Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca: 15 Must-Try Mezcal Bars in 2024

three cups of small next to large plant leaf with a bright orange background

Want to find the best mezcals available in Oaxaca?

Then you need to visit the best mezcal bars in Oaxaca City, and you’re in the right place to sort that out. This article features the 15 best mezcalerias Oaxaca has so you can drink the god stuff, and and have a blast while you’re at it.

Whether you have time for an out-and-out bar crawl, want to seek out the best mezcal distillery Oaxaca has to offer, or plan to delve into the intriguing world of Mexico’s premier spirit — this article will guide you.

woman in agave field on one of the best oaxaca mezcal tours in mexico

🥃 Planning to take a mezcal tour in Oaxaca City? Check out these 11 Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours and Tastings.

This list of the best mezcal bars in Oaxaca City (mezcaleria means “mezcal bar”) tells you where to find exclusive tasting rooms, superb mezcaleria restaurants, and the best bars Oaxaca has — all favorites among locals.

Along the way, you’ll use all your senses to engage in one of Mexico’s most delicious pastimes. Oaxaca Mexico mezcal, here we come!

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca: 15 Can’t-Miss Oaxaca Mezcal Bars

1. La Mezcaloteca: Mezcal Tasting Room & School

four bottles of mezcal and two small shot glasses at La Mezcaloteca, one of the best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City has
Want to buy buy some of the best mezcal artesanal Oaxaca has to offer? Head to La Mezcaloteca. (Note: Make your mezcaleria Oaxaca reservations here.)

La Mezcaloteca is no ordinary bar in Oaxaca City — it’s an exclusive tasting room offering mezcals that will blow your mind. For any true mezcal lover or mezcal affilionado, this is the place.

🚨 Please Note: You must make a reservation in advance, as no walk-ins are accepted for the mezcal tastings. Make your La Mezcaloteca reservations here.

Unlike many of the other best mezcal distilleries in Oaxaca, La Mezcaloteca only works with small farmers who batch-produce mezcal made using traditional artisanal methods.

During the experience, a master mezcalero will guide you through a tasting of either 3 or 5 mezcals (🥃 Pro Tip: Choose the 5 mezcal tasting for the best value). It’s like doing this Ruta del Mezcal Oaxaca Tour, but all in one place.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for mezcal, engaging in the moment with all of your senses.

The tasting room stocks diverse artisan mezcales from all over Mexico and Oaxaca — making this the best place to buy mezcal in Oaxaca City. If you’re looking for the perfect Oaxaca souvenirs, look no further.

Wondering, What’s the best mezcal to buy in Mexico?

It’s not necessarily the famous mezcal Oaxaca brands, like 400 Conejos mezcal Oaxaca, so step outside the box in a Oaxaca tasting room like La Mezcaloteca.

  • 💻 La Mezcaloteca website
  • 📍 La Mezcaloteca Oaxaca address: Avenida Reforma #506; view on on Google Maps
  • 🥃 Can’t get at La Mezcaloteca reservations? Mezcaleria Mezontle is another great option with a tasting room.
Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

2. Mezcaleria In Situ: Best Selection of Mezcal in Oaxaca

bottle of mezcal in Mezcaleria In Situ mezcal bar, one of the best Oaxaca mezcalerias
Pair education with delight at at In Situ Mezcaleria Mexico, and explore the complexities and nuances of each different mezcal.

In Situ is a fabulous mezcaleria in Oaxaca that’s housed in cool space. Here, you can spend time reconfiguring your preconceptions about mezcal as you take in the fun, playful ambiance.

The owner, Ulises Torrentera (who’s authored a few mezcal books), claims he has the biggest and best selection of mezcal in Oaxaca City — and one of the largest collections of mezcal in Mexico.

While not verified, In Situ Mezcaleria Oaxaca has A LOT of mezcal! The walls are lined with bottles and bottles of spirits from all across Mexico, including mezcal made from both wild agave and cultivated agaves.

If you can’t find the best mezcal to buy in Oaxaca here, it may not exist!

In Situ has two locations in Oaxaca City. The original location is in Downtown Oaxaca, and In Situ Bodega is in the Casa de Barro complex in Colonia Reforma, away from the hustle and bustle of the Historic District.

If you want a more lively atmosphere, head downtown. For a chill vibe, spend a quiet moment at Bodega In Situ enjoying mezcal, a cocktail, Mexican beer or locally-made Oaxacan beer.

