1. Bootlegger – Av. Juárez
Another speakeasy style bar actually located within another bar, you will easily miss it if you don’t know exactly where to look. This joint has an older, authentic vibe to it. With bartenders who are seriously serious about their creations and impressive sound-proofing that protects you from the rambunctious rock-bar just downstairs, Bootlegger provides an ambience for the slightly more elegant yet adventurous crowd. With great live acts and hands down the best cocktail quality in Puebla, Bootlegger would be a necessary stop on any pubcrawl in any city. This takes our top spot in the list really though due to the hospitable nature of the staff. Always smiling, enjoying their work, and trying to make sure your experience is a great one, we cannot say enough good things about them.
Recommended Drink – The Pasita Sour is an utter delight. Light, frothy, and refreshing are just some of the words I can find to describe the complex combination of flavors and textures that make this cocktail so revered.
HINT – If you are going on a busy night and plan to arrive late, it might be worth trying to make a reservation as there is limited seating. It is only open Thursday to Saturday so make sure to plan accordingly.
2. El Ciego – La Paz
A speakeasy style bar hidden behind a barber shop seems a little cliche/overdone. However, once you step inside you can tell that you are in for something more. Everything seems to have the ingredients for another run of the mill hipster bar that you would find in Portland. The heavily bearded bartenders lighting small pieces of fruit on fire before they add it to your glass. The dimly lit retro decor on the walls. The DJ spinning smooth house/indie mixes the night through. Everything screams “trying too hard” on the surface, but nothing feels like it is. The drinks have these ingredients prepared the way they are for a reason. The mood set is perfect for those last stand nightcaps. The music flows with the vibes that the late-20 something year olds, sophisticated but not stuck-up, crowd is emanating. With a staff that exudes friendship, deliciously greasy burger mashups, a comfortable terrace, I don’t know if I have found a bar that feels more like home than this one.
Recommended Drink – Order their “Nuevo Formula” for a drink that is not on the menu and still in the works. It is often cheaper, more exotic, and can be a thrilling surprise if you don’t ask for the details first.
HINT – If you are going on a busier day during the peak hours 11-1, you might want to try to make a reservation as there is limited seating. Also, don’t hesitate to ask about their impressive craft beer selection (as least for a Mexican bar).
3. La Pasita – El Centro
This bar is a Poblano staple. One of the oldest in the city, you are not coming here for crafty cocktails served in reused vintage cameras. This is a bar to take shots. Delicious shots. Eclectic shots. Cheap shots. At about 25 pesos a pop, these are shots that will be hard for you to say no to, though at some point in the night that might be a good idea. These are sort of mixed drink shots, using less potent alcohols so I suggest 3 to start with for the mild drinker. If you’ve just had yourself a substantial meal, more may be consumed, though not necessarily encouraged of course. Ask anyone for a “Best Bars in Puebla, Mexico” list and not one will leave La Pasita off of it.
Recommended Drink – The classic Pasita is a must try for obvious reasons. The shot itself is delicious though the jury is still out on the cheese and raisin accompaniment for me.
HINT – This bar tends to close early and at unexpected times for such a fundamental local’s tavern. So arrive early and make sure you check their hours before planning the trip.
4. Central de Agave – San Pedro Cholula
Tucked deep away in the confines of Cholula, this small Mezcalería is difficult to find but a treasure to enjoy. Small and romantic, sit outside in the garden or in the rustic “dining room” with the staff. I have not met anyone who knows more about mezcal than these fine folks, and they will be happy to share their knowledge with you, as well as reserve their judgements for the copious amounts of tequila’s more refined cousin that you will be consuming.
Recommended Drink – Ask for a sampler of Mezcal to find which you like the most and be able to order with confidence for the rest of your trip. Or right then and there.
HINT – They bottle and sell their own Mezcal on site, so if you find something you like don’t forget to purchase a souvenir for your return trip.
5. Container City – San Andres Cholula
Though technically made up of multiple bars/restaurants, you can easily bounce around this brilliant invention that is the go-to drinking site for young Poblanos (remember that 18 is the drinking age here). A labyrinth of shipping containers turned saloons, Container City boasts some of the best cocktails, bar foods, and experiences in the area. From an entire bar dedicated to Rutgers frat party styled beer pong to urban clothing stores and gimmick cocktail bars, there is a little bit of everything. With an infectious vibe and enough twists, turns, stairways, and drink choices to keep you entertained all night, this is a must see. If you are older and boring-er and scared of loud noises, simply head there earlier in the evening as it is still worth a trip.
Recommended Drink – Garces is a great cocktail bar to have a legitimate beverage in the mix of spots targeting younger, less mature tastes. I highly suggest starting here for a cocktail and one of their signature shots before descending into the glorious madness.
