Mama Rumba
The biggest name on the salsa scene in Mexico City, Mama Rumba has been going strong in its Roma location for over 25 years, but you can also find branches in Tizapán and the swanky Polanco neighbourhood. Popular with both travellers and locals, this is one of those Mexico City bucket list places that everyone should visit at least once on their travels. Cuban salsa reigns supreme in Mama Rumba, as do some of the capital’s best mojitos or even the Cuban beer favourite Bucanero.
Mama Rumba, Calle Querétaro 230, Delegación Cuauhtémoc, Roma Norte, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5564 6920
Mama Rumba has been going for more than a quarter of a century | Courtesy of Mama Rumba
Pata Negra
Moving from one classic to another, Pata Negra is also a much-recommended salsa joint for those of you who want to dust off the old dancing shoes. As with Mama Rumba, Pata Negra’s long-running fame in Mexico City has led to the opening of various branches (the most recent is in the Historic Centre). However, the original remains the best, so we recommend getting yourself to the Condesa location. If you’re lucky, it might even be hosting a free salsa class.
Pata Negra, Tamaulipas 130, 1er Piso, Cuauhtémoc, Condesa, Hipódromo, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5211 5563
Let loose with some salsa dancing | © COD Newsroom / Flickr
Rincón Cubano
As the name suggests, this is one of the best destinations in the city for all things Cuban and, of course, Cuban salsa is order of the day. Sip on a mojito and soak up the atmosphere if you’re feeling too shy to dance – although, after a few of those minty Cuban favourites you’ll undoubtedly be giving it a go yourself. Whether you’re a salsa novice or a veritable pro, if you’re looking for a truly authentic salsa experience, then Rincón Cubano might just be the spot for you.
Rincón Cubano, Querétaro 300, Cuauhtémoc, Roma Norte, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5264 0549
Salón Tropicana
Right in the heart of the city centre, near Garibaldi, is the super traditional Salón Tropicana. Known for being one of the key names on the salsa (and rumba) scene, it’s been enjoyed by locals and tourists for years, and its popularity shows no sign of waning. Even if you have no idea how to salsa, you’ll easily find your feet at the Capital of Rumba and Salsa, as there are plenty of teachers on hand to get you going. A true beacon of salsa in a sea of mariachis.
Salón Tropicana, Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas No. 43, Cuauhtémoc, Centro, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5529 7235
Mambocafé
Even though it’s called Mambocafé, salsa (and tropical) is a big deal at this Del Valle hotspot, and you need to get there early if you want the space to try out your best moves, as it fills up fast. If you go on a Friday or Saturday, there’s generally a cover fee of MXN$100 but it’s worth it for the live bands that often play there. Plus, you can make a night of it and get dinner while you’re there.
Mambocafé, Av. Insurgentes Sur 644, Del Valle, Col del Valle Nte, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5523 9521
La Bodeguita del Medio
This name may sound familiar, and that’s because it’s become a popular global brand in recent years. Starting out life in Cuba (as a favourite spot of Ernest Hemingway), La Bodeguita del Medio now has several branches in Mexico, and even though it’s a chain, it remains one of the best places to try your hand at salsa in the Mexican capital. Enjoy some Cuban bar snacks and whip out your best moves in this quirkily decorated hotspot.
La Bodeguita del Medio, Calle Cozumel 37, Cuauhtémoc, C. U. Benito Juárez, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5553 0411
La Bodeguita del Medio is a name you might have heard of | Courtesy of La Bodeguita del Medio
Salón Los Ángeles
Finally, underrated by the traveller crowd but a favourite spot among the Mexico City locals, we have Salón Los Ángeles. With a mixture of music that’s perfect for salsa dancing, as well as the perennially popular cumbia and even danzón, Salón Los Ángeles is the ideal salsa spot in Mexico City for those who want a more traditional experience that’s somewhat out of the mainstream. As a popular local saying goes, you don’t know Mexico City till you’ve been to Salón Los Ángeles.
Salón Los Ángeles, Calle de Lerdo 206, Cuauhtémoc, Guerrero, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5597 5181