Top Bars in Mexico City – Most Viewed (2025)
Discover Mexico City's dynamic bar scene with mezcal bars in Roma Norte, sophisticated cocktail lounges in Polanco, and traditional cantinas in the historic center. Experience rooftop bars with city views, craft beer venues in Condesa, and trendy speakeasies in the up-and-coming neighborhoods. From classic Mexican hospitality to innovative molecular mixology, Mexico City offers a unique blend of traditional Mexican culture, contemporary design, and cutting-edge cocktail innovation in Latin America's largest metropolis.

Handshake Speakeasy is an exclusive cocktail bar in Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez neighborhood, hidden behind an unmarked black door. Known for its sophisticated, Prohibition-era ambiance, the bar blends vintage aesthetics with modern mixology. The elegant interior features a black marble bar framed by copper arches, with moody lighting and brass accents enhancing the atmosphere. Led by Bar Director Eric van Beek, Handshake’s menu is a mix of classic and experimental cocktails, crafted using cutting-edge techniques. Signature drinks, such as the Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned, showcase unique flavor combinations. The bar spans two levels, with the upper floor offering a refined, intimate setting, while the lower level has a lively, graffiti-adorned space with contemporary R&B music. Named the World’s Best Bar in 2024, Handshake is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity.

Opened in 2016, Hanky Panky is widely recognized as Mexico City’s first true speakeasy, renowned for its hidden entrance, inventive cocktails, and top-tier service. Found beneath an unmarked Oaxacan street‑food façade in Colonia Juárez, guests must book ahead to unlock detailed entry instructions—typically entering through a faux storage closet or fridge door that conceals a secret stairway into the bar. Inside, the ambiance is low-lit and intimate, with plush velvet booths, moody red neon signs (bearing the playful “WE ARE HANKY PANKY”), and vintage decor that exudes a cinematic Prohibition‑era aesthetic . The menu reads like a travel passport, with cocktails inspired by global bartenders and original creations. The signature Fernet‑gin‑vermouth Hanky Panky cocktail nods to early 1900s Savoy lore, while mezcal‑focused riffs—such as Mezcal Negroni or Oaxaca Old Fashioned—offer a modern local twist. Hanky Panky is celebrated internationally: ranked among The World’s 50 Best Bars (most recently No. 35 in North America) and recipient of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award in 2022. The bar leads the scene with rotating guest bartenders, personalized cocktails, and creative plating snacks like elevated patatas bravas. Reservations are essential—not just for entry, but to receive the cryptic directions that make visiting part of the fun. Guests are guided through the taco stall into a secret passage and greeted with top-tier hospitality in a stylish, cocoa‑toned space that feels like a members‑only club . While drinks average around US $15, the experience and quality justify the premium. Reviews highlight excellent service, creative cocktails, and memorable atmosphere as standouts .

Since opening in 2011, Licorería Limantour has redefined Mexico City’s cocktail scene and consistently ranked among the world’s best bars. Nestled in a two‑story, art‑deco gem on Álvaro Obregón in Roma Norte, this bar exudes laid‑back elegance—a polished, buzzy space mixing classic and avant‑garde cocktail. Led by head bartender José Luis León and drawing inspiration from Mexico City’s vibrant culture, markets, literature and ingredients, the menu is redesigned seasonally. Whether it’s Mr Pink (gin, rosemary, grapefruit), Margarita Al Pastor with pineapple, cilantro & smoky chile, or the Mexican‑palette “Conexiones Citadinas” series featuring green chorizo and chocolate‑based atole — each drink is a cultural journey. Warm, inviting staff and creative flair keep the atmosphere fun and social—no gimmicks, just top‑tier mixology. Sip upstairs in the intimate lounge or join the crowd at the lengthy downstairs bar. A hidden back‑room “Drinks Library” speakeasy, “Licorería,” offers spontaneous explorations of rare spirits. Limantour remains a staple on The World’s 50 Best Bars and ranked No. 9 in North America (2025), averaging around US $11 per cocktail. It’s perfect for local nights out, festive evenings with friends, or visitors craving a taste of Mexico City’s mixological excellence.

