Opinions on Discos/Clubs

[Melanie]

Hola!
Well I am looking for another opinion poll. You all have been so helpful and I have printed so many pages of information. Now I am looking at which clubs are not to be missed. It is my husband and myself who are 26 and looking to hit a couple clubs but not one every night.

Which club(s) would you say you have to experience before leaving Cancun???

Thanks!
Melanie

[Michael F.]

That's a good idea, Melanie. A little poll for folks' favorites and they can post the reasons for them. Did you want to use the "poll" feature on new postings?
:michaelf:

[Steve]

Hi Melanie, I edited your post to make it into a poll, about time we had one of those, might as well use the features that other Cancun message boards dont have!

My opinion on the above:

La Boom / Tequila Boom two clubs for the price of one. La Boom - dance music best nights Wed and Fri can be quiet other nights. Tequila Boom - rap and hip hop, usually populated by Eminem wannabes, I'm not keen. But overall La Boom narrowly gets my vote over Mambo Cafe. My only gripe about La Boom is the Tequila - dont do it!

Coco Bongo great night out brilliant shows, stadium feel and something new every few minutes. Not keen on the open bar - it's hidden away at the top of the club - a must do, busy most nights. In my top three.

Dady O havent been for several years, but enjoyed it. Adjoins Dady Rock for pre club drinks - you can get a bracelet for entrance to both. Met my wife at Dady Rock, but I dont like to admit it!

Mambo Cafe Cancuns' secret club! located downtown and very few tourists venture there, full of happy locals and gorgeous girls. Live salsa band nightly, cheap entrance and drinks and brilliant night out. I can only have one vote but if I could have two this would get it. Lads - go on a Thursday ladies drink free!

Bulldog Never been - no comment

Senor Frogs Haven't been in a while, find it kind of cheesy and expensive. Not really a 'club' but included anyway as its fairly popular

Fat Tuesday Again doesnt really meet my definition of a 'club' but I'm not keen at all, mainly open air and again expensive drinks - popular with the younger crowd.

Hope that gives you a taster - anyone else?

[NormsKid]

Coco Bongo is my favorite club in Cancun. It's the most unique club I've ever been to in my life.....luv the shows, luv dancin on the platforms upstairs and looking down at the others below!

Mambo Cafe is my favorite club when I don't want to be surrounded by tourists & tip junkies in the hotel zone. The live band is awesome! Price is right.....

I love the mens hot body contest at La Boom, but don't care for techno at all. I prefer the music at Tequila Boom, but they don't have anyplace to sit down on that side of the place....bummer!

Michelle

It was a hard decision, but I went with Bulldogs. The reason is that I am into Rock and Roll. At Bulldogs they have a house band that comes out and plays songs. I do goto "dance" clubs and enjoy myself, and agree with the statements about the other clubs.

The club that I have not tried that is on the list is Mambo Cafe, I'll have to try it next time.

[Elizabeth]

This is just my opinion, and you can all jump on me for it, but I think that Mambo Cafe should go into the class of "Salsa Clubs". But that's probably just because I'm a salsa freak.

In addition, I think Sabor Latino is way better than Mambo cafe, with the same sort of music, a better show and is technically more up-to-date.

For Salsa Clubs, I would recommend the following options:

Azucar (salsa, merengue, cha cha, bachata, and every once in a while a latin pop artist)
Sabor Latino (mix of latin pop/techno/dance music in between sets)
Mambo Cafe (mix of latin pop/techno/dance music in between sets)
El Gran Melao
Cohiba
Batacha (slow here)
La Pachanga (never been and probably won't ever go. Kristin says it's "Low Rent")

As for the "tourist hot spots", I think Coco Bongo is a must.

[Melanie]

You guys are so awesome!! Thanks Steve for turning it into a poll. I hear everyone talk about how great the clubs are. I didn't want to come back and post a trip report only for you all to realize I might have missed the best clubs!! ops:

You all are so thorough and full of great info. I don't think I have ever had such a well planned vacation.

