Cozumel: Nightlife

El Manatí A mellow restaurant by day, this cool, Caribbean-style house turns into a small (but wildly enthusiastic) dance party when live rock and reggae bands take the stage Thursday through Saturday nights. The music usually starts after 9pm or so. San Miguel; 10th Ave NE; 011-52-987-869-8568; www.elmanati.com
budget | great value | bar | live music

Hard Rock Cafe Allegedly the smallest Hard Rock outpost in the world, this cozy bar serves giant cocktails. It draws rowdy cruise-shippers during the day; by night, it’s a mellower scene, occasionally with a live band. San Miguel; Ave. Rafael Melgar (between Ave. Juárez and Calle 2 Norte); 011-52-987-872-5271
moderate | bar | live music

Kelley's Dive masters and tour leaders frequent this friendly, Irish-by-way-of-America bar with lots of outdoor space and big-screen TVs broadcasting football games. Hearty burgers and barbecue ribs complement the cold beer. San Miguel; Ave. 10 Sur no. 602-B (between Ave. Rosado Salas and Calle 1 Sur); 011-52-987-869-0504
budget | bar | live music

Mezcalito's Right at the junction with the cross-island highway, this east-coast beach club ministers to the road-weary. Ice-cold beers, hammocks, and mesmerizing sea views might mean you never make it to the other side of the island. East Coast; Carretera Costera Transversal at Carretera Costera Oriente; www.mezcalitos.com
budget | lounge

Neptuno Cozumel’s one club has the essentials: disco balls, fog machines, and cheap drinks. A mixed crowd of islanders and visitors gets down to a mix of Latin and international dance hits. Open Thursday to Sunday, with low or no cover. San Miguel; Ave. Rafael Melgar at Ave. Quintana Roo (Calle 11); 011-52-987-872-1537
budget | dancing | nightclub

Palmeras This open-air spot right on the main plaza, opposite the ferry dock, is more a restaurant than a bar, but it’s a great place to sip a piña colada, complete with paper umbrella, and watch the street scene or the sunset. San Miguel; Ave. Rafael Melgar at Ave. Juárez; 011-52-987-872-0532
smart splurge | expensive | lounge

Plaza del Sol Miguel’s central plaza is the place to be on Sunday evenings, when entertainment like live bands take to the small bandstand, and local families come out to stroll and dance. San Miguel; Ave. Rafael Melgar at Ave. Juárez
family | budget