Rayo
Perched atop a restored heritage mansion in Colonia Roma Norte, Rayo Cocktail Bar transforms Mexican spirit lore into immersive drinking experiences. Drawing inspiration from the legend of Mayahuel—the agave goddess struck by a rayo (lightning)—each cocktail tells a story through artful ingredients, design, and theatrics. Since opening in 2022, Rayo has soared into international acclaim: ranked No. 17 in North America’s 50 Best Bars in 2023 and No. 5 in 2024, with praise for its innovative concept of mixing mythology and mixology. Cocktails such as the Soldado Medina—a spicy, sweet tribute to a legendary bandit with tequila, chili‑infused liqueur, cactus sorbet and lime—and the Pepe el Toro—whisky, pineapple, cooked agave and soda—reflect the bar’s theatrical style and molecular techniques. Each presentation incorporates playful garnishes like mole dust, candy, or esquite elements. The interior spans multiple levels: neon lightning bolts illuminate sleek lounges, geometric lighting shapes hover above dark tile floors, and a spiral staircase ascends toward intimate tiers for sipping or socializing. A wide-ranging spirits selection—nearly 1,000 agave expressions and other global distillates—complements fusion-style snacks and elevated Mexican small plates designed to pair with the cocktails. The vibe is smart-casual: locals and visitors alike gravitate toward its theatrical flair, subterranean-prohibition energy and creative depth. It's ideal for cocktail lovers seeking bold aesthetics, mythic storytelling, and modern design in the heart of Mexico City.

Located inside the Four Seasons on Avenida Paseo de la Reforma, Fifty Mils has been dazzling Mexico City since 2015 with its fusion of historical charm and avant-garde mixology. Under the glow of chandeliers, the bar celebrates classic elegance—Chesterfield sofas, stately portraits, rich rugs—and opens onto a lush courtyard retreat. The heart of Fifty Mils is its cocktail program. A roster of global accolades—#45 on The World's 50 Best Bars 2018, top international awards from Spirited 2022—reflects its creative prowess. Drinks like the “Green Bees” (mezcal & avocado leaf), “Paper Plane,” “Turnip Martini,” and the daring “Ant Man” featuring mezcal, egg white, avocado/ant mix, and fernet perfume showcase playful innovation rooted in premium ingredients. The menu draws acclaim for its blend of the traditional and the experimental, offering adventurous concoctions like a Bugs Bunny gin‑carrot delight or an “Extraordinary Margarita” with pepper, cardamom, and Aperol tones. It’s not just a drink—it’s an immersive experience: warm hospitality, a plush setting, and theatrical service create an atmosphere that's relaxed yet refined . Open daily from noon, Fifty Mils suits any mood—from power-lunch libations to late-night revelry. It caters to locals and travelers alike, merging cosmopolitan polish with a welcoming spirit. Whether you seek sophisticated classics or bold new flavor explorations, this cocktail culture mecca on Reforma delivers.

Tucked above Loup Bar in the stylish Roma Norte neighbourhood, Maison Artemisia (often just “Artemisia”) is a destination for those craving elegance, mystery and craft. Opened in 2012 by a group of French and Mexican friends, this cocktail bar has grown to become a landmark for aficionados of absinthe, botánico-rich spirits, and bespoke drink experiences. Inside, you’ll find moody lighting, velvet couches, rich woods, candlelight, and design flourishes that recall French New Orleans bordellos or old European salons. There’s a sense of retreat: you leave the street behind and enter a space where every detail contributes to mood—music, décor, and the ritual of a slow-service cocktail. Artemisia is as much about ambiance as it is about the drinks. The cocktail menu mixes classics done right with highly creative signatures. Absinthe takes center stage—especially through their “Absinthe Perfect Serve,” served with dripping water from old crystal fountains, sugar cubes, etc. But there are also drinks inspired by Mexican terroir, by art & literature, full of botanical detail, fresh ingredients, and artisanal spirits. The menu changes often, and if you don’t see something you like, bartenders can tailor something for you. Small plates and shared bites complement the drinks. Music is integral. Over 500 artists from ~25 countries have performed here, giving Artemisia a strong live music pedigree. The sound tends to lean toward elegant, atmospheric—good for listening, not shouting. An ideal place for date nights, late-evening conversations, cultured get-togethers, or simply for an evening of flavor and design.

Nestled in Colonia Cuauhtémoc’s “Little Tokyo,” Tokyo Music Bar is a sleek and sophisticated speakeasy-style cocktail lounge that blends Japanese spirit with analogue audio aesthetics. Part of the Edo Kobayashi group, it’s as much about sound and ambience as it is about what's in the glass. Behind its unassuming façade up a flight of stairs, you’ll find deep emerald and gold tones, soft lighting, plush seating, Japanese glassware, a vast vinyl collection, and a high-fidelity sound system that’s central to the experience. Cocktails here lean premium: Japanese whiskies and sakes are celebrated, along with scotches, gins and creative signature mixes. Attention to detail shows in every component — the spirit choice, the glassware, even the presentation. The bartenders seem less interested in flash and more in layering flavour, and matching the drink to the music playing, which often comes straight from real vinyl. Doors open around 7 PM most nights, and the Bar stays alive till ~2 AM, except on Sundays when it closes earlier. The crowd skews upscale & discerning — music lovers, professionals, visitors looking for a refined late-night spot. Dress is smart casual; the vibe feels luxurious but not overly formal. Because of its popularity (and limited size), reservations are recommended. In short: this isn’t just a bar. It’s a design, music, and cocktail trip all in one. For those who want more than a drink — who want a night infused with curated sound, atmosphere, and careful craft — Tokyo Music Bar delivers.

