
If you have ever been to Oaxaca's Zocalo, you know that this town-square is not only the city's downtown plaza. It is the city's heart by day and its nervous system by night, its alpha and omega. Imperceptibly, lunch turns a nice talk around the table into a dinner with some drinks. All around, you can find a bit of everything: bands, pedestrians, improvised musicians, balloons, craft makers, toasted grasshoppers and shoe polishers.
But nightlife in Oaxaca does not end there. In addition to the many different cultural options, Oaxaca features an unexpected variety of options to start, continue or wrap up the party. The city is so safe at all times that the habitual thing to do is hop from one bar to the other, greeting friends here and there. Around midnight, the very famous Alcala Street becomes a corridor for night owls, in search of the perfect party-ambience and lively Oaxaca nightclubs.
Trova, salsa, techno, trios, and pop are just some of the alternatives to the most traditional and fun atmosphere of the cantinas. It is hard to believe that, despite its conservative looks, Oaxaca nightlife usually carries on until the wee hours of the morning. This widespread schedule may be the heritage of the legendary 3-day long town parties, which exist to this day.
The Zocalo Gateways
Under the surrounding areas of the Zocalo, there are many famous cafes offering an extensive traditional menu. After dinner, they are quite popular gathering spot for locals and foreigners, turning them into enjoyable outdoor bars. The usual drink is either a beer or mezcal and the traditional snacks are peanuts or toasted grasshoppers with lime. The ambience is lively.
Cafe Borgo
Cafe Borgo is very popular among resident foreigners for its exceptional coffee, as it is homegrown and prepared in genuine Italian style. At some point, between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the music starts to pump and then the mezcal starts to pour among the backpackers and avant-garde locals. The cosmopolitan atmosphere is complemented by exhibitions of work by young artists.
El Decano
This Oaxaca nightclub is devoted to alternative live music. Guest artists go from acoustic trova duets to urban rock bands. This place reaches its climax around midnight. Don't forget to check out our exotic cocktail menu. There will always be one to quench your thirst. If you haven't dined yet, the sandwiches and tlayudas (big tortillas) are deliciously famous.
La Nueva Babel
Whether you like poetry readings, jazz music or live trova, the main characteristic of this cozy bar is the bohemian atmosphere, where the spontaneous playing or singing is always welcome. It features a covered area and a quaint candlelit patio under the bright stars. Our beverage menu includes draft beer, excellent wines and mezcal.
La Divina
Heavy Metal has its place in Oaxaca and the live guitar jams can't be missed. Year after year, La Divina gets new clients and welcomes its regular customers from all over the world with the same frenzy. In its surreal interior you will find, distributed in several rooms, the bar, tables, dance floor and stage, where the frenetic home band or eventual guest bands play.
La Tentacion
Sooner rather than later, the flow will bring you here. The first notes of the salsa band will start around 10:00 p.m. and it will alternate its show with a DJ who will mix the best Mexican and international pop music. There's always a moment in the middle of the night when it feels like the whole city is in La Tentacion, socializing at the bar, learning the latest salsa steps on the dance floor, chatting in the hallways or standing in line to get in.
Bar Central
When it comes to art, music and fashion, you will find the classiest at El Central, as it is popularly known. Before midnight enjoy a pleasant lounge ambience with soft lights and chill out music. Afterwards, the place fills in with a pagan multitude that easily dances salsa music as well as techno Hindu or the Backstreet Boys hits. The retro style decoration combined with the original art of Oaxacan artists is praiseworthy.