La Faraona (“The Lady Pharoah”) is one of a new generation of wine bars blossoming in Tijuana. Outside, not much. Inside, the cutest, artsiest wine bar, complete with really original urban murals, a coffee bar, a micro beer bar, and — believe this — a micro-theater upstairs where live actors put on fifteen minute plays. Avenida Puente México #8250, Colonia Zona Centro (aka Calle Primera, First Street, between Revolución and Madero Avenues, downtown Tijuana, 011-52-664-685-4878.

Prices: Cheese, meat plates usually around $5–$6; wines, from $3 glass; four-play evening performances of micro-teatro upstairs, Thursday–Saturday, around $12; individual plays, around $3.50 each

Buses/taxis: Mexicoach to Avenida Revolución (but you’ll need to walk from top to bottom of Revolución), or walk across footbridge from border, or catch cab or bus to “Centro” from Mexican side of the border
Nearest Mexicoach stop: San Ysidro: 4570 Camino de la Plaza, near the trolley terminal; Tijuana: Mexicoach depot on Revolución between 6th and 7th streets