Pau Rodriguez is a DJ, radio host, PR and the ultimate plug into Mexico City’s creative scene. Not only can you catch her behind the decks at some of the best festivals and club nights around the city, but the chances are she’s organising things behind the scenes too. Producing and promoting events from music to gastronomy, art and film through to animation, Pau can always be found connecting people to create spaces, shows and experiences that bring together the best of both local and international talent.

Paurro

Born and raised in Mexico City, Paulina Rodriguez (aka Paurro) has built a name for herself with her style of Latinx club music, 90s house, breakbeat and UK garage.

Paurro's career spans over a decade. It's seen her work as the label manager for Berlin imprint Cómeme, and as a booker and programmer for Aire Libre radio station where she hosts her radio show. Her latest EP, 

was released under SOS Music and explores her chosen theme of female warriors and forgotten women. The producer also has two residency nights in CDMX called House of Paurro and Konichii where she hosts national and international talent.

As someone with an extensive knowledge of the underground music scene, it's only right her guide covers her top clubs in CDMX – from the best parties to local bars and clubs.

Mexico City 

 The No System House is a spot created by people that are deeply involved in the underground music scene in Mexico. It’s a great DIY space that hosts different events like album release parties, ambient happenings, art exhibitions, and parties with great local artists. It also has a space for rent to practice your DJ skills, record a set or a radio show and do live streaming. 

This club is a staple and an institution in CDMX’s nightlife. The night to go is on Fridays for its HI-NRG night and you should really get ready to do some serious dancing. There is a community going there for years to compete in the middle of the dance floor which makes the vibe of that place incomparable. There is nothing like that anywhere else in Mexico City  

This spot works as a rehearsal space and a music production studio during the week. However every Thursday they host events in the afternoon with DJ sets from local artists which are also streamed plus beers and mezcal for sale. It’s a great plan if you want a taste of the emerging electronic music scene. 
 

Club Colima is a small but very cute bar/club with great cocktails, great sound and a very diverse program of mostly local DJs every week. The spot is inside a delicious fried chicken sandwich spot called Frito y Cruel so you can get some food there if you get hungry. The vibe feels like the next-door bar where all your friends go and the music range goes from cumbia to afro beat to house and a little bit of techno too. 

Yu Yu has become a true classic to CDMX nightlife. With the recent opening of its own radio station called Drama plus the bar upstairs (with a delicious cocktail menu), the place has come full circle. This club is the one with the riskiest music programming and variety of genres but always with amazing taste. You can jump into a footwork, a techno, or a reggaeton night, there is something there for everyone. 

Salón San Luis is a time capsule to the romantic Fichera years of modern Mexico. This ballroom with 73 years of tradition is a complete experience with a live salsa and cumbia band, beautiful and skilled dancers, old-school bottle service, and red velvet with mirrors all over. I always feel nostalgic after leaving, it’s legendary. 

This is a spot with three floors with different atmosphere’s to hang out, eat and try different flavors of Pulque. The top terrace has commercial music, on the second floor they host different DJ’s every night and the first floor has cumbia, salsa, hip hop, and a more eclectic vibe. 

Funk is an electronic music club hidden in a basement located in Colonia Condesa. Its sound system and lighting are amazing which makes every night memorable. Its music programming is pretty diverse musically with a great combination of national and international talent every night. You definitely can’t miss this one. 

Faena is an extravagant cantina and a Taurine museum that has been open for more than 80 years. It is an ideal spot to pre-game before a night out. Its vibe is super old school and zero pretentious, just what a cantina should be. They serve some appetizers like caldo de Cameron and tostadas de pata but the main purpose of going there is to have a drink and a long chat with friends. 

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The Best Clubs in Mexico City Selected by Paurro

Pau Rodriguez is a DJ, radio host, PR, label manager and the ultimate plug into Mexico City.

CDMX born and raised, Pau describes her home as “a really awesome mess, a chaos that works and a place [where] you can find a little bit of everything”. Not only can you catch her behind the decks at some of the best festivals and club nights around CDMX, but she's often working behind the scenes too. An influential figure within CDMX's creative hub, Paurro is also on the team behind the revered label Cómeme, where she works as the imprint's manager. As someone who works at events that range from music to gastronomy, art to film via animation, Pau is often found connecting people to spaces, shows and experiences that bring together the best of local and international talent.

In her guide, Paurro highlights a wide spectrum of spots to visit. In need of a break from the bustle of the city? Looking to take in some of the best art, or sample locally sourced food? Below, you'll find her definitive guide to Mexico City's capital.

My favourite coffee spot. They only use Mexican beans and they work directly, and sustainably, with their producers.

This record store has everything. A very good selection of 90s house. Everyone that works here really knows what they’re talking about.

I really love seafood. The format of this spot is like a Mexican cantina, but the food is Spanish-style seafood.

Really good food and mezcals; DJs play on the weekends. This is a good spot for pre-gaming in Coyoacán.

A weekend art market in San Angel where you can find Mexican artists selling their works. Perfect weekend activity.

University Museum of Contemporary Art. Always amazing exhibitions on here and it’s just awesome to walk around the campus – the buildings are insane. There’s also a botanical garden.

When I need to escape the city, I love to take my dogs here. It’s 45 minutes from the city and you can do a barbecue, go hiking, walking and fish.