Mexico City’s Best Off-The-Beaten-Path Bars

Wallace Whisky Bar

As Wallace Whisky Bar is regularly considered the best whisky bar in Mexico City, it seems odd to include it on a guide to off-the-beaten-path drinking destinations. However, when so much of travelers’ attention falls squarely on tequila, mezcal and, to a lesser extent, pulque, it’s easy to forget there are other options out there, which causes this homely spot – which offers over 150 labels and some impressive house cocktails – to fly somewhat under the radar. Even if you don’t fancy a drink, you can play pool or darts, and listen to some live music.

Wallace Whisky Bar, Tamaulipas 45, Cuauhtémoc, Condesa, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5256 3534

Coge todo lo que has vivido estos días y guárdalo tu carpeta de inolvidables. Las resacas son temporales, las historias de borrachera son para siempre. #drink #wallace #bar #love

A post shared by Alejandra Iveth GC (@iiveth3) on May 26, 2017 at 10:44pm PDT

Helado Obscuro Bar

Helado Obscuro is easily one of Mexico City’s quirkiest and coolest ice cream chains, with locations dotted across the city which will serve you up boozy helados and ice lollies with some of the most ridiculous names you’ve ever heard. Take the chocolate and vodka Dark Vader, for example. However, the Zona Rosa branch is undoubtedly one of Mexico City’s best kept secrets, as the ice cream parlor doubles as a bar. Try the refreshing margaritas, or push the boat out with a My Little Pony shot.

Helado Obscuro Bar, Calle Liverpool 158, Juárez, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5208 4525

Prueba nuestra #charola de #shots de #dragón con #nitrogenoliquido en #heladobscuro #heladobscurolab #heladoobscuro #heladoobscurobar

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Patio Aurora

Roma Norte is a hub of cool bars, some of which are well-known, whereas others are tucked away in the depths of the crisscross of streets that make up this popular part of the capital. Patio Aurora is one of those less-traversed spots, that hides behind the façade of an enormous Porfirian townhouse and has transformed the leafy terrace into the hipster place-to-be for those in the know. If you’re feeling peckish, they also serve up some great Italian food, which should be accompanied by one of their specialty G&Ts.

Patio Aurora, Avenida Álvaro Obregón 126, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5264 1547

Courtesy of Patio Aurora | © Patio Aurora

Kommä

For something a little less laidback and a little more neon and in your face, then uber-cool Kommä is ideal. You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a warehouse rave when you enter this Roma Norte bar/nightclub, which is known for great electronic music and a show-stopping spiral staircase centerpiece. Brought to Mexico City by entrepreneurial team Ready to Die, grab a mezcal cocktail and let yourself be swept up by the atmosphere, the pounding music that goes straight to your core and the edgy décor.

Kommä, Colima 158, Roma Norte, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 1855 1140

Kommä es un antro en el que conviven arte, tecnología y música. (Colima 158, Roma) #adictosalaciudad #antros #sabadonoche #komma

A post shared by Time Out México (@timeoutmexico) on Nov 5, 2016 at 7:44pm PDT

Felix

If you prefer your mezcal with a side of homebrewed beer, rather than an intoxicating-if-intimidatingly-cool atmosphere, then Felix is the laid back, casual and off-the-beaten-path bar for you. Felix, which is also situated in Roma Norte (are you sensing a trend?), tends to skew towards the indie rock and vanguard pop scene; so if you’re into music that goes beyond the all too ubiquitous reggaeton and over-commercialized U.S. pop, you can’t go wrong here. Don’t miss their cocktails and light-bites either.

Felix, Álvaro Obregón 64, Cuauhtémoc, Roma Norte, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5264 0318

Pierrot le Fou

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Baltra Bar

Does it get more hipster than a Charles Darwin-inspired, dimly-lit cocktail bar in Mexico City’s Condesa neighborhood? If it does, we’d love to know where, but for now we recommend Baltra Bar as one of the best off-the-beaten-path options for classy cocktails and quirky surroundings in Mexico City. If you weren’t convinced of the level of excellence here, you should know that many of the bar staff honed their talents in the super-famous Licorería Limantour before moving to younger (and cooler) brother Baltra Bar.

Baltra Bar, Iztaccíhuatl 36D, Cuauhtémoc, Condesa, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5264 1279

Courtesy of Baltra Bar | Courtesy of Baltra Bar

Taberna Luciferina

The initial appeal of Taberna Luciferina all lies in the décor of this listed Porfirian townhouse, from the terrace to the iconic round bar in the center, the ornate and atmospheric light fittings to the comfortable seating areas. The drinks aren’t half bad either, and the cocktail menu is brief but well-curated. Basically, if you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time and could be hobnobbing with the aristocracy that once inhabited this part of Mexico City, there’s really no better place. Food is also served.

Taberna Luciferina, Calle Lucerna 34, Juárez, Colonia Juárez, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5535 4424

Si andas de fiesta en @luciferinamx te recomendamos probar #Swaney, un coctel de bourbon con grasa de tocino que te volará los sesos #adictosalaciudad

A post shared by Time Out México (@timeoutmexico) on May 14, 2016 at 9:57pm PDT

Fifty Mils

Finally, you actually need to get to Fifty Mils before it loses its marginally off-the-beaten-path status, as their bartender Fátima León has just made it through to the World Class Cocktail Competition finals that are taking place this August in Mexico City. Located on the swanky Paseo de la Reforma, Fifty Mils is all velvet chairs and marble bars, and literally oozes class from all angles. So, if you want to get rowdy, go somewhere else – this is a spot for pleasant conversation and even better drinks.

Fifty Mils, Paseo de la Reforma 500, Juárez, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5230 1818

Hoy supe lo que es un vaso lleno de amor bebible. 🍅 #bloodymary

A post shared by Taïs Kuri • México (@missvillanalatte) on Apr 6, 2017 at 12:32pm PDT