  • 💻 In Situ Oaxaca City website
  • 📍 In Situ Oaxaca address: Vicente Guerrero #413; view on Google Maps
Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

3. La Mezcalerita: Best Oaxaca Rooftop Bar

small cup of clear mezcal and orange slice
The drinks and the crowd are the main attractions at La Mezcalerita, where many locals and regulars love discussing the intricacies of their favorite mezcals.

Mingle with tourists and locals alike in this quintessential Oaxaca watering hole. It is located on Calle Macedonio Alcalá (AKA Andador Turistico), one of the most photogenic streets in Oaxaca de Juárez.

The rooftop Oaxaca bar is a wonderful place to enjoy the breeze, spend some time chatting, or getting lost in thought. It offers a perfect vantage for people watching in Oaxaca City.

🥃 Looking for more of the best rooftop bars in Oaxaca for mezcal? Don’t miss the Rooftop Bar at Hotel Los Amantes (AKA Mezcaleria Los Amantes Oaxaca), and Puro Burro Oaxaca.

La Mezcalerita Oaxaca is unassuming, despite having won both gold and silver medals in a best Mexican beer competition. Besides mezcal, they’re also one of the best Oaxaca beer bars, with a large selections of craft beers.

The here food is very tasty (🍟 their fries are excellent), and a perfect accompaniment to the yummy alcoholic beverages.

Enjoy spending time on this mezcaleria rooftop bar in Oaxaca, eating delicious food, drinking mezcal straight (like the locals do), and sampling their creative mezcal cocktails.

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

4. Sabina Sabe: Best Mezcal Cocktails

crowded bar at Sabina Sabe Oaxaca City mezcaleria
When looking for famous mezcal Oaxaca bars, Sabina Sabe must be on your list.

Dive into a maze of rooms at Sabina Sabe, a bar named after the mythical Mazatec medicine woman, Maria Sabina. She’s among the most famous people from Oaxaca, hailing from the pueblo magico of Huautla de Jimenez.

The different rooms here are intimate and unique, outfitted with artwork that creates a unique Oaxacan vibe. Sabina Sabe boasts one of the largest libraries of mezcal worldwide, fabulous cocktails, and a local food menu.

Enjoy some of the best mezcal Oaxaca Mexico has to offer in a signature setting.

The staff are pros at helping newcomers find their favorite beverages — and the kitchen’s signature taco special, which changes daily, is sure to be a hit.

Featuring incredible service, top-of-the-line drinks, and genius mixologists, Sabina Sabe mezcal bar provides an experience you won’t want to miss. Once you visit, you’ll see why this ranks as one of the best cocktail bars Oaxaca has!

  • 💻 Sabina Sabe Oaxaca City website
  • 📍 Sabina Sabe Oaxaca address: Avenida 5 de Mayo #209; view on Google Maps
Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

5. Los Danzantes: Oaxaca Restaurant & Mezcal Bar

mezcal cocktail at Los Danzantes, one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca
Manantial cocktail at Los Danzantes, one of the best Oaxaca restaurants with a large mezcal selection.

If a superb setting and fantastic food are on your wishlist, Los Danzantes is one of the best mezcalerias in Oaxaca for you. Whether you want a romantic dinner for two or a girl’s night out — this place delivers!

While it’s one of the best resturants in Oaxaca City, they are known just as much for the mezcal as for the food. In fact, they have their own brand of Los Danzantes mezcal, served straight up or in a creative cocktail.

🥃 Looking for other Oaxaca City restaurants that have a great mezcal selection? Head to El Destilado and La Popular, two of the best restaurants in Downtown Oaxaca City.

Enjoy a gorgeous outdoor space, delicious Mexican cuisine and a fabulous selection of Oaxacan mezcals. Dine under the stars, and pair your dinner with a perfectly-complementary mezcal or mezcal cocktail.

Los Danzantes is a premier Oaxaca restaurant, featuring incredible modern gourmet food that’s a perfect balance of tradition and innovation. If you want to try elevated Oaxaca food, head here.

The Oaxacan mole sampler, octopus, ancho chile, mushroom tlayuda, and guava cheesecake are crowd favorites. The cuisine is made using the same ingredients as traditional dishes, but combined in new and memorable ways.

