The Most Alluring Jazz Clubs and Bars in Mexico City

Planning your next trip and wondering if there are good Jazz clubs and bars in Mexico City? The answer is yes! The capital of Mexico is famous for its cultural and musical richness. Among its huge entertainment offer, the city is home to several options for jazz lovers.

Although jazz bands and clubs have always had their share of aficionados in Mexico City, you could say the genre is making a comeback in the last few years, as more venues seem to be adding “jazz nights” to their programs.

Whether you´re a big jazz enthusiast or are simply looking for something different, here are the most alluring jazz clubs and bars in Mexico City where you can experience the sounds of saxophones and feel transported to New York or Orleans. They go from cozy coffee shops to elegant bars that will take you back in time to New Orleans during Prohibition.

Alluring Jazz Clubs and Bars in Mexico City

1. Zinco Jazz Club

One of Mexico City’s top jazz spots, Zinco Jazz Club is housed in the impressive vaults inside the building that once served as the headquarters of “Banco de México” (Mexico’s central bank).

With over 18 years in the city, Zinco is sort of an institution when it comes to jazz clubs and bars in Mexico city. The retro, undergroundish ambiance and decor will transport you from Mexico City’s Historic Center to New York’s legendary Zinc Jazz Club, or perhaps a 1920s speakeasy in New Orleans.

Here, you can enjoy live performances by both national and international talented musicians, as well as well-prepared drinks and snacks. They also have a full menu that features dishes that range from hamburgers to seafood platters and steaks. The cherry on top is their dessert selection, which includes delicious American classics like brownie and cheesecake.

Their drink options center on old-school cocktails like whisky sour, Manhattan, old-fashioned, martinis, and negronis, but you can also enjoy artisan mezcal and beer, as well as a nice wine selection and non-alcoholic beverages.

• Location: Motolinia 20, Centro Histórico, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
• Reservations: 55 1131 7760
• Instagram: @zincojazzclub

2. The Midnight Monkey

Designed as a modern-day speakeasy in the trendy Roma neighborhood, the Midnight Monkey boasts a stunning 1920s decor behind a discreet and unassuming black entrance door. Yes, the point is to replicate the legendary prohibition bars that filled American cities with music, fun, alcohol and clandestine elegance exactly a century ago.

Their live jazz shows and cocktails come together for a perfect night with an air of mystery that will take you back in time and space while savoring the best of contemporary Mexican cuisine and creative designer mixology.

The drink menu includes the classics, but their take is experimentation. You’ll find cocktails prepared with exotic elements such as guava, shitake fungi, guava, micelage, goat cheese, butter, and even a few insects, among others!

As for food, they also offer tried-and-true options as well as a few surprises to delight your senses while surrounded by fabulous music in a classic ambience just a few steps from Plaza Río de Janeiro.

• Location: Plaza Río de Janeiro 54, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
• Reservations: 55 9136 1978
• Instagram:@themidnightmonkey

3. Parker & Lenox

Yet another beautiful venue with a design reminiscent of the prohibition era clandestine bars in the United States, Parke & Lenox is a wonderful option to listen to live jazz in Mexico City.

Located in the lively Juárez neighborhood, Parker & Lenox offers a great selection of craft beers and elegant cocktails, as well as great snacks and food to enjoy while listening to the evening’s artists.

You´ll find culinary options as varied as grilled cheese sandwiches and juicy burgers along beef carpaccio, with a few asian and vegetarian items. The desserts are simply mouthwatering desserts. The same goes for their drink menu, which carries the classics as well as creative and exotic goodies.

While the main attraction is live jazz, they also feature some blues and other genres, and even some special stand-up comedy nights. Be sure to check their social media and make a reservation, as it tends to get pretty crowded, especially on weekends.

• Location: Calle Gral. Prim 100, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
• Reservations: 55 2183 5107
• Instagram:@parkerandlenox

4. El Convite

A true gem for listening to jazz in Mexico City, in addition to participating in a range of artistical, literary, and musical workshops and other activities. they are also the hosts of the International Jazz Festival in the Parque Hundido and Jazzbook.

This cozy spot opened 28 years ago in the Portales neighborhood (close to Narvarte and Del valle), quickly becoming a favorite with locals for a relaxed afternoon or evening. It is self-described as a gourmet “fonda” eatery and café, making it the place to go for low-key and more intimate encounters with jazz.

The small, cozy neighborhood restaurant and café serves delicious Italian food, exquisite desserts and pastries, well crafted beers, and authentic live jazz for hardcore fans of the genre.

Please note that El Convite is a small venue, so it´s best to reserve in advance to secure a spot. They usually close at 6 p.m., except on Thursdays and Fridays when they hold “Jazz Nights” that go until 10:30 p.m. It’s perfect for a relaxed lunch or afternoon outing, or a great way to start Thursday or Friday night in a different and chill way.

