Thirsty Cougar
About This Spot
Stepping into Thirsty Cougar feels like slipping into a vibrant, sun-soaked corner of Cozumel’s downtown where flavors and stories intertwine with a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Nestled between Rafael E. Melgar and Avenida 5, this lively spot blends the spirited buzz of a cocktail bar with the familiar warmth of a neighborhood favorite, inviting guests to slow down, savor, and connect.
The atmosphere here hums with an easygoing energy. Whether you're settling in for a midday break or winding down after a day exploring the island, the pace strikes a perfect balance—unrushed but animated, echoing the rhythms of the nearby streets. It’s the kind of place where friendly chatter mingles with the clinking of handblown glassware, and staff greet you with a genuine warmth that instantly makes you feel part of the scene.
Food and drink at Thirsty Cougar unfold as a shared experience, rooted in coastal flavors and classic Mexican comfort, but always with a creative spin. The menu offers vibrant bites that feel fresh and satisfying—imagine the zest of ceviche caught that morning, or the playful twist of their famous frozen margaritas served just before the ice melts. There’s a carefree joy in sampling these dishes and drinks, each bite or sip inviting a moment of discovery, whether it’s a smoky fajita or a perfectly balanced mojito.
What stands out is how the setting encourages genuine human moments—whether it’s locals sharing a laugh over guacamole or travelers settling into a conversation with the attentive staff. This is the sort of place that feels alive not just through its flavors but through the people who fill its space. The relaxed mood paired with thoughtfully crafted cocktails and comfort-driven plates makes every visit feel like finding a hidden gem in plain sight.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Live music
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Live performances
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Food
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Food at bar
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Happy-hour drinks
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Spirits
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Wine
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Seating
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Table service
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Groups
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Tourists
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Free of charge street parking
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Parking
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Dogs allowed
Location & Hours
| Monday | 09:00 AM - 12:00 AM | |
| Tuesday | 09:00 AM - 12:00 AM | |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 09:00 AM - 12:00 AM | |
| Thursday | 09:00 AM - 12:00 AM | |
| Friday | 09:00 AM - 02:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 09:00 AM - 02:00 AM | |
| Sunday | 09:00 AM - 12:00 AM |
Rob Doucet 11 Jan 2026
I got the frozen mango margarita, it is worth getting just for the picture! But it is also delicious, just make sure you drink/eat it before it melts! I also got their steak enchiladas with red sauce.
Amanda 09 Jan 2026
We come here every time we visit Cozumel. The lobster tacos and cerviche is the slam!! The service is wonderful.
Foodieextreme Foodieextreme 09 Nov 2025
Visited October 13, 2025 - Cozumel - Day 3 of our Disney Dream Cruise My family and I are currently on the Disney Dream cruise and spent the day exploring downtown Cozumel, hoping to find authentic Mexican food and refreshing drinks. We passed The Thirsty Cougar at first, thinking it might be too touristy, and kept walking in search of something more local. A few kind locals gave us directions, but we still couldn’t find what we were looking for. On our way back, we passed The Thirsty Cougar again and saw people enjoying colorful frozen drinks. It looked so inviting, we decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad we did. Ronaldo greeted us with such warmth and kindness. He explained that their frozen drinks are made with fresh fruit and can be made without alcohol, which was perfect since I don’t drink. I ordered a mango and tamarind combo, and my husband had a Tecate. We also shared the Telmex nachos. The drink was absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful, and refreshing with a generous portion. The nachos were fantastic, and you could really taste the difference with the freshly grilled meat. Every bite was satisfying. Ronaldo brought us spicy salsa and fresh jalapeños that added a great kick. My husband enjoyed it so much, he had a second Tecate. The service from Ronaldo was exceptional, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the view was beautiful. This ended up being one of the best parts of our day in Cozumel. So happy we gave it a chance. Highly recommend!.
Captain Midnight 03 Nov 2025
We checked out the Thirsty Cougar on our most recent cruise to Cozumel and found the house margaritas to be quite tasty, the guacamole with pico hit the spot, and Felix our server was friendly, helpful and professional. We purchased two sets of their hand-blown glassware and one of the reproductions of their nice oil paintings. Nice people here; great drinks, relaxing vibe and funky glassware and art for sale. Check them out when you're on the island!
Tara Bishop 25 Oct 2025
Can not begin to explain how great this place it. Staff are amazing food is delicious and drinks are fantastic. 10/10 recommend
Jeff Boring 21 Oct 2025
This is our go-to lunch and margarita spot every time our cruise stops in Cozumel. I think the Cougarita gets bigger every year! I always order too much food - delicious and affordable. My favourite is the chicken enchiladas verde. And of course, a t-shirt to take home. Two of us - two Cougarita, cheese fondito with chorizo, two entrees and two t-shirts came in under $100US including tip.
K Turner 16 Oct 2025
We spent one night in Cozumel to fly out from there and ended up at The Thirsty Cougar two days in a row. Great music and the view of the ocean is lovely. Food & drinks were great. Ivan took care of us both times. He was a fun and attentive server! He recommended the blackened fish and it did not disappoint. I would request Ivan again. Very memorable place to visit, enjoyed the vibes!