Despite its size, in San Miguel de Allende you will find the type of plan you are looking for, and although it is mainly known for its bohemian and artistic atmosphere, we cannot deny that those who come looking for a party, find it. Let's face it, the "Best Small City in the World 2021" attracts dozens of young and not so young party enthusiasts every weekend, hence there are more and more places dedicated to offering good nights of alcohol, music and lots of dancing.
As with everything, there are places for different types of people and different budgets, so we wanted to divide these recommendations into two parts: in the first you will find spots where you have to be very well dressed and have a considerable budget; in the second you will find more relaxed and casual places where there are drink options for all budgets. Share this note with your friends and choose where you will spend your time on your next visit!
To show off your best outfits and get the platinum
The Blind Jaguar
[ $$$$$ ]
The legend is true, there is a place where free spirits congregate in an atmosphere of mysticism and seduction. The Blind Jaguar is a temple for lovers of electronic music and sunsets, in fact, if you visit it we suggest you go early, even to eat, to have a pre-dinner drink just before nightfall, because on its rooftop you can breathe all the good energy that is concentrated in this magical city. Tip: Try to get a reservation because otherwise it is difficult to get in.
To eat: black pasta (highlighted dish), salmon seared with Japanese butter and sushi with skirt steak and grasshoppers. All as proposed by executive chef, Nelcy Martínez.
To drink: Their entire signature mixology menu will leave you with a great taste in your mouth.
Location: Ten of Sollano and Dávalos 14, Center.
Sammy Social Room
[ $$$$ ]
What happens at Sammy's stays at Sammy's. In this social room, music and lights envelop you in an ecstasy of fun and dancing, between clinking glasses and whispering in the ears of friends who are catching up. If you like exclusive atmospheres, this is your place, because not only do they have a mandatory dress code but access is only for those on the guest list; if you are one of the lucky ones to sneak onto the list, you will spend an unforgettable night among pretty faces and famous names.
Location: San Francisco 8, Downtown.
Duke Rooftop
[ $$$$ ]
To eat and drink like royalty, you don't need a noble title, just a stroll around Duke. This is one of the favorite rooftops, especially for visitors, where you'll find an international menu with snacks and dishes to share, such as salads, pizzas, tacos and more. And after you've had your fill of deli food, why not a carajillo or two to set the mood?
We are obsessed with the cocktails here, which range from classics like martinis and gin and tonics that always go down well, to more extravagant ones like flaming drinks: your choice will depend on your tastes and your thirst. And not to mention the view of the parish church, which will serve as the perfect frame for the souvenir photo. The more the merrier, so we recommend you come with your group of friends to split the bill.
Location: Mesones 99, Downtown.
Republic
[ $$$$ ]
Previously known as El Grito, this club is well known by locals and visitors alike as a go-to spot when they want to have a few bottles with friends and dance until closing time. Electronic music with the latest hits is what you'll hear within the walls of this colonial mansion transformed for the delight of night lovers.
Consider coming here if you and your friends are into having your table set up and all your drinks ready, just so the drinks keep flowing as the clock ticks. It's a clubby night so consider that for your outfit!
Location: Umarán 15, Center.
Snack bar 21
[ $$$$ ]
A more casual terrace with a wider range of music, from electronic to reggaeton; if eclecticism is your thing, you may prefer to explore what Botanero 21 has for you. With branches in Guadalajara, Aguascalientes, Culiacán and other cities in the country, this is a relaxed place, where the only thing that matters is having a good time. With a little over a year since it opened its doors here, it has already become a great option for hanging out with friends and, why not, for flirting and having romance.
The typical thing here is to reserve a table for your group of friends, order your favourite bottle and let yourself be surprised and dance to whatever the DJ is playing. If you are looking for a good party without complications, you will find it here.
Location: Dr. Ignacio Hernandez Macias 78, Downtown.
For a more relaxed plan and for all budgets
Gamma
[ $$$ ]
Weirdos, outsiders, misfits, punks, modern people… Welcome to one (if not the only) of the most diverse spaces in San Miguel, where it doesn’t matter what you look like or who you are, but how much you want to have fun without pretensions. Gamma is a place where artists and creatives of all kinds meet, hence its relaxed spirit in an atmosphere that envelops you to gossip with friends or to spend the whole night dancing on the dance floor.
One thing we love about this place is that there's always something different going on, both in terms of music and activities: live painting, drag queen shows, live music, karaoke nights and more. It's worth checking out the weekly schedule to find out what you're in the mood for and which nights to visit!
Location: Zacateros 73, Downtown.
The Ungrateful One
[ $$$ ]
For those who like to broaden their musical and audience horizons, this bar-club is a good alternative to what seems to be the rule in SMA. At first, people came here to listen to Sinaloa band music, just the best people to get the horn going, but now they have expanded their repertoire by popular demand. Their prices are considerably affordable so you don't have to worry about the economic hangover the next day.
As in most of these places, if you go with your group of friends you will have a better time, so you already have a good excuse to take out those jeans and boots that you were dying to wear.
Location: Mesones 95, Downtown.
The Cockroach
[ $ ]
There really isn't much we can say about La Cuca that hasn't already been said, although every time you go it's like visiting it for the first time: a marvel. Years and years and years of anecdotes, of songs on the jukebox, of shots and hangovers endorse it as the most typical and fun bar in San Miguel. Artists, academics, celebrities and long-time locals have passed through its bar, making it clear that the place is made by its people, and this is a place that all kinds of people go to, and that is precisely its charm.
If you like to chat with strangers, choose the music you love to sing and dance to, and also enjoy other people's tastes, drink without sacrificing your paycheck and be in the center to follow her if she shows up after, we will always have "la Cuca".
Location: Zacateros 22, Downtown.