  • 💻 Los Danzantes Oaxaca City website
  • 📍 Los Danzantes address: Calle Macedonio Alcalá #403; view on Google Maps
Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

6. La Casa del Mezcal: Oaxaca Mezcaleria for Locals

outdoor sign for La Casa del Mezcal, one of the best Oaxaca mezcalerias

La Casa del Mezcal (meaning, The House of Mezcal in Spanish) provides great service, an authentic space, and great prices. This classic cantina dates back to 1935, and touts itself as the real deal Oaxaca mezcaleria for locals.

Take a seat at the bar along with a slew of Oaxacans, or head into a side room featuring lovely stained glass and colorful murals. Enjoy the jukebox, good beer, and a great selection of mezcals — like the locals’ favorite coyote mezcal.

La Casa del Mezcal is located near the Oaxaca Zocalo (town square) and Mercado Benito Juarez market, one of the best markets in Oaxaca City. In short, it’s right in the middle of all the action.

It has the added bonus of being welcoming to visitors. Not that you necessarialy would anywhere else, but this and is one of the local mezcalerías where you won’t get stared at as a foreigner.

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

7. Expendio Cuish

cups of mezcal and orange wedges at one of the best Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City has
Expendio Cuish Oaxaca is all about producing and preserving traditional mezcales.

Intimate, relaxed, and rich with history, Expendio Cuish is an excellent spot to enjoy mezcal from Oaxaca. When you visit Oaxaca, don’t miss this great little shop in Oaxaca Centro (downtown) right on Ruta Independencia.

Expendio Cuish, and its sister locale Cuishe Mezcaleria, excel at empowering master mezcal makers to produce one-of-a-kind spirits. The end result is a mezcal that embodies the tradition and practices of the local people.

The mezcals are packaged in eye-catching vintage bottles, adding to the experience. Not only that, Expendio Cuish has several uber-rare mezcals which you may not be able to find elsewhere.

This tiny mezalería offers one of the best mezcal tasting Oaxaca options available — at the cheapest price.

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

8. El Cortijo La Mezcaleria

people sitting at a bar in oaxaca called El Cortijo Mezcaleria
El Cortijo La Mezcaleria Oaxaca is one of the best bars in Oaxaca for mezcal.

If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop with amazing mezcals and expert insight into the world of this complex drink, El Cortijo Mezcaleria Oaxaca is the place to be.

It was founded on a trifecta of simple goals: producing small-batch mezcal from select agaves, creating unique flavors, and upholding the culture and tradition behind traditional Oaxacan mezcal.

This great mezcalería offers a wonderful selection of exquisite mezcals, and staff who know their stuff. If you’re intrigued by what you learn here, you and book a Oaxaca mezcal led by Gustavo, owner of El Cortijo La Mezcaleria.

Sample several mezcals at affordable prices while enjoying a full explanation of the mezcal-making process. As far as ambience goes, El Cortijo is small and charming with an excellent staff that sets the place apart.

  • 💻 El Cortijo Oaxaca City website
  • 📍 El Cortijo address: 5 de Mayo #305-A, right in the middle of Centro, in the 68000 Oaxaca zip code; view on Google Maps
Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

9. Casa Convite

bottles of mezcal on the wall at Casa Convite Oaxaca mezcaleria

Head to the heart of Oaxaca City and you’ll find an incredible mezcalería called Casa Convite Oaxaca. This is one of the best mezcalerias Oaxaca Centro has to offer — and you can also Take a Mezcal Tour with Convite.

Despite being in close proximity to Downtown Oaxaca, Casa Convite exudes a quiet tranquility. It’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax, or delve deeper into the culture of mezcal.

Explore the four different areas in Casa Convite, including a tasting room, a store, an exhibit about the artisanal process of mezcal, and their fabulous Oaxaca City restaurant.

Come for the ambience, delicious cuisine, and even finer spirits — the product of five generations of expertise in mezcal distillation. There’s really no better place to drink artisanal mezcal Oaxaca-style than Casa Convite.

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

10. Mezcalogia Oaxaca

la mezcalogia oacaxa mezcaleria
Make a stop here to try some of the best cocktails in Oaxaca at Mezcalogia.

If you’re looking for the best mezcaleria Oaxaca Mexico has to offer, visit Mezcalogia. This awesome bar is a fabulous spot to enjoy mixology drinks, friendly staff, and live music.

Locals and tourists alike love Mezcalogia Oaxaca. The bartender is also a pro at explaining all about mezcal in both English and Spanish. Passion and creativity coexist in this great space with a lively ambiance.