HINT – Don’t pick one spot and settle in. Try to have one drink at as many places as possible as this is a surefire way to get a good taste of the different flavors that each containeraunt has to offer….and to get properly inebriated. Don’t forget to eat along the way!
6. Bar Reforma – San Pedro Cholula
I would suggest that if you are a certified drinker that you absolutely, necessarily, must make your way to this fine establishment. What we might refer to as a dive bar in the states, this storied cantina (or working man’s bar) has all of the makings for a great place to throw some back with your best friends. Great thing about this is that even if you are travelling in a small group or alone, Bar Reforma makes you feel like a local as soon as you walk in its doors, allowing you to strike up a conversation easily with any of its patrons. The walls are covered with historical memories from all the years that it has been in operation, focusing mainly around the Marilyn Monroe era. It brings about nostalgic sentiments of the good ol’ days, even if you weren’t there to enjoy them. A family owned joint for generations, this bar is also one of the first cantinas to allow women in, which was a big step for these kind of drinkeries back in the day. If you want to see what locals generally enjoy on Thursday or Friday nights after a hard day’s work, if you appreciate history and longevity, or if you simply want a warm atmosphere to pound a beer and a shot before continuing on your way, this is your place.
Recommended Drink – Apparently the sangria is the go-to choice for your everyday consumer, but I always find that in a place like this, a good glass of the local hooch is the way to go. In this case, a straight glass of mezcal, of which I recommend the 400 Conejos for rookies.
HINT – The bar only opens starting at 6pm, except for Sundays when it is earlier, so you can’t unfortunately just pop in when walking around Cholula during the day.
7. Tonic Hostel and Gin house – La Paz
This intelligent combination of an established drinking experience (the lead bartender was trained at the famous Licorería Limantour in DF) and an upper end hostel makes for a very intriguing, inviting environment. The clientele is a mix of young professionals and eager travellers who fit in perfectly with the slightly morose decor of the bar area (in the perfect way). The staff consists of complete professionals who haven’t lost the friendly vibes that so often disappear from higher end cocktailerias. With a wide open seating area and more than enough patio seating, you can get a great feel for the Poblano night while chomping down on some delicious, lavishized bar snacks local to the region.
Recommended Drink – Just about any of the gin drinks are a great refreshing choice, especially for a slightly hotter summer day/evening. Don’t shy away from the other drinks though or to ask for one of your classical favorites as Luis is a master in his craft far beyond the famed gin cocktails.
HINT – Head up to the roof if open for amazing view of the city and an even more laid back, summer atmosphere.
8. 1,000 Amores – San Pedro Cholula
Another variety of bars/restaurants that I tend to stay away from (unless I’m in Miami) is the miserably annoying tourist trap. Although it is hard to find anything that you can legitimately call a tourist trap in Puebla (save for maybe Fonda de Santa Clara) 1000 Amores comes close to the description. It is conveniently located in one of the busiest, tourist areas of the city, has people standing out front trying to bribe people in with specials, and many of the colorful “tradicional” decorations you would see in an “authentic Mexican restaurant” at a truck stop on I-80. These things being said, they do have good deals on some good food and basic drinks as well as the top rooftop real estate available in Puebla. You have the famous Church of our Lady of Remedies on one side, all of Cholula on the other, and Popocateptl on the third. By far my favorite place to sit outside on a nice day and enjoy a cold beverage.
Recommended Drink – Something about a massive Michelada with Clamato on a warm day outside on the deck screams to my inner happiness, though a cliche margarita will work too.
HINT – Get there earlier in the day when the rooftop bar is open to ensure faster service…meaning the waiter doesn’t have to run up and down three flights of stairs every time you order something.
9. Cerdo Picante – El Centro
One of my favorite local joints, you can get a real feel for the younger, slightly rebellious side of Puebla. With an almost steampunk feel to it, you are situated in what seems like a turn of the century mansion and are being served by people who would fit right in with the CBGB’s crowd of the 80’s, this bar offers a unique vibe that I have not come across elsewhere in Puebla. You can often find local bands ranging from rap groups to jazz ensembles to punk rockers taking the stage. It is also open most of the time which makes it a great spot for a sunday night when many of the other locations have shut down, though of course it’s a bit less lively.
Recommended Drink – They have a solid house beer that never fails, but it always seems like it would be best accompanied by a side shot.
HINT – Get there earlyish to be able to grab a spot on the few, one table “balconies” that they have hanging out of the windows. This gives you a good chance to people watch on the street and simultaneously enjoy the vibe going on inside. Also, don’t forget to bring your receipt down with you to prove you paid or they won’t let you leave.
