Expert recommendations of the best clubs, bars, and other after-dark venues.
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Zinco
“A basement bar with exposed brick painted black and red velvet curtains; as cool as any jazz club in New York.” —David Lida, food writer who covers Mexico City. Musicians from all over and the occasional star grace the capital’s best jazz venue. Age isn’t an issue. Full dinner menu. Motolinia 20, Centro; tel. +52 55 5512 3369. www.zincojazz.com
AREA Bar in Hotel Habita
Designer drinking in sleek surroundings. Trendy and somewhat self-conscious but when you tire of people-watching, you can turn your back on the media and fashion crowd and gaze as a grape-color sunset descends on the Polanco skyscrapers. Presidente Masaryk Ave. 201, Col. Polanco; tel. +52 55 5282 3100.
Mama Rumba
The tiny salsa joint that grew and grew but never stopped being packed. Friendly dance club with a hot Cuban band, cold mojitos, and inexpensive food. Wednesday-Saturday, 9 p.m.-3:30 a.m. Querétaro 230, Col. Roma; tel. +52 55 5564 6920.
Bellini
“Monday night for a date. Saturday night a madhouse.”—David Lida. Piano bar and unparalleled views from the 45th floor of Mexico City’s World Trade Center. Avenida de las Naciones 1, Piso 45, Col. Nápoles; tel. +52 55 5628 8305.
San Angel Inn
Dark mahogany furniture and elegant opulence make this former monastery a favorite for its renowned martinis. Glimpse into the city’s gender games on the informal singles night every Thursday. Calle Diego Rivera 50, Col. San Angel; tel. +52 55 5616 2222. www.sanangelinn.com
La Pata Negra
Condesa classic for drinking a beer and downing tasty tapas. The major haunt of the hippest neighborhood is like the metro at rush hour, so arrive around 7 p.m. if you want a table. Daily 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Tamaulipas 30, Col. Condesa; tel. +52 55 5211 5563.
La Covadonga
Huge, classic cantina that used to be a haven for elderly chaps playing dominoes but recently has become hip, especially on Thursday, with journalists and the art gallery crowd. Ask for the tortas, a house specialty that is not on the Spanish menu. Mondays-Friday only, 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. Puebla 121, Col. Roma; tel. +52 55 5533 2922.
