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Looking for the best bars in Puerto Vallarta? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve been living in Puerto Vallarta for over eight years collectively and love to party – so we’re sharing our favorites in this guide to Puerto Vallarta nightlife guide!
It’s no secret that Puerto Vallarta is a bit of a party town. Regardless of what night of the week it is, there’s something fun going on.
There are tons of bars in this town, and the scene is constantly changing. In my five years of being in and out of PV, I’ve seen many of them come and go. To make it as a bar here, you’ve really got to bring your A-game.
To make this guide easy to navigate, I decided to break these best bars in Puerto Vallarta into a few different categories to help you find bars suitable for day into night.
Short on time? Join this VIP Nightclub Tour and skip past the line to three of the city’s best bars and clubs!
Best Beach Clubs in Puerto Vallarta
Let’s start things off on la playa, where you’ll probably spend most of your time here. Here are some of the best beach bars and clubs in Puerto Vallarta to drink the day away by the sea.
1. Swell Beach Bar
Let’s start our booze-fueled tour of PV off on Los Muertos Beach. My go-to spot here is Swell Beach Bar, as it’s just a swell place to hang out.
Bad jokes aside, this is an excellent beach bar. They make good cocktails, the service is fantastic, and they’re just really nice people. They also serve delicious food if you need something to soak up the tequila.
2. Mantamar
Down at the end of the beach, you’ll find Mantamar. It’s a happening gay club with an infinity pool, beach loungers, and cabanas. It’s part of Almar, one of the top gay hotels in Puerto Vallarta.
This is where you need to pay for everything, and it isn’t cheap. It’s straight-friendly, too, and they have some huge parties if that’s what you’re looking for.
3. El Solar
Personally, I prefer a more relaxed environment for a beach bar. That’s why I love going to El Solar up in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood.
They make some of the best cocktails in PV here, including my fave – the jalapeño mezcalita. The vibe is relaxed, but they have DJs playing on weekend nights.
4. Majahuitas Beach Club
While you have to get a boat to get there, one of the most beautiful beach clubs to dance the night away on the weekend is Mahajuitas. This secluded beach hosts parties every weekend with several live DJs.
The atmosphere is fantastic, perfect for dancing as the sun sets and the jungle lights up.
The challenge is getting to Majahuitas. You’ll need to arrange boat transportation to avoid being stranded at the end of the night. The easiest way to do this is to book the Majahuitas party boat tour!
Best Rooftop Bars Puerto Vallarta
Who doesn’t love a cold drink with ocean views and palm trees? Thankfully, there are several fun rooftop bars in Puerto Vallarta that overlook the stunning Banderas Bay and beautiful beaches where you can watch the sunset.
5. Sky Bar at Pinnacle Resorts
One of the best bars for an elevated adult beverage is the Residences Sky Bar at Pinnacle Resorts. The panoramic view alone is worth the trip.
That being said, the drinks aren’t amazing, and they’re a bit pricey. Be sure to come between 5:30-8 for their 2-for-1 Happy Hour. Have your drinks, take your selfies, watch the sunset, and move on to the next stop.
6. Top Sky Bar
For some reason, there are two bars with basically the same name here. If you accidentally end up at the Top Sky Bar, it’s not such a bad thing.
This rooftop gay bar has a few jacuzzis and great nightly events. There’s also a full menu if you need a bite to keep the party going.
Best bars to grab a beer
Wanna grab a few pints before heading out? Check out these craft breweries in Puerto Vallarta.
7. Los Muertos
If you’re looking for a place to get cheap pizza and beer while watching a sports game, Los Muertos Brewing is the spot.
They have happy hour specials and delicious pizza, so this is a great place to go for dinner before heading out on the town. Plus, it’s only a few blocks from Monzon Brewery, so you can hit both on a self-guided brewery tour!
8. Monzon Brewing
Located in Zona Romántica, Monzon Brewing is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts. Offering a variety of local craft beers, it’s a great spot to start your evening with friendly local staff.
The best time to visit Monzon is during their weekly trivia nights, making it not just a place to grab a pint but also a venue for some wholesome fun. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere before hitting the town.
9. Aloha Bar
Aloha Bar is a fun place to start the night in the Romantic Zone, with swings and tables and cups for playing beer pong. Plus, they sell beer in giant 5L containers, making it affordable if you split with a group.
Best Cocktail and Wine Bars
Before hitting the clubs, head to one of these Puerto Vallarta cocktail bars to grab a drink and catch up with friends.
10. Bar La Playa
Another of our go-to spots is a few blocks away – Bar La Playa. For such a small space, it sure packs a punch. They might have the best margarita in town here, and it’s just a damn fun place to hang out.
If you want to start the party early, BLP has a great Happy Hour from 3-5 PM. Grab one of their fantastic margaritas and pull up a bar stool. There’s always someone interesting to chat with here!
