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» Best Live Music Mexico City
The world’s coolest cities have live music scenes that come in all shapes and sizes. The common denominator is that they deliver an outstanding evening of great music—be it blues, Latin, soul, funk, jazz, rock, indie-pop, or something in between. These are our hands-down favorites.
Best Live Music in....
Best Live Music
Mexico City
Bar Fly Plaza Mazaryk, Av. Presidente Masaryk 393, Polanco, 55.5282.2906
The Draw: It’s salsa with an attitude. Bar Fly is the best place for Latin dancing in the upscale Polanco neighborhood, with patrons grooving either on the small stage or in between tables. The Scene: This is the most refined salsa crowd you’ll find in Mexico City, with a large contingent of upper-class fresas (yuppies) shaking their booties on the small dance floor facing the fabulous Cuban band. Before midnight, a softer band plays romantic tunes to set the mood for later. Hot Tip: Get here by 11pm in order to land an upstairs table and enjoy the calmer music before the raucous Cuban band starts around midnight and table availability quickly disappears.
The Draw: Mexico City’s version of L.A.’s Whisky a Go-Go, Bulldog Café is a rock institution, featuring the best live performances in town. The Scene: Local bands get their start at Mexico Cityís Rock and Roll House, as the Bulldog Café is also known, although big-name performers such as Guns Ní Roses and Radiohead have also played here. The warehouse-like venue accommodates a couple thousand raging, grungy patrons. Hot Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes—it’s often standing room only.
Zinco Motolinía 20, Centro Historico, 55.5512.3369 zincojazz.com
The Draw: One of the hottest jazz clubs not just in Mexico, but in all of Latin America, Zinco draws an outstanding range of international performers, and most tables enjoy great views of the small center stage. The Scene: Situated in a former bank vault in the city’s historic center, this small club with an intimate and friendly vibe attracts a hip crowd that loves music. Foreign bands spinning electronic and other types of modern tunes sometimes take the place of live jazz. Hot Tip: Reserve seating in advance, either by phone or online. (The website is in Spanish only, but the phone system has an English option.)
