After spending years in Oaxaca, I've made it my mission to visit just about every Oaxaca mezcaleria in the Centro. I’ve narrowed down my list of favorites, each with their own vibe, depending on your mood.
I think mezcal is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. (I love mezcal so much, I did an intensive Oaxaca mezcal tour to visit some of the best and most traditional palenques & distilleries in the region.) And it’s also the most fun thing to sample because the variations are endless. The type of maguey, the fermenting methods, the earth where the agave is grown, and the pots used to distill the spirit all add their own flavors.
If you're not currently in Oaxaca, check out how to buy mezcal online in the USA or beyond below.
Check out my list below of the best mezcal bars in Oaxaca. It also may be smart to start with in the order I present them - that way you can learn a bit about mezcal first, and you’ll enjoy each tasting more along the way.
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Oaxaca Mezcaleria List to Taste the Best Mezcal
1. Mezcaloteca: Oaxaca Mezcaleria
A couple years ago, I finally visited Mezcaloteca for a tasting when a friend was in town, and really enjoyed it. Even though I had already studied about about mezcal at that point (I already knew how it was made, the difference between espadin and wild varieties, etc), I still learned a bunch of new things, and left with a more comprehensive perspective about mezcal in Mexico.
For example, that was the first time I learned that aged mezcal (reposado and añejo varieties) are not actually considered mezcal, and you can tell if the alcohol content is correct in a bottle of mezcal if you shake it and see bubbles.
So whether you’re a complete newbie or a bit of a mezcal connoisseur I recommend you start with a tasting at Mezcaloteca and round out your knowledge so you can appreciate all the other tastings.
Be sure to make reservations beforehand. And at the end, you can ask for a final taste of a mezcal of your choice. I recommend paying attention to the types of flavors that you enjoyed, and asking for more of that type of mezcal at the end. The tasting experts are super knowledgable and can find you something interesting and unique to enjoy.
Mezcaloteca
Reforma No. 506
2. In Situ Mezcaleria: Best Oaxaca Mezcal Bars
In Situ is a tiny but great Oaxaca mezcaleria with lots high quality varieties to sample. Head upstairs, and ask for recommendations. They source their mezcal from a variety of nearby farms.
Mezcaleria In SItu
José María Morelos 511
If you aren't in Oaxaca, check out the best places to buy mezcal online in the USA and beyond below:
3. Sabina Sabe: Oaxaca Mezcaleria
By this time, you may be craving a cocktail. Sabina Sabe is an adorable bar with delicious mezcal cocktails. They also have a great selection of mezcals to sip, and the food is tasty too.
There are lots of nooks and crannies in this Oaxaca mezcaleria, decorated in a shabby chic style with pretty tiled floors.
Sabina Sabe
5 de Mayo 209
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4. Archivo Maguey: Best Oaxaca Mezcal Bars
This is a combination of a mezcaleria and a club. Sit downstairs at the bar and taste some delicious mezcal varieties, or head to one of the many dance floors that play cumbia and reggaeton. It's almost always packed on weekends.
The mezcal is also high quality and there are lots of varieties to choose from at this Oaxaca mezcaleria.
Archivo Maguey
Murguía 218, Centro
5. La Mezcalerita: Oaxaca Mezcalerita
La Mezcalerita is one of my favorite Oaxaca mezcalerias because it’s just got a great casual atmosphere. There are 3 cozy rooms downstairs, and a big patio on the roof for warm weather nights. This is a great place or a mezcal at sunset or to watch a calenda (parade) passing below.
Along with the extensive mezcal list, La Mezcalerita has about a zillion artisanal beers from Mexico. They also are a brewery and always have a couple versions of their in-house beer available. This is a great Oaxaca mezcaleria to try an interesting Mexican craft beer along with a local mezcal.
La Mezcalerita
Macedonio Alcalá 706
6. Mezcalogia: Best Oaxaca Mezcal Bars
This small Oaxaca mezcaleria is almost always bustling. There is often live music and the tables are usually full, but if you can get a spot, it's a great place to hang out. I love that it strikes a balance of casual bar with a large and quality mezcal list + some of my favorite mezcal cocktails in town.
Mezcalogia
Garcia Vigil 509
7. Cuish: Oaxaca Mezcaleria
Cuish is an lovely Oaxaca mezcaleria with two locations. My favorite location is about 5 blocks south of the zocalo and a couple blocks west. (I wouldn’t say this is a dangerous area, but I would still use caution as there are fewer tourists in this part of the centro. I’d recommend to take a taxi back if you’re heading home on the later side.) And the other location is a newer small room just north of Santo Domingo on the tourist andador.
Because the original location of this Oaxaca mezcaleria is off the tourist path, it’s very local and authentic. I usually only see locals here. It’s also super cute - with nice tile, and pretty minimalist decor. You can sit downstairs or on the upstairs terrace.
The mezcal here is high quality and they have some interesting varieties. It's also one of my favorite places to buy mezcal bottles to bring home.
Cuish
712 Mexico, Díaz Ordaz
8. Txalaparta: Best Oaxaca Mezcal Bars
Txalaparta is not exactly a mezcal bar (though they do have many varieties of mezcal) and more of a great bar/club. I think it’s a super fun place to hang out on the weekend, dance, and have a good time.
