The Top Places to Hear Reggae in Mexico City

Easily the most well-known of all the capital’s reggae hotspots, Cultural Roots Reggae Bar is a must-visit for any reggae fan. Conveniently located smack bang in the center of the historic zone of Mexico City, this bar hosts regular nights with DJs and bands. Cultural Roots is not only a top reggae venue, it’s also great for live-music fans looking for something a little more intimate. Accompany your reggae with a glass of traditional pulque and enjoy the evening.

As the name suggests, Kalyman Reggae is a reggae-focused bar in the southern neighborhood of Xochimilco. While most travelers venture here to visit the iconic canals and trajineras (boats) of the capital, it’s worth heading over after hours if you’re a big fan of the reggae scene. As well as reggae they host regular events where dubstep and jungle, or other more underground sounds, are the stars of the show. It’s a great spot for alternative music fans.

Conveniently located in the fancy Condesa area of the city, Kaya Bar is perhaps not what you would expect from its location, but it is undoubtedly one of the best reggae spots in Mexico City. It serves up cocktails and reggae in a relaxed and welcoming environment along with live acts and occasional DJ sets. Kaya Bar also does some interesting reggae twists on more commercial music.

One of the city’s most popular and famed reggae spots is the brilliantly named El Ghetto. If you ask any reggae music fan in Mexico, this is the place they’ll recommend, as it’s known for hosting a combination of international reggae acts and local favorites, as well as for promoting the reggae scene in the city and giving newbies a helping hand in the industry.

Soul Dread is a live-music venue dedicated to a wide range of genres, but with a particular focus on reggae music. The beer, cocktails and mescal here are unrivaled and the bar snacks are created with a Caribbean twist on Mexican cuisine, using all locally fresh produce. The Jamaican flag is prevalent throughout the decor and products and there’s a lively atmosphere.