One of North America's Top Bars Comes Alive on Tuesday Nights

This article first appeared in the January 20, 2023 issue of Dinogo Travel, featuring insights from Dinogo staff on must-visit culinary destinations. Subscribe now.

As summer faded, I embarked on a solo adventure to the Riviera Maya — just a quick trip from my home in Houston — seeking some sun before the holiday hustle began. I headed to Mayakoba, an eco-conscious retreat situated north of Playa del Carmen along Mexico’s Caribbean shore, surrounded by lush mangroves and pristine white sands. Among the four luxury resorts in this 600-acre gated community, I chose Rosewood Mayakoba, celebrated for its tranquil atmosphere, spacious lagoon-side suites, and its standout destination bar, Zapote, recognized on North America’s 50 Best Bars list for two consecutive years.

I always find it fascinating when a bar or restaurant makes it onto such lists, but my interest in visiting Zapote was heightened by its Tuesday night pop-up series featuring guest bartenders from both Mexico and the U.S., called Martes de Locales, or Local Tuesday. Alba Huerta, a fellow Houstonian and James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Beverage Program for her cocktail bar Julep, was scheduled to guest. Naturally, I was excited.

After a leisurely few days exploring Mayakoba by bicycle and frequently stopping for meals at Rosewood’s beachside restaurant, Aqui Me Quedo, I prepared for Tuesday night at Zapote. Casual chats with the resort staff suggested that the bar was the highlight of the entire Mayakoba complex — and rightly so. Tuesdays tend to be the quietest night at most resorts, and Martes de Locales was designed to attract visitors. Zapote stands out as one of the few nightlife spots in the region that offers such an experience, with reservations available to all through OpenTable, drawing guests from nearby hotels.

I’ve explored numerous Mexican resort towns, enjoying tequila-fueled parties at hotel beach clubs and vibrant nights at Coco Bongo in Cancun, but this experience felt distinct — like an exclusive affair for the in-the-know crowd.

As night fell, flickering flames from torches and lanterns illuminated the winding paths of Rosewood. The atmospheric lighting guided me to Zapote, nestled in a corner beyond the hotel’s airy lobby. I could feel the soft rhythm of music before I reached the entrance. Inspired by the natural beauty of Riviera Maya, Zapote features both indoor and outdoor seating, with private and communal tables surrounding a long bar as the focal point. I was intrigued to see guests seated on either side of the bar, while skilled bartenders maneuvered around them to access bottles and glassware. An open kitchen behind the bar wafted the enticing scent of grilled meats over an open flame. A DJ nearby added to the lively ambiance with a continuous stream of beats. The communal seating arrangement pays homage to the Mexican hacienda tradition, emphasizing community and togetherness.

By the time I arrived at 7 p.m., the softly lit space buzzed with energy as guests gathered around cocktails like the Royal Guayaba Fizz, made with prickly pear gin, jasmine tea, and aquafaba. Huerta had taken center stage, occupying a spot at the head of a communal table to craft cocktails for all to see. This interactive setup encouraged conversation and offered an up-close glimpse of the bartenders at work. Zapote’s beverage director, Joshua Monaghan, was a familiar presence, gracefully weaving through the crowd, greeting guests with warm words and infectious laughter.

A quick glance around the room revealed that Zapote attracts guests not only for its cocktails but also for its culinary offerings: most patrons enjoyed meals while sipping drinks. To highlight the flavors of the Yucatan Peninsula, the menu features Middle Eastern-inspired dishes like spiced beef and lamb kebabs with tomatillo salsa, alongside hummus made from barbacoa chickpeas.

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere shifted with the arrival of live musicians joining the DJ. By 9 p.m., while savoring the last bites of my lamb chops and roasted smoked cauliflower, the room filled with rhythmic percussion and the resonant sound of a trombone. Guests, bartenders, and even Huerta found themselves swaying to the lively, upbeat tunes. When the trombone player climbed onto the bar to deliver a powerful finale, the crowd erupted in applause.

This vibrant energy will surely envelop Zapote again next Tuesday... and the Tuesday after that, and so on. An exciting lineup of guest bartenders is set to grace Martes de Locales in the upcoming months, including Mapo Milano from Cafe de Nadie in Mexico City on December 19, Harrison Ginsberg from Overstory in New York City on January 9, and Luke Mallery from Broken Shaker in Los Angeles on January 16.

Now that I'm back home, immersed in my usual routine, I can hardly recall any Tuesday nights as captivating as those spent at Zapote. Although I was traveling solo, I found myself in excellent company among fellow vacationers from around the globe and the bar’s lively staff — all contributing to the extraordinary experience that is Martes de Locales.

Megha McSwain is a freelance writer and a contributor to Dinogo Houston.