For a good selection of clubs, discos, hotel fiestas, special events, and fun watering holes with live music and dancing, head for Ixtapa. A good way to start an evening in Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo is happy hour at one of the hotel bars. Most bars are informal, but discos have a dress code; you may be turned away if you're wearing shorts, tank tops, or tennis shoes. Just keep in mind that the shuttle bus stops at 11pm.  During the off season (after Easter and before Christmas), hours vary: Some places open only on weekends, while others close completely. The most popular hangout for local residents and expats is Paccolo, around the corner from Amueblados Valle. It's the one place where you can find a lively crowd of locals almost every night.

The Clube & Music Scene--Many discos and dance clubs stay open until the last customers leave, so closing hours depend upon revelers. Most discos have a "ladies' night" at least once a week -- admission and drinks are free for women.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Nightclubs

Carlos ‘n’ Charlies:
Dance Club.  Next to the Best Western Posada Real, Carlos 'n' Charlie's attracts a teenage and twentysomething crowd with late-night dancing on a raised platform by the beach. Address: Blvd. Ixtapa s/n, Ixtapa, Mexico.
Phone: 755/553-0085.

Christine:
Dance Club.  Christine, the area's most popular disco, has varied music and high-tech light shows. (Bogarts, the restaurant at Hotel Krystal, usually has piano music between 7:30-10:30 PM.)  Address: Krystal Ixtapa hotel, Blvd. Ixtapa s/n, Ixtapa, Mexico.
Phone: 755/553-0333

Señor Frogs:
Bar.  Like others in the chain, Señor Frog's has innovative decorations, a wild youngish crowd, and several methods for getting patrons as drunk as possible.  Address: Centro Comercial Ixtapa, across from Emporio Ixtapa hotel, Ixtapa, Mexico.
Phone: 755/553-0272

Bandidos:
Music Club.  There's salsa, Cuban, or romantic music at Bandidos Monday through Saturday in December and January, Friday and Saturday the rest of the year. It's smack in the middle of downtown and popular with middle-aged foreigners. In the afternoon and early evening you can get drinks, snacks, and full meals at the bar and outdoor patio. The TV is usually tuned to sports, though the volume is turned way down.  Address: Calle Pedro Ascencio 2, at Calle Cinco de Mayo, Zihuatanejo, Mexico.
Phone: 755/553-8072

Blue Mamou:
Music Club.  Head for Blue Mamou for live blues, swing, and more blues; open nightly except Sunday. The bar, which opens at 7 PM, sometimes hosts private events, so call ahead for the schedule. Soak up the booze with some grub: ribs, chicken, fish, sausage, yams, and cole slaw.  Address: Paseo Playa La Ropa s/n, near Hotel Irma, Mexico.
Phone: 755/544-8025