Mexico: Bar Real Hacienda de Garibaldi

“The place where great nights begin” claims the Real Hacienda de Garibaldi leaflet. Unforgettable experience? Yes. But surely not in a good way. The scheme works as follows: as you walk by the bar, a tout (one of the pack!) pressures you to come in to enjoy the music, and that, with no admission fee (“no cover, no cover” he insists). As soon as you enter, you find yourself in a run down and badly lit place. The band playing seems bored to death. And on top of that, the beer is pretty expensive (around 5$). But the real surprise happens when you decide to leave and comes the bill –including an extra charge of 20$ for “el concepto de entretenimiento”. Hey, wait, isn’t this the equivalent of a cover charge? Isn’t the admittance free, as you were told over and over BEFORE getting in? I complained to the manager and he showed me with arrogance what was written in fine print on the cocktail list: prices do not include the entertainment concept. In addition, they will try to bill you for different kinds of phoney taxes –by that I don’t mean the expected 10% or 15% tip-. Our bill ended up being around 35$ for two beers and a 20 minutes stay – tip not included. To sum up, the Real Hacienda de Garibaldi is definitely a place to avoid. You’ll be happier spending the night at El Guadalajara de Noche, one block away: the entertainment is great (mariachis, traditional dancers, live salsa music -all in one night!), the place looks nice, drinks are cheaper. And cover is free (for real)! 
Downsides:
-shabby and dark place 
-expensive drinks

Warnings: they’ll try to charge you hidden fees and phoney taxes
Price range: $ $ (see warning above)
Global evaluation: Thumbs down!
Coordinates: Plaza Garibaldi, Mexico DF, Mexico  Phone: unknown
Website: no