A Bar for Every Boozer: The 12 Best Bars in Oaxaca
Whether you are backpacking, on holiday, or overlanding, finding a place to try the local beer, spirit, or wine is high on your priority list. We spend most of our time in cities, eating and drinking as we wander the streets, taking in the sights.
We like to discover the local beer, sample newly concocted cocktails, sip regional wine, and dine on cuisine native to the area. In Oaxaca, it was no different. We spent the better part of three weeks scoping out the best bars in Oaxaca, no matter your poison of choice. We hope to help you on your quest to discover the best bars in Oaxaca!
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The Best Oaxaca Bars for Beer
The local cervezas in Mexico may be some of the best in the world, but beer lovers will surely be keen to seek out the best craft beer bars in Oaxaca.
The Craft Beer Connoisseur: The Oaxaca Brewing Co.
The Oaxaca Brewing Co. stands out among the other craft breweries in Oaxaca. Opened by two brothers from Baja who relocated to Oaxaca, they quickly realized the need for great beer in the area. While they have only a small selection, the beers rival those in Europe, the US, and Australia. When we were there, they had two styles of lagers and two styles of IPAs, but the selection changes regularly.
This place is a must for beer lovers. The brewery is small, so arrive early to grab a seat at the bar and score free peanuts.
Useful Information
- Address: Calle de Manuel Sabino Crespo 422, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation: Thursday – Monday from 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
For Great Beer with Good Food: La Santísima Flor de Lúpulo
La Santisima Flor de Lupulo has gotten an upgrade, and this little bar and restaurant duo has a lot going on and is worth a stop in. With in-house brews on a rotating tap, you never know what beer you will get, but you know it will be great. Their food menu or burgers and sandwiches compliments the beer well and is a nice break from the loads of tacos you are sure to be enjoying on your holiday.
Useful Information
- Address: C. de Ignacio Allende 215, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday from 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
The Best Mezcal Bars in Oaxaca
With Oaxaca being the birthplace of mezcal, you can expect to find more mezcal bars around town than you can count. With so many, it can be hard to choose which ones are worth the go, but here are our favorites.
The Mezcal Maven: Mezcalogia
One reason to visit Oaxaca is for mezcal. Where is the best mezcal in Oaxaca? With a range of mezcalerias to choose from, our favorite is Mezcalogia. Mezcalogia’s range of mezcals is astounding. Choose from one of their own locally distilled mezcals or one carefully sourced from distilleries throughout Mexico. Here, you can have your mezcal as it is or in one of their creative cocktails.
In addition to their wide range of mezcals sourced locally, the team at Mezcalogia love what they do, and it shows. Their passion is shown through their warmth and hospitality, as well as their in-depth knowledge of the production of mezcal and their suppliers.
If you want a lesson in mezcal without leaving the city center, head to Mezcalogia. Make sure to go early, though, as this little local watering hole fills up fast.
Useful Information
- Address: Calle de Manuel García Vigil # 509, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Monday from 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Mezcal Novice: La Querencia Mezcaleria
This bar takes mezcal seriously, very seriously. That being said, they are not pretentious and are keen to share their passion. They offer tastings and in-depth explanations that go beyond their flavor profiles into history and culture that uncover why mezcal is so important here. Stop in for a drink and try as many as you like. How much you ask? It’s up to you. Mezcal tastings are based on what you think it is worth. Don’t be stingy and keep this place up and running.
Useful Information
- Address: Calle de Manuel García Vigil 603, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation:
- Sunday to Wednesday from 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Thursday from 6:00 pm – 2:30 am
- Friday from 5:00 pm – 2:00 am
- Saturday from 5:00 pm – 12:00 am
The Best Cocktail Bars in Oaxaca
Not interested in straight mezcal shots? We have got you covered with the best cocktail bars in Oaxaca.
For the Beach Bum: Aloha Oaxaca
Don’t have enough time to visit the beach while visiting Oaxaca or, are you missing the beach already? Get your beach fix at Aloha Oaxaca. Coastal vibes, kitsch decor, friendly staff, and delicious but deadly cocktails await you at this island paradise.
Aloha is definitely one of the best bars in Oaxaca. Finding this treasure, however, is not assured as it is hidden past a courtyard terrace restaurant. Here’s a hint, it is near the Church of Carmen Alto on Calle de Manuel Garcia Virgil.
Useful Information
- Address: Calle de Manuel García Vigil 613, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation: 7:00 pm – 2:00 am except Mondays
For the Swanky NYC Vibe: Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar
The city of Oaxaca is changing fast, with new and upscale restaurants and bars popping up each day. This is no exception with the swanky NYC-vibed Selva Oxaca Cocktail Bar.
Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar has emerged as one of the best bars in Oaxaca for creative and innovative cocktails. Their cocktails highlight local Mexican flavors and are centered around Oaxaca’s pride and joy, mezcal.
If you can snag yourself a seat on their tiny balcony, you will also have some of the city’s best views.
Expect to pay a bit more for drinks here, which is expected with the quality of the decor and service. Selva Oaxaca also has a small appertive menu that is to die for and features innovative yet traditional Oaxacan cuisine.
Useful Information
- Address: Calle de Manuel García Vigil 613, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 4:00 pm – 11:45 pm and Friday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 12:45 am
The Best Local Bars in Oaxaca
If you love to do as the locals do or fancy dive bars, here are our top picks in Oaxaca for you!
For the Locals: Cantina Salón de La Fama
You quickly understand the vibe as you pass the saloon doors and enter this bar. Oaxaca’s local watering hole is where people come to have a Victoria beer after a day’s work, catch up with friends and listen to Mexican music. With little to no tourists, you can truly appreciate the Mexican drinking culture. Don’t spoil this hidden gem by being overt tourists. Grab a beer, settle down in the back, and revel in the moment.
- Address: Calle Porfirio Díaz 115, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68101 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation: Daily from 12:00 pm – 12:00 am except Sundays
The Dive Bar Enthusiast: Bar Ilegal
Bar Ilegal Antes Ribbon is a rock and roll bar serving up their own mezcal and dirt cheap beers. This dark and dingy bar has plenty of attitude and lots of character and deserves a seat at the table on a list of the best bars in Oaxaca. When they don’t have live local music, rock classics make the perfect soundtrack to a hard-drinking session. Motorcycles and leather are encouraged but not required.
Useful Information
The Best NightClubs in Oaxaca
Down to party all night until the sun comes up? Again, you can count on Oaxaca to deliver a bar to suit all whims and desires.
The Partier: Colectivo la Tostadita
While there are other discotecas and nightclubs in the area, Colectivo la Toastadita is our pick of the litter. Catering to a more laid-back type of partier, the atmosphere starts off slow and low-key then escalates to club music as the night progresses. Another pro for Colectivo la Tostadita? The prices are reasonable, with two beers and a mezcal only setting you back $100 pesos (as of November 2019). Colectivo la Tostadita stays open late, closing after 3:30 on weekends and 2:30 on most weekdays.
Useful Information
- Address: Matamoros # 201, Oaxaca, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation:
- Monday – Wednesday: 9:00 am – 2:30 am
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 3:00 am
- Friday – Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:30 am
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 1:30 am
Best Wine BarS in Oaxaca
Despite being mezcal country, sometimes you want a glass of wine. Good thing Oaxaca delivers yet again with a few wine bars not to miss.
The Wine-O: Tastavins
The only official wine bar in Oaxaca, Tastavins ticks all the boxes. Well, one box…wine. Add in free tapas with every glass of wine and you have got my number.
Make sure you book a reservation here as they fill up fast and are fully booked out most nights.
Useful Information
- Address: Murguía 309, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm except Sundays
The Sophisticated Drinker: Expendio Tradicion
This bar/restaurant manages to do both things well. Sit at the bar enjoying fine mezcal, nice wine, local craft beers or cocktails while dining on an equally impressive bar menu. We can’t speak to the full menu, but the appetizers and for sharing were on point. While it is hard to fault the quality, the prices are a bit on the high side. It definitely gets high remarks from us as you can satisfy all your cravings in one go which is why it is included on our list of the best bars in Oaxaca!
Useful Information
- Address: Reforma, Murguía &, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation: 1:00 pm – 1:00 am Monday to Saturday and Sunday 1:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The Best Rooftop Bar in Oaxaca
A bird’s eye view with a drink never makes for a bad day.
For Day Drinkers: La Mezcalerita
Head over to La Mezcalerita for local mezcals or try a few craft beers from their extensive Mexican craft beer selection all while soaking up the Oaxacan sun. Don’t be surprised, however, if they are out of your drink of choice. This place gets crowded as it boasts one of the larger outdoor patios in Oaxaca and they can’t stock their shelves fast enough.
Useful Information
- Address: Calle Macedonio Alcalá 706, RUTA INDEPENDENCIA, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax., Mexico
- Hours of Operation: 12:30 pm – 1:00 am
Hopefully, with this list of best bars in Oaxaca, you can find something you like.
If you’re looking for somewhere to rest after a day of exploring the city’s best bars, head over to our friends at Booking.com for the best deal.
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