Mezcalogia offers a wide selection of delicious mezcals as well as a limited cocktail menu. Their Oaxaca mezcal cocktails are hands down worth ordering, and it’s also a good spot for Oaxacan beer.

Many visitors would describe the Mezcalogia locale as “funky,” but it’s the kind of funky that’s also appealing and a memorable stop on your Oaxaca itinerary.

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

11. El Tendajon Agaveria

El Tendajon Agaveria Mezcaleria Oaxaca City

Explore the world of innovative flavors at El Tendajón Oaxaca. If you love the combination of food and spirits, this spot will top your list of the best mezcalerias in Oaxaca City.

El Tendajón is the brainchild of Andrea Sánchez López, owner and head chef of the restaurant. Tradition gets an elegant upgrade at El Tendajón, where the food is classic Oaxacan, with unexpected and delightful twists.

Best of all for our purposes, Sánchez has put together a rare library of mezcales. Enjoy unique findings paired with unique cuisine at El Tendajón.

⚠️ Note: The Service is good but can be a bit slow, so plan to enjoy the ambience while you wait.

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

12. Mezcalillera Oaxaca

large shelf with many bottles of mezcal at La Mezcalilera Oaxaca City
At La Mezcalillera, the tagline is “the place where mezcal takes on another dimension.”

Head to the small La Mezcalillera Oaxaca mezcalería only a couple blocks from the Zocalo (main plaza or central plaza) for some of the best mezcal tasting in Oaxaca.

This beverage-only joint is all about certified Oaxacan mezcales. While they only serve drinks, you’re not far from many of the best restaurants in Oaxaca City, like Las Quince Letras, located a few blocks away.

Explore various Oaxaca mezcal brands and learn about the production process and agave varieties. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events, like their Tasting Series featuring famous artisanal mezcal masters.

⚠️ Note: Most of the staff at La Mezcalillera only speak Spanish, although there are a few who know a little bit of English.

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

13. Archivo Maguey Oaxaca

bartender pouring mezcal into a small cup

Archivo Maguey is one downtown mezcalería in Oaxaca City you won’t want to miss. This restaurant has an amazing atmosphere, cheap drinks, live music, and dancing — it’s one of the best things to do in Oaxaca at night.

🥃 Pro Tip: Head to the back to find the place’s hidden gem: a secret, small bar reserved only for those in-the-know.

Enjoy wonderful mezcal from different regions including la Mexteca, Delos Valles, and Sierra Sur.

You won’t be served salt or lemon here, just the bare mezcal with its pure, wild taste — including the famed Del Maguey Santo Domingo.

The staff are very friendly, and the food on offer includes exquisite Oaxacan Mexican food, exotic hamburgers, tlayudas a las brasas, and tasty tacos. This is the place to go if you are serious about all things mezcal… and food!

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

14. Expendió Tradición Oaxaca

entrance to Expendio Tradicion Oaxaca City restaurant and mezcal bar
Gastronomy, art, and mezcal make for a winning combination at this delightful eatery and mezcaleria.

Expendió Tradicíon Oaxaca restaurant is a beautiful, stand-out space with gorgeous aesthetics, but even better mezcal, service, and food. They serve traditional Oaxacan cuisine with a unique, elevated twist, and delicious mezcal.

This gastropub restaurant is in Downtown Oaxaca, located inside a historic building from 1942. It was later remodeled by Ezequiel Farca, an avant-garde design studio, resulting in a friendly, casual space that’s a hot spot for locals.

Enjoy trendy decor and comfortable, relaxing vibes at Expendió Tradicíon Rerstaurant. The prices may be higher than other places, but you get what you pay for in terms of the chic vibe — plus, their servings are enormous.

Best Mezcalerias Oaxaca City

15. La Casa Grande Oaxaca

charming mezcal bar in Oaxaca City called La Casa Grande Mezcaleria
Exquisite drinks and a lovely atmosphere — what more could you want!?

Enjoy the best mezcal from Mexico at La Casa Grande. This superb locale offers a mezcaleria menu featuring selections from Jalisco, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Durango, Michoacan, and of course, mezcal de Oaxaca (mezcal from Oaxaca).

Savor wonderful distillates including raicilla, tequila, bacanora and sotol, some of the best Mexican drinks.

Several of these come from Real Minero, widely considered the producers of the best mezcal brands in the world.

