Evening in Ciudad Juárez often begins on a patio, with a drink and a plate of chips and salsa while the desert heat finally breaks. Later, the city's bars and casinos fill, and crossings over the bridges between Juárez and El Paso keep moving in both directions.
Juárez is a major city rather than a small border stop, and its nightlife reflects that. Much of what a visitor will find is the familiar border-town mix: patio cafés, markets, bars and casinos, with beer and tequila as the usual drinks. It suits travelers who want an easy, low-key evening close to the border, and those staying on the El Paso side who cross over for a few hours.
Where to go out in Ciudad Juárez
1. Patio cafés
A drink on a patio, with chips and salsa at reasonable prices, is one of the simplest ways to spend an evening. This suits a relaxed start to the night or a low-key night on its own.
Note that you cannot drink in public places or in the street; ask before you do.
2. The strip near the Santa Fe bridge
The area around the Santa Fe bridge is where you will find the Kentucky Bar, described as one of the oldest bars in Juárez and supposedly the birthplace of the margarita. It sits only a few blocks down on the strip, and the source notes that famous visitors including John Wayne, Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Jack Dempsey have passed through.
This suits a short, walkable night near the crossing. The source does not state current opening hours or confirm that the bar still operates, so check before you go.
3. Casinos in the malls
The city has many casinos, most of them within the more popular malls such as Las Misiones, Plaza Sendero and Galerías Tec. Others sit on high-transit streets such as Ejército Nacional and Blvd. Gómez Morín.
This suits a night that mixes gambling with shopping-center dining and drinking, and it keeps you in busy, well-trafficked areas.
4. Bars away from the tourist strip
Outside the touristy parts of Juárez, the local beer of choice is Carta Blanca, and the most popular beer with locals is a dark beer called Indio. Other brands to try include Sol and XX lager, and Victoria is described as a special treat because it is never exported from Mexico.
If you are thirsty, look for a "Caguama" in a one-liter bottle. This suits drinkers who want to try what locals actually order rather than the brands marketed to visitors.
5. Michoacana shops
For a night without alcohol, any store with "La Michoacana" or a reference to "Michoacan" in its name sells fruit-flavored ice creams, popsicles and fruit drinks in many flavors. These are refreshing in the desert heat.
This suits families, designated drivers or anyone wanting a cold, non-alcoholic stop between other places.
6. Paseo del Norte cultural center
The Paseo del Norte cultural center hosts both indoor and outdoor events. An evening here suits anyone who wants a performance or cultural event rather than a bar.
Check what is scheduled during your visit, since programming varies.
7. Plaza de Toros
A bullfight at the Plaza de Toros is an option when it is in season. This suits visitors specifically interested in bullfighting, and it is worth confirming the season and schedule before planning a night around it.
How a night out unfolds
The sources do not give detailed timings for dinner, going out or how late venues stay open. What they do indicate is that a typical evening can start with a drink and chips on a patio, move on to bars or casinos, and include a stop for ice cream or a non-alcoholic drink along the way. Bullfights at the Plaza de Toros depend on the season, so check locally before you build an evening around one.
Festivals and events worth timing a trip around
- Day of Race — October
- All Souls' Day — November
- Revolution Day Memorial — November
- Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe — December
- Christmas Day — December
- New Year's Eve — December
- New Year's Day — January
- Constitution Day — February
- Ash Wednesday — February
- Benito Juárez's Birthday Memorial — March
- Palm Sunday — March
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink alcohol on the street?
No. You cannot drink in public places or in the street, and you should ask before doing so.
What drinks should I order?
Beer and tequila are the usual choices. Carta Blanca is the local beer, Indio is the most popular with locals, and Sol, XX lager and Victoria are also worth trying. Margaritas are available in some places because of the number of Texans crossing the border. For non-alcoholic options, try horchata, agua de jamaica or a licuado.
Is there anything to do at night besides drink?
Yes. The city has many casinos, mostly in malls such as Las Misiones, Plaza Sendero and Galerías Tec, and the Paseo del Norte cultural center hosts indoor and outdoor events. Michoacana shops sell ice cream, popsicles and fruit drinks.
When can I see a bullfight?
Bullfights take place at the Plaza de Toros when in season. The sources do not give specific months, so confirm locally.
Plan your evening around a patio drink, a bar or casino, and a stop for something cold, and check current hours and event schedules before you head out.