Oaxaca’s Best Kept Secrets: Your Guide to Deliciously Cheap Drinks

Oaxaca on a Budget: Unveiling the City’s Affordable Drink Scene

Oaxaca City, a vibrant tapestry of indigenous culture, culinary delights, and colonial charm, is a dream destination for many. But what if your travel budget is a little tighter? Fear not! Oaxaca is incredibly generous when it comes to affordable, authentic experiences, especially when it comes to its legendary nightlife and drinking culture. Forget overpriced tourist traps; this guide will lead you to the heart of Oaxaca’s cheap and cheerful bars, where you can savor local flavors without emptying your wallet. As a local, I’ve spent countless evenings exploring these hidden gems, and I’m thrilled to share my secrets with you. Get ready to discover where the locals go for a good time and a great price!

The Magic of Mezcal: Sip Smart and Save Big

No discussion of Oaxaca’s drinking scene is complete without mentioning mezcal. This smoky, agave-based spirit is Oaxaca’s liquid soul, and while some artisanal bottles can be pricey, enjoying it doesn’t have to be. The key is to know where to find places that offer good quality mezcal at fair prices.

Mezcalería El Rey Zapoteco: Located in the charming Jalatlaco neighborhood, this is a quintessential Oaxacan experience. It’s not fancy, it’s not trendy, but it’s gloriously authentic. You’ll find a vast selection of mezcals, often poured straight from the barrel. The owner, Don Alejo, is a legend, and he’s happy to guide you through the different varieties. The prices here are incredibly reasonable, with many delicious options available for under 50 pesos a glass. It’s the perfect place to start your mezcal journey. Look for the unassuming entrance on a quiet street – the experience inside is anything but quiet in terms of flavor!
In Situ: While In Situ is known for its more curated, high-end mezcal selection, they also offer some fantastic value, especially if you’re looking for a specific type of agave or a taste of something less common. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find excellent mezcals in the 60-80 peso range that are far superior to what you’d find in many other places. It’s a great spot to learn about mezcal in a more relaxed setting.
La Mezcaloteca: Okay, so this one leans a bit more towards the educational and refined side, but it’s worth mentioning for its value proposition. While not strictly a ‘cheap bar,’ they offer tasting flights that allow you to sample several high-quality mezcals for a set price. If you’re serious about understanding mezcal and want to try a variety without buying full bottles, this is an excellent investment. The knowledge you gain is invaluable, and the mezcals are superb.

Beyond Mezcal: Beers, Cocktails, and Local Brews

While mezcal reigns supreme, Oaxaca’s bar scene offers a diverse range of drinks. You can find great local beers, refreshing cocktails, and other traditional beverages that are easy on the wallet.

Bar Los Amantes: This place has a great atmosphere and a focus on artisanal mezcal, but they also serve delicious cocktails. While some of their specialty drinks might be in the higher price bracket, they often have happy hour specials or offer well-priced traditional cocktails like a smoky Michelada. It’s a popular spot, so expect a lively crowd, especially on weekends. The ambiance alone is worth it, and finding a good drink without breaking the bank is definitely achievable here.
La Consentida: This trendy spot often has live music and a vibrant energy. While they offer a wide array of mezcals and cocktails, keep an eye out for their daily specials. Sometimes, you can find great deals on local craft beers or classic cocktails. The atmosphere is always buzzing, making it a fun place to spend an evening with friends.
Local Cantinas in Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez: For the ultimate authentic and budget-friendly experience, head to the bustling central markets. Tucked away within these vibrant hubs are small, unassuming cantinas. Here, you can order a cold cerveza (beer) for incredibly low prices, often just 20-30 pesos. You might also find people sipping on ‘agua de jamaica’ (hibiscus water) or ‘agua de horchata’ (rice milk drink) which can be spiked with a shot of local liquor for a very cheap ‘cubalibre’ or similar concoction. These are the places where vendors and locals unwind after a long day. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, but it’s pure Oaxaca. Ask around for the cantinas ‘de los trabajadores’ (for the workers) for the most authentic experience.
La Popular: This restaurant and bar in the city center is a great all-rounder. They offer a good selection of Oaxacan food and drinks. Their beer prices are very reasonable, and they often have promotions on cocktails. It’s a comfortable place to sit, people-watch, and enjoy a drink without worrying about the cost.

Neighborhood Gems: Discovering Local Hangouts

Exploring different neighborhoods is key to finding the best value and most authentic experiences. Each area has its own character and its own affordable watering holes.