• Location: Ajusto 79Bis, Portales Norte, Benito Juárez, Mexico City
• Reservations: 55 5456 6836
• Instagram: @elconvite

You might want to read: Enchanting Boutique Hotels in Mexico City for a Dreamy Stay

5. Jazzatlán Capital

A favorite with both local and tourist jazz fans looking to enjoy a great evening any day of the week (except Mondays), Jazzatlán originally opened in Cholula as the home of the Jazzatlán Band.

Their venue, which is housed in an old “casona” in the Roma neighborhood, is decorated with a blend of classic and industrial elements, soon became well-known for its impressive lineup, can’t-miss performances, and collaborations shortly after opening its doors over five years ago.

Their offering of delicious food, excellent drinks, good music, and laid-back, bohemian ambiance that is perfect for sharing a pizza and bottle of wine, guarantee a wonderful evening.

• Location: Guanajuato 239, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City
• Reservations: 55 6131 1119
• Instagram: @jazzatlancapital

6. Casa Franca

Another great spot for live music in the heart of the chic-bohemian Roma neighborhood, Casa Franca has gained a place among the best modern speakeasies and jazz clubs and bars in Mexico City.

In this spot, which is decorated to transport you to a top prohibition era bar, complete with velvet, golden details, dim lighting, and all the trimmings, live musicians perform several times a week, with jazz, funk, blues, and tango offerings in a casual yet elegant atmosphere.

Casa Franca’s mixology and excellent wine selection, paired with artisan pizzas, tapas, and jazz beats make for an unforgettable night with a refined and slightly forbidden air.

• Location: Mérida 109, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
• Reservations: 55 5208 2265
• Instagram:@casa.franca

7. Pulquería Los Insurgentes

Pulquerá Los Insurgentes is the go-to spot for mixing pulque or mezcal with live music and partying. Housed in a three-story building on busy Insurgentes Avenue, this pulquería has a spacious rooftop terrace where they host musicians, DJs, art workshops, and film screenings.

Live jazz nights are held on Wednesdays, featuring talented artists who perform everything from free jazz to funk fusion and straight jazz.

Although, as the name implies, the beverage offer focuses on “pulques” and “curados”, be assured you can order craft beer, wine, and cocktails. As for food, again, the offer centers on traditional Mexican, but they also have snacks, burgers, and pizzas baked in their on-site stone oven.

The place opens from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. from Monday through thursday and from 2:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Thurdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so it is ideal for serious partying any day of the week.

• Location: Av. Insurgentes Sur 226, Roma Norte, Cuauhtémoc,
• Reservations: 55 6963 5558
• Instagram: @pulqueriainsurgentes

8. Afrogatto Coffee & Music

Founded by Adriana Herrera, a singer and music lover, Afrogatto Coffee & Musicwas conceived as a coffee shop with scrumptious desserts where musicians and other artists can expose their talent, which has been greatly achieved.

Set in the traditional Santa María La Ribera neighborhood, which is rapidly making a comeback as an entertainment hub in Mexico City, Afrogatto is a good option for enjoying live music, including jazz and blues, as well as other genres and other artistic proposals and activities like poetry readings, stand-up comedy, and more.

The menu includes home baked desserts (we highly recommend their carrot cake), a great variety of hot and cold beverages, as well as delicious pizzas and other snacks.

• Location: Nogal 45, Sta María la Ribera, Cuauhtémoc, CDMX
• Instagram:@afrogatto

9. Bukowski’s Bar

Situated inside the famous El Péndulo Zona Rosa, a bookstore and coffee shop that is a haven for literature aficionados, both writers and readers, Bukowski’s Bar takes the love of art a step further.

Here, you can savor a great array of wines, cocktails, and snacks while being surrounded by literary quotes – Be sure to try the macadamia cheesecake! Furthermore, from Tuesday to Sunday you can enjoy live jazz sessions.

Named in honor of the so-called “cursed poet” Charles Bukowski, whose specialty was writing about the wretchedness of life for the unfavored, this bar hosts live music sessions almost every day, with special versions like Broadway Sundays, Female Voices Fridays, and Open Mic Tuesdays along with the habitual jazz evenings.

• Location: Cafebrería El Péndulo Zona Rosa (Hamburgo 126, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City)
• Reservations: 55 5208 2327
• Website

Jazz Clubs and Bars in Mexico City: Conclusion

Jazz is alive and well in Mexico City’s wide-ranging music scene. There are plenty of options for live jazz for all tastes, moods, and budgets.

Whether you´re seeking a mellow coffee shop, an exclusive speakeasy in the Roma district, or a full-blown party venue, there are a number of jazz clubs and bars in Mexico City that are happily available for enjoyable musical experiences.