Lora’s take: We usually drink here until they close at midnight and then head over to El Sonador around the corner. It’s one of the best bars in Puerto Vallarta for meeting other expats!
11. El Colibri Cocktail Bar
El Colibri is one of my favorite bars to go to for a drink with friends. As you enter, you’ll see a sign that says, “welcome to the jungle,” When you go through the next door, you’ll know why!
It’s full of beautiful jungle plants, giving this place a cozy tropical atmosphere with speak-easy vibes. They have some of the best cocktails in town with a constantly changing menu.
12. El Tasting Room
El Tasting Room is a small but charming cocktail bar owned by Colibri, offering an intimate setting for early evening drinks. With a curated menu of handcrafted cocktails, it’s the perfect spot to start your night or enjoy a low-key gathering.
13. Vivero Wine Bar
Vivero wine bar doubles as a lush oasis filled with an array of plants that create a serene atmosphere. It’s a popular spot among digital nomads looking to unwind with a glass of wine after work. They often host special events on the weekends.
It’s also one of my favorite places for coworking during the day, as the brightly lit space makes for great productivity.
14. Elixir Mixology Bar
Elixir Mixology Bar is a great LGBTQ+-owned cocktail bar with a cozy atmosphere. It’s a great spot to go for a date or with friends before heading out for a night on the town in Zona Romantica.
Best Gay Bars in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a major LGBTQ destination, not just during the city’s massive Pride Week celebration. These gay bars in Puerto Vallarta are some of the best places to dance the night away!
15. Mr. Flamingo
There are dozens of gay bars in the Old Town (Zona Romantica), including the legendary Mr. Flamingo.
This place is rockin’ every night of the week, even in the depths of the low season on a rainy night. The dance floor often spills out onto the sidewalk here. While the drinks aren’t the best, it’s one of the best places for a great time, especially on a Saturday night.
Not sure where to go? Join this Puerto Vallarta gay bar crawl and meet new friends!
16. La Noche
Just a few doors down is La Noche, where you’ll find go-go dancers and a rooftop garden. This and Mr. Flamingo are just a few stops on the classic PV Gayborhood bar crawl, where you can find many other dance clubs to party the night away, like CC Slaughters and Twisted Palms rooftop lounge.
Roxy Rock House is also around the corner, with live music and entertainment.
If you’re looking for a more mellow vibe, check out Reinas Bar, a few blocks down the street. It’s basically a gay dive bar that’s not at all pretentious or aggressively loud. Which brings us to our next category…
Best clubs and bars in Puerto Vallarta for dancing
After a few drinks, you’ll probably want to hit the dance floor! Here are the best places to go dancing in Puerto Vallarta.
17. Yambak
One of my favorite places to party in Puerto Vallarta since the beginning is Yambak.
They have live DJs on the weekends spinning electronic beats on the second floor, which always turns into a giant dance party. But if you want to chill, there’s a rooftop terrace on the top floor. It’s a fun place to dance on the weekends, with excellent cocktails!
The combination of local craft beer, delicious wood-fired pizza, and a rooftop terrace with dirty house beats until the wee hours of the morning makes this one of my favorite spots in town.
18. La Bodeguita del Medio
If you want to participate in some salsa dancing while in Puerto Vallarta, check out El Bodeguita del Media, a lively Cuban bar.
They have fantastic live music nightly, and you’ll quickly find a salsa partner here. They also offer free salsa classes a few nights of the week.
19. Mandela
Mandela is one of the biggest night clubs in Puerto Vallarta.
It’s the type of club where you will be packed in with crowds, but if you’re looking for a lively spot to dance with hundreds of others amongst loud music and caged dancers, this is it.
Next to Mandela are two other huge nightclubs in downtown Puerto Vallarta – La Vaquita and Zoo. Walking along the Malecon, it’s impossible to miss them. They blast music onto the boardwalk, and people dance in the cages at the front.
Yes, these clubs are a bit touristy, but that’s all part of the fun! They often host special events like foam parties or ladies’ nights, so keep an eye out for these.
20. Bar Morelos
Bar Morelos is a popular spot in El Centro, perfect for a night out. I’ve partied there several times with my friends over the weekend, and it’s always entertaining.
It’s a loud club that knows how to keep the energy high. One of the highlights is their over-the-top entertainment; imagine entertainers dressed in clown costumes setting off firecrackers! It’s a spectacle to see.
21. Mestizo Espresso and Bar
Mestizo Espresso and Bar Newly opened in 2023, Mestizo Espresso and Bar took over where AM Bar used to be and has quickly become one of my favorites.
The bar features live music and DJs set against a backdrop of psychedelic art.
They serve fantastic mezcal cocktails crafted by super friendly local staff and have various artists play throughout the week. My friend Kyle spins beats here on Saturday nights. Though small, it’s a great spot for dancing.
