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Nightlife Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Here are many of the straight bars, discos, nightclubs, antros, entertainment joints and sports bars in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico if you want to check them out or have to decide on a fun place to party. This page does list most of the frequented Puerto Vallarta nightlife hot spots for drinks, music, partying, dancing and sports watching. The most popular and bustling music, bar and club scene is the general downtown-El Centro malecon strip which includes such hangouts as Hilo, Mandala, Senor Frogs, and La Vaquita, the newest party spot downtown, which is right next door to the Zoo. So three of the best and hottest downtown venues: Mandala, the Zoo and La Vaquita are lined right up next to each other on Diaz Ordaz street. Additionally, two new clubs-restaurants on the Vallarta malecón, Glam and Punto V, are upscale locales, have been picking up business and will surely be even more popular by the time Puerto Vallarta spring break rolls around. The restaurant-bar La Bodeguita del Medio presents excellent live Cuban and salsa music; La Dulce Vita Italian restaurant has jazz, Weds and Fri only; La Chata, El Andariego and La Destileria restaurants offer mariachi music; while BeboTero and Paradise Burger have live rock music on a regular basis, and Wing's Army/Viejo Vallarta with live rock, ska, and reggae. Bebo Tero is probably the top choice for late night rock and roll, drinks and views of the PV malecon boardwalk. People used to hang out on the malecon across from Carlos O'Brian's for socializing and people watching; now crowds hang around Mandala and the Zoo.  There's also high energy nightlife party scenes in El Centro/downtown at La Regadera (with karaoke) and De Santos (restaurant-club) on Morelos street, one block up from the Malecón. The second area of straight nightlife in PV is the older/smaller one centered along Ignacio Vallarta street on the South Side-Zona Romantica near the gay clubs Manana and The Ranch (formerly Club Paco Paco) where you can find live music & a good time at Club Roxy, Mariachi Loco and El Torito sports bar, as well as some lively nightlife over on Olas Altas street at Andale. From what I see and hear I would rate Mandala, the Zoo, La Vaquita, Hilo and BeboTero as the current top hot spots downtown for a good time, but Señor Frog's and La Bodeguita del Medio are also popular and often crowded as they serve food and alcohol and have dancing-entertainment-music. I also make note of most of the 'gentlemen's clubs' with adult entertainment under the listing below for Prestige Men's Club. The drinking age in Mexico is 18, though a number of places don't card carefully. The bars and cantinas serve alcohol until 2am while dance clubs will go on until 4am-6am. The Puerto Vallarta nightlife party scene in the discos and nightclubs has a late start, coming to life around 11pm to midnight or even later and going into the wee hours, and of course weekends are the most popular time to go out, drink, have fun and dance the night away. Nightlife tips: I strongly advise you to check prices before ordering, always keep strict account of your drinks, and count your change - in a word, watch your tab, it's best to pay when served. Some of the clubs listed have a cover charge. And yes the PV malecon area along with the other tourist areas in this beach town, are quite safe for tourists to walk around and enjoy, day and night.  Andale - South Side/Romantic Zone - 425 Olas Altas.  Tel: 222-1054 Andale's bar is on the first floor, which can be quite crowded and loud during the winter months with its music and dancing. The sidewalk restaurant has seating as well on the 2nd and 3rd floors overlooking Olas Altas street, serving 8am-11pm. Recently celebrated 30 years, one of Vallarta's oldest family owned restaurant bars.  Daily, 8am-2am

Bar Oceano - Central/Malecon - 565 Paseo Díaz Ordaz, upstairs. Tel: 222-0959
Cantina overlooking the malecon with one of the oldest and more celebrated histories in Puerto Vallarta as Liz Taylor, Burton, Peter O'Toole and director John Huston used to drink and converse there in the '60s and '70s. Popular with locals.  Daily, 11am-1am
 

Brando's Bar - Marina - Marina del Rey locale #11.  Tel: 221-2721
Sports bar in the Puerto Vallarta Marina.  Daily, 2pm-2am

Carlos O'Brian's - El Centro - 786 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.
Closed and sold in 2009. This coveted PV downtown spot is now occupied by the recently completed nightclub-bar-restaurant Punto V.

