Best Mezcalerias in Oaxaca

Often I get the question of “Where else do you recommend me to go for a drink?” So here's my list of places to visit while you’re in Oaxaca.

I’ll split it in two lists, one for mezcalerias and another one for regular bars, so you decide what you want to do each day. As always, I don’t recommend mixing spirits, so if you decide to go for (good) mezcal, stick with it and don’t mix with beer or cocktails to avoid the hangover. And if you decide to only drink mezcal, don’t forget to constantly drink water next to it.

Mezcalerias

Sobrio by Mezcal Speakeasy

Obviously I'll start with my own mezcaleria, because I like my collection and I truly believe the price and quality it’s hard to beat in any other mezcal place. Plus, we have many options for Sotol, Churique and Lechuguilla, that it’s simply amazing and very difficult to find anywhere else. Come and do a tasting to enjoy at it fullest.

Porfirio Díaz 310, ground floor.

In Situ

They used to have the biggest mezcal collection (probably in the world) until the big bars decided to buy whatever mezcal they put their hands on. But Sandra and Ulises (who’s no longer part of In Situ) started their hunting for good mezcal a long time ago, before the boom of mezcal and even mixology was even a thing in Mexico. They have been part of all the growth of “love for mezcal” culture for more than 20 years when together they started publishing mezcal books. The collection they have includes more than 100 different options with an amazing quality.

Vicente Guerrero 413

El Cortijo

It’s one of the oldest mezcalerias in Oaxaca and they know a lot of the history and Juan Carlos likes to share it. The collection isn’t very big, but if you get to know Gaby, she’ll be able to poor some of her collection behind the bar.

Like many others, El Cortijo opened a cocktail specialized bar that is independent from the mezcaleria, so just make sure you’re going to the right one.

5 de Mayo 411

El Hijuelo

Going drinking here is a full experience, Bogar is a great host and usually you’ll find known-to-the-community people around and you can share mezcal and nice stories. The collection with the Hijuelo brand is growing and it’s worth checking it.

Pino Suárez 403

Cuish

It must be one of the most iconic mezcalerias in Oaxaca, Felix started long ago and the place has seen probably all the “important” personalities of mezcal pass by. They continue to with the idea of promoting all the producers and share their space with them. They opened a new spot, smaller and closest to the touristic area, but the original is located on a tricky spot, where it is not recommended to walk to/from when the sun goes down.

They’re planning to move to a new location, so please be aware that maybe this already happened once you read this.

Díaz Ordaz 712

And those are basically the ones I go and I recommend.

If you find yourself wondering around and considering if that mezcaleria (because every week there’s a new spot opened) would be worthy, here are some points I consider before going inside and spend my money:

• They promote more cocktails instead of mezcal.

• It belongs to a brand, I just don’t like the lack of options. It may be a good option, but usually they are not. And really expensive.

• The people behind the bar or the waiter have no idea of the product they’re selling.

• The advertisement is in English only. Usually a tourist trap, or owned by foreigners who don't support the local economy.

Hope this helps you on your next trip. Don’t hesitate in contacting us for more info.

Carlos Díaz