3 Best Bars in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca

One of the city's most venerable watering holes offers salsa, merengue, and cumbia dancing on its terrace nightly beginning at 10 as well as light snacks and appetizers.

In the heart of Oaxaca, this bar has not changed for the last 50 years. The owner, El Chato, has seen successive governments come and go (one of his favorite things to talk about) while his bar has continued with its steady service of cocktails and beers, fried potatoes, and fish empanadas. While neither trendy nor classy, the Salon de la Fama offers a glimpse into one what life used to be like in Oaxaca. The silent service given by El Chato and his wife allow the conversation to flow. Although he must have heard millions of stories, El Chato isn’t one for spilling the beans, so he will let you do the talking.

Txalaparta is one of the bigger alternative bars featuring live music most nights, great cocktails, and a roof terrace among its many twisting and turning spaces. The vibe changes each evening, so be sure to check out what is going on. Every night brings in a large crowd, but Friday and Saturday are when the party really starts.