Gringo Zona Sez; My advice is, instead of jumping from bar to bar trying to chase some elusive "scene," or the "happening spot," like back in the day, just find somewhere you enjoy that makes good drinks, plays your kind of music, make some new friends and savor the moment.
I agree with that with the way things are here today. Granada del Mar was my favorite when I used to visit. Ground level, right on the beach, can't beat that.
If you seek a place that is rockin like in the old days, sorry, but that is not the norm any longer. Dead days are Monday through Wednesday with things picking up Thursday through Sat night. Sunday is sometimes OK, prolly good with the holiday.
Nearby in the Mirador, the Ice Box (the glass place that used to be MOAB burger joint) has had the most activity in the Mirador as described above. Late night and rockin, inside and in the streets, mainly locals. Worth a look
Pink Cadillac in the Mirador has been open sporatically on weekends but not much activity.
Newly opened by Jill, former owner of the Sandbar, is Pinky's down stairs at the pool in Pink Cadillac. Stopped by there and it looked like the old Sanbar and Black dog crowd.
Hooters toopless club, the old Blue Zebra topless club is righ there also.
Check out Mannys while you are walking the Mirador, might get hoppin.
You can stroll down Sinaloa to Capones, about 5 blocks. Varied menu, varied beers. American style bar, sports on multiple TVs, Oldies music playing and sometimes loud drinking going on. Probably the most popular place for Gringos these days.
End of Calle 13 I like Max's and the Sunset Cantina. You can walk the 100 yards between the two. Max's has a nice laid back atmosphere and good food with a nice band playing Thursday thru Sunday. EAt inside or out. The drummer, Ruben, is one of the best you will ever see, and if you are lucky the waitress, Julianna, will sing. Usually has a good crowd of locals and visitors. WiFi and free Vonage calls for customers. Thursday is half price chicken wings and it is often mobbed by locals.
Sunset Cantina, next to Max's is owned by the Shark Bite people, nice atmosphere and they have had a really good guy playing guitar and singing a nice selection of songs. Often there will be local girls here. There is a restaurant downstairs that will serve up in the bar, never tried it.
Nearby to Max's is the Barra Vieja, a local joint that starts hoppin after midnight. Live band, tequila and dancing. Ya gotta try it. Entrance is next to Kino's market and there is not much signage. You'll think you are in the wrong place.
There is a new local joint opened on Calle 13 that I have not gone to yet. When they are open the street is jammed with parked cars. It's upstairs across from Chulas topless joint, you will hear the music from the street.
Bryan's on Fremont right hand side toward La Conchas is an American style sports bar with decent food, a nice atmosphere, and always sports going on 5 or 6 big screens. Prime Rib special on Friday nights but go early.
Relax and enjoy.
