Mexico City is my favorite place I've traveled to! I guess this is odd, because you'll never read anything good about it. The city is considered one of the most corrupt, overcrowded, polluted, and crime- infested megaopolises in the world, with mounting debt, horrendous traffic, and poisonous air. Today, with an estimated 25 million people, Mexico City is perched at 7,350 feet above sea level, directly over an unstable fault line, surrounded by swamp. The surrounding peaks and temperature inversions prevent industrial smog and vehicle emissions from escaping, transforming the valley into a giant bowl of yellow-gray gunk. More than 3.6 million vehicles clog the roads and, combined with the 32,000 industrial plants, spew more than 12,000 tons of pollutants in the air every day. Air quality is unsatisfactory by international standards 324 days of the year. Because of the earth quakes, rather than building up, the city spread, contributing to the sprawl and impoverished barrios that circle the city- the so called "Rings of Misery". Crime, poverty, and corruption have created a dangerous, volatile brew. It is here, where police have taking to robbing citizens as well as protecting them. Perhaps it's the numerous risks of all the potential dangers that loom in Mexico City that makes it exciting and attracts me to this place! I will always return here! Even if it's merely for a 5 day weekend!

My advice... if you're a gringo...sex can easliy be had without paying for it! Below is an piece from my Mexico City travel page... if you can't find it the hard way... you can easily find a really good brothel in the Zona Rosa barrio of Mexico City! I wouldn't veture for "it" outside of the Zona Rosa!

Nightclubs (Discos)

MEDUSAS - Ok, this place is downright evil. It was remodeled about two years ago and looks and feels like a medieval castle. If you like people dancing in cages and the rave type atmosphere with techno music this is the place for you. I used to go here but I stopped because I always had problems getting a beer. You see it is open bar but the bartenders expect a tip every time you order something and if you don't tip forget about drinking. Don't get me wrong, I am not cheap but I'm not going to tip every time I want a drink (which is very often). I haven't been to Medusas in a while so in all fairness the service might be a little better. Medusas is as close as you can get to a New York style dance club in Mexico. Medusas is located in the south of the city and is open Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 till the techno drives you crazy. Men pay $150 and women pay $50 (drink till you drop). Address: Río San Angel #89, Col. Guadalupe Inn, Tel: 661-3411.

LA BOOM - For what its worth, this to me is the best disco in the city. Located in the north of the city (right next to Tequila Boom) this is a great place to listen to good music, dance and drink. This place is absolutely enormous but space runs out quick because La Boom continues to be one of the hot spots in Mexico City. If you are single and want to hook up, La Boom is a must. When I go to the Boom it is usually on Friday or Saturday but all the locals I met tell me that the best night to go is Wednesday when every girl looks like a model (even before you are drunk). The cover is $130 pesos for guys, girls are free. If there is a line when you get there, don't get nervous almost everyone gets in sooner or later. Address: Rodolfo Gaona #3, Lomas de Sotelo (In front of the "Toreo").

MX - I've never been inside but have heard a lot about this place. It is compared to Medusas but with a Mexican twist. Instead of the medieval theme found in Medusas, this place is decorated like an Aztec Pyramid. The music is strictly techno (from what I've been told) and the party lasts all night. Once again, if you don't like it, don't worry because it is downtown and just a minutes walk from a half dozen cool bars. Sorry, I don't know if there is a cover charge or not. Address: Simon Bolivar, Centro Histórico, Tel: 518-0237.

Dynasty. Nikko hotel. Polanco - A sparkling disco as modern as the hotel itself. Tables are provided with canapés and hot towels, and dinner is available. Conservative rock. Tel. 5280-1111.

Sky Club. Av. de las Naciones 1 - top of the World Trade Center. This circular disco atop the WTC's 45th-floor revolving restaurant features tiered seating around a dance floor, music ranging from salsa to techno, and a long semi-circular bar. Tel. 5488-0700.

El Habito - Madrid 13, Coyoacan. Inspired social and political satire based on current events, as well as musical shows offering everything from burlesque to tango. All in Spanish, but worthwhile if you've mastered it. Reservations for shows a must: 5659-1139.

La Azotea - Plateros 27, near Insurgentes Sur and Rio Mixcoac, in the south of the city. Part of the Casa de los Cantaros restaurant and nightclub complex, the Azotea (Attic) features comedy skits with timely political and social satire, and a talented cast of comedians. All in Spanish. Reservations recommended: 5598-8990.

