The 5 Best Mezcalerías in Oaxaca City (2025 Guide)
You're in Oaxaca City, the world capital of agave spirits. We know how overwhelming it can be—there are dozens of "mezcal bars" on every block. To write this guide, we personally visited and tasted at over 20 mezcalerías in Centro Histórico, filtering out the tourist traps to find the true temples of mezcal.
🏆 Quick Verdict: Top 3 Picks
- 📚 Best for Education: Mezcaloteca. Ideally suited for beginners who want a classroom-style introduction to mezcal varieties.
- 🥃 Best for Rare Bottles: In Situ. The holy grail for aficionados looking for wild agave Tepeztate or Tobalá.
- 🍸 Best Vibe & Cocktails: Sabina Sabe. Perfect for a night out with high-end mixology and great food.
Location Tip: All these spots are located in Centro Histórico and are walkable from the Zócalo or Santo Domingo church.
1. In Situ Mezcalería
Founded by Ulises Torrentera, a legendary author and mezcal historian, In Situ is less a bar and more a curated library of spirits. This is not the place for shots; it's a place for worship. They stock over 180 varieties, prioritizing traditional production methods like clay pot distillation and rare wild agaves.
The collection here focuses on small-batch productions from diverse regions of Oaxaca, offering a deep dive into the terroir of the spirit.
Visitor Notes
- Best For: Serious enthusiasts and industry professionals.
- What to Order: Ask for a "degustación" (flight) of Jabali or Tepeztate. Their collection of Pechuga mezcals is also unmatched.
- Insider Tip: Ulises or his partner Sandra are often there. If you show genuine interest, they might pour you something not on the menu.
- Location: Morelos 511, Centro.
2. Mezcaloteca
Mezcaloteca operates on a reservation-only basis, similar to a high-end wine tasting room in Napa Valley. The experience is structured and educational. You will be seated with a knowledgeable guide who will walk you through the sensory experience of 3 to 5 mezcals, explaining the difference between Ancestral and Artesanal categories.
Visitor Notes
- Best For: Total beginners who want a solid foundation in mezcal culture.
- What to Order: The "Educational Tasting" (Cata Educativa). It covers the spectrum from bright Espadín to earthy wild varietals.
- Insider Tip: Book your reservation at least 3-4 days in advance, especially during high season (Dia de Muertos or Guelaguetza).
- Location: Reforma 506, Centro.
3. Sabina Sabe
If you want world-class mezcal but also a lively atmosphere, Sabina Sabe is the answer. Often ranked among the best bars in North America, it balances a serious bottle list with a chic, energetic vibe. This is where you go when you want to drink well but also socialize.
Visitor Notes
- Best For: Dates, groups of friends, and cocktail lovers.
- What to Order: Their signature Jamaica (Hibiscus) Mezcal cocktail is famous. For straight sipping, they have excellent Real Minero and Lalocura bottles.
- Insider Tip: The food menu is excellent. Don't skip the tacos or the guacamole with grasshoppers (chapulines).
- Location: 5 de Mayo 209, Centro.
4. Cuish
Cuish (pronounced "cwish") is more than a bar; it's a rural producer cooperative brought to the city. Their space feels bohemian and artistic, reflecting the spirit of the Maestros Mezcaleros they represent. They specialize in rare agaves from the Southern valleys, particularly the Karwinskii family (Cuishe, Madrecuishe).
Visitor Notes
- Best For: Supporting sustainable, fair-trade practices and traditional producers.
- What to Order: A vertical tasting of Cuixe or Madre-Cuixe to understand the herbal, dry profiles of these agaves.
- Insider Tip: The upstairs area often hosts art exhibitions or small events.
- Location: Díaz Ordaz 712, Centro.
5. El Cortijo
El Cortijo holds the distinction of being one of the oldest mezcal brands in Oaxaca, established in 1951. While many new bars chase trends, El Cortijo remains a humble, high-quality tasting room dedicated to the craft of the Méndez family from Santiago Matatlán.
Visitor Notes
- Best For: A quick, unpretentious tasting of high-quality spirits.
- What to Order: Their Ensamble (Field Blend) is consistently one of the best value bottles in the city.
- Location: 5 de Mayo 305, Centro.
Go Beyond the Bar
Drinking in a bar is great, but drinking in the agave fields is spiritual. To truly understand mezcal, you need to smell the roasting pit and taste the warm distillate dripping from the still.
AboutSofia Mendez
Cultural Editor & Travel Curator
Cultural writer and resident of Oaxaca City. Sofia covers travel logistics, safety, and the rich cultural context surrounding mezcal.
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