This bears saying one more time, for NEW guys. Get a Cool Beans map of Boy's Town on the thread after this one. Then read this.
Although I've been to BT a couple hundred times (my work took me to Laredo almost weekly for eight years) I haven't been there much in the last five, so anyone feel free to correct me.
Best to stay away from the bars on the left (east) side of Front Street. Those are for locals, and where you may be welcome, you may not be. That's where the people who are involved in drug commerce are most likely to be, and in my opinion, supported by recent events, the most likely area for you to get caught in a crossfire. If you are unfamiliar with the Zona, best to stick to Papagayo, and the bars on the left (south) side of Street One, notably Tamyko.
If you walk around Back Street to Marabu, be aware if you see guys lurking, it's pretty isolated so do a 180 if necessary. The Western (formerly Dallas Cowboys...anyone know why they changed the name?) and Hollywood are still TS, I suppose, but safe and fun if you're not up-tight about it. The other Back Street bars are a mixed bag. Street Two is ok, and I've never had any trouble there but be wary on Street Three in the wee hours.
Beware your wrist watch and wallet if (a) a group of young girls or sissies comes cascading out of a backwater bar and surrounds you like you're a celebrity, or (b) if some old hags start grabbing at you in front of the Shamrock. Leave everything in the trunk of the car except cash and ID, so if worse comes you will only have one card to replace.
I have hung out in all parts of BT. I have had all night GFE with a door girl, have had a five dollar blow job from a midget and a $130 package from an Amazon. I have been to the most questionable places by myself, but I've come to the conclusion that it's better to just spend what's necessary in one of the better bars, and put in a little time to find someone with a good attitude that you click with. It's possible. I have had some wonderful times in Papagayo, and even more in Tamyko. Beware of some of the folks in lesser establishments, broke people are desperate.
Some guys are different...last time down I went in the limo from the truck stop to BT, and one of the guys got with at least six different door girls, but it was more if memory serves. When he was down to his last ten bucks, I bought him a fruit salad at the taco stand so he could go one more time...I should be so lucky as to have that many loads in me, I feel fortunate when I get the second one off.
I've seen La Zona more rowdy than Mardi Gras and dead as a doornail. I've pretty much gone and done what I wanted and never had any trouble, though I've observed a certain amount of it. Go ahead and go, it can't be any worse than Angeles City on election day. If you catch a stray one and croak, just remember that you were going to die some day anyway. Be there or be square.