Enjoy a wonderful mezcal best brands tasting at La Casa Grande Oaxaca City, led by an experienced taste teacher. Your senses will thank you if you stop in here during your Oaxaca trip.

Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tours: Go Beyond the Mezcal Bar

This Mezcal Tour with Alvaro is the best mezcal tour Oaxaca City has. (Photo: Airbnb)

Want to take one of the best mezcal tours in Oaxaca City? You’re in luck because the 11 best Oaxaca mezcal tours are all featured in the linked article.

Oaxaca mezcal tours are the best way to really get to know this nuanced adult beverage. This Educational Mezcal Tour with Alvaro is the highest-rated of all Oaxaca mezcal tours, with a near-perfect 5 Star rating.

Want a few more options? Here are our top picks for the best Oaxaca mezcal tours:

  1. 💎 Best Private Oaxaca Mezcal Tour: Gastronomy Experience: Culture, Mezcal Tasting & Textiles
  2. 🌵 Best Tour for Mezcal Aficionados: A Day in the Life Mezcal Tour with Alvin
  3. 🍽 Best Oaxaca Mezcal Tour for Foodies: Mezcal and Mole with a Certified Sommelier

Mezcal Guide & Frequently Asked Questions

mezcal bottle, copitas (mezcal cups) and range wedges
In Mexico, mezcal is traditionally served in a copita (mezcal cup), with orange wedges and sal de gusano (worm salt) on the side.

What is mezcal?

Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage. It is made from agave (specifically, Agave americana), one of the most common types of maguey plant.

Mezcal has been around for more than 400 years. It is the first known distilled spirit in Latin America, and on the entire Americas Continent.

Para todo mal mezcal y para todo bien, también. (Which means: For everything bad, mezcal, and for everything good, mezcal.)

see more Mexican quotes and IG Captions

The word mezcal comes from the Aztec word mexcalli, meaning “oven-cooked agave.”

Tequila is actually a form of mezcal, though they are distilled differently — mezcal is cooked in an underground oven, and tequila is boiled.

Mezcal vs Tequila: What’s the difference?

Mezcal and tequila are both made from the agave plant. Tequila is a type of mezcal, but it’s only made from the Blue Weber agave plant. Mezcal can be made from any type of agave, but it’s always 100% agave, while tequila is 50% agave.

🥃 Fun Fact: Tequila comes from Tequila

different colored bottles of tequila
Wondering, Is mezcal tequila? No, they are two separate spirits, though they share similarities.

Tequila can only be legally called tequila if it’s produced in Tequila, Mexico (and some surrounding areas like San Luis Potosí state and Guanajuato state).

This is similar to how champagne only comes from the Champagne Valley in France — otherwise it must be labeled “sparkling wine.” In essence, champagne is a type of sparkling wine, but is known as the finest or best type.

To further clarify, there’s a common saying: All tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequila.

This is the same principle that applies to whiskeys, as all bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons.

Mezcal doesn’t come from a specific region, but can only be legally produced in nine out of the 32 Mexican states — Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Oaxaca, San Luis Potosí, Puebla, Michoacan, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

The Consejo Regulador del Mezcal must certify it, otherwise it has to be labeled “distilled agave spirits” or “agave distillate,” but it can not legally be labeled mezcal.

Mezcal vs Tequila: How are they made?

mezcal making process in oaxaca city
Mezcal gets its characteristic smoky flavor because it’s cooked in fire, unlike tequila which is steamed.

When it comes to how they’re made, mezcal and tequila differ again. Both involve growing agave for several years, but the traditional mezcal production process is where they differ.

The blue agave piña (agave hearts) for tequila goes through a steaming process in an industrial oven, whereas the piña for mezcal is roasted in a fire pit in the ground.

This time in the underground pit is why mezcal often has a smoky taste.

They then go through a different extraction process, with tequila being largely mass-produced, whereas mezcal is handcrafted.

Each batch of mezcal will be different, even when it’s made by the same producer, whereas tequila has a more uniform taste.

How does mezcal taste?

While mezcal is known for its smoky flavor, that’s only the case for certain types of mezcal from Mexico.

Wondering, Is all mezcal smoky? The answer is no, they’re actually not!

One of the most popular and best mezcals in Mexico, 400 Conejos, is only slightly smoky. If you want to try one of the best non-smoky mezcals, this is the it.

best mezcal from oaxaca
Unsure about the mezcal pronunciation? Mezcal is pronounced mez-kahl.