8)

Just remember that every one has different tastes, if you go to a club and it was not for you, eventhough a lot of others loved it, try another. That is what is great about going down there, trying different places, things and having a great time.

I didn't try LaBoom (for a silly reason) until my third trip and it turned out to be one of my faves. If you don't get to go to a certain club this time it should be a good excuse to goto Cancun again.

[Steve]

Thanks Liz,
must admit my salsa club experience extends only to El Gran Melao and Mambo Cafe. We must try Sabor Latino next time, I've heard you mention it before - I think I'm missing out and need to see what it's all about, whereabouts is it? If you want to play guide tour - drinks on us.

Jannets stepfather always promises to take me to Terraza Perazza, but we havent made it yet (he always has a wicked glint in his eye when he says this) - I dont think its a salsa club more a locals bar out by the Jungle - do you know anything about it?

Whats with the new avatar - looks sweet but a little bit like roadkill - I'll run away before you get me :wink:

Melanie,
my pleasure, all we ask is that once you've had a great vacation you come back and tell us about it and help others have a good time too - let us know what you liked what you didnt like.

[Elizabeth]

Nope, never heard of that place by the jungle. Sounds kinda scary! LOL!

Sabor Latino is in Hong Kong plaza by Walmart. Very easy to find and all cab drivers know where it is.

And YOU! That's my kitten Diablo Lunita. I got her in January and she has me wrapped around her little paw. Along of course.....with the street kitty MiNoche, and my dog Rocky and birds back home. I suppose I've got my own little zoo going on.

But don't you dare diss DIABLO! :whip: :double finger:

Je je kidding....:roll:

....(kinda) :twisted:

[Klaw]

I have to agree with Elizabeth about Sabor Latino.

I uses to love Mambo Cafe (and still do) and would choose going there over aboout just any other place in Cancun.

But, once I went to Sabor Latino, I was hooked. I think I've been there 4 or 5 times now and it is always a great time.

Definitely check it out--you won't be disappointed.

Karan

[Sparkey]

Elizabeth,

Great avitar, Steve better watch his step!

[Scott&Penny]

You forgot Carlos & Charlies and Glazz on the poll
Can't wait to get back in May. A friend of mine just got back and went to Glazz and said its a lil expensive but alot like your in NY or South Beach.

On this past trip, we only did CocoBongo, La Boom, Carlos & Charlies and Dady Rock/Dady O.

I don't know if it had to do with the time of the year we were in Cancun (October) but La Boom was DEAD. Carlos & Charlies was fun but that was because we met a group there or else the cemetary would have had more life than that place. My favorite dance spot was Dady Rock/Dady O but I loved the shows at Coco Bongo and was able to really get my groove on. So I guess Coco Bongo won my vote!!

[Steve]

thought I'd bump this one to the top - its an often asked question so lets have some more votes and views.

12 is not much good from 572 members!

[SirMoose]

I would have to say that CocoBongo is the cant miss place in Cancun...even though I've been twice now and probally will skip it next trip, it is something you have to see at least once. The other place that noone has mentioned is the foam party at up&down (Oasis hotel). Didn't make it last trip, but the time I did go It was probally one of the best nights.

personal preference is such a big factor in taking advice and reading the boards. for example, despite it being a fave of many and featured on E!entertainment tv, i HATED coco bongo. could not wait to leave. 3 hours later i made by escape. here is my experience, and i stress it is only MY experience and MY opinion so pls don't attack me if you love the club.

i was very excited to go to coco bongo b/c of the feedback and opinions expressed on the boards and all of my research. went on a saturday in early october and i learned very quickly it is all about your own expectations and personal preference when you are researching. (which goes without saying. i guess i forgot that when planning!)

DISCLAIMER:
again, just trying to present all opinions here on my fave cancun board. i will admit that with more drinks i may have enjoyed coco bongo a bit more but see commentary on open bar below to understand why i did not drink more...

