We at Mezcalistas have been drinking mezcal in Mexico for decades, and the publication was founded in 2012. So instead of a dashed-off list of recommendations, what you’ll find here is a thoughtful guide to the best places to drink mezcal in Mexico, compiled through more than 20 years of on-the-ground research and including insight from local Mexican writers and spirits enthusiasts. Scroll down for links to pages for the Mexican cities with the best mezcal scenes, as well as a list of mezcal bars for the rest of the country.
Outside of Oaxaca, bars and restaurants with good mezcal selections are not as common as one might think. This is because Mexico’s Draconian liquor tax makes it difficult for small brands to turn a profit in their own country. Therefore, you can’t expect to walk into a typical bar or restaurant in Mexico and find an exciting selection of the best mezcals or tequilas. As with everywhere else in the world, finding the places with good agave programs takes some research–hence this guide!
We are constantly updating our database, so if you know of a mezcal, bacanora, or raicilla bar we’ve missed, please let us know!
(This page was last updated August 29, 2026.)
The best mezcal bars in the rest of Mexico
El Carajo in Patzcuaro, Michoacán
A small and eclectic Patzcuaro mezcal bar. This place has a lot of personality and you’ll definitely find some interesting Michoacán mezcal.
- Socials
- Contact: elcarajomezcaleria01 at gmail.com
Tata Mezcaleria in Morelia, Michoacán
This Morelia mezcal bar has it all: a beautiful courtyard ambiance, excellent food, and a truly impressive selection of mezcal from all over Mexico.
- Website
- Contact: 443 312 9514
Barra Galería in Barra de Navidad, Jalisco
A hidden gem, this restaurant and gallery has a jungled patio and bar with an amazing selection of tequila, as well as raicilla, bacanora, and mezcal.
- Website
- Contact: +52 315 109 6239
Licorería San Pedrito in Cholula, Puebla
A colorful Cholula mezcal bar featuring cumbia, botanas, and a large selection of Mexican destilados including raicilla, bacanora, and Puebla mezcal.
- Socials
- Contact: (222) 348 86 08
Mezcaleria Xoco in Taxco, Guerrero
Featuring a tasting room and art gallery, this well-appointed Taxco mezcal bar has a good selection of mezcal as well as mezcal cocktails.
- Socials
- Contact: +52 315 109 6239
More places to drink mezcal across Mexico
- Tahona Baja – Ensenada, Baja
- Mezcalería La Miserable – La Paz, Baja
- Vinata – Chihuahua, Chihuahua
- El Magico – Chihauhua, Chihuahua
- Juan Matador Cantina – Durango
- Xolo – Durango, Durango
- Casa Relampago – Cholula, Puebla
- La Maria Mezcaleria – Querétaro, Querétaro