Where to Drink in Tulum
Aside from the food, (read Where to Eat in Tulum), there are so many great spots for cocktails and a night out. Before I start, I have to recommend that you try two things while in Tulum:
A Carajillo. Carajillos are a classic Mexican cocktail. Think espresso martini, but better and frothier. You should be able to get one at any restaurant or beach club in Tulum.
Mezcal. Most people are opposed to it when arriving in Tulum due to terrible Mezcal that’s in NYC and other parts of the world (I was too), but it’s so good in Mexico and now pretty much the only alcohol I drink. At least try it (ask for a good one - I love 400 Conejos) and let me know if you agree!
Gitano (Jungle). A must-go for cocktails, any night. They have fresh juices for cocktails and the place is super fun. It gets very busy on Friday and Saturday nights, and unless you want to wait in line only to pay cover or buy a table, you better get there before 9pm. Gitano has 6 bars (if you include their service bar), a new one (rooftop) just opened in December 2020. There is a second Gitano location now, Gitano Beach Club. I haven’t been yet, so I will have to report back on that.
Casa Jaguar. As the name suggests, it’s essentially a house with a bunch of rooms, but outdoors. Go for cocktails or stay for a meal. Thursday nights are really fun, book a table for dinner and plan to stay all night. There will be a line by 10pm.
Hotel Panamera. Panamera a cute boutique hotel and is great any time of day and for both the food and drinks and to chill at the beach. It’s not a beach club, but it’s my favorite beach club in Tulum for a low key beach day. However, I’d highly recommend getting here for sunset drinks.
More on Hotel Panamera
More on Best Beach Clubs in Tulum (coming soon)
Papaya Playa Project. They aren’t known for their food, but it’s a great spot for drinks, working remotely, and of course a night out. They have tables that are built into the cliff that overlooks the beach. Go here Saturday nights, but get there early or you will be buying a table as if you were in NYC. I’ve been to PPP for a few of their parties and it’s always worth the cover for the setup/experience alone.
Atila Wine Bar. This little wine bar opened in 2020 and is another high-quality spot. While you can pop by for wine, I recommend staying for a bit of food because the owner is the chef/owner from Arca, so you know it’s going to be good.
BAK by Harry’s. A very fun and lively spot for dinner or even late night if you’re looking to have some drinks at the bar.
Bagatelle. They just opened in December 2020 and the design/decor is so cute - lots of blue/white and a clean and chic design, but also very Tulum. I went there for dinner and we didn’t love the food, but by 11pm everyone was dancing and it was super fun. It’s a fun time for a day beach party.
Kin Toh Restaurant at Azulik and the Sunset Experience. I’ve heard the food at Azulik is not great, but it is definitely worth checking out for cocktails… and for some instagram photos. There is the restaurant/bar (Kin Toh), which I’d recommend and then the separate Sunset Experience where you pay $50 USD for one cocktail and an amazing rooftop view.
Vagalume. Very fun night out. It’s a huge space on the beach with rugs and a DJ.
Looking to plan a night out? I’d recommend that you have dinner/drinks at one (or more) of the places I outlined above and here: Where to Eat in Tulum. If it’s a Thursday, go to Casa Jaguar. If it’s a Friday, go to Gitano. For Saturday, consider going to Papaya Playa Project (PPP). Otherwise on the weekends, there are always jungle parties and house parties. Sometimes Tree House (bar/hotel near Gitano) has small parties with a DJ. If you get the invitation to Tree House, definitely do that.
For more on where to drink around the world, follow @alcoholyoulaterNYC on Instagram.
xx Em
