where to drink in mexico city: 10 of the best mezcalarias, speakeasies, and bars

rebelliously alive, mexico city is a cosmopolitan hum of culture and forward movement that still manages to preserve its storied history. In the past decade or so, its gastronomic scene has really reached its peak, making it an essential destination for food lovers. so where do you go when you need to quench your thirst? the bustling street and thousands of bars can make it difficult to choose where to drink, so we’ve made thing a little easier for you. from mezcalarias to hole-in-the-wall speakeasies, these are best drinking holes in mexico city.

sete

sete might just be one of the chicest bars we’ve ever laid eyes on. the charming neighbourhood haunt is warm and inviting, with a sleek concrete facade and dark walls lit with ambient mood lighting. when the weather’s nice, enjoy one of their natural wines outside and watch the locals pass by. if you’re after more of an intimate vibe, head further into the belly of the bar where you’ll find a green marble benchtop perfect for late night conversation. their menu is small but thoughtful, with a seasonal rotation of small plates to compliment their natural wine list. music-wise, the owner plays vinyl records from his enviable and extensive collection.

Dublín 7, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Juárez, CDMX, Mexico.

cicatritz cafe

vegetarian cafe by day, buzzing bar by night, cicatritz is where you can can find it all. run by sister-brother expat team Scarlett and Jake Lindemann, the industrial style cafe boasts a plant-based menu inspired by new york’s thriving restaurant scene. visit for an afternoon coffee and kale salad, and stay for their selection of natural wines and unusual cocktails.

C. Dinamarca 44, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

maison artemesia

a “temple for the bon vivants”, maison artemesia marries the charm of parisian bistros with the liveliness of its home city. maison artemesia was started by a group of french and mexican friends living in rome, who decided to create the perfect space for them to hang out. the stylish venue is indeed the perfect setting for a group - with live music every week and unique cocktails that capture the spirit of mexico. the bar also distills their own absinthe, made specially for them in france.

Tonalá No. 23, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

licoreria limantour

licoreria limantour is widely accepted amongst locals and travellers as mexico city’s preeminent bar for memorable cocktails. today, it’s number 17 of the world’s 50 best bars. despite the fame, the bar still retains its laidback atmosphere, with the central focus remaining on local ingredients and liquers. we recommend their signature cocktail, the Margarita al Pastor, a spicy twist on the classic drink inspired by Tacos as Pastor.

Alvaro Obregon 106, Roma Norte, Mexico City, 06700.

hanky panky

for those who enjoy the chase with a well-made cocktail at the end, hanky panky is a stylish speakeasy that’s truly hard to find. in a set up that’s straight out of a bond film, the bar is tucked away behind a false door at the back of a bustling restaurant. once you’re there, you’ll find yourself in a moody den of red chesterfield chairs, dimly-lit booths, and an elegant marble bar. the cocktail menu is all about the showmanship of its bartenders, marrying unexpect ingredients and showcasing them in theatrical ways.

address: secret

felina bar

hidden away in the leafy neighbourhood of condesa, you’ll find felina buzzing with artists and bohemian types. outfitted like an art deco bar, the warm interior features graphic wallpaper and mid-century furntiure. like the interior, the drink selection is classic - try the perfect manhattan or negroni, or ask the bartender to give you their twist on a martini.

C. Ometusco 87, Hipódromo, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

bar la faena

if you like your tequila with a side of bullfighting, then bar la faena is the place for you. opened in the 1960s, this is a truly old-school drinking hole with vintage posters papering the walls, fading murals, and costumes worn by famous matadors housed in glass cases. this is not the place to go if you’re after a fancy cocktail - rather, come here if you want a cold beer, some live entertainment, and the best people watching in town.

C. de Venustiano Carranza 49, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

Fifty mils

inside mexico city’s glamorous four seasons hotel, fifty mills has been hailed as one of the 50 best bars in the world. their world-class bartenders create one-of-a-kind cocktails using local ingredients and artisan techniques. the atmosphere is decidedly warm and moody - think jewel-toned velvet couches and dark mahogany shelving that create an old-world feel without being dated.

Inside Four Seasons Hotel, Paseo de la Reforma 500, Ciudad de México, Colonia Juárez 06600, México.

le tachinomi desu

a tiny, tokyo-inspired restaurant and bar is perhaps not the first thing to come to mind when you think of mexico’s food scene. le tachinomi desu is a standing room only eatery in fashionable Cuauhtémoc. here you’ll find a seasonal menu of grilled meat and bar food - the perfect compliment to their curated selection of natural wine, japanese whiskey, and artisanal beer.

Rio Panuco 132, CuauhtémocMexico City, 06500 Mexico.

baltra bar

outfitted with warm leather couches and a cluster of mismatched tables, drinking in the miniscule baltra bar feels like sharing a drink in a friend’s living room. despite this laidback vibe, baltra’s mixologists take their alcohol seriously. the bartenders are knowledgable and friendly - ask them to make one of the classics, or try their four o’clock punch, a delicious boozy black tea.

Iztaccihuatl 36D, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico.

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