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The Best Bars And Clubs For A Unique Mexico City Night Out

DJ set in a nightclub
DJ set in a nightclub | Photo by Brandon Erlinger-Ford on Unsplash

As one of the largest and in some ways most cosmopolitan capital city in the world, of course Mexico City has bars and clubs that cater for the weird and wonderful tastes of its inhabitants and visitors. If you’re looking for a unique night out in the Mexican capital – and by that we mean no chain bars, no ‘secret’ speakeasies and no pulquerías or mezcalerías (which are increasingly more common nowadays anyway) – then this is the guide for you.

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Patrick Miller

The name might sound inconspicuous enough, but this is a legendary night-out destination in Mexico City. Having been open for over 20 years, the reputation of Patrick Miller is immense – mere mention of the name to those who’ve been often provokes a knowing grimace, due to its sweaty, high intensity atmosphere and neon décor, among other things. Famous for its dance off circles and varied clientele, you pay for your drinks with pre-bought tokens.

Punto Gozadera

Punto Gozadera is a particularly quirky spot to pay a visit to in Mexico City. Literally translating to ‘Pleasure Point’, it doesn’t take much more than an educated guess to understand what this feminist café/bar’s name is making reference to. While they only open until 10pm, the events they regularly hold there are more than unique and very much warrant Punto Gozadera a spot on this list. For example, one of their recent workshops was a hands-on introduction to female ejaculation: perhaps not for the faint-hearted!

Real Under

A gothic haven, the Real Under is a hotspot for fans of subculture. When you first enter, you climb some well-trodden stairs before entering the bar, which is often filled with Mexico City youths dressed to impress in their finest goth gear. You thought backcombing had fallen out of favor? Think again at the Real Under. Punks and goths will love this unique night out, but those not so involved in the subculture might find it a little intimidating (and crowded).

Salón Barba Azul

Salón Barba Azul hosts a cabaret like no other. In fact, this cabaret is bordering on the surreal and would definitely make for a unique night out in Mexico City, a capital with a strong tradition of cabaret and dance shows. Despite its somewhat out-of-the-way location, Barba Azul is well worth paying a visit to, not least because you’ll be getting a far more underground experience than just attending a cabaret in the center of the city.

Paranoid Visions

An offshoot location of the equally strange UTA bar, Paranoid Visions is as unique as they come. Comprised of several rooms, each of which plays a different genre of music, you might feel a bit like you’ve traveled back to the 80s – and not for the music, but for the peculiar vibe of the place. However, some of the coolest details come from the décor of Paranoid Visions; suspended wine bottle lamps and a grungy interior just add to the atmosphere.

About the author

Yorkshire-born food, drink and travel writer based out of Mexico, you can find my work at Nat Geo, CNN, Extra Crispy and OZY, amongst other publications. Everything Mexico is my niche, but I also dabble in spewing my unsolicited opinions about teabags and pork pies. Find more of my work at northernlauren.com.

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