Puerto Escondido has a wide range of bars to visit during your stay. From pool to ping pong to salsa and a lot more, there is a bar for everyone here. Within this guide, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite bars that you should not miss.
Punta Vida
| Bar name: | Punta Vida |
| Location: | La Punta |
| Opening hours: | 5pm – 11pm |
| Best time to visit: | Sunset / Evening |
| Best bar for: | Mixology |
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The only beachfront in la in La Punta, Punta Vida stands out as the ultimate spot to get top quality cocktails with a picturesque sunset experience or evening dinner & drinks!
Renowned for its stunning terrace view an exceptional mixology, delivering high-quality cocktails. it has become a must see when spending time in Puerto.
For those seeking novel flavors, the Red Sunset cocktail is a recommended choice featuring Mezcal Tobala ” Del amigo” with hints of Jamaica. Coffee enthusiasts are urged to savor the unique Punta Coffee, a delicious rendition of the Oaxacan carajillo.
Additionally, the Punta Pacific cocktail is a must-try, ensuring a delightful exploration of flavors.
Don’t miss the chance to indulge in Punta Vida’s distinct offerings, making it a destination of choice for those desiring a superb blend of atmosphere and innovative cocktails.
Play Pong
| Bar name: | Play Pong |
| Location: | Zicatela |
| Opening hours: | Tue-Thur: 7pm – 1:00am Fri-Sun: 9am – 4pm Fri-Sun: 7pm – 1 am |
| Best time to visit: | Thursday |
| Best bar for: | Ping pong |
Play Pong is a fun bar that is located upstairs on the Zicatela strip behind Zicatela beach. The bar has three ping pong tables and makes for a great afternoon/evening playing while sinking a few beers.
The drinks here are more than affordable with beers costing around 40 pesos and as long as you purchase a drink from the bar you can spend as long as you want playing ping pong.
Play pong is popular among remote workers who have based themselves in Puerto for an extended amount of time so it’s a cool place to meet people.
Their opening hours’ change depending on the day. Play Pong is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am offering food and drinks.
However, during the weekends (Friday to Sunday), they open at 9:00 am to offer breakfast, brunch, and drinks until 4:00 pm. Later in the day, you can go back to enjoy the bar.
Restaurant Bar Esmeralda
| Bar name: | Restaurant Bar Esmeralda |
| Location: | Zicatela |
| Opening hours: | 8 am – 4 pm |
| Best time to visit: | Evening |
| Best bar for: | Pool |
Bar Esmeralda is located in Zicatela and makes for a great night playing pool. It is a seafood restaurant during the day but at night it is full of people playing pool.
The venue has around twenty different tables so it’s very rare that you’ll struggle to find a table to spend the evening.
As long as you purchase drinks the tables are free to use and you can spend as long as you like there. The drink menu is full of a wide variety of cocktails to help improve your pool game.
The Boneyard
| Bar name: | The Boneyard |
| Location: | La Punta |
| Opening hours: | 5 pm – 12 am |
| Best time to visit: | After sunset |
| Best bar for: | Skateboarding & Atmosphere |
Regardless if you know how to skateboard the atmosphere at The Boneyard definitely should not be missed. Best to visit after watching the sunset at La Punta beach, the beers are cheap and the tunes are cranking.
If you know how to skate grab a board and get involved or if you just want to have a beer while watching the skaters and listening to the music then this is what most people come for.
If you feel like testing your wits against a friend the bar even has a chess board that you can ask to use.
Nodo Brewhaus
| Bar Name: | Nodo Brewhaus |
| Location: | La Punta |
| Opening hours: | 3:30 – 11:30 pm |
| Best time to visit: | 7:00 – 11:00 pm |
| Best bar for: | Craft Beer |
Nodo Brewhaus is a craft brewery & tap room located on the main street of La Punta in Puerto Escondido. Their menu is quite extensive and vegan-friendly.
Make sure you try their buffalo chicken wings or the amazing vegan hot dog, and of course, you cannot leave without trying one of their incredible craft beers (Pinta or 4 Pruebas).
Nodo Brewhaus has become a great spot to enjoy good food and have a lovely night with friends playing Jenga or singing on their karaoke night.
Juana Mezcala
| Bar name: | Juana Mezcala |
| Location: | La Punta |
| Opening hours: | 10 am to 12 am |
| Best time to visit: | 9 pm – 12 am |
| Best bar for: | Mezcal |
If you’re wanting to try mezcal while in Puerto Escondido then this bar is where you need to be. With a wide variety of mezcal to try, Juana Mezcal is also a popular spot for pre-drinking before experiencing the Puerto nightlife.
It doesn’t really matter what day you go here but the atmosphere is normally the best from 9 pm until the bar shuts. At this point, if you want to carry on the night drinking then there is a taxi rank right outside where you can head over to Zicatela.
Congo Bar
| Bar name: | Congo |
| Location: | Central |
| Opening hours: | – |
| Best time to visit: | Wednesday |
| Best bar for: | Salsa |
Congo Bar is a great little salsa bar that is located in central Puerto Escondido on Adoquin, right behind Playa Principal.
The hours of the bar are kind of inconsistent so it is worth messaging their Facebook page in advance to make sure they’ll be open when you go.
The one night that they are certainly open is on a Wednesday from around 10 pm until 4 am for an all-night salsa party.
Mezcalería El Palenquito
| Bar name: | Mezcalería el Palenquito |
| Location: | Zicatela |
| Opening hours: | 6:00pm – 2:00AM |
| Best time to visit: | Friday and Saturday |
| Best bar for: | Mezcal |
Owned by Oaxacan spirits, El Palequinta is more than just a mezcaleria; it’s a haven for those seeking an authentic taste of Mexico. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with the ambiance exuding the same warmth you’d find in a family-owned cantina in Oaxaca.
Rustic wooden furnishings, traditional Mexican art, and dim, intimate lighting set the perfect scene for a memorable evening with friends.
So, if you’re looking to kick-start your night with a taste of Oaxaca, El Palequinta is the perfect choice. And when you’re ready to take the party to the next level, the city’s clubs are just a stone’s throw away.
Whether you’re a mezcal aficionado, a beer enthusiast, or simply looking for a place to unwind with friends.
Mezcalería Chavez
| Bar name: | Mezclaría Chavez |
| Location: | La Punta |
| Opening hours: | 4:00pm – 12:00PM |
| Best time to visit: | Thursday and Friday |
| Best bar for: | Sport bar |
Nestled in the vibrant La Punta neighborhood, Mezcaleria Chavez is your go-to spot for an exciting pre-game experience.
For just $70 MXN, you can enjoy a fantastic of both beer and mezcal, setting the perfect mood for your night out.
The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make it an ideal place to gather with friends or fellow sports enthusiasts. But it’s not just about drinks here; indulge in mouthwatering tacos that perfectly complement your libations.
Mezcalería Chavez offers the ideal blend of tasty fare and spirited fun, making it a top choice for a lively, wallet-friendly pre-game rendezvous.
Summary of the best bars in Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is a great place to explore a variety of bars and nightlife. From playing ping pong at Play Pong to enjoying the atmosphere at The Boneyard, there are bars for everyone in this town.
For those who love pool, Bar Esmeralda is a great spot, while Juana Mezcala offers an opportunity to sample various types of mezcal.
And for those who enjoy salsa, Congo Bar is a must-visit, especially on Wednesday nights. So, whether you’re a remote worker, a traveler or a local, these bars provide a fantastic opportunity to unwind, socialize and have a great time.
