Ensenada Nightlife

It’s hard to mention Ensenada without speaking of Hussong’s. Opened in 1892 by a German Immigrant, it is one of the oldest bars in Baja. The unofficial meeting place for visiting gringos, it can be touristy at times, but the equal number of local patrons, the cheap cervezas, and the mariachis keep it authentic.

This wild bar, dance club, and frat favorite on Avenida Ruiz shows no signs of fading and recently opened up branches in La Paz and Rosarito. It gets its name from the papas, or French fries, which are dished out alongside the cheap brew. It has such a name for itself, that it even starred in an episode of South Park (a lost Kenny stands outside trying to talk on the phone over the howls of mariachi music).

Far trendier and sophisticated than Hussong’s or Papas and Beer, the bar and grill Mango Mango and it’s lively Minibar and Manguito bars are where the young beautiful crowd come to get down. DJ’s and drink specials keep the party going well into the night.

While Ensenada can at times seem like the United States, the wood beam ceiling, swinging saloon doors, and copious amounts of tequila - more than 100 varieties on hand - remind you that you have indeed crossed into Mexico. Don’t let inferior brands waylay you – go straight for the Cuervo 1800.

There’s no better place in Ensenada to sample wines from the nearby Valle de Guadalupe than this wine bar attached to Capricho’s restaurant. The famous glass producer, Reidel, sponsors the elegant brick-walled bar, which ensures proper stemware with every pour.

Smooth Latin jazz echoes off the art covered brick walls and black and white tile floors of this lively art and cultural center. Trova and Tango music fill the air several nights a week and on Tuesdays they have movie nights.