Mezcal can also be fruity, floral, citrusy, and even a little spicy. Some mezcals are quite neutral and mild in flavor; it just depends on what type of mezcal you’re drinking and how it’s processed.

Is mezcal stronger than tequila?

Yes — Mezcal is often stronger than tequila, though this isn’t always the case, so check the label. In general, most mezcal alcohol by volume (ABV) is between 48%-55%. By contrast, the average tequila ABV is 40%.

🥃 Looking for a mezcal with low ABV?

Opt for Mezcal Monte Alban Mezcal con Gusano, which is 40% ABV alcohol content. This is one of the most popular mezcals in the United States, and it’s readily available.

Is there a mezcal worm?

No — While you’ll find the infamous tequila worm in most bottles, mezcal does not contain a worm in the bottle.

Fun Mezcal Fact: That same worm is what’s used to make sal de gusano (worm salt). This is is traditionally served with mezcal in Mexico, and at many mezcalerias, you’ll get a plate with orange wedges and worm salt.

Where does mezcal come from?

Most of the world’s mezcal comes from Oaxaca, Mexico. In the state, the most commonly-used plant to make Oaxacan mezcal is the espadin agave.

Mezcal can be made from more than 30 different types of agave plants — though the majority of it comes from the tobalá, tobaziche, arroqueño, tepeztate and espadín varieties.

fields of agave plants in oaxaca mexico
The espadin agave plant, which is used to make the majority of mezcals from Oaxaca Mexico.

Of those, most mezcal is made from espadin agave. In fact, up to 90% of all Oaxaca mezcal is made from espadín, which grows wild throughout the state of Oaxaca.

Mezcal is produced in nine different Mexican regions; not just Oaxaca. However, Oaxaca produces more than 90% of all mezcal in Mexico, and it is the state most closely associated with Mexican mezcal.

How long does it take to make mezcal?

The production of mezcal starts with the plant, the agave plant. Baby agave plants are planted and can take around 7-25 years to mature.

oaxaca mezcal distillery (palenque)
Visit a mezcal distillery Oaxaca Mexico to see the entire plant to drink process.

Once mature, they are roasted for days (giving way to the spirit’s smokey flavor) before being crushed and fermented. Fermentation can take anywhere between 1-4 weeks.

Once fermentation is done, the mezcal is distilled, which takes 1-4 days depending on if the spirit is distilled once or multiple times. After that, it’s ready to serve!

What’s the best way to enjoy mezcal?

Mezcal is meant to be drunk at room temperature, sipped from a mezcal copita (meaning “little cup”) — not taken as a shot.

cup of mezcal with accompaniments
Mezcal and orange wedges that have been sprinkled with sal de gusano (worm salt).

You’ll hear people describe sipping mezcal as kissing the glass, which is the best way to enjoy the unique flavors.

In Mexico, mezcal is typically served with oranges and sal de gusano on the site.

This is a salt mixture with chiles and dried larvae from the chinicuil worm. Alternatively, you can also enjoy mezcal in cocktails.

Does mezcal give you a hangover?

Yes — Mezcal can give you a hangover, but only after seriously overindulging.

One of the reasons mezcal is so popular is because this spirit miraculously leaves few with a hangover after imbibing, especially when you’re sipping it straight!

Since mezcal is a pure spirit, it doesn’t have additives as most liquors do.

While it’s rare for drinkers to feel side effects the day after, you probably don’t want to test your limits with mezcal because it’s pretty strong.

Where is mezcal made in Oaxaca?

There are a variety of palenques located across Oaxaca. However, some towns are known for their mezcal, including Santiago Matatlán, Santa Catarina Minas, Sola de Vega and San Pablo Villa de Mitla.

still at a oaxaca mezcal distillery (called a palenque)
Oaxaca mezcal is usually made at a palenque, which means “mezcal distillery.”

What is a palenque mezcal?

Palenque is the word used to describe a Oaxaca mezcal distillery. Mezcal palenque is a local term that’s primarily used in the state of Oaxaca.

Many other Mexican states have their own local terms, so this changes depending on where you are. For example, in Northern Mexico, the word fabrica is usually used more than palenque.

Palenquero (pronounced paw-lan-care-ohs) is another word of mezcalero. They both refer to mezcal distiller or mezcal-maker. You will hear both terms used in Oaxaca.