Casa Blake's - North Side/Hotel Zone - Plaza las Glorias locale #14.  Tel: 293-2397
Mike and Sue Blake's sports bar and restaurant featuring hockey (NHL & WHL), football (American and Canadian), golf, baseball, Nascar, NBA and the best in pay-per-view. Their menu includes salads, fish, chicken, Italian and other dishes.  Mon & Tues, 4pm-1am; Weds-Sun, Noon-1am.

Champions Sports Bar - Marina - 435 Avenida Paseo de la Marina at Hotel Marriott.  Tel: 226-0000
Located in the Hotel Marriott Casa Magna. Featuring one of the largest screens in town nearly 5' by 8' and some forty yes count them 40 flat screen televisions showing a multiple variety of sports programs. Serving tourist American foods such as hamburgers, sandwiches, pizza, appetizers and tacos until 1am and alcohol until closing. For the TV sports junkie; good reviews.  Daily 11am-2am.

Christine Disco - North Side - Ave. de las Garzas at the Krystal Hotel.  Tel: 224-6990, 226-0700
Large disco dance club on the north side of Puerto Vallarta with a capacity of around 1,200 partygoers (photo at left). Recently remodeled with a complete change in the interior of the night club along with an upgraded sound system, laser and light show and VIP rooms. Classy. Cover charge, though women get in free on Fri.  Thurs-Sun, 10pm-4am

Cheeky Monkey - Central - 556 Paseo Diaz Ordaz at Corona, upstairs.  Tel: 222-8938
Italian restaurant and bar on the second and third floors above the malecon boardwalk, with balcony views of Banderas Bay. Pasta, sandwiches, salads, subs. People mostly go here for the cheap margaritas, malecon people watching and the splendid Puerto Vallarta sunsets.  Daily, Noon-10pm

Club Nitro - North Side/Hotel Zone - Avenida de las Garzas 3.  Tel: 226-6800, 226-6868
Part of and located in front of the Crown Paradise Hotel. The disco hosts evening productions that may include Broadway themes or Mexican fiestas, 9pm-10:30pm, and then after the shows the place turns into a disco-bar, 11pm until 2-3am.

Club Roxy/Roxy Rock House - South Side/Zona Romantica - 217 Ignacio Vallarta.
The only rhythm and blues venue in Puerto Vallarta, also playing rock and reggae, with nightly music by the house or guest band. Often a lively crowd, especially when the bands get jamming on the weekends. The line up changes, so call for details. Banderas News reported "The house band is fabulous, playing popular and obscure blues, rock, samba, salsa, reggae and jazz tunes worthy of at least a few spins on the dance floor." Pool table and serves some snacks. Music starts late, 10-11pm. No cover.   Daily, 8pm-4am

Collage - Marina/Hotel Zone - Proa Street, local #1, interior.  Tel: 221-0505
Puerto Vallarta's largest nightlife entertainment center with a bowling alley, pool tables, snack bar, video games and a large disco/bar, Collage boasts having served 2,500 clients and 28,000 beers and cocktails on some nights. The huge disco with dance floor and stage features pop, rock, salsa and new wave. Tuesday is foam party night. Casual dress. Cover varies.  Tues-Sun, 9:30pm-4am

Cuates y Cuetes - South Side - 101 Francisca Rodríguez at pier Los Muertos.  Tel: 223-2724
A restaurant-bar on Los Muertos beach, included here as it often has good live jazz/salsa/light rock/reggae music in the evenings from happy hour sunset until around 11pm. Very popular for sunset/happy hour, 6pm-8pm.  Daily, 8am-11:30pm

De Santos - Centro/Downtown - 771 Morelos.  Tel: 223-3052, 223-5326
Mediterranean international cuisine from Spain and Italy in a chic environment. After dinner the restaurant becomes a straight disco nightclub scene. House DJ spins a combo of flamenco, mood, lounge and jazz music for meals and later. With locations in Guadalajara and New York City. Word has it that one of the owners is a member of Mexico’s most famous rock group, Mana. Dinner daily, 5pm-1am; music begins around 11pm-4am.