La Bodega - Amsterdam and Popocatepetl, Colonia Condesa. A favorite with the over-25 crowd for its relaxed atmosphere and bohemian-chic decor. Features rumba bands, bolero singers and a rumba/flamenco troupe, depending on the night. Tel.5525-2473.

LADY O - I went here once about 2 years ago and had a pretty good time. I think the music was ok and the atmosphere was lively. That's about all I can tell you, oh yeah, it is located in the south of the city off of "Periferico" (a highway that goes from northern Mexico City to the south).

Bars

El Hijo del Cuervo - This bar is located in the center of Coyoacan and the atmosphere is very laid back and mixed (you can wear your lid and nobody looks at you weird). Coyoacan is full of hippies and musicians and this bar fits right in. The bar is fairly large but don't expect fancy tables or chairs here, just the bare necessities. The prices are fairly reasonable and if you get the munchies, try the food. As far as the music is concerned, still haven't figured that out because I can never remember, but since I keep going back, I guess I like it. If you plan on going Friday or Saturday try to get there by 9:30 or 10:00 so you don't have to fight the crowd. Address: Jardin Centenario # 14, Colonia Coyoacán, Tel: 658-7824 or 658-5306.

La Planta Baja - Don't be discouraged by the outside (a metal door) because inside you can dine, drink and dance. I have been told that the food is very good but have honestly never tried it. The place is fairly large but simple and has an enormous bar if you can't find a table. The music here varies so one second you'll love a song but the next you might hate. Sunday night here is gay night, so watch out! I can't tell you what the best time to arrive is because I always get there late. Open every day except Monday. Address: Bolivar #219, Esquina (Corner with) 20 de Noviembre, Col. Obrera, Tel: 578-7392.

Bar Mata - A cool bar located in downtown Mexico City. The crowd is mixed and the music is usually pretty good. This used to be one of my favorites in the downtown area. This is a good place to start you evening and then move on to bigger and better things. The location makes it ideal because there are a lot of bars within walking distance. Open every day except Sunday. Address: Filomeno Mata Esquina 5 de Mayo, Centro Histórico, Tel: 518-0237.

Cantina Maria Bonita - Camino Real, Polanco. A tribute to tequila, with more than 120 different brands and an instructive menu that classifies the drink by region, alcoholic content, and even tells you how best to drink it. Tel. 5203-2121.

Cava Baja - Westin Galeria Plaza, Zona Rosa. A relaxed bar with friendly service, delicious Mexican botanas (snacks), and more than 150 different tequilas. Tel. 5230-1717 .

Cicero Centenario - Republica de Cuba 79, downtown. Occupying the ground floor of a restored 17-century mansion, this picturesque bar recalls an opulent turn-of-the-century bordello with its red lighting, ornate antiques and parlor-room furniture. Wandering trios and lively rumba bands entertain in the evenings. Tel. 5521-7866.

Rock Stock - I have never been here but have been told it is pretty cool. It has been around since I got here which isn't very common because most places don't last more than a year or two. For the price of $120 pesos you can drink until you drop. This place gets crowded so you may want to arrive early. Open Thursday to Saturday from 9:00 to 5:00 in the morning. Address: Paseo de la Reforma #260 Esquina Niza, Col. Júarez, Tel: 533-0907.

Tequila Boom - I guess you can consider this place a bar, but just in case, it is right next to LA BOOM which I would classify as a disco. I personally enjoy this place because there is always a lot going on here. It is an open bar for around $130 pesos (women free) and the place goes all night. The crowd is a little young (I am 27) but I always have a great time. If you are single this is a good place to "ligar" or hook up. On the downside, it is in the north of the city so you have to go in Taxi but it is definitely worth it. The music varies but is pretty good. Last time I was there "Control Machete" played for about an hour or so I assume there is usually live music on Saturday nights but am not positive. Address: I'll give you the address of La Boom which is next door.
Rodolfo Gaona #3, Lomas de Sotelo (In front of the "Toreo").

El Metro - A MUST!!!!! This place is fairly new and thus extremely popular. It is kind of hard to get into but is definitely worth the try. I have been here a few times and have always had a great time. The Metro is very large with two floors so you may want to stroll around and take in the "scenery". This place is only visited by "beautiful people" so you may want to try your luck with the opposite sex. Arrive early or really late or forget about getting in. There is also a cover charge for men which is $60 pesos. Open from Thursday to Saturday from 9:00 till you drop. Address: Av. Chapultepec Y Niza, Zona Rosa. Tel: 525-7540.

