Last Updated on August 10, 2026
Mexico City has some of the best cocktail bars in the world, with many rated in the North America top 50. The neighborhood of Polanco is no exception as you can find many cocktail bars in Polanco. As someone who loves to sip on a good cocktail, I set about to try out some of the cocktail bars in Polanco during my quick weekend trip to Mexico City.
What to Expect From Cocktail Bars in Polanco
Depending on your home country, bars in Polanco, or Mexico City for that matter, may be different than what you are used to. Based on my experience, bars in Mexico City, cocktail or otherwise, generally operate with seated service similar to a restaurant. There are still seats at the bar you can sit at, but typically you can’t just walk up to the bar and lean on it like you would in America or Canada.
Polanco is a very affluent neighborhood in Mexico City. You will see people dressed nicely no matter where they are going, and will definitely be dressed up when going out. If you plan on going out to grab some drinks, especially at night, put a little bit an effort into your appearance.
Given the affluent nature of Polanco, prices for everything are more expensive. I personally didn’t think the prices were that bad compared to other popular places in Mexico City, but don’t go out expecting cheap drinks. The style of bars is definitely more upscale are curated. You will be hard pressed to find a dive bar here.
Limantour
There are actually two Limantour cocktail bars in Mexico City, one in Polanco and the other in Roma Norte. Limantour Polanco is what you think of when you picture a cocktail bar in Polanco. It’s lively and full of energy, with patrons sitting together at the bar or in booths conversing. It catches your attention from the street and draws you in. It as an art deco design feel to it that contributes to its upscale vibe.
Limantour is located just a few steps away from Parque Lincoln in a bustling area of Polanco filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. With everything in the area, Limantour is a great a place to grab drinks after a day shopping or after a dinner nearby.
What makes Limantour a great cocktail bar is of course the cocktails. Their menu has an over two dozen cocktails to choose from with something for everyone. The menu can be a bit intimidating at first, but they have a guide and pictures to help. You can tell the cocktails were made with a lot of thought put into them. Some cocktails are a twist on classics such as the Berry Collins or the Fluffy Paloma, while others were entirely their own like the Mexican Maid and the Chinese Gooseberry.
I decided the try the Tegroni, made with Casa Dragones blanco tequila, vermouth, and sherry. I’m not a big Negroni person, however I assumed it would be a Negroni but with tequila based on the name and I enjoy good tequila ever since I toured the Cascahuin Distillery. It was very good and the flavors came together quite nicely. I had a second cocktail that I cannot remember the name for the life of me but it was also very tasty. They also had mocktails!
Limantour also had a food menu with small bites for snacking while you enjoy your drink. We tried the guildas mexicanas. They were little roll ups with chorizo and were tasty.
I think Limantour is a great spot for pre or post dinner drinks. It has a food menu incase you need something to hold you over until dinner or want a little snack after, however, it is only small bites so not really enough for a full meal. They have a variety of different drinks to satisfy all tastes utilizing different liquors. They even have mocktails if you have a nondrinker in your group.
Ro Upstairs
While Limantour invites you in off the street with its energy Ro Upstairs is nestled out of site and makes you work a little to find it. While not a true speakeasy with a password for entry, it is speakeasy style in that it does not have a normal storefront. It is upstairs behind the Japanese restaurant Tori Tori, though there is a small neon sign out front that you can look for to make sure you are in the right spot.
To get to Ro find Tori Tori, walk inside, and head towards the stairs in the back. Go up the stairs and you will find a door that opens to lead you to Ro. When you walk in you are met by a dimly lit windowless area with a sort of retro brutalism architecture. There is also a wall of vinyl records that you can look through giving the space a sort of artistic feel.
The cocktails at Ro were definitely on the more creative side. The menu has cocktails named after or inspired by hit songs, such as Like a Virgin or Dark Side of the Moon. They also have a list of classic cocktails as well if you aren’t feeling adventurous.
I got The Bodyguard, made with Don Julio anejo, sweet vermouth, balsamic vinegar, and cacao bitters. It came with a garnish of cooked parmesan cheese which I had never seen before. The drink was quite good, the basaltic vinegar paired quite well and really surprised me. The parmesan I wasn’t the biggest fan of but I appreciated the inventiveness. They also had mocktails which I thought was a good touch incase you have someone in your group who doesn’t drink.
I wish I tried some of the more classic cocktails but I really like to try something I can’t get at home when I visit a new place and am glad I tried one of their creative cocktails. I also noticed an espresso set up behind the bar so you can probably get a late night coffee too. To me Ro Upstairs seems like a good spot to grab drinks before you start your night out. The smaller space and dim light give secluded cozy vibe. The creative cocktails let your try something new and get you ready to head out for the night.
More Cocktail Bars in Polanco
While I only had time to try two cocktail bars in Polanco there are many more out there you can try, such as Gin Gin and Living Room Bar. Polanco is also home to a number of excellent restaurants were you can get a good meal and great cocktails. If you’re looking for a recommendation I suggest La Unica. I had an excellent old fashioned there that paired well with their food. Polanco is an extremely walkable area and you never know what you will find walking around.
