Nuevo León

In Barrio—as we affectionately call it—there’s something for everyone, and today we’re going to show you a little bit of the best it has to offer.

One of the most striking areas of the city of Monterrey and its metropolitan area is Barrio Antiguo, a neighborhood in the city center where traditional architecture houses unique cafes, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

1- Barrio Antiguo Market

When you're starting to get hungry but can't decide whether you want tacos, chicken, sushi, chilaquiles, or pasta, this is the place to go. Mercado Barrio Antiguo is a collection of restaurants in a pleasant, spacious setting. There's something for everyone, so you won't have any trouble if you're with someone who's hard to please.

2- Café Belmonte Bar

For a place with “café” in its name, Belmonte offers much more: paninis, tacos, salads, pizza, and a wide variety of dishes made with ingredients and flavors that are iconic to the region.
Fun fact: From Thursday through Sunday, they serve breakfast starting at 9:00 a.m., and you absolutely must try the hotcakes with chicharrón from La Ramos. It might sound strange, but after the first bite, you’ll feel like you’re in heaven. 100% recommended.

3- Warehouse 42

Nuevo León is a beer-loving state. Not only are some of the best commercial beers produced here, but there’s also a thriving craft beer scene—and you can sample them all at Almacén 42. Of course, you’ll also find craft beers from other states here, and even beers from other countries, which you can pair with a snack from their menu. It’s the perfect place to hang out and relax.

4- The Escoces Pub & Pints

The stage where the biggest names in stand-up comedy have performed. The Escocés is the only venue dedicated exclusively to stand-up comedy, providing a platform for local and national talent—and even international comedians have performed there. Every week, you can find shows with a variety of themes: all-female shows, paranormal comedy shows, and every Thursday is open mic night, so anyone who wants to can come and try out their material.

5- Café Iguana

One of Barrio’s most iconic spots, Café Iguana is a flagship venue for the local music scene. Ironically, it doesn’t serve coffee, but you can enjoy alternative music there every day.

Café Iguana was a crucial platform for the development of the “avanzada regia” movement in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and today it showcases music from all underground genres across its three stages, each with its own unique vibe.

Here are a few places worth visiting in Monterrey’s Barrio Antiguo, but there are many more to suit every taste—from book lovers to otaku and gamers. But the best way to discover everything Barrio has to offer is to visit it yourself, so don’t miss the chance to stop by when you’re in the area—you’re going to love it!