Barfly (Centro): Don’t let the name fool you; this isn’t just a karaoke bar (though it can be that too!). Barfly is a long-standing institution in Oaxaca, known for its incredibly cheap drinks and lively, no-frills atmosphere. You can get a beer for as little as 25 pesos and basic cocktails for around 50 pesos. It’s a great place to meet locals and travelers alike, and the music is always good. It’s the definition of a dive bar done right.
El Pato Loco (Centro): Another classic dive bar, El Pato Loco offers a similarly budget-friendly experience. It’s a bit grittier, a bit more dive-y, but the drinks are strong and the prices are low. Expect a casual vibe where you can just kick back and enjoy a cheap beer or a rum and coke.
La Casita (Xochimilco/Jalatlaco borders): This charming little spot is slightly off the main tourist drag but easily accessible. It has a relaxed, bohemian vibe and serves up affordable drinks, including local beers and some simple cocktails. It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a quieter, budget-friendly evening.
Street Vendors: For the absolute cheapest drinks, keep an eye out for street vendors selling ‘tepache’ (a fermented pineapple drink, usually around 15-20 pesos a cup) or ‘esquites’ and ‘elotes’ (corn snacks) that often come with a beer. While not a ‘bar’ in the traditional sense, these vendors are part of the Oaxacan street culture and offer a taste of local life at unbeatable prices.

Insider Tips for Budget Drinking in Oaxaca

To truly maximize your budget while enjoying Oaxaca’s vibrant drink scene, here are a few insider tips:

Happy Hour is Your Friend: Many bars, even some of the slightly more upscale ones, offer happy hour deals. Typically, this is in the late afternoon or early evening (around 4 PM to 7 PM). Look for signs or ask your server about their daily specials. This is a great way to snag discounted beers or cocktails.
Embrace Local Brands: Opt for Oaxacan beers like Montejo, Victoria, or Indio, which are readily available and significantly cheaper than imported options. Similarly, stick to well-known local mezcal brands rather than artisanal ones if you’re on a strict budget. Brands like 400 Conejos, La Venenosa, or even some of the more common brands found in OXXO (Mexico’s ubiquitous convenience store) can offer good value for a casual drink. For more information on the craft beer scene and local breweries, check out dropt.beer’s insights and news blog.
Start Your Night Early: Drinks are generally cheaper earlier in the evening and before popular spots get crowded. If you want to take advantage of the lowest prices, head out around 6 or 7 PM.
Look Beyond the Zócalo: While the main square (Zócalo) is beautiful, bars directly on or surrounding it tend to be more expensive. Venture a few blocks away into neighborhoods like Xochimilco, Jalatlaco, or the areas around Parque El Llano for better prices and a more local feel.
Buy from Convenience Stores (OXXO): For the absolute cheapest beer or pre-mixed drinks to enjoy on your hotel balcony or during a park picnic, OXXO stores are your go-to. You can pick up a cold beer for 20-30 pesos. It’s not the social experience of a bar, but it’s undeniably the cheapest way to drink.
Try ‘Agua Frescas’ with a Kick: Many restaurants and street vendors sell refreshing ‘agua frescas’ (fresh fruit waters like lime, melon, watermelon). For a very cheap alcoholic beverage, you can often ask for a shot of ‘mezcal blanco’ or ‘ron’ (rum) to be added for a few extra pesos. It’s a refreshing and budget-friendly way to enjoy a drink.
Explore the Markets: As mentioned, the markets are treasure troves for cheap eats and drinks. The cantinas within Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez are legendary for their low prices and lively atmosphere.
Consider a Mezcal Shop: If you’re interested in buying a bottle to share, many smaller mezcal shops will offer tastings and have knowledgeable staff. While buying a full bottle is an investment, it can be more cost-effective per drink if you’re with a group. For a vast selection of beers and spirits, and to see what’s trending, you can explore options at dropt.beer’s shop.

A Note on Quality and Authenticity

When searching for cheap bars, especially in a city like Oaxaca, it’s important to remember that ‘cheap’ doesn’t have to mean ‘low quality.’ The places I’ve recommended prioritize local ingredients, traditional methods, and a genuine Oaxacan spirit. You’ll find places where the mezcal is poured with pride, the beer is ice-cold, and the atmosphere is welcoming. My advice is always to engage with the bartenders and owners; they are often passionate about their offerings and can steer you towards the best value and most authentic tastes. For ongoing updates on the beverage scene, including news and trends, don’t forget to visit dropt.beer’s blog.

Oaxaca is a city that rewards exploration. So, step off the beaten path, be adventurous, and let the magic of its affordable drink scene enchant you. ¡Salud!