17 of the Best Bars in Oaxaca That Belong on Every Traveler’s List
Whether you’re backpacking through Mexico, on a weekend getaway, or simply exploring one of the country’s most vibrant cities, finding a great spot for a drink is always part of the adventure.
We love getting to know a place through its bars — sipping local spirits, trying inventive cocktails, and soaking up the atmosphere that makes each city unique.
Over three weeks in Oaxaca, we wandered from cozy mezcalerías to lively rooftops, searching out the city’s best drinks and most unforgettable vibes. Here are the 12 Oaxaca bars that belong on every traveler’s list.
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🍺 The Best Oaxaca Bars for Beer
We’ve always loved Mexico’s classic beers — there’s nothing better than an ice-cold Pacifico on a hot day. But Oaxaca surprised us with something different: a growing craft beer scene bursting with creativity and local flavor. Here are a few of our favorite spots to grab a cold one.
The Craft Beer Connoisseur: Oaxaca Brewing Co.
Oaxaca Brewing Co. stands out as one of the best places to drink craft beer in Oaxaca. Founded by two brothers from Baja California, this small brewery helped spark the city’s growing craft beer movement. The rotating tap list features everything from crisp lagers to bold IPAs and seasonal brews — all crafted with the same attention to quality you’d find in top breweries around the world.
With a short but satisfying food menu and a friendly, laid-back vibe, Oaxaca Brewing Co. is the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger. Grab a seat at the bar, order a pint of whatever’s on tap, and see why this local favorite is considered one of the best breweries in Oaxaca.
Why We Love It: Easygoing, flavorful, and authentically local — a must for beer lovers.
For Great Beer with Good Food: La Santísima Flor de Lúpulo
La Santísima Flor de Lúpulo has grown into one of Oaxaca’s most beloved nano-breweries and beer bar-restaurant hybrids. With rotating in-house brews on tap, the lineup is always changing — so you’ll often find something new to try.
Their food menu is compact but satisfying, with burgers, sandwiches, and pub-style fare that pair perfectly with a pint — a welcome change of pace from the taco overload.
The space is cozy and intimate, so stop by early or during off-peak hours to snag a seat at the bar. Whether you’re hunting for the best craft beer in Oaxaca or just want a relaxed place to sip and snack, this spot is a must-visit.
🥃 The Best Mezcal Bars in Oaxaca
Oaxaca is the birthplace of mezcal — and there’s no better place in the world to drink it. The city is overflowing with mezcalerías, from rustic, family-run spots to sleek tasting rooms pouring small-batch spirits you won’t find anywhere else.
With so many options, choosing where to go can be overwhelming, so we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite mezcal bars in Oaxaca to help you sip, savor, and discover the heart of this iconic Mexican spirit.
The Mezcal Maven: Mezcalogia
Mezcalogía is often named among the best mezcal bars in Oaxaca — and for good reason. Their range of mezcals is incredible, featuring both their own locally distilled varieties and hand-picked bottles from small producers across Mexico. You can sip them neat or try one of their inventive mezcal-based cocktails, each designed to highlight the unique flavors of the spirit.
What really makes Mezcalogía stand out, though, is the team behind the bar. Their passion for mezcal is contagious, and they’re always eager to share their knowledge about the production process, agave varieties, and the families who craft each bottle.
If you’re looking for an authentic mezcal experience without leaving the city center, head to Mezcalogía. Just be sure to arrive early — this cozy local favorite fills up fast.
Why We Love It: Expert pours, passionate staff, and an intimate, candlelit atmosphere.
The Mezcal Novice: La Querencia Mezcaleria
La Querencia Mezcalería takes mezcal seriously — but never too seriously. In a tiny, welcoming space just off the center, the team leads approachable tastings that go beyond flavor notes into the history, culture, and production behind each pour. Expect a thoughtful selection, friendly faces, and the chance to ask all the questions you’ve been afraid to ask.
Arrive early — seating is limited, and this hidden gem fills fast.
Hidden Gem: Los Amantes Mezcalería
A classic tucked near Santo Domingo, Los Amantes is both a mezcal brand and a beautifully designed tasting bar. With candlelight, polished wood, and an intimate setting, it’s the perfect stop before or after dinner. Sip their small-batch spirits straight, or try a flight to explore the nuances of Oaxaca’s most famous export.
🍸 The Best Cocktail Bars in Oaxaca
Not interested in straight mezcal shots? Oaxaca’s cocktail bars are shaking things up with creative twists on the city’s signature spirit.
For the Beach Bum: Aloha Tiki Bar
Missing the coast while in Oaxaca? Aloha Tiki Bar brings the beach to the city with tropical décor, a laid-back vibe, and dangerously good cocktails. Hidden behind a courtyard in a restored hacienda near the Church of Carmen Alto, this island-style escape serves up Polynesian-inspired drinks alongside mezcal-based creations that pack a punch.
Come early for a relaxed drink and stay as the energy picks up — by night, Aloha transforms into one of Oaxaca’s most vibrant cocktail spots.
Why We Love It: Tropical cocktails, good tunes, and a secret-bar feel right in the city center.
For the Swanky NYC Vibe: Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar
Oaxaca is evolving fast, and Selva Oaxaca stands at the forefront of that change — offering chic mixology that feels like a slice of New York in the heart of the city. With inventive cocktails rooted in local ingredients and Oaxaca’s signature spirit, mezcal, Selva has become one of the best cocktail bars in Oaxaca.
