If you have ever been at Oaxaca Zocalo, you know this town-square is not only the city's downtown. It is the city's heart by day and its nervous system by night, its alpha and omega. Imperceptibly, lunch turns into a nice talk round the table until dinner; and dinner carries on with some drinks, and then some more everything at the gateway of Oaxaca Zocalo among bands, pedestrians, improvised musicians, balloons, craft makers, toasted grasshoppers and shoe polishers.
But nightlife in Oaxaca does not end there. In addition to the many different cultural options, Oaxaca features an unexpected variety of options to start, continue or wrap up the party. The city is so safe at all times, that the habitual thing to do is hop from one bar to the other greeting friends here and there. Around midnight the very famous Alcala Street becomes a hallway for night lovers in search of the perfect party-ambience and lively Oaxaca nightclubs.
Trova, salsa, techno, trios, and pop are just some of the alternatives to the most traditional and not less fun atmosphere of the cantinas. It is hard to believe that, regardless of its conservative looks, Oaxaca nightlife usually carries on until the wee hours of the morning. This widespread schedule may be the heritage of the legendary 3-day long town parties, which do exist.
The Zocalo Gateways
Under the surrounding areas of the Zocalo, there are many famous cafes offering an extensive traditional menu. After dinner, they are a quite popular gathering spot for locals and foreigners, turning them into enjoyable outdoor bars. The usual drink is either a beer or mezcal, and the traditional snacks are peanuts or toasted grasshoppers with lemon. The ambience is vivacious.
Cafe Borgo
Cafe del Borgo is very popular among resident foreigners by its exceptional coffee, as it is home-grown and prepared with the genuine Italian style. At some point, between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. the music volume pumps up and then the mezcals start to run among the backpackers and avant-garde locals. The cosmopolite atmosphere is complemented with exhibitions by young artists.
El Decano
This Oaxaca nightclub is devoted to alternative live music. Guest artists go from acoustic trova duets to urban rock bands. This place reaches its highlight around midnight. Don't forget to check out our exotic cocktail menu, there will always be one to quench your thirst. If you haven't dinned yet, the sandwiches and tlayudas (big tortillas) are deliciously famous.
La Nueva Babel
Whether you like poetry reading, jazz music or live trova, the main characteristic of this cozy bar is the bohemian atmosphere, where the spontaneous playing or singing is always welcome. It features a spacious indoor piece, and a quaint candlelit patio under the bright stars. Our beverage menu includes draft beer, excellent wines and mezcal.
La Divina
Heavy Metal has its place in Oaxaca and the live guitar jams can't be missed. Year after year, La Divina gets new clients and welcomes its regular customers from all over the world with the same frenzy. In its surreal interior you will find, distributed in several rooms, the bar, tables, dance floor and stage, where the frenetic home band or eventual guest bands play, all of them with a superior quality.
La Tentacion
Sooner rather than later, the flow will bring you here. The first notes of the salsa band will start around 10:00 p.m. and it will alternate its show with a DJ who will mix the best Mexican and International pop music. There's always a moment in the middle of the night when it feels like the whole city is in La Tentacion socializing at the bar, learning the latest salsa steps at the dance floor, chatting on the hallways or standing in line to get in.
Bar Central
When it comes to art, music and fashion you will find the classiest at El Central, as it is popularly known. Before midnight enjoy a pleasant lounge ambience with soft lights and chill out music. Afterwards, the place fills in with a pagan multitude that easily dances salsa music as well as techno Hindu or the Backstreet Boys hits. The retro style decoration combined with the original art of Oaxacan artists, is praiseworthy.
Fishing Mexico 
