Arrive in San Cristobal de Las Casas on Tuesday night and fancy going “out-out”? (see this Micky Flanagan sketch if the reference flies over your head) Well, no worries, because I’ve compiled a list of the best bars in San Cristobal de las Casas. A guaranteed good time.
La Vina de Bacca is an institution in San Cris, and definitely a favourite among travellers. Every night you’ll see it packed with people flowing on to the road, and for good reason. In this bar, you can grab a glass a wine and tapas for from MXN 25. Bargain. The vibe is just lovely and cosy, so be sure to go. And don’t forget to pop into Frida’s Frites on the way home.
Price: $
Vibe: Cosy, inexpensive and warm wine bar!
Opening times: Everyday 1pm-12am
Alright, alright. This is a gem and definitely one of the best bars to spend your night in San Cristobal de las Casas El Naufragio is known for its locally brewed beer, stonebaked pizzas, and live music.
If you’re walking by on the street and walk past its brown door, you’d assume nothing was there. But once you enter the door, you’ll be in a lively bar with several rooms and a big outside courtyard. Dreamy!
Price: $$
Vibe: Lively, fun, live music
Opening times: Only Thursday-Saturday 4 pm-1 am.
I’ve got a soft spot for La Charcu as its where my boyfriend and I had our first date. But objectively, it’s a stunning place. It’s actually a restaurant, but you can go there for lush sunset drinks overlooking the city and valley.
Tip: go at least one hour before sunset to get one of the four top seats on the upper terrace.
Price: $-$$
Vibe: chill, dreamy sunsets
Opening times: Everyday 2pm-10pm (except Mondays)
Revolución is also an institution in San Cris, often where people end up after a few wines at La Vina de Bacca (no matter if you want to or not!). They have live music most nights at 9 pm and 11 pm, and then post 12 am; things get steamy on the dance floor.
They update all their live music lineups on FB weekly. Check it out here.
Price: $/$$
Vibe: Party, dancefloor, live music
Opening times: Every day 11am-2am.
While La Charcu is my favourite sunset spot in San Cris, Kinoki is a close contender. Located on the corner of Real de Guadalupe Street, Kinoki is a great spot to meet friends during golden hour and sunset.
Tip: be sure to take a jumper as it gets chilly when the sun goes down.
Price: $ / $$
Vibe: chill, a perfect place to meet friends to catch up
Opening times: Every day 11.30-11.30pm
Located in a courtyard next to La Frontera Coffee Shop, La Espirituosa is a gem and the perfect place to try pox (an indigenous spirit traditionally used in Mayan ritual ceremonies), beer, delish food and good conversation. Every time I’ve been there alone, I’ve ended up meeting other travellers; it’s such a lovely space.
Price: $$
Vibe: chill, perfect place to start your evening
Opening times: Everyday 12 am- 9 pm
Speaking of pox, Posheria is a little bar tucked away off Real de Guadalupe, serving all kinds of pox. Tamarind is my favourite – give it a try. It’s easy to spend hours in this bar – so cosy and welcoming.
Price: $$
Vibe: cosy place to spend a few hours!
Opening times: Every day 9am – 11pm
So that’s my speedy round-up of the best bars in San Cristobal de las Casas.
- Wine – La Vina de Bacca
- Craft beer – Cerveceria Naufragio
- Cocktails – Blom Bar
- Sunset Drinks – La Charcu or Kinoki
- The Pox Experience – Posheria or La Espirituosa
- A dance and a boogie – Café Bar Revolución
Sure if you walk down Real de Guadalupe any night of the week, and you’re bound to find somewhere to have a beer. But save yourself the hassle and head to one of the bars mentioned above. Have a pox for me!