In the heart of Roma Norte, Bar Mauro channels the elegance of 1970s Milan into Mexico City’s vibrant cocktail scene. Created by Ricardo and Yayo (Eduardo) Nava in tribute to their grandfather Mauro Mendoza, this bar is an homage to the Italian aperitivo tradition — where every drink is a moment, not a transaction. Stepping inside, you’ll feel the mid-century modern lift: black & white photographs of Mauro preside over a space of subway tile, mirrored walls, warm woods, and shelves lined with vermouths, amari, and Italian curios. The bar is designed to feel both intimate and refined — seating is modest, and the environment fosters lingering conversations. The drink philosophy is built around aperitivo culture, blending Italian classics and inventive originals. The Negroni 1929 riffs include gin, red vermouth, Campari, cacao nibs, and strawberry. Their signature Maurito (mezcal Siete Misterios Doba Yej, Lillet Blanc, Fino Jerez, carbonated guava) is a nod to their grandfather’s passion for guavas and ritual. Food is not left behind: you’ll find charcuterie, cheeses, olives, focaccia, and small plates meant to complement the drinking experience (not overshadow it). Their menu embraces both Italian staples and playful local touches. The bar operates across afternoon and evening hours. According to Time Out México, hours are roughly: Mon, Wed–Thu: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM Fri–Sat: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM Because of its rising profile (Bar Mauro was ranked #14 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025) and limited capacity, reservations or early arrival are wise. Bar Mauro is a place you come not just to drink, but to inhabit a mood — to sip, to taste, to reminisce, and to enjoy a slow Italian-style evening in Mexico City.

Nestled in the heart of Mexico City's Roma Norte neighborhood, Casa Prunes is a distinctive cocktail bar and restaurant housed in a beautifully restored 1916 Art Nouveau mansion. This establishment seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary innovation, offering guests a unique and immersive experience. At the helm is award-winning mixologist Mica Rousseau, who brings a commitment to sustainability and creativity. Casa Prunes operates on a zero-waste philosophy, crafting cocktails using house-made infusions, fermented ingredients, and locally sourced produce. Signature drinks like the chamomile daiquiri and chile morita negroni showcase the bar's inventive approach to mixology. The culinary program, led by Chef Aaron Mizrahi, complements the beverage offerings with a menu that evolves seasonally. Dishes such as the Prunes Wagyu Burger with octopus, Angus beef Porterhouse, and Rock Cornish Chicken highlight the kitchen's dedication to quality and flavor. The menu also features a variety of starters, including tuna and campechana tostadas, quesabirrias, and serrano ham croquettes, designed for sharing and exploration. Casa Prunes offers multiple distinct spaces, including a grand central courtyard with a towering 9-meter bar reminiscent of the Great Gatsby era, a speakeasy, a cigar lounge, and private dining areas. The ambiance is further enhanced by velvet seating, elegant glassware, and thoughtful design elements that transport guests to a bygone era. Recognized internationally, Casa Prunes was ranked #94 on the 2024 list of North America's 50 Best Bars, cementing its status as a must-visit destination in Mexico City's vibrant culinary scene.

Hidden beneath Juárez in a basement entrance, Xaman Bar delivers a sensory-rich escape into modern mysticism. Concealed behind an unassuming door, the bar unfolds into a dimly lit cave-like space with warm, herbal incense wafting through reclaimed-wood interiors, tribal artifacts, and hanging plants. It artfully combines pre-Hispanic spiritualism and contemporary cocktail craft—from the award-winning team behind Licorería Limantour—offering libations infused with mezcal, tequila, Xoconostle, chile and wild herbs. <br><br> Signature creations like Piedra del Mar (gin, seaweed, tuna fruit, egg white) or Almond Old Fashioned (bourbon, amaretto, agave) arrive in theatrical 360 ml or shareable 660 ml vessels—smoke-filled, vine-wrapped, even suspended mid-air. The bar features a live-DJ soundscape that shifts from intimate lounge to underground beats post-10 pm. Smart-casual dress is recommended; reservations are highly advisable.