STADIUM STYLE SEATING:
the way i read the posts lead me to believe that "stadium style seating" meant it was a huge club with lots of room. it even looks huge from the outside. it is not huge on the inside, in fact i would describe it as very small for such a "world famous" club. it has a few levels to choose from and you are crammed in where ever you go. by stadium style i think people mean there are steps leading to a few different levels and a cramped areas to stand. (think middleschool basketball stands with bleachers, and only a few at that) very few tables available (not that you want to sit all night but a table to rest drink or seat to rest bum is appreciated at times). it is very dark and closed in. reminded me of a small, big city club, not the more open feeling of other clubs in cancun.

OPEN BAR:
$28 and a waste. restricted to one bar, upstairs in a corner, and it is even more cramped up there. can't take more than one drink downstairs- bouncers will make you throw it away if you bring more than one drink to the downstairs area. the drink choices are restricted of course and the alcohol can barely be called that- horrible tasting and believe me, i tried several types to try and get me through the night. if you ignore all of my advice about the club in general, do yourself a favor and just pay the $7 for the real margarita or real drink, and don't get sucked into the bargin bracelet for $28. if you do get the $28 deal, beer and shots are best bet because can't screw up draft beer and at least with shots the awful taste is over more quickly!!

SHOWS:
people rave about the shows so i built them up in my mind. Don't! you are better off not expecting a lot and being surprised if you like them. they are ok but i did not feel they were "vegas style spectacular" as advertised. and forget seeing the shows if you are at the open bar area upstairs. if you are not tall, unless u are right in front smashed against the railing, you can't even see the shows. the acrobatics in the middle of the club (there are a few of these) are ok but the impersonators were not great. more funny in my opinion. my favorite of the night- spiderman flying around over the crowds. the bright lights and confetti are fun at first but overdone throughout the night-- again, maybe i just needed more alcohol.

MUSIC:
YMCA, Hot, Hot, Hot and other (overplayed) party favorites. Not the place if you want techno or even great dance music. the madonna and michael jackson medley were pretty cool, thought the m.j. impersonator wasn't (same guy who does freddy mercury and elvis i believe)

overall i am glad i went so i know it is not my type of club. whatever you do, have fun! just thought i would share a different opinion...

catie- you are right about different people/different expectations. Thanks for being honest.

The one time that I have gone to the club was back in 2000 when I went on a pub crawl. During the night that I went they didn't have the show, so I can't say anything about it.

For the drinks, I drank beer (since that time when I go to clubs I will drink beer and frozen drinks to get the water for hydration and will do shots.

When I did the pub crawl they took us to the upper level, which was fine with me because during the time that we where there at times t-shirts, bandanas, etc was thrown to the crowd. During one of those I was standing a foot or so away from the railing when I saw something land between me and another person, I looked at him then looked down and saw that a bandana had landed so I oicked it up, I still have it.

All in all Coco Bongo is a place I will go to again.

[Steve]

Thanks for the input Catie, dont ever worry about being criticised here for your thoughts. It's clear you have been to Coco Bongo and all opinions are valid.

In fact, I agree with you about the open bar (see my first post) it was tucked away at the top of the club and we didnt have the best time when we tried it - I wanted to drink and my wife didnt, but due to the separation and not letting people switch between bars we ended up paying for open bar for Jannet even though she only wanted a couple of cokes.

I quite liked the shows (although I never been to Vegas so I can't comment on the comparison)

What we do now at Coco Bongo is just buy entrance only and then tell the staff we are going to buy some bottles of Aboslut Vodka and want a nice table. Last time they found us a great area to sit - in fact they kicked some people out of the seats which I felt a little guilty about, delivered the Absolut with a selection of mixers and treated us well all night. The Absolut cost about $100 a bottle, we had 3 of them between 10 people, total bill plus tip about $400.

I thought that pretty good, as with open bar at $28 plus say $10 tip to ensure good service theres next to no difference and we had a great night that night.