El Zur - This place is also new and is hard to enter. The crowd varies from younger to about my age and like The Metro, is full of "beautiful people". It is located in the south of the city right off of Insurgentes so if you can't get in, you have other choices within 5 minutes (Hooters is just across the street). It opens around 10:00 (although they claim 9:00) and I suggest arriving early and staying at the front of the line. I don't know how long this place will be popular because it has all the classic signs of a bar which is mobbed when it first opens but then dies because its "loyal" clients move on to bigger and better places. There is no cover charge and it is open from Thursday to Saturday. Address: Avenida de la Paz #14, San Angel, Tel: 550-3733.

La Llorona - This place used to be a lot more popular than it is now but is still a cool place to check out. The decoration is incredible (kind of gothic) and there are different rooms where you can sit. One small private room has a coffin as a table and the room is like a crypt. If you don't like the place you can always move on with ease because it is downtown. Guys pay $140 and gals are free (open bar). La Llorona opens from Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00. Address: Mesones #87, Centro Histórico,
Tel: 709-8420.

Barraca Orraca - Insurgentes Sur 905, near the World Trade Center. A popular restaurant-cantina with a lively ambiance, good drinks, snacks and a fun crowd. Tel. 5682-1814.

Barracuda - Nuevo Leon 4, Colonia Condesa. A trendy cocktail lounge and restaurant with a long sleek bar and diner-style booths. Cocktail menu features 10 different types of martini and a good variety of tropical drinks. Jazz music. Tel. 5211-9346.

El Bar Four Seasons - near Zona Rosa. Wood-panelling, book-laden shelves and plush velvet arm chairs evoke the refined atmosphere of a private English library. An extensive selection of wine, national and imported beer, champagne by the bottle or glass, more than 80 varieties of tequila and mescal from Oaxaca. Tel. 5230-1818.

El Candelero - Insurgentes Sur 1333. This fashionable Mexican restaurant features a popular bar area in its large covered patio and attracts an over-25 crowd. Musical groups entertain in the late afternoon and evening. Dancing Thursday to Saturday nights. Tel. 5598-9008.

El Estribo - In La Hacienda de los Morales, Vazquez de Mella 525, Polanco. This beautifully restored 17th-century hacienda, known for its fine restaurant, also houses an attractive bar. Tel.5281-4554.

Hard Rock Cafe - Campos Eliseos 290, Polanco. The Mexico City branch of the world-famous rock n roll haven has live music, mostly by cover bands, Tuesday to Saturday nights. Tel. 5327-7100.

Jorongo Bar - Sheraton Maria Isabel, Zona Rosa.For a night out a la Mexicana. In business for nearly 35 years, this nightspot features mariachi bands and romantic trios. Tel. 5207-3933.

Karisma Cantina - Campos Eliseos 219, Polanco. An informal cantina where you can play dominos or cubilete (similar to poker, but louder and played with dice), listen to Mexican music and taste a variety of tequilas. Noisy but fun. Tel. 5280-1872.

La Destileria - Pabellon Polanco. More than 100 different varieties of tequila and a range of tasty Mexican antojitos (appetizers). Indoor or outdoor seating. Tel. 5557-7918.

La Opera - 5 de Mayo 10, downtown. This picturesque 19th-century cantina features stately period decor and architecture. Adding to its charm is a bullet hole in the ceiling courtesy of Poncho Villa. Great margaritas and Mexican snacks. Live guitar music. Tel. 5512-8959.

Shelty Nikko Hotel.- Polanco. An attractive, wood panelled bar resembling a swank British pub. A nice place to meet, have a drink and savor their exquisite hors-doeuvres. Tel. 5280-1111.

Tenampa - Plaza Garibaldi 12, downtown. One of the best spots at mariachi square, this cantina was founded in 1925 and is still going strong. Tel. 5526-6176.

Yuppie's Sports Cafe - Genova 34, Zona Rosa; and on Insurgentes Sur. Wall-to-wall sports memorabilia and ubiquitous TV monitors. Great for watching sporting events, with TV monitors broadcasting different games. I've been here several times, and it' similar to the sports bars in the US. Tel. 5208-2267.

Good report. Did you see the Maxims write-up for DF in the December issue. It rated the following bars as good places: Saint Angel Inn, Area at Hotel Habita, and Mama Rumba's. Have you ever been to one of these clubs? Thanks.

I lived in the DF from 98-2001. I agree with you that there is not much need to pay for it. If you speak any Spanish at all you will get laid.

La Boom is the Bomb. Great place. I know alot of th ebars on your list. And could add alot more. Mexico City is a great place. Not good for mongering but great for everythingelse.

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