The ambiance leans refined and tropical, with touches of jungle charm. On the menu, you’ll find cocktails crafted with mezcal, Mexican distillates, and seasonal produce — every recipe a celebration of region and flavor.
If you’re lucky enough to score a seat on the tiny balcony, you’ll be treated to one of Oaxaca’s most stylish views. Expect to pay a little more — but the quality, service, and atmosphere make it worth every peso.
🍻 The Best Local Bars in Oaxaca
Of course, not every great night out comes with fancy glassware. Sometimes, the best bars are the ones locals love most.
For the Locals: Cantina Salón de la Fama
Step through the saloon doors of Cantina Salón de la Fama and you’ll immediately feel the spirit of Oaxaca’s bar culture. This longtime local haunt is where workers wind down after a long day, friends catch up over cold beers and mezcal, and the soundtrack is classic Mexican music.
Tucked away in the city center, Salón de la Fama keeps things unpolished and authentic — few tourists wander in, which only adds to its charm. Order a beer, sit toward the back, and soak up the vibe.
Why We Love It: A time capsule of true Oaxacan drinking culture.
The Dive Bar Enthusiast: Bar Ilegal
Bar Ilegal is a rock-and-roll dive that leans into its edge. Dark, gritty, and full of character, it’s known for live music, strong mezcal cocktails, cheap beer, and an atmosphere that demands you lean in.
When there’s no live show, rock classics fill the room, keeping the energy raw and real. While motorcycles and leather are encouraged, they’re not required — just bring your love for loud riffs and bold drinks.
Expect it to be dark, unapologetic, and unforgettable — precisely what a rock bar should be.
💃 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
If you’re looking to dance into the early hours, Colectivo La Tostadita hits the sweet spot between chill and club. The evening begins with relaxed vibes and conversation before ramping up to full-fledged dance mode. Expect affordable drinks, mezcal, beer, and a fun, local crowd.
La Tentación: The Locals Club
Located just a few blocks from the Zócalo, La Tentación is a lively bar-club hybrid that perfectly captures Oaxaca’s love of rhythm and celebration. Expect a mix of salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia, with the occasional live band or themed night turning the dance floor electric. It’s a favorite with locals, so come ready to move — this is where Oaxacans really dance.
Club Creciente: Underground After Hours
For those who prefer beats to brass, Club Creciente is Oaxaca’s answer to the underground scene. DJs spin electronic, techno, and house until the early morning, attracting a young, creative crowd that comes for the music more than the scene.
Txalaparta: The Best of Both Worlds
Txalaparta offers the best of both worlds — a casual rooftop bar vibe early in the evening and a lively dance floor as the night wears on. Downstairs, you’ll find Latin rhythms and mezcal cocktails; upstairs, DJs mix pop and indie tracks under the open sky. Start slow, grab a drink, and see where the night takes you.
🍷 The Best Wine Bars in Oaxaca
Even in mezcal country, sometimes you just crave a good glass of wine — and Oaxaca doesn’t disappoint. While the scene is small, the city is home to a few standout spots where you can swap smoky spirits for something a little smoother.
The Wine-O: Tastavins
Still the go-to wine bar in Oaxaca, Tastavins keeps things simple and elegant: good wine, good food, and a relaxed, European-style vibe. Every glass comes with a complimentary tapa, and the wine list leans Spanish and Mexican with rotating selections that pair beautifully with their small plates.
It’s cozy and popular — reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a full-fledged wine nerd, Tastavins is a must for anyone looking for the best wine bars in Oaxaca.
The Sophisticated Drinker: Expendio Tradición
A stylish blend of bar and restaurant, Expendio Tradición is where you go when you can’t decide between mezcal, wine, or cocktails — because they do all three exceptionally well. The atmosphere is refined without being stuffy, and the service is top-notch.
Order a glass of Mexican wine or a craft cocktail at the bar and pair it with something from their inventive Oaxacan-inspired menu. Prices are on the higher side, but the experience more than makes up for it.
The Sunset Sipper: Amá Terraza
For wine with a view, Amá Terraza is hard to beat. This laid-back rooftop spot has become a favorite for its natural wine selection, creative cocktails, and focus on seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
Their rotating list highlights organic and biodynamic wines from Mexico and beyond, often poured by friendly staff who know their stuff. Whether you’re after a chilled rosé or something funky and unfiltered, Amá Terraza is a relaxed and modern take on Oaxaca’s evolving wine scene.
🌇 The Best Rooftop Bar in Oaxaca
A drink with a view never makes for a bad day — and Oaxaca’s rooftops deliver in spades.
For Day Drinkers: La Mezcalerita
With its wide selection of Mexican craft beers and excellent local mezcals, La Mezcalerita is one of the best rooftop bars in Oaxaca. Spread across multiple levels, including a sunny rooftop terrace, it’s a great spot to linger over a tasting flight or a cold cerveza while watching the city buzz below.
The vibe is casual and unpretentious — the kind of place where backpackers, locals, and long-term travelers all cross paths. It’s popular, so don’t be surprised if they’ve run out of a few favorites by the end of the day. Grab what’s on tap, find a spot in the sun, and settle in for one of the best low-key afternoons in Oaxaca.
Why We Love It: Cold beer, warm sun, and the best rooftop views in town.
🌵 Final Sip
Whether you’re chasing rooftop sunsets, late-night dance floors, or smoky mezcal sips, Oaxaca’s bar scene has something for every traveler. Just remember — in true Oaxacan fashion — it’s never about drinking fast, but drinking well. ¡Salud!
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