This bar is huge, with a front room that sometimes has live music, a few side rooms, a back bar area, and a huge roof with an open terrace. Even though this is a huge space it can get packed on weekends after midnight.
If you're looking to drink good mezcal, head to the front mezcaleria (alongside the street), or the bar behind the front room, just before you head up the stairs. Ask for a mezcal menu, and feel free to ask for recommendations.
Or if you want to dance and experience Oaxacan nightlife, pick one weekend night where you’d like to go out, and head here around 11pm. Dance in the main downstairs room to the live band or head up to the roof and grab a cold cerveza and maybe a mezcal. Enjoy the night air and don’t be surprised if a stranger asks you to dance. Music ranges from cumbia to club music.
Txalaparta
Mariano Matamoros 208
9. La Casa del Mezcal: Oaxaca Mezcaleria
If you want a very local experience, head to La Casa del Mezcal, a cantina that also has varieties of mezcal. You can hang out standing at the front bar or sit in the side room. Try the cedron, a mezcal that is infused with cedron, a medicinal plant endemic to Oaxaca.
La Casa del Mezcal
Calle Flores Magon 210
Mezcal is such a strong part of Oaxacan culture, that I think it’s essential to try. Even if you’re not a big drinker or if you don’t enjoy strong liquors, I think you should still get to know this cultural staple. Consider trying out the tasting at Mezcaloteca and then trying a cocktail at Sabina Sabe.
If you do like mezcal and/or are a foodie, take a tour of all the Oaxaca mezcalerias above and let me know which one you like best!
Other Oaxaca Food Guides:
My giant Oaxaca food guide with all the best restaurants in the city
11 dishes you must try and where to find them.
How to take a Oaxaca mezcal tour and the best palenques to visit
Where to eat the best Tlayudas
And consider joining us for a 5 day/4 night immersive Oaxaca food and mezcal tour. Rescheduled dates coming soon.
Or check out my full Oaxaca city tag for lots more posts. Or my Oaxaca coast tag for beach guides.
Love this poster: "For all that's bad...mezcal, and for all that's good, as well! And for the hungover...as well!"'
In the meantime, check out my list of the best mezcals you can buy online in the USA and beyond.
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Juliann
Such a rough job tasting all these different mezcals! 😉 we did a tequila tasting in Mexico and loved that. But after a few samples, we were finished. We never did master the art of pacing ourselves.
Susan Ripley
haha, yes! It’s definitely important (but hard) to pace yourself during tastings 🙂 Luckily I’ve been here long enough to try so many of the mezcalerias over time so I don’t have to get smashed all at once! haha.
Jenn and Ed Coleman
Love the calacas poster for mescal in Oaxaca. Somehow that is so cliche it absolutely works. When in Rome.
Susan Ripley
Hahaha, yes. I thought that poster was pretty charming. 🙂
Allison Wong
I’ve never hear of Mezcal spirit until reading your post and I want to try this. Need to learn more about south american spirits!
Susan Ripley
It’s super unique! Hopefully you’ll have the chance to try some soon. 🙂
Ivy
Im really curious as to what mezcal tastes like! Is there a similar north american equivalent? BTW That picture of the horse reminds me of that scene from the Beauy and the Beast where Belle was doing laundry lol
Susan Ripley
There really isn’t a good equivalent to compare the flavor of mezcal. It’s a cousin of tequila’s, since they are made from the same plant, but the flavor is super different. It’s very smoky because part of the production process involves roasting the agave “hearts” before fermenting them. It’s really something you have to try for yourself!
Hahah, that’s so funny about the horse, I love it! 🙂
Cat
I haven’t tried Mezcal before so thanks for bringing this spirit to my attention! Mezcaloteca sounds like the perfect place to get started and have a tasting. Cuish seems like a great one to mingle with the locals 🙂
Susan Ripley
Exactly! Mezcaloteca is a great place to get a base of knowledge before heading to other spots. Hope you are able to try some soon!
Julie
Great guide! So many places to check out Mezcal! I’ve never tried it before, but now its definitely on my radar!
Frea
Hi there, thanks for the great blog post. We are heading to Oaxaca next year in May and hoping to visit a distillery without going on a tour . one nearby distillery will be great, we are also not bothered by whether it is commercial or not – happy to go somewhere touristy to see the production of mezcal. Any suggestions of places to go without a tour?
Susan Ripley
Hello! I’m sorry for my late reply. Thanks for your comment!
I would say that the easiest mezcal distillery to drop in on is el Rey de Matatlan. It’s right on the main highway that runs from Oaxaca out east to El Tule, Teotitlan del Valle, Hierve el Agua, Mitla, etc, so it’s very easy to add as a stop on any day trip to visit those tourist sites. I believe they are open every day and they are happy to do an impromptu short tour and tasting in English. It is pretty commercial, and not my favorite mezcal distillery, but if you are looking for something easy but still informative, it’s a good option!
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David
Cinco Sentidos?
Susan
Hi there. Cinco Sentidos is a great mezcal brand that’s sold at El Destilado restaurant (also a great restaurant!). This list focuses more on mezcalerias, as there are lots of restaurants that also serve great mezcal, but this post would get out of hand including them all. Though I do have a giant Oaxaca Restaurant Guide to include those great spots as well, including El Destilado.