Nórtico

The vibe

Nórtico is the speakeasy tucked behind Oryx, chef Ruffo Ibarra’s restaurant on Boulevard Agua Caliente. In March 2017, San Diego Magazine called it Tijuana’s first speakeasy, reported that it had been open for almost a year and said it was already turning away walk-ins on a Saturday night. There’s no sign outside: the way in is a hidden door off the hallway that leads to Oryx’s restrooms, so ask the staff if you can’t find it.

The room plays on Tijuana’s “golden age” during U.S. Prohibition, from 1920 to 1933, when the city became a drinking destination for Americans. Wine Enthusiast, which called it an unmarked speakeasy in a 2025 roundup of the city’s bar scene, described dim lighting, tufted leather and gilded wood; on its earlier visit, San Diego Magazine found the walls lined with large reprints, trimmed in gold leaf, of old photos of Al Capone, bootleggers and 1920s Tijuana. Atly’s roundup of Tijuana cocktail bars, updated in October 2026, describes a quiet, nostalgic room with blues and jazz playing.

The drinks

The menu changes, mixing classics with house creations. Wine Enthusiast listed a Sidecar, an Aviation and a Zombie among the classics, alongside a milk punch made with sotol and a mezcal drink with Cognac, Madeira and maple smoke. Atly highlights an Old Fashioned served with a stamped ice cube and a cocktail called Taco Alley. In San Diego Magazine’s 2025 locals’ guide to Tijuana, Kevin Gómez of Aruba Day Drink pointed visitors to Nórtico for more mixed drinks.

What to expect

This is a quiet room for conversation, not a dance floor. Seating is limited: only a handful of bar seats go to walk-ins, and the rest are booked by message, so reserve ahead on weekends. It pairs naturally with dinner at Oryx, which is listed in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Mexico, but you can also come just for a drink.

Prices and entry

We didn’t find a current, dated cocktail menu with prices, so check at the bar. Atly’s listing says Nórtico takes cards and mobile payments only, not cash, and mentions 20% off cocktails from 5 to 7 p.m. on weekdays; promotions change, so confirm before you go. As at any bar in Mexico, you need to be 18 or older.

Getting there

Nórtico is inside Oryx at Blvd. Agua Caliente 10750, int. 84, in Plaza Conquistador, in the Agua Caliente / Hipódromo area. From downtown or Zona Río it’s a short taxi or ride-hail ride. If you drive, Oryx runs valet parking Thursday to Saturday from 4 p.m.

Good to know

• Message ahead for a seat, especially on weekends.
• Leave the cash at home and bring a card, per Atly.
• More cocktail bars on our directory: Aruba Day Drink and Minimal.

Plan the rest of your night with our guides, and see what’s on around the city on the calendar.