No matter the words you use, the best Oaxacan mezcal is always found at the source! If you have a mezcal tasting Oaxaca City on your itinerary, don’t miss these best Oaxaca mezcal tours.

Oaxaca Travel Guide and FAQ

colorful flags hung above the street in downtown oaxaca city mexico
Most of the Oaxaca best places to stay are located in downtown Oaxaca City.

How do you pronounce Oaxaca?

Wondering about the Oaxaca pronunciation? It’s a common question, so if you are, you’re not alone! The word Oaxaca is pronounced waa-haa-kah.

Where is Oaxaca located?

Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico, surrounded by three other Mexican states: Chiapas, Guerrero and Puebla. The southern edge of the state sits on the Pacific Ocean, where you’ll find the best Oaxaca beaches.

🗺️ Oaxaca Map

🇲🇽 Where is Oaxaca City located?

Oaxaca City is the state’s capital city, and located in the center of Oaxaca State. Many think Oaxaca is near the beach, but it’s actually about 160 miles (257 km) from the coast.

Oaxaca City is located about six hours south of Mexico City. You can book direct flights from Mexico City to Oaxaca City, or take the ADO bus. I recommend the flight, as it’s much shorter but not much more money.

What is the best time to visit Oaxaca Mexico?

The best time to travel to Oaxaca is during the dry season, October to May. However, the temperate weather in Oaxaca City means it can be a year-round destination.

woman at hierve el agua oaxaca mexico
Hierve el Agua hot springs is one of the best places to visit in Oaxaca, and open year-round.

While it will likely rain quite a bit during the Oaxaca rainy season, you’ll also get lower prices, as this is the slow season in Oaxaca. If you’re planning to take any tours in Oaxaca Mexico, they’re usually cheaper in low season too.

If you want to avoid the crowds, the Oaxaca busy season runs from about late-October for Day of the Dead, through mid-January.

Many also visit Oaxaca de Juárez (Oaxaca City) for the Guelaguetza Festival in July. This is the second biggest Oaxaca festival, and a very popular event, so book your Oaxaca hotel well in advance.

🌡️ Oaxaca weather Averages

oaxaca weather chart

Oaxaca City has a desert climate, so hot days and cool nights. The temperature in Oaxaca City fluctuates a lot, so be mindful and bring layers when packing for Oaxaca.

If you hate the heat, avoid the hottest months of April to May so you have an enjoyable Oaxaca vacation.

Is Oaxaca safe for tourists?

For the vast majority of travelers, Oaxaca is safe to visit. In fact, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico.

woman in front of a pin wall and I love Oaxaca sign (Oaxaca te amo)
Doing some Oaxaca solo travel? Check out this first-hand account from Poonam about her solo trip to Oaxaca.

Oaxaca City is the country’s 67th largest city, with a population of about 275,000, but retains a humble, pueblo vibe. Now, that doesn’t mean bad things don’t happen in Oaxaca City; they do.

However, if you take the same general travel precautions you would anywhere else — ie. stay aware of yourself, your belongings and your surroundings — you should be safe traveling to Oaxaca City.

⚠️ For a deep dive into this topic and a Oaxaca safety guide, check out Is Oaxaca Safe to Travel to Right Now?

What’s the closest Oaxaca Airport?

Wondering, Is there an airport in Oaxaca City? Yes, there’s Oaxaca International Airport (code: OAX), located about 20-30 minutes from downtown.

renting a car in oaxaca airport
Planning on renting a car in Oaxaca? The airport has the best selection of Oaxaca rental cars.

You might see this airport called Xoxocotlán International Airport, but it is just another name for OAX Airport. ▶︎ Book your Oaxaca flights now!

🚐 Best Oaxaca Airport transportation

Is there Uber in Oaxaca City?

No — There is no Oaxaca Uber service, no Lyft in Oaxaca and no ride-shares in Oaxaca.

passenger calling uber in oaxaca from their cell phone

They do have DiDi Taxi through the DiDi Rider app, which lets you call a Oaxaca taxi via the app. It’s basically like using Uber or Lyft, but you will get a regular cab.

How do you get around Oaxaca City?

Oaxaca City is walkable, so if you’re just staying in the city itself, you can walk and use taxis and public transportation as needed.

taxi in oaxaca mexico

If you’re doing Oaxaca day trips, a rental car or group tour is your best bet, and I recommend booking Oaxaca tours via Viator and Airbnb Experiences.

