The St. Regis Mexico City’s King Cole Bar
Photo Courtesy of Marriott International Inc
After trooping around Mexico City and taking in the dynamic metropolis’ historic and contemporary sights, grab a drink outdoors at one of its top terrace bars. Sip whiskey at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The St. Regis Mexico City while overlooking Chapultepec Castle, savor rooftop tipples with a more casual crowd, or try mezcal cocktails at one of the city’s trendiest bars.
King Cole Bar
The bar at Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The St. Regis Mexico City is certainly inviting, but it’s best to behold the vibrancy of the city on the outdoor terrace with a whiskey accompaniment. Enjoy elevated views of Chapultepec Castle and the bustle of the boulevard Paseo de la Reforma.
Each St. Regis has its own take on the Bloody Mary, but if you’re truly keen on sipping something with a bespoke local vibe, the Sangrita María is what you want. The combination of mezcal, sangrita (a peppery tomato and citrus mixture), and pasilla chile purée literally put the taste of the city in a glass.
The interior of the bar is low-lit, with velvet settees, leather club chairs and smooth jazz in the background. An impressive mural by surrealist Pablo Weisz Carrington (son of artist Leonora Carrington) enhances the mood of the space. The terrace is much brighter and dotted with greenery, the cushioned sofas are topped with plenty of pillows, and there are heat lamps for cool nights.
Balmori Roofbar, Photo Courtesy of Balmori Roofbar
Balmori Roofbar
Roma Norte is teeming with lively places to take a late-afternoon libation, but Balmori bests the rest with its rooftop, where restaurant meets cocktail bar meets beer garden. Featuring a retractable roof, the terrace has also been nicely planted with trees for a pop of greenery. The welcoming, open-air spot hosts a mostly young, local crowd that is happy and friendly, a true reflection of the light-hearted philosophy of the bar.
Whether you want to mix and mingle over a beer or have a one-on-one chat, you’ll find a place here. The space’s long wooden communal tables make Balmori popular with large groups, but a pair will feel just as comfortable in a corner. You can try snacks like octopus grilled with banana chips, but the drinks really shine here. We like the Pramble, a refreshing dram of raspberry liqueur, lemon juice and gin.
Downtown Mexico
This 17th-century manor house-turned-boutique hotel is part of a courtyard complex of trendy places to eat. Downtown Mexico is a few minutes’ walk from Zócalo and centrally located in Centro Historico, a convivial and ultra-hip place for a sundowner and a breather from all-day sightseeing.
The rooftop terrace has a bar and a cozy pool just big enough for half a dozen. Come while the sun is still out and you’ll see tanned vacationers in tiny swimsuits supine on cushy canary-yellow lounge chairs, protected from the sun by matching umbrellas. Bright, icy mezcal cocktails are on nearly every table. Try the Pibirita, a smoky treat with passion fruit and hibiscus.
The skyline view treats you to bird’s-eye vistas of the surrounding heritage buildings, including imposing cathedrals and Casino Español, a grand former palace. The intimate space fills quickly, so reservations are recommended.
