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Not so long ago, Cozumel’s already low-key nightlife shut down by midnight, perhaps thanks to the many dive excursions leaving at the crack of dawn. The cruise-ship passengers mobbing the bars seemed to drink enough for the whole island, and the rowdiest action sometimes took place in the afternoon, when mojito-slinging revelers pulled out the stops before reboarding. These days, visitors staying up late will be rewarded by a thriving live music scene at haunts that are frequented by locals and tourists alike. Many remain open to 4 am. Even if you’re not a night a night owl, you’ll find excellent salsa, jazz, acoustic, and rock bands playing downtown at places like Wet Wendy’s and Viva Mexico. Money Bar Beach Club has a live band Friday and Saturday around sunset with happy hour specials. As an alternative, do like the locals and head for the zócalo (main square) to hear mariachis and Caribbean-style bands on Sunday evenings from 8 to 10.
You'll find the best and largest frozen margaritas in town at Wet Wendy's. Sit at the bar, and down one of the potent concoctions, or grab a table in the outdoor garden to dine on remarkably good food and dance to the salsa, rock, and jazz bands that play here several nights a week. Service is friendly, so don't be surprised if the bartender asks you if you want "the usual" on your second visit.
Cozumel's first microbrewery serves a range of delicious brews from lighter ales to darker beers. The pub fare pairs well with the brews offered, and the pizzas are cooked in a wood-fired oven with excellent results.
The vibe at this beachfront palapa bar is laid-back throughout the day. It's open early morning till late at night, and is an easy place to get a meal and do some great snorkeling at the same time. The meals are uncomplicated Mexican fare, but you can't beat the view of the ocean and downtown.
On the northwest corner of the square, this watering hole draws cruise-ship crowds by day and vacationers staying on the island at night. Expect frozen daiquiris, ice-cold beers, and blaring rock at tourist prices. You'll find a second location at the Puerta Maya cruise terminal.
Mexico is home to a growing number of artisanal brewers, and this is the place to try craft Mexican beers as well as additional selections from over 33 other countries. The bartenders are knowledgeable about their brews.
This reggae bar serves deep-dish pizza that gets rave reviews, and the Mexican-inspired meals provide something for every palate.
The Animal House ambience at Señor Frog's at night includes loud music and a bar-dancing, bead-throwing, balloon-hat-wearing, anything-goes drinking scene. During the day, the pub grub is better than you'd expect, the drinks are flowing, and the waiters are always entertaining. You'll find two locations here, near the Punta Langosta and the International cruise terminals.
A second-floor restaurant called Trattoria by day transforms into a salsa dance club called Tiki Tok after dark. On Friday and Saturday, local bands draw salsa aficionados of all stripes from 10 pm to about 3 am; a DJ spins Latin and reggaeton through all hours of the night.
