When planning a trip to Mexico, Tijuana might not be the first destination that comes to mind. Despite this, my city is famous for its lively nightlife. It is an ever-changing city where the “hot spot” is different every season. Surprisingly, downtown remains the best neighborhood to experience Tijuana’s nightlife. I will share a mix of local craft beer breweries, cocktail bars, and late-night dive bars where you can enjoy a local experience of Tijuana’s nightlife.
Tijuana has a place for everyone.
Where to dance in Tijuana
La Mezcalera
This is where you can start or end the night. I’ll explain. This place is 3 bars in 1, the first bar is a cantina-inspired bar offering national beers, mezcal drinks, flavored mezcal shots, tamales, Chapulines (crickets, a Mexican delicacy), and spicy-savory snacks. It’s a perfect spot to catch up with friends and choose songs on the jukebox while taking pictures of the authentic decor, such as cheese graters for lamps. You can then walk towards the back and find yourself on a light-up, colorful dance floor with another bar and sofas surrounding the dance floor. If it gets too stuffy in here, walk toward the patio which is called “La Mija“.
The patio has another bar and a DJ on weekends. Is large enough to meet with a large group. Also, diverse events are hosted throughout the week, such as stand-ups on Thursdays. You can check their Instagram page for more info on events. La Mezcalera/La Mija is by far one of my favorite spots in Tijuana and has been around for 10+ years.
93 Beer
If you’re looking for something a bit more modern to dance the night away with a DJ, 93 Beer is an alternative and newer option. There’s a cover on weekends but it includes a house beer. 93 Beer brews its own beer on-site and offers classical cocktails that will not disappoint. You can sit on their half-open terrace or dance towards the dance floor on the back.
Sticky
If you’re a reggeaton fan, Sticky is a club where Perreo is considered art. Although a younger crowd frequents this second-story club, they tend to be local which normally means they are not looking for trouble, only to have fun with their friends. There’s also a cover to consider but you’ll get a national beer in exchange. Despite the club being large, it gets very crowded on weekends so try to arrive early if you’re looking for a table. Or get there for the last hour, closes at 3am, if you rather avoid the line and end the night here.
Rubik’s
This 80’s new-wave-inspired spot tends to have a 30 and older crowd. You can dance to The Cure, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, etc. Besides the music, what’s iconic at Rubik’s is sharing a 40oz with your friends. And although Rubik’s bar might seem small when you enter, you can find more tables upstairs and overlook the famous Revolución street.
Local Craft Breweries in Downtown Tijuana
If you much rather chill with a tasty local craft beer, Tijuana offers a wide array of quality breweries. I’m focusing on downtown only in this post, please note that there are many amazing breweries in other neighborhoods.
Insurgente
Insurgente beer is one of the most famous brands of Tijuana’s craft beer. I even found it in Zurich, Switzerland! And yes, I was the proud Tijuanense telling everyone to try it. Insurgente serves a wide variety of beers from stouts, sours, pale ales, and more. They even come out with seasonal flavors. You can also find their bottled beers at some large supermarkets in Tijuana like Calimax in Zona Río.
Mamut Brewery
Mamut brewery received a recent revamp. It’s located near the famous arch with the clock that can be seen from San Diego. This charming terrace is on Third Street and Revolución. It offers tasty local brews and delicious bar food, including its famous pizzas which are a must. Mamut brewery has seating both indoors and outdoors, perfect for any type of weather. The terrace has a nice set-up with lights, making it a great place for a date or hangout with friends.
Norte Brewing
This brewery is one of a kind since it’s located inside a parking structure near Mamut Brewery. Its location makes it very exclusive to locals who know to access it. Head to the elevator inside the parking structure and go to the top floor. Norte Brewery brews its own beer on-site which you can purchase to-go on a Growler or drink at their location. They also serve bar food such as burgers, nachos, wings, and the sort.
Brew House N Grill
Formerly known as ‘Margarita’s Village’, Brew House n’ Grill is located in the centric section of Revolución street. Like many bars in the area, this is a nicely lit terrace with a DJ on weekends, a large cocktail menu, and local beers on tap. The food also looked good but I tend to opt for tacos at the end of the night.
Zebra pub
Zebra has been around for 10+ years ago. This is a great place to start the night or hang out with a large group of friends. Its long german-pub style benches are always packed on the weekends. You can choose from local bottled brews or pitchers of national beers to share.
Cocktail & Dive bars in Tijuana
Café Praga
Visit during the day to enjoy the sunny terrace on Revolución Street of Café Praga. Stay for lunch or only drinks. Café Praga even serves breakfast and brunch! My favorite is visiting for an afternoon drink, I’m especially fond of their ‘Carajillo Oaxaqueño’. Carajillo is a cocktail with coffee and liquor 43 that is common in Mexico. Their Oaxaqueño version includes Mezcal, so please be mindful of the high alcohol percentage.
Dandy del Sur Cantina
Dandy del sur is a landmark in Tijuana. This dive bar has been around since 1954 and it’s considered the oldest cantina in the city. It’s located on 6th street, across the street from La Mezcalera. Its saloon-inspired bathrooms doors, the wall covered with pictures of celebrities and unique posters, as well as the wooden bar, give this place an authentic feel. Dandy del Sur is a must for newcomers in Tijuana. Tijuana’s own Nortec Collective even composed a song dedicated to this landmark!
Tropic’s Bar
Last but not least, Tropic’s Bar, another Tijuana landmark. This unique bar is famous for its late nightlife, jukebox, and affordable prices. Tropic’s bar is where you can end the night after everything else has closed down. Be aware that it might become overly crowded after 3am and people might disregard the non-smoking rules. Despite this, its neon lights, mirror walls, saloon-like bathroom doors, and small stools give this dive bar its unique charm. People gather around the jukebox and play all types of genres. It’s located on 6th street, next door to La Mezcalera. This a convenient location to get tacos or pizza after a nightcap. You can also order your uber or call a taxi easily from here.
Experience Tijuana’s Nightlife
If you live in California, there’s so much to enjoy from the city south of the border. Going out in Tijuana, Mexico might seem frightening or overwhelming to some visitors, but there’s something for everyone in this diverse city. Unfortunately, it is commonly associated with “bad tourism”, which means 18-20-year-old Americans crossing the border to binge drink. Together, we change this negative perspective of the city I called home for many years.
Explore the wonderful and diverse city of Tijuana like a local! Downtown is lively at any time of day or night. As long as you’re respectful and enjoy responsibly, the city can be a safe space for tourists and locals alike. Do you prefer travel tips for other famous Mexican destinations? Check out his blog post on Cancún or the colonial city of Guanajuato. Wherever you decide to explore, remember to always be present!