I used to go clubbing in TJ all the time from San Diego. It’s a lot of fun!
Take the trolley to the border. Eat at the McDonalds before you cross if you are hungry or if you think you might get hungry once you cross. I’ve eaten the food in TJ and have come out OK, but you are rolling the dice if you do. Also, don’t fdrink water unless it’s bottled water. This includes ice. Stick to bottled beer or shots.
Take your ID and an ATM or credit card. Leave your wallet at home. Spread your money around to different pockets to avoid pickpockets getting everything. Be advised that some lap dancers in TJ strip clubs are very good pickpockets. If you want a lap dance in a strip club, be advised that the rules of conduct in TJ are typically much more liberal than in San Diego. Have your friend hold your money and ID for you during a lap dance.
Walk over the bridge and cross over to Mexico. Walk down the little alley there until you come across some taxi cabs just sitting there waiting. It’s a bit of a walk, so don’t expect to see them right away once across. Follow the pack. It’s a pretty straight line from the border to the taxis.
Approach the taxi cabs and simply say “Revolucion, por favor”. Revolucion is the name of the major street where you find the clubs.
Be advised that TJ does not look or smell as clean as San Diego.
Listen for the loud thump thump of club music in many establishments. Be aware that there are folks who will approach you with a bottle of tequila who blow whistles. They want you to buy tequila shots, but instead of a glass, they tip your head back and pour the tequila straight down your throat.
Have fun. Avoid trouble. Be polite. Many natives in the clubs speak English fairly well. You will also see many many Americans around.
When you are finished, just pick up a cab on just about any corner. Just tell the cab driver, “La Frontera, por favor.” This means “The Border, please.”
It’s a bit of a walk from the cab to the border. Along the walk to the border, you will be hit up by local merchants, women, and children trying to sell you blankets, knick knacks, and Chiclets chewing gum. The children are usually a bit grubby and all of about 10 years old and run up to you saying, “Chicle, Chicle” as the hold out Chiclets gum for you to buy. If you don’t want any, just politely refuse with, “No, gracias.”
You will have to go through US Customs, which should be easy if you have proper ID and are not carrying anything. Just answer the questions from the Customs officer and walk through the metal detectors.
Cross back over the bridge into the US. Take the trolley back to the city. If the trolley isn’t running, you can grab a taxi, but it’s not that short a drive into the city.