El Barril - Centro - 225 Guerrero at Juarez.  Tel: 223-2155
Downtown cantina with cheap beer and street-side views of busy Juarez street. Mostly locals.  Mon-Sat, 1pm-2am

El Faro - Marina Vallarta - 245 Paseo de la Marina.  Tel: 221-0541, 221-0542
Lighthouse cocktail lounge with guitar/easy listening music, open seating and panoramic views overlooking much of the Puerto Vallarta Marina from the 110 foot tower. Full bar and wine list. Crowded at sunset.  Daily, 5pm-1am

El Torito Sports Bar & Grill - South Side - 290 Ignacio Vallarta.  Tel: 222-3784
Sports bar and restaurant with seven satellites and twenty-five televisions (straight central!) with capacity for some 250 sports fans and revelers. Known in town for their BBQ ribs and chicken wings. Showing all NCAA, NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, UFC and NASCAR. Ladies night, Tues, Fri and Sat with cover and open bar. Since 1982.  Daily, 11am-2am

Glam - Central - 460 Morelos.  Tel: 223-5435
One of Puerto Vallarta's newest upscale downtown combination disco-restaurant-club/antro (photo left), Glam is located where the No Name Cafe used to be. Three levels, 8 different terraces for seating and plenty of TV screens, dance floor lighting and music. Sun-Weds from 10pm-1am is open bar for women/ladies.  Daily, restaurant and bar, 8am-11pm; Disco, 9pm-6am

Hard Rock Cafe - Centro - 652 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 222-2230
Serving American dishes and seafood. Memorabilia here includes pictures from Linda and Paul McCartney, a Ringo Starr suit and guitars from Bo Diddley, Carlos Santana and Sting; since 1990. Live music rock and roll sometimes.  Daily, 11am-2am

Harry's Bar - South Side - 328 Lazaro Cardenas.  Tel: 222-4024
British pub and pub-restaurant. Menu includes burgers, fish 'n chips, shepherds pie, shrimp 'n chips, calamari and scampi with food served from 7pm-3am. Pool table, wifi internet, music and an open air second level. Run by a young Brit ex-pat; good reviews. Country and blues music on occasion.  Mon-Sat, 2pm-4am; Sun, 2pm-Midnight

High - South Side/Romantic Zone - 329 Lazaro Cardenas.  Tel: 222-8868
An after-hours late night dance club bar. If you like to party until daylight this may be the place for you. Cover.  Wed-Sat, 11pm-8am

Hilo - Centro/Downtown - 588 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 223-5361
One of the most popular Puerto Vallarta night clubs (photo left), "hip, hot, great sound system, cool décor". Hilo, La Vaquita, Mandala and the Zoo are probably the most crowded downtown nightlife entertainment venues, though the new upscale nightclubs-restaurants Punto V and Glam will give them all some competition especially during Puerto Vallarta spring break. Popular with a well-off twenty-something+ crowd. Cover charge on weekends.  Daily, 4pm-4am

J&B Salsa Dancing Club - Hotel Zone - 2043 Blvd. Francisco M. Ascencio, Km 2.5.  Tel: 224-4616, 223-3609
Latin-Caribbean based music, with salsa, cha cha, cumbia, merengue and samba, and sometimes the DJ plays oldies from the 70s and 80s. Live bands on the weekends, Fri and Sat nights starting around midnight and they primarily play cumbia and salsa. One of Puerto Vallarta's finer live music and dance spots. Fodor's guide called J&B "the best club in town for dancing to live salsa."  Mon-Sat, 10pm-6am

La Bodeguita del Medio - Centro - 858 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 223-1585
Cuban cuisine in the upstairs and downstairs dining areas with pleasant views of the malecon boardwalk and Badneras Bay. Live traditional Cuban music, salsa, boleros and rumbas from around 9:30pm to midnight or so. Popular and swinging.  Daily, Noon-2am

La Regadera - Central - 666 Morelos.  Tel: 221-3970, 044-322-148-1612
Cantina, karaoke bar and downtown dance club. Best known and popular with local and Mexican tourists as a karaoke bar (one of the few in PV), with some 7,000 songs in english and spanish to choose from and 13 large plasma screens.  Weds-Sat, 9pm-4am

La Revolucion Sports Bar - Centro - 245 Matamoros at Guerrero.
Tony Collin's sports bar and restaurant. Interior bar area with several TV screens for sports watching and an outdoor patio for dining and conversation. One of the oldest cantinas in PV; free snacks with drinks.  Daily, 7am-2am

La Vaquita - Centro - 620 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 222-9281
The newest night club bar along the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk malecon. La Vaquita provides comfortable seating, chic decor and a live DJ that has been packing them in since opening in late December 2009. So now three of the best and hottest downtown Puerto Vallarta nightlife venues: Mandala, the Zoo and La Vaquita are lined right up next to each other on Diaz Ordaz street. Las Palomas restaurant completes the line-up on that city block.  Daily, 7pm-6am

Mariachi Loco - South Side - 254 Lazaro Cardenas.  Tel:  223-2205
For a change of pace and some real local flavor, try this restaurant and show bar with live Mariachi, the native music of the state of Jalisco. Not as popular as it once was. Menu includes shrimp, Mexican dishes, spare ribs and fish filet. Mariachi shows Mon-Weds, 10:30pm and Thurs-Sun, 11:45pm.