Brujas
Nestled in Roma Norte’s iconic Casa de las Brujas (“House of the Witches”), Brujas is not just a bar—it’s a narrative in liquid form. Its gothic-like façade, crowned by a witch-hat–shaped roof, hints at the mystical experience within. Upon entering, you’re greeted by the scent of copal incense, warming woods, dim lighting, and herb-lined shelves—creating a ritual-like ambiance that sets a mindful and intimate tone. This female-led cocktail sanctuary celebrates Mexican herbalism and the women—healers, activists, writers—who’ve challenged norms. Each cocktail is infused with herbal ingredients—sage, lavender, squash blossoms, wildflowers—and is paired with a graphic-novel–style story that honors trailblazing Latin American women and folkloric witches. Drinks like the mezcal + coffee “Lenca,” honoring activist Berta Cáceres, or a strawberry-infused twist on the French 75 inspired by Marie Laveau, are mesmerizing both in taste and narrative. The décor feels like a witch’s lair and a cozy living room combined—shelves stocked with jars of roots, barks, and botanical curiosities; small seating areas perfect for intimate conversations; and a friendly yet powerful all-woman staff (lovingly called the “coven”) who guide you through the experience with warmth and intentionality. Menu cycles every few months with new themes—from folkloric witches to feminist icons—always tethering herbal mixology to storytelling. The drinks can be bold and balanced, mixing mezcal, gin, tequila, and Mexican botanicals in ways that feel both familiar and unexpectedly magical. Beyond cocktails, Brujas offers a lush, moody patio and terrace, perfect for outdoor sipping under the radar. It’s a place where history, ritual, feminism, and craft cocktails converge—making Brujas one of Mexico City's most unique and empowering bar experiences.

Tlecān
In the heart of Roma Norte, Tlecān invites you on a journey through Mexico’s agave heritage. The name itself is Nahuatl for “place of fire,” and it embodies that spirit throughout its concept. The space, crafted by Anagrama, evokes entering a tomb or a ritual vessel: minimalist, earthy textures, strategic lighting, incense, and sculptural forms—most notably the “Disc of Death” clay piece mounted prominently. Here, mezcal is king. There are no commercial brands on display; instead, Tlecān sources artisanal agave distillates from small producers across Mexico, often focusing on under-represented regions and female distillers. The bar’s beverage director, Eli Martínez Bello (formerly of Pujol), has shaped a drinks menu that goes beyond smoky mezcal — expect evocative cocktails like the Paloma Blanca (with clarified grapefruit, mezcal, lime, salted grapefruit) or the Tascalate Sour, inspired by the Chiapas cacao + corn drink, reimagined through agave and foam. Seating is minimal — the bar operates largely as standing room, with just a few stools. It’s a deliberate choice to foster movement, energy, and proximity to the bartenders. Many reviews comment that finding a seat late on weekend nights is tough. Although mezcal on the rocks is the altar, the cocktail program is nuanced. Expect subtle infusions, local botanicals, fermented elements, citrus clarifications, and restrained but meaningful garnish choices that reinforce the agave narrative. The food menu is small but thoughtful: tuna tostadas, a “burrata” made with Oaxaca cheese + requesón, and small bites that mirror the bar's ingredient philosophy. The bar moves in sync with its neighborhood: open in the evenings, often full by peak hours. Its voice is quiet but firm — deeply rooted in Mexican tradition, elevated by design and craft. It’s less about spectacle and more about reverence.

Nestled in the leafy streets of Condesa, Baltra Bar feels like stepping into a friend’s well-curated living room (if that friend happened to roam the Galápagos). Named after one of Charles Darwin’s islands, the bar leans into that inspiration through décor — vintage maps, butterfly cases, taxidermy, and Darwin imagery — but its heart is in its cocktails. Inside, seating is intimate and varied: grey couches, low wooden coffee tables, bar stools, and banquettes. The lighting is warm and low, fostering conversation more than spectacle. The atmosphere is laid-back, inviting, and quietly confident. Cocktail culture at Baltra is thoughtful and evolving. Under the guidance of beverage director José Luis León (also connected to renowned bars like Limantour), the menu is seasonally rotated and built around flavor profiles rather than rigid “categories.” For instance, a classic Aviation might be reinterpreted with jasmine syrup or yuzu accents. Other drinks noted by visitors include Granada + Naranja (rum, guava, mango) and Old George Sour, which features foam, basil, cucumber, cardamom among its layers. Though primarily a cocktail bar, Baltra also offers small bites and salty snacks to complement drinks. Many guests recommend sitting at the bar if possible, to watch the craft and chat with bartenders. Baltra operates in evening hours: Sunday–Wednesday from ~6:00 PM to midnight; Thursday–Saturday extended to ~2:00 AM. It’s on the smaller side, so arriving early or making a reservation is sensible. What sets Baltra apart is its dual character: casual and approachable on the surface, but precise and ambitious behind the bar. It doesn’t try to overwhelm; it whispers. It rewards curiosity, subtlety, and repeat visits. Whether you're after a well-balanced signature cocktail, a seasonal experiment, or just a mellow night in a beautiful space, Baltra delivers.

