The Best Punk and Underground Music Bars in Mexico City

The best punk and underground music bars in Mexico City are Gato Calavera (compared to 1990s Gilman Street), El Centro de Salud (basement punk), and Voltaje in Narvarte. CDMX has a thriving underground scene most tourists never discover. For the full experience, visit El Chopo market on Saturdays for band shirts, vinyl, and live punk performances.

Top Venues for Live Punk and Hardcore

Gato Calavera

This is the spot. Locals compare Gato Calavera to Gilman Street in Berkeley during its 1990s heyday—and that's high praise. The venue books a diverse range of acts including punk, metal, and indie bands. There are actually two separate stages inside with separate admission, so check their Instagram before you go to see who's playing and which stage you want.

The vibe is authentically DIY. They serve a few beer options out of a fridge—nothing fancy, just cold drinks and good music. Located near Metro Xola.

El Centro de Salud

A bar and club known for cheap drinks and raw energy. The real action is in the basement, which regulars describe as "awesome trashy punk." If you want the genuine underground experience without any polish, this is it. Open Thursday through Sunday.

Voltaje

Located in Narvarte, Voltaje is a dedicated space for punk and alternative music. It's become a reliable destination for catching local bands and occasionally touring acts.

El Under

Another solid venue for underground shows. The name says it all—expect dark rooms, loud music, and a crowd that's there for the music.

Desposeidxs

A DIY venue that hosts punk and hardcore shows. There's reportedly another similar venue just a couple of storefronts away, making this block worth exploring if you're in the area for a show.

UTA Bar

Part of the network of venues that book punk and alternative acts. Worth checking their schedule if you're looking for something on a given night.

Bar Donceles

Another option mentioned by locals for live music in an underground setting.

Beyond the Venues: Markets and Record Stores

El Chopo

If you're in town on a Saturday, El Chopo is essential. This legendary tianguis (street market) has been the heart of Mexico City's punk and alternative culture for decades. Running roughly 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, you'll find vendors selling band shirts, patches, vinyl, zines, and all manner of underground merchandise.

Even better, there are often live punk and ska bands performing right there at the market. It's part shopping, part social scene, part impromptu concert. The crowd skews heavily toward Spanish speakers, so knowing the language helps, but the music is universal.

Venas Rotas

A record store specializing in hardcore, punk, goth, and black metal. Beyond just selling records, they host in-store shows and serve as a community hub for the scene. The staff can point you toward upcoming shows and other venues. Even if you're not buying vinyl, it's worth stopping in to connect with the local underground.

Neighborhood Bar Districts

For a more spontaneous night out, the area around Metro Buenavista along the Eje has a concentration of pulquerías, cantinas, and dive bars. It's a gritty stretch with authentic local character—though some residents warn it can get rough, so exercise normal precautions.

Tips for Navigating the Scene

Spanish Helps

Most of these venues cater to locals, and English isn't commonly spoken. You don't need to be fluent, but basic Spanish will make your experience much better—and the regulars will appreciate the effort.

Check Social Media

Instagram is your best friend for finding out what's happening. Most venues post their lineups there, and you can often find out about pop-up shows and one-off events that don't get advertised elsewhere.

Note on Closed Venues

The scene evolves quickly. Malaidëa Bar in Roma, once a popular spot, has reportedly closed. Always verify a venue is still operating before making it the centerpiece of your night out.

Cover Charges

Most venues charge a cover, especially when there's live music. At places like Gato Calavera with multiple stages, you may need to specify which show you're there to see when paying at the door.

The Bottom Line

Mexico City's punk scene is alive and well—you just need to know where to look. Start with Gato Calavera or El Centro de Salud for the authentic experience, hit El Chopo on Saturday for the cultural immersion, and let the scene take you from there. The people you meet at these venues will point you toward the next great show.

Related Mexico City Guides

• Explore Mexico City on ExpatsList
• Nightlife in CDMX
• Food and Drinks in CDMX

Running a music venue in CDMX? List your venue on ExpatsList.