Mandala - Central - 640 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 223-0977
A new hip high-tech Puerto Vallarta club, restaurant & video bar, Mandala is next door to the Zoo and where Club 69/Mogambo used to be located (picture at left). Quite popular with the tourist and upscale crowds for its Hindu style-concept interior and its Spanish pop and electronic music selections. Draws a large people watching crowd on the malecon too. Cover at times.  Daily, 6pm-6am

Monchis Sport Bar - South Side - 245-A Lazaro Cardenas.
Popular local watering hole and Puerto Vallarta sports bar for over 15 year. "Forget the big-chain tourist joints and sketchy local dive bars and stop in to Monchis for a ridiculously cheap icy cold Corona or Pacifico...The friendly gang here likes to casually drink, laugh and swap local gossip." Satellite coverage on several screens of NASCAR and professional sports.  Daily, 9am-1am

Nacho Daddy - South Side - 180 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 223-0838
"Mex-Tex" cuisine in a large dining area, a popular sports bar area with six 42" televisions screens, 2 pool tables and all with a lively atmosphere at night. Newest addition to the growing number of restaurants and night spots on the famous PV Restaurant Row. Live music, Thurs-Sat, featuring Joe 'King' Carrasco/special guests.  Daily, Noon to midnight

Paradise Burger - Centro/Malecon - 740 Paseo Diaz Ordaz, upstairs.  Tel: 223-2328
All American fare with some Mexican specialties added in to spice things up, and a great location oceanfront in the middle of the Puerto Vallarta malecón. They usually have live rock and roll with the band The Black Beans during the winter tourist season, Thurs-Sat, 10pm-2am.  Daily, 10am-2am

Party Lounge - Central - 993 Avenida Mexico, upstairs.  Tel: 223-9406
Downstairs it's take out beer by the liter; upstairs with a pleasant outside sitting area under several palapas with views and music video entertainment. DJ often spinning music from the 70s and 80s. Located across from Hidalgo Park just before the Malecon when coming in from the main Hotel Zone.  Daily, 8pm-4am

Prestige Men's Club - North Side/Hotel Zone - 2033 Blvd. Francisco M. Ascencio.  Tel: 225-6941
Gentlemen's club in Puerto Vallarta with adult entertainment. Other men's strip clubs include Candy's Girls in Marina Vallarta (near Plaza Neptune) at 2940-A Avenida Francisco M. Ascencio, Tel: 221-0633; Aquah Strip & Lingerie Club at 2600-A Blvd. Francisco Ascencio in Marina Vallarta, a new venue, couple and bi-female friendly, Tel: 221-2071; Hysteria Table Dance at 126 Ave. Libramiento, Tel: 222-8040; and Taboo, 3558-A Blvd. Fco. Medina Ascencio near Plaza Marina, Tel: 209-0004. Call these table dance joints for info on hours, prices, details, private dancers/VIP lounges. Watch your tab, best to pay when served. Cover. Usually these mens strip/escort clubs in PV are open daily from 6pm or 8pm until 6am

Punto V - Central - 796 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 223-0977
Puerto Vallarta's newest upscale combination bar-restaurant-discotheque in the location where the long-standing Carlos O'Brian's used to be. With much the similar design and overall appearance as the two other new nightclubs on the malecon, Glam and Mandala, Punto V apparently has the same owners. Outside street-side seating on the terrace or on the rooftop for drinks, dining and the view; inside for dancing and entertainment.  Daily, Noon-4am

Que Pasa - South Side - 625 Aquiles Serdan at Cardenas.  Tel: 223-4006
Gringo neighborhood bar with daily food specials (turkey dinner on Sunday), high definition satellite TV for sports events and pool tournaments on Mon and Weds. Open mike night on Fri at 5pm; Live music, Weds-Sat at 8pm.  Daily, 11am-2am

