mezcal culture, offering a diverse range of establishments from traditional mezcalerías to modern cocktail bars and lively rooftops.
Entertainment and Music:
Oaxaca City offers a dynamic entertainment scene that blends traditional Oaxacan culture with modern nightlife, featuring lively street performances and diverse live music venues.
Live music is a significant part of the Oaxaca experience, often found in bars and cultural events. Venues like Txalaparta are known for their energetic atmosphere with live bands playing Latin, reggae, and hip hop, encouraging dancing. Bar La Tentación also provides a vibrant setting for dancing to live salsa, merengue, and cumbia. Additionally, Archivo Maguey offers live cumbia music alongside a wide selection of mezcal. Beyond dedicated venues, visitors can encounter street musicians and mariachi bands, and experience traditional "calendas," which are lively street parades with brass bands and dancing.
Type: Cocktail Bar
Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar offers a glamorous and energetic setting with mid-century modern decor. It is highly acclaimed for its creative mezcal cocktails, which celebrate local Oaxacan ingredients and botanical heritage. The bar also provides a noteworthy food menu, with unique seafood and vegetarian options.
Getting There: Located on Calle Macedonio Alcalá in Centro, it is easily accessible by walking from the main areas of the city.
Type: Bar (Mezcal and Cocktails)
Sabina Sabe presents a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, showcasing an impressive selection of mezcal and inventive cocktails that blend local and international flavors. The venue, featuring artwork by Alejandro Magallanes, also offers delicious traditional Oaxacan dishes.
Getting There: Situated on 5 de Mayo in Centro, this bar is within easy walking distance from the city's central attractions.
Type: Mezcalería
In Situ Mezcalería is dedicated to mezcal, boasting one of Mexico's largest collections of artisanal mezcal. The pared-back space focuses on promoting mezcal culture, offering tastings with knowledgeable staff. A selection of cocktails and Oaxacan beers are also available.
Getting There: Found on Av. José María Morelos in Centro, it is conveniently located for those exploring the city on foot.
Type: Bar (Rooftop, Live Music)
Txalaparta is known for its lively ambiance, attracting a diverse mix of locals and travelers. The bar features a spacious rooftop area with pleasant city views, serving Mexican craft beers, Oaxacan mezcal, and hosting live music or DJ sets with various genres.
Getting There: Being very close to Centro, it is easily reachable on foot for those enjoying the city's nightlife.
Type: Cocktail Bar / Local Bar
La Cueva Oaxaca offers a dark and cozy atmosphere, celebrated for its high-quality cocktails. This spot typically draws a more local crowd and is ideal for a late-night drink, featuring a mix of cumbia-fusion and psychedelic-Latin American music.
Getting There: Located on a quiet side street in Centro, it is easily walkable from most central areas.
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