ARE TAXIS SAFE IN OAXACA MEXICO?

For the majority of travelers, yes, taxis are perfectly safe to use in Oaxaca.

I personally prefer to call taxis via the DiDi Rider app, so I have a record of my trip and the price is already set for me, but you can also just hail a cab on the street.

How many days do you need in Oaxaca City?

Within Oaxaca City itself, you can see the highlights in 2-3 full days. For those who want to explore the Oaxaca pueblos magicos, sites and villages outside town, you’ll want 5-6 full days.

Oaxaca Day of the Dead decorations
You can opt for the best tours Oaxaca Centro has to offer, or just leisurely wander colorful downtown in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico on your own.

The best things to do near Oaxaca include exploring Hierve el Agua in San Lorenzo Albarradas, San Agustín Etla, Teotitlán Del Valle and San Pablo Villa de Mitla, a pueblo magico (magic town).

Planning to visit the best beaches in Oaxaca, including Puerto Escondido, Huatulco and Mazunte? For a Oaxaca City and Oaxaca beaches trip, you’ll need at least a week or two.

What is Oaxaca known for?

There are five things Oaxaca is known for — art, culture, the Oaxaca Day of the Dead celebration, mezcal and food.

If you’re really wondering, Why is Oaxaca so popular? The answer is likely for the food. In fact, Oaxaca is known as the Foodie Capital of Mexico, so try both the street food in Oaxaca and the restaurants in Oaxaca.

For a deep dive into this topic, check out this What is Oaxaca famous for? article. In it, you’ll learn even more about what makes Oaxaca unique.

Is Oaxaca City worth visiting?

Short answer: YES! In a word, Oaxaca is magical. It’s the Mexico people imagine Mexico to be with amazing food, fascinating history, colorful colonial architecture and more.

woman dancing in a festival in oaxaca mexico
You’re going to fall in love with the art, food, beauty and friendly people of Oaxaca.

As you’ll usually need to take at least two flights to Oaxaca, Mexico, or a flight and a bus if you’re coming from Mexico City, wondering if traveling to Oaxaca is worth it is a totally valid question.

I hope this guide to Oaxaca made it clear that FU+K YES IT IS!

There’s everything from rich history, colorful festivals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, locally-made mezcal, beautiful nature, colonial buildings, indigenous artisan communities, and of course, the yummy Oaxacan food.

Final Thoughts: Best Mezcalerias in Oaxaca Mexico

bottle of mezcal from oaxaca mexico
For the best mezcal in Oaxaca City, head to In Situ Mezcaleria.

Still wondering what’s the best mezcal bar Oaxaca has? That’s a subjective answer, of course, but as you saw in this article, Oaxaca has a ton of good mezcal bars to choose from.

When traveling to Oaxaca City, you’ll want to plan ahead so you don’t miss any standout places on your itinerary for Oaxaca.

Now that you’ve read about the top 15 mezcalerias Oaxaca has to offer — Where will you head first?

Will you visit La Mezcaloteca or Mezcal In Situ for a Oaxaca mezcal tasting? Join a mezcaleria Oaxaca happy hour? Enjoy dinner and drinks at a restaurant like El Tendajón Agavería or Los Danzantes Oaxaca?

No matter what you decide, you’ll find an Oaxaca Mexico mezcal to love.

You might even end up filling your suitcases with your favorite distillations, creating a private library of the best mezcal from Oaxaca — curated by you!

Oaxaca Travel Planning Guide

Should I buy Mexico travel insurance for Oaxaca?

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)

Can you drink the water in Oaxaca?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling to Oaxaca. (Read more)

Is it safe to rent a car in Oaxaca?

Yes — Renting a car in Oaxaca is one of the best ways to see the state. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks international companies and local Oaxaca companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)

Will my phone work in Oaxaca?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of all Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)

What’s the best way to book places to stay in Oaxaca?

For Oaxaca hotels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Oaxaca Airbnb, also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. For the best Oaxaca hostels, use HostelWorld.

What do I pack for Oaxaca?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

What’s the best site to buy Oaxaca flights?

For finding cheap Oaxaca flights, I recommend booking through Skyscanner.

Do I need a visa for Oaxaca?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but you can check here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.

The vast majority of travelers will receive a a passport stamp, or 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa upon arrival.