Senor Frogs - Downtown - 518 Morelos at Galeana.  Tel: 222-5171
This restaurant and international night club chain with its lively atmosphere, especially on the weekends, moved over to downtown from the South Side-Zona Romantica. Big drinks, ample food portions and loud music make Senor Frog's a favorite with the younger set and families who stop in for food during the day. Often crowded. Eats served until midnight.  Daily, 10am-1am but Tues, Fri, and Sat with open bar they stay open until 4am

Steve's Sports Bar - South Side/Zona Romantica - 286 Basilio Badillo.  Tel: 222-0256
Lots of conversation, drinks, simple food, board games and sports on the 8-10 televisions in one of the most popular Puerto Vallarta sports bars. "Vallarta's NASCAR headquarters. American and Canadian satellite systems show NFL, CFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, NCAA basketball and Formula 1 racing". Across from Memo's Pancake House breakfast joint on the Puerto Vallarta "Restaurant Row".  Daily, 11am-2am

Wing's Army/Viejo Vallarta - Centro - 484 Morelos upstairs.  Tel: 222-3464
Restaurant and bar chain specializing in chicken wings and other fried and BBQ American dishes (formerly Viejo Vallarta). At times featuring local bands in the evenings playing rock, ska, reggae from 11pm-3am. Located across the street from the Boy on the Seahorse statue on the malecon. Wings Army locations also in Cabo, Guadalajara, Mazatlan and Cancun.  Restaurant, 12pm-11pm; Bar, 12pm-4am.

the Zoo - Central - 630 Paseo Diaz Ordaz.  Tel: 222-4945
Great sounds and a cool ambiance make the Zoo club/antro (photo left) one of the most popular straight night clubs and dance spots in Puerto Vallarta. The music is a combination of techno, dance, Latin, reggae and pop and the DJ knows how to mix 'em good. Cover charge, except free on Tues.  Bar opens 12 noon; music starts daily, 9pm-5am or later.

Z'Tai - Central - 737 Morelos.  Tel: 222-0306
Restaurant, lounge and garden that spans 1/4 a city block from front to back. Three different concepts combine a stylish Pacific Rim International restaurant, a Zen like garden, and an oceanfront view Minimal Bar lounge upstairs overlooking Banderas Bay. Entering from the malecón is the ZBar, an upstairs lounge with chill-out music, bay views, and comfy banquettes to relax on. Inside is an open air garden area that serves cocktails as well as an array of Asian-inspired dining and snacking options, accompanied by electronic music at a level still appropriate for conversation. Seating is casual and spans several elevations, overlooking Zen gardens and flowing ponds. At the opposite end (Calle Morelos entrance) there's an dining area with a/c.  Daily for food, 6pm to 2am; bar service until 4am.

Further info and Puerto Vallarta nightlife reviews can be found here: Yahoo Travel - Nightlife Entertainment in Puerto Vallarta and here: All Vallarta Message Board - Bar and Restaurant Reviews and there's always Trip Advisor and Nightlife in Puerto Vallarta by Student Travel at About to check out. Perhaps the best overall local PV entertainment calendar of daily events is at Rick and Sarah Hepting's helpful The Puerto Vallarta Scene, and one of the best websites with recent photos of fun revelers at many of the straight night spots is on Vallarteando (eventos, antros, bares - in Spanish). The info provided in the Gay Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide was considered accurate when posted but changes occur, so you may wish to confirm any details directly with the businesses in question before planning your time out. Travel advice: I strongly recommend that you check drink and food prices before ordering, always keep good track of your tab, and be sure to count your change whenever you go out to party, eat or dance.

Note: The Puerto Vallarta, Mexico nightlife scene has changed considerably over the last few years. Along the malecon, Club 69/Kahlua and Mogambo were sold in 2007 and soon replaced by the now quite popular Mandala discotheque-bar-restaurant. Senor Frog's moved from Carranza street on the South Side to its current excellent locale where Planet Hollywood was years ago. Carlos O'Brian's was replaced by the sleek new nightclub-restaurant Punto V and the old No Name Cafe building (like O'Brian's) was demolished in 2009 and the chic restaurant-disco Glam now occupies that coveted Puerto Vallarta downtown location. People used to hang out on the malecon across from Carlos O'Brian's to socialize, drink and watch the passersby; now crowds congregate across from club Mandala and the Zoo bar.