• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

Join the party at Pasagüero.   (Photo: Courtesy of Pasagüero)

Find D.J.'s instead of mariachis at actor Diego Luna’s La Bipo (Malintzin 155, Coyoacán; 52-55/5484-8230), the faux dive bar in the artsy Coyoacán neighborhood inspired by traditional cantinas.

Hear cutting-edge electro acts like Kinky or Mexican Institute of Sound at Pasagüero, a recently renovated cultural center near the Zocalo that also stages exhibitions and fashion shows. Indie bands play at the year-old El Imperial (Álvaro Obregón 293, Roma Norte; 52-55/5525-1115), where the downstairs space is decked out in modern baroque with chandeliers and lace-draped columns.

Shake it at Pasaje America, where a roster of international D.J.’s like New York’s Tommie Sunshine spin deep house and minimal techno below giant disco balls. Or get down at the legendary Patrick Miller, a cavernous space that has attracted high-profile patrons like Diplo, and is still the favorite spot for high-energy music lovers to battle it out in laser-lit dance circles.

Learn to dance to synth-heavy cumbia sonidera at Buttergold, the megasize disco with five bars and twice-nightly drag revues that draw as many straight folks as gay. The $9 cover includes two domestic beers.

Published on Dec 3, 2009 as a web exclusive.