The first thing that always comes to mind with Veracruz is the scene on the zócalo, which on a weekend can go on until the wee hours of the morning. The evening shows presented by the municipal government can be quite good. I've seen some great dance troupes perform Jarocho.
There's a small bar downtown with a real local feel, where on weekends you can hear live groups play son montuno, an old-style Latin tropical music. The bar's name is Rincón de la Trova (no phone) and it's at Plazuela de la Lagunilla 59. Live music is Thursday to Saturday. Friday and Saturday there's a $3 (£1.50) cover.
There are several dance clubs to choose from. Most play Latin music and are in or near the hotel zone. One that signs good acts is La Casona de la Condesa (tel. 229/933-5451) at Bulevar Avila Camacho 2014, Fracc. Costa de Oro. There are several clubs for dancing to salsa and such. Two are in the vicinity of the Hotel Lois. Carioca (tel. 229/937-8290), at Calz. A Ruiz Cortines 10, and Kachimba (tel. 229/927-1981), at Bulevar Avila Camacho s/n. Any taxi driver would know where these places are.
