Your Favorite Travel Guide to Oaxaca de Juarez, México
- Chelsey Jacobs
- Mar 15
- 5 min read
The sweet, colorful, and culturally rich little Oaxaca <3 How couldn't you love a city like this?
Oaxaca is a hub for food. A hub for mezcal. A hub for culture, museums, nature, and hiking. A hub of creation and creativity. After spending six months in this "village"—which somehow feels as small as the palm of your hand—I feel remarkably in touch with the color and creativity of life.
Oaxaca has some of the most incredible food in all of Latin America. If you're a foodie, love a good drink, and enjoy wandering charming streets, this city is for you! With endless cafés and top-notch restaurants, this will be your favorite travel guide so you can experience the very best of Oaxaca.
Cafes (interchangeable for restaurants & bakeries as well):
Kiyo Cafe: A beautiful and inspiring space to get work done. Enjoy your favorite beverage while relaxing on their gorgeous side patio.
Sagrado Filemon: A fan favorite for delicious coffee and food. Cozy, hipster vibes.
Marito&Magolie: Amazing space indoor and outdoor to catch some sun while working or having a beverage.
Once in Oaxaca: Creative, colorful, and delicious. Australian-owned with artistic details all around the café. Not the best for working, but great for soaking in the vibe.
Onnno: Hands down my favorite lunch spot! From salads and hearty sandwiches to pastries and horchata lattes, this is perfect for a date, girl chat, or solo vibe.
Boulenc (Second location): This place holds a special spot in my heart. Their main location is absolutely spectacular, perfect for people-watching and indulging in any type of cuisine from around the world that your heart desires. Their second location is just as amazing with a slightly smaller menu!
Bodæga: With one big shared table, their coffee and pastries are prepared right in front of you. The pastries never disappoint!
Terno: A 5-chair bar with some of the richest coffee in all of Oaxaca. The young owners are passionate and eager to tell you everything about the beans you’re drinking.
Cafe Bien: This was my hideaway spot; it’s never super crowded. Cheapest drinks I’ve found yet, unbelievably delicious!
Cafe Brújula: Located all around the city, but I loved my favorite spot for great wifi and a fresh breeze.
Pan con Madre: Another fan favorite! The bread, focaccia, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, and coffee are always on point and don’t break the bank.
Café Volador: A great mini café for a mid-day pick-me-up!
Casa Blason: Found all around the city with stellar coffee and prices. My favorite spot to get work done, with a garden-like atmosphere.
Chepiche Cafe: INCREDIBLE spot for brunch!
Markets:
La Cosecha: Small courtyard market offering prepared food, smoothies and produce!
20 de Noviembre: A bustling traditional market with stalls offering baked goods, local street foods, and fresh produce. Don’t miss checking out their meal hall!
Sanchez Pascuas: Another great market, smaller, and more cost friendly!
Restaurants:
Labo Fermento: Ugh, where do I even begin? This spot became home for me. The staff turned into family, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. This Asian-inspired Michelin-star restaurant will sweep you off your feet. The customer service? Over the moon. Pro tip: Bring Johny, the bartender, a bag of peanuts and say they’re from Chelsey—you might just score some free mezcal shots!
Adamá: Some of the best Israeli food I’ve ever had! If you’re dining solo, get the sampler plate with five menu items. I came here weekly!
Humar: Incredible Mexican seafood with a gorgeous terrace.
Dum: A newer spot with delicious bao buns and a breathtaking view of the entire city.
Levadura de Olla: The top spot in Oaxaca for authentic Oaxacan cuisine. A must-visit! Reservations are required days or even weeks in advance.
Sabina Sabe: A lively spot to vibe, sample different dishes, and experience one of the world's top 50 bars!
Zandunga: A classic, featuring dishes from a specific region in Oaxaca.
Boulenc: A fantastic café and restaurant. Always a solid choice (put this place on here twice because its really that solid of a choice!)
Viriditas Cocina Vegana: Flavorful, veggie-based, and Hindu-inspired. You can get the menu del día for around 100 pesos—packed with goodness!
La Jicara: One of my favorite low-key spots. Chill vibes, live music on weekends, and an unforgettable vegan papaya pie!
Sushi:
Yuku Bar: Cozy sushi bar where the food is prepped right in front of you. Reservations are a must!
Crudo: High-end sushi experience. Every Saturday night, they cut open a bluefin tuna in front of the crowd—an unforgettable sight.
Sanzin Cocina: An intimate and personal sushi experience. The chef makes everything to order, going above and beyond every time.
Tacos:
El Sabor de Cecy: My all-time favorite for tacos, tlayudas, tortas, and pozole. Love, love, love this spot!
Lechoncito de Oro: Perfect for a late-night snack.
Empanadas del Carmen: Open during the day and always packed—for good reason!
Tacos Del Carmen: Only open at night and even featured in a Netflix documentary!
Metate: A cozy spot serving up delicious tacos and empanadas.
Cenaduría El Atrio: A down-and-dirty hidden gem—absolutely amazing.
Royalty: Great for late-night munchies.
Tacos Roy: A citywide chain, but always a solid pick-me-up when you want something fast!
Tacos Chemita: Great spot right near the main plaza!
Bars:
Txalaparta: If you're trying to go all night, this is your place.
Monkey Gin Bar: A spot you could easily walk by! You must be let in by a worker, but once you find it—hidden in the back of an apartment building—you’ll discover cheap Negronis, mezcal, and a DJ. (Message the owner here and tell him Chelsey sent you!)"
Selva: Ranked among the top 50 bars in the world! The drinks will blow your mind. Typically busy, but absolutely worth it.
Bocaflor: A hidden gem with the best spritz I’ve ever had! Perfect for a fun daytime drink.
El Espacio: A great spot to chill and sip on some mezcal.
Cantina Salón: Get ready to dance and sing with the locals!
Barra Popular: A solid go-to for a fun weekend out.
Oruga: A newly opened hotspot that’s quickly gaining popularity! It’s an art museum, bar, gallery, and more.
La Cueva: A well-known spot in the city for a good drink.
Thrifting: Oaxaca has some of the best thrifting I've ever experienced for extremely affordable prices!
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