[Tizzod]

While I was at Cancun in August of 2003 I went to La BOOM/Tequila Boom, bulldog, senor frogs. I thought the best club was La Boom/Tequila boom they had a constant mix of music great light shows, you could get up on the bars and the bartenders would just do crazy stuff. Getting drinks was not a problem here, bulldog cafe was alright a little to much rock for me and it was very very crowded hard to get a drink but they've got a hot tub and a live band that comes out which is pretty cool. As far as Senor Frogs I think it's to expensive and IMO overrated. Not to much going on there.

[Hawk]

This last trip I decided to go with the BBg staff everynight. Although I had fun at every one of the clubs, La Boom was my favorite.

Fat Tuesdays: we had the roped off VIP section with gallon jugs of Margaritas. Lots of fun, they took us over to bungie jump but it was too windy.

Senior Frogs: I agree it's over rated, but everyone there was having a great time.

La Boom: Great dance music, lots of room to dance!

Daddy Rock: We ended up in the small section outside. Had a great time with Jose from BBG. Must have danced for 4 hours!

Bull Dog Cafe: My wifes favorite, she love rock and roll. Live band was good, drinks were the best of all the clubs, Not very much room to dance and no one was in the tub.

Coco Bongo: Nice setup, we were with people that really wanted to dance and there really isn't much hope of doing this here. If you go with the intention of people watching, drinking and enjoying their shows you'll have a great time! If you want to dance, and socialize than you may be dissapointed.

La Boom is the best for couple party.

I am SENORWH0RE!!!!! Went in July w/ bestfriend met MAFIA people that worked there.. came back in December to see them again and another trip planned for May.. SENOR FROGS IS THE BEST!! SMALL AND PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AWESOME MUSIC!! AWESOME STAFF (Abe, Jaun, Chaqueto, Willie, Alex, Rene, Moses) I LOVE YOU!!!!! See you in MAY!! SENOR FROGS 4 LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Violet have you ever eaten at Sr. Frog's, they actually have pretty good food (note: the one and only time that I have used the 2 for 1 card).

The only other time I have was on a Bar Hopping thing in 2000 and I have got to say that it was a night and club to remember.

Okk... yes we ate at SENOR FOR FREE!!! Thank you ABE!!! Ummmm we drank there for free and are VIP!! WE love our friends... Ohhh willie!! ohhh chaqueto!! ohhh juan!! FUn dancers and super funness there! SENOR FOOD IS GOOD ONLY WHEN FREE, which is all the time!! Soo yes it is good!!!! Ummmmmmmmm their drinks are good when free too.. oh wait.. that means they are good all the time... b/c it is free all the time!!!!!!!!!! They are awaiting our beautiness in May and cannot wait to see us... WE LOVE YOU CUNCUN SENOR FRIENDSSSSSSSSS........... ps.. in 2 years we will live there and work as two EMCEE girls!!!!!! the boys are excited!! OK BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[stud]

Dady O is the best.

[CHEEZESTK]

I LOVE THE CLUB, IN CASE YOU HAVEN;T SEEN IT I POSTED A SHORT VIDEO OF THE SHOW. ALSO THE PROBLEMS YOU HAVE WITH ONE BAR, I NEVER HAD I GAVE THE BARTENDER 200 PESOS AND HE WAS MY FRIEND FOR LIFE. BY THE END OF THE NIGHT I HAD MY OWN SECURITY WITH ME/!

[LeahN47]

Thanks for all the opinions it is helping me out a lot. I now know where not go for open bar as we planned on purchasing them every night we went to a club and Coco Bongo was on our list. We will drink before we go. Thanks again I really enjoy reading all the posts and different opinions of people.

[Tracy]

This was very difficult to do as I really enjoyed all the bars that I got drunk at...haha
There is one club I noticed wasn't listed....THE CITY... I thought that was pretty good...not my pick as rock music is my favorite, but non the less I think it should be on the voters list.

[Ana]

Dady'O is the best..... second place, The new Dady Lounge