10 Best Tijuana Nightlife

Found on the raucous Celle Sexta strip, La Mezcalera is outstanding when it comes to serving top-notch mezcal. This Mexican agave spirit takes centre stage in a variety of flavours and strengths that is sure to leave you wondering which to try first.

The twinkling fairy lights and funky décor create a relaxed environment that’s made all the more welcoming by friendly staff who are happy to recommend their favourite tipple. After sampling the mezcal, head to the outdoor terrace where DJs keep the tunes coming late into the night. If you get hungry, ask for the tamales if you want to play it safe or, for a more unconventional snack, opt for the chilli-coated grasshoppers.

An old-style cantina that has become a Tijuana staple, Dandy del Sur is a no-frills dive bar where you can chat with friends and soak up the atmosphere with locals. It claims to be the oldest bar in Tijuana, and proudly displays its history on its walls.

You shouldn’t expect elaborate cocktails and expensive craft ale here, but what you can expect is cold beers and a legendary frozen Margarita. Reviews claim the prices are more than reasonable, especially when accompanied by offers such as 2 for 1. You’ll find Dandy del Sur just off Av. Revolución, so it’s a fantastic choice for starting your night out in Tijuana.

Tijuana’s main thoroughfare, Avenida Revolución, is brimming with exciting nightlife activities. So many, in fact, that it would be impossible to check them all out in one night. Expect to start, and finish, an epic night out in one of the street’s famous cantinas or dynamic bars.

Here are a few suggestions to inspire you. Hotel Caesar’s is the birthplace of the famous Caesar Salad, and still retains its old Spanish charm combined with a little luxury. Fun is always had at Escaparate thanks to its huge karaoke catalogue and themed events, or if you’re in the mood for dancing, LGBTQ+ venue YeiYei Danceclub has a neon floor and a party led by drag queens.

Hidden within the sophisticated Oryx Capital restaurant you’ll find a vintage Prohibition-themed speakeasy that makes for a one-of-a-kind nightlife experience in Tijuana. The Nortico Bar, decked out in geometric Art Deco styling and adorned with portraits of Al Capone, has a cosy ambience that’s popular with tourists and locals alike.

The craft cocktails turn an awesome bar into a legendary one. It doesn’t matter if you opt for a classic mix or a new twist on an Old Fashioned with mezcal and chilli liqueur, because they’re all taste sensations. Be sure to make a reservation, because Nortico is often full to the rafters, especially on their famous bartender takeover nights.

Despite its unassuming exterior with just a black moustache adorning its façade, Mous Tache bar is a thriving live music venue hosting the best of Mexican and international talent. A range of indie, rock and punk tunes from both live singers and house DJs will entertain you well into the early hours.

Mous Tache goes all out for Halloween and other annual holidays with special events like a Shrek party and karaoke, so you know you’re in for a great night out in Tijuana. Supplied by Silenus Tap Room, plenty of craft ales and pulled pork sliders will keep you going. Mous Tache is very active on Instagram, so check them out for the latest lineups.

Menealo Night Club sits proudly in the centre of Tijuana’s urban zone, making it a must stop if you’re looking to dance until the early hours. A DJ mix of salsa, bachata and merengue and the occasional live band and singers create a lively, electric vibe on the dancefloor under the neon lights.

All that dancing requires refreshments, and you’ll be pleased to know the beers are cheap and the Margaritas are tasty. Even if you don’t want to hit the dancefloor, it’s a fun space to mingle and people-watch. Or, if you get there early enough, a few regulars will be more than happy to give you a lesson or 2.

For something a little different in Tijuana’s central zone, Santa Leyenda offers a high-energy, Mexican wrestling-themed nightlife experience that draws crowds from Mexico and from across the border. Lucha Libre murals line the walls, along with vintage posters and authentic masks, making the venue a riot of colour under the neon lights.

Time your visit right and watch as wrestlers take to the small ring and bring you the best of Mexican culture. The steins of beer are cheap and ice cold, and you must try their renowned Ruda cocktail. It’s an incredibly popular bar so if you want to make sure you get a table, get there early.

A nightclub with rave reviews and a premier reputation, El Alebrije draws crowds not just native to Tijuana, but from all over the world. Put simply, it’s huge. A modern warehouse space in Tijuana’s business district, the floors are spacious, framed with disco balls and jaw-dropping chandeliers, and always full of patrons eager to dance.

The bars stock the classics, as well as a few unusual concoctions and a prestigious collection of fizz. If you need a breather from the beats and lights, settle back in one of their plush sofas and watch the night unfold around you. It’s a table service venue with a cover charge, and make sure you dress your best.

Av. Revolución boasts several excellent nightlife hotspots, but one that stands out above the rest is Norte Brewing Co. Found on the 5th floor of the Foreign Club car park, the intimate tap room is a low-key hangout with a chilled vibe and remarkable nighttime views that feature both the Tijuana Arch and the US border.

Cheekily named craft beers take centre stage here, with the brewery’s take on Guinness and their chocolatey stout being firm favourites. If you’re unsure which to try, order a reasonably priced flight of tasters, or ask the barmen for their recommendations. Word has it the BBQ chicken wings are delectable, so be sure to order some of those, too.

Providing a delightful contrast to the lively Latin beats usually found in Mexico, the Tijuana Jazz Club has just as much soul and heart as the music itself does. Championing performers with local roots as well as those from around the world, this institution boasts an extensive programme of live music every night it’s open.

The decor is befitting of a classy lounge, with moody lighting and a small, intimate stage that is ideal for crooning blues singers and rhythmic jazz musicians. There’s a romantic vibe about the place so bring your partner for a memorable date night. It’s probably best to make reservations first though, as the first-come-first-served seats fill up fast.