La Clandestina is the kind of place that feels like an intimately guarded secret tucked into the leafy streets of Condesa. With around 25–40 artisan mezcals sourced mainly from Oaxaca, each pour tells a story of tradition, terroir, and craft. The space is rustic yet inviting: exposed brick, low, warm lighting, walls lined with back-room charm and mezcal barrels or vats, some even feeding into shot glasses via tubes—a playful, expressive display that catches the eye and sets you in the mood. The vibe is unhurried but alive. Friends gather, sipping mezcal straight or in creative cocktails; you might find those classics accompanied by simple snacks—roasted pumpkin seeds, chile-dusted orange slices, maybe a dish or two with local flair. Service is knowledgeable: expect recommendations from bartenders who really know mezcal, plus a relaxed rhythm where conversation flows, the smoke lingers (figuratively and literally), and time stretches. Evenings here tend to build: doors open in the early evening, but things pick up after dark. The interior gets snug (in a good way), perhaps with music low enough to talk over but loud enough to feel like you’re part of something. It’s perfect for a date, catching up with friends who are into spirits with character, or just for discovering new mezcal traditions without leaving the city. La Clandestina doesn’t try to be flashy—it thrives on authenticity, warmth, and the ritual of enjoying mezcal.

Kaito del Valle, founded in 2016 by bartender Claudia Cabrera, made history as Latin America's first cocktail bar both created and operated entirely by women. Initially located in Colonia Del Valle, it has since relocated to a larger, playful space in Colonia Juárez, doubling its size and adding a cocktail innovation lab, a DJ booth, and a private karaoke room—all while preserving its spirited izakaya vibe and whimsical flair. Inspired by Japanese izakayas and the ‘kaito’ (female pearl divers), the bar channels kawaii aesthetics, post‑punk Tokyo energy, and maneki‑neko charm, creating an immersive, fun, and inclusive atmosphere rooted in Japanese pop culture. The cocktail program is a playful tribute to innovation—seasonally changing menus feature inventive concoctions like Ichigo Oni (coconut rum, bitters, strawberry kombucha) and Koi No Kokyū bubble tea with gin, sake, green tea, melon, pistachio, and citrus bitters. Claudia Cabrera’s leadership has earned accolades including the Roku Industry Icon Award (North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024) and multiple regional recognitions at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. The bar consistently ranks among North America’s best—#13 in 2022, #26 in 2023, #28 in 2024, and #40 in 2025—and is the first in CDMX to be awarded two "Outstanding" pins by The Pinnacle Guide. Expect an intimate, casual ambiance, where cocktails are playful yet refined, presentation creative, and the vibe welcoming—from inventive sake‑based drinks to karaoke and late‑night fun.

Bijou Drinkery Room is one of Mexico City’s most talked-about cocktail experiences — part mystery, part art, part playful mixology. Its concept leans into the hidden speakeasy aesthetic: discreet entry, hidden doors, velvet curtains, stained glass, and mid-century touches. According to 50 Best, its design evokes the “Bijou cocktail” (gin, vermouth, chartreuse) with jewel-tone glass panels and gem motifs behind the bar. Once inside, guests can order in a conventional way, but Bijou is known for an interactive twist: a Rubik’s Cube “Twisted Menu” concept. Patrons pick a combination of base spirit, flavor, texture, and modifiers via the cube, which bartenders translate into a custom cocktail. 50 Best notes this unlocks more unheard flavor profiles for the bartenders to experiment with. The food side is kept light but thoughtful, with bar snacks and riffs on local plates (e.g. empanaditas) so you can sip without going hungry. The setting is intimate and moody — low lighting, plush seating, velvet drapes, rich tones — designed for lingering and conversation. Entry is via a hidden route (they hint “you are one code away from a true jewelry experience” on their website) Bijou has gained recognition as a newcomer on North America’s bar scene: in 2025 it ranked No. 34 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. In practice, expect some wait or queueing at reception, especially during peak hours. Some visitor reviews mention a bit of fuzziness in the clandestine ingress, but once inside the polished environment and creative cocktails often win people over. All in all: Bijou Drinkery Room is for cocktail lovers who enjoy mystery, interaction, and craftsmanship more than high volumes or loud crowds.