Best dive bars in Puerto Vallarta
I don’t know about you, but I feel most at home at a dive bar. You know – the kind of place where your shoes stick to the floor, the pool table is slanted, and the beers are cold and cheap.
If those fancy nightclubs aren’t for you either, you’ll be happy to hear there are plenty of fun bars in Puerto Vallarta that very much fit the “dive bar” mold.
22. Doberman Bar
Located right next to Mestizo but offering a completely different vibe, Doberman Bar is the place for late-night drinks. Open until 3 or 4 AM, it’s often my last stop for the night.
The bar has a more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for winding down or keeping the party going. My friend Rio sometimes plays sets here, adding to the bar’s eclectic energy.
23. El Sonador
One of my favorite bars in town, El Soñador, is precisely that. We call it our Cheers because we’re there so much that everybody knows our names.
They’ve got a pool table downstairs, a nice rooftop terrace above, and friendly staff. In addition to having some of the best bartenders in town, they have DJs a few nights a week and show NFL football games.
While the inside may not seem like much when you walk in, the second floor turns into a dance party every weekend with a great DJ who plays hip-hop on Friday nights.
24. Devil’s Bar
Another classic PV dive is Devil’s Bar on the Malecon. It’s literally a hole in the wall right off the famous oceanfront promenade. They make some delicious cocktails, and the people-watching here is top-notch.
25. The Gusto Lounge
Up in the 5 de Diciembre area, I have to give a shout-out to my buddy Sergio and his awesome bar, the Gusto Lounge
They have the cheapest beers around, their own tequila (which is great), and an impressive menu for a small bar. I mean, where else can you get a lobster dinner at a freaking dive bar?!
If you make it over to Gusto Lounge, tell them we sent you to get a free drink! While you’re there, head downstairs to PoP for some of the best pizza in Puerto Vallarta.
26. Blue Diamond Bar
Blue Bar is a small, hole-in-the-wall gem located in Zona Romántica. It’s often where we end our nights, and for good reason. The bar has a cozy upstairs seating area and a karaoke setup downstairs.
Though it can only fit about ten people, the party usually spills into the street, and I always run into friends here. We always have a blast singing our hearts out until the early hours, and the best part? The drinks are cheap.
Best time to visit Puerto Vallarta nightlife
While you can always find a party in Puerto Vallarta, there are some times of the year when it feels like the entire city is one cohesive vibe.
If you’re looking for that kind of atmosphere, come during spring break, Semana Santa (easter weekend), or between Christmas and New Year. During that time, the Malecon will be packed with people on the streets pouring out from the bars.
If you’re looking for the best LGBTQ+ parties, come during pride week at the end of May each year.
FAQ: Best bars in Puerto Vallarta
What part of Puerto Vallarta has the best nightlife?
Zona Romántica, El Centro, and Malecón areas are hotspots for nightlife, offering a range of bars and clubs.
Does Puerto Vallarta have a good nightlife?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta has some of the best nightlife in Mexico with various bars, clubs, and live music venues to suit all tastes.
Can you walk around Puerto Vallarta with alcohol?
While it’s technically illegal to walk around with open containers of alcohol in public areas, many people do.
What alcohol is Puerto Vallarta known for?
Puerto Vallarta is famous for tequila and raicilla, a local spirit similar to tequila but less refined, offering a more rustic flavor.
Is Puerto Vallarta safe to walk around at night?
Generally, Puerto Vallarta is considered safe, but it’s always best to stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings. I never recommend walking alone at night.
What is the best time to go to Puerto Vallarta?
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is from November to April, during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and outdoor activities are abundant.
Is Cancun or Puerto Vallarta more fun?
Both have their merits, but Puerto Vallarta offers a more laid-back vibe and cultural experiences, while Cancun is known for its obnoxious party atmosphere.
What is the main strip in Puerto Vallarta?
The main strip in Puerto Vallarta is the Malecón, a boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and bars offering stunning ocean views.
How many days is good in Puerto Vallarta?
A stay of 4-7 days is ideal to explore the beaches, nightlife, and cultural attractions Puerto Vallarta offers.
Final thoughts: Best bars in Puerto Vallarta
If there’s one “problem” I’ve encountered living in Puerto Vallarta, it’s the challenge of NOT going out. Seriously, there’s always something happening—be it a trivia night at Monzon Brewery, a new bar opening, or a live DJ set at El Sonador.
The city is buzzing with energy, making it a playground for both residents like me and tourists alike.
So whether you’re here for a short visit or considering making PV your home, you’re in for a treat when it comes to nightlife. Trust me, the biggest issue you’ll have is deciding where to go next.
If you can’t decide where to go, join this VIP Nightclub Tour and skip past the line to three of the city’s best bars and clubs!
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