Antigua
Put your Gallo beer down for one moment and get to the forefront of Guatemala's craft-brewing revolution at the Antigua Brewing Company. Sup its signature…
Must-see nightlife in Central America
Jacó
Farmed and harvested in Tarrazú and roasted in Jacó, this is some of the finest-tasting coffee in Costa Rica. The small artisan coffee shop in Jacó has no…
Managua
No self-respecting coffee connoisseur should miss out on visiting this altar to the coffee bean, whose owner comes from generations of coffee farmers and…
Stella's Sunset Wine Bar & Restaurant
Ambergris Caye
Stella's is a classy but unpretentious wine bar set in a lovely garden on the edge of the San Pedro Lagoon that affords fine sunset views. Sit on lounge…
Roatán
There's a party going on, way out in the mangroves at this over-the-water bar only accessible by boat (including on mangrove tours). Slip onto a stool…
Quepos to Uvita
In the center of Dominical, with a doorway decorated with two mini-flamethrowers, this sleek establishment with a coffee shop, glistening hardwood bar and…
Jacó
The best place to sip on artisan mixed drinks and watch the sunset is this mellow, palm-tree-fronted place with minimalist airy design and pops of…
San José
Just when everyone thought it would be Imperial versus Pilsen forever, this artisanal brew pub paved the way for craft beer in Costa Rica. The brewery's…
Guatemala City
This small spot for craft beers and cocktails is dedicated to the author Julio Cortázar, as aficionados will know from the name Rayuela (one of the author…
Tegucigalpa
The Honduras brewery crafts five beers that would thrive in any beer-loving city. Each is named after a passage of the Honduran national anthem. The India…
Ojochal
This epic hilltop bar and restaurant, with steps painted like the keys of a piano and musical instruments on the walls, has raised the bar for nightlife…
Northern Highlands
A groovy bohemian bar (and guaranteed ranchero-free zone) with occasional, hip live-music performances and cultural events. The young owners are very…
Quetzaltenango
On the plaza end of the elegant Pasaje Enríquez, alive day and night with a healthy mix of Guatemalans and foreigners quaffing Cabro by the liter, the…
San Salvador
Craft beer has landed in El Salvador! This popular brewpub offers seven Cadejo beers on tap; a sampler of six costs US$5. Try the Suegra (mother-in-law) –…
San José
On the other side of Av Central from the rowdier college bars, this two-level house has about two dozen beers on tap to satisfy the thirstiest of hop…
Managua
The pick of the neighborhood bars, hip and relaxed Estación Central is your first port of call for the best range of Nicaraguan craft beers, from the…
Hopkins
Ever-popular Driftwood has moved closer to the center of the village but still has a great beachfront location, Hopkins' best drumming nights, and pizza …
Utila
Owned by Neil, an eccentric American artist, this psychedelic mango-treetop bar is somewhere you just have to see while visiting Utila. It always draws a…
Ambergris Caye
Tucked away from the louder bars and restaurants, this is the locals' favorite at Secret Beach, mainly for the picnic tables partially submerged in the…
San José
Chepe's oldest dance club, this classic Latin American disco in Barrio México draws crowds of locals and tourists to its large dance floor with a…
Caribbean Coast
Dance up a storm to dancehall, country and reggae on the wooden dance floor at this legendary disco ranch, comfortable in the knowledge that your dignity…
San José
Two dozen-plus Costa Rican microbrews on tap and an appealing setting in a historical building create a convivial buzz at this pub half a block from Plaza…
Quetzaltenango
For chocolate aficionados, this is a shrine. Made from scratch on the premises, the chocolate is velvety smooth and served in a variety of beverages: the…
Belize City
Bird's Isle may be the best that Belize City has to offer. An island oasis at the southern tip of town, it manages to defy the urban grit that lies just a…
Northern Highlands
Quite simply the best cup of coffee in town, and possibly on all of the Ruta de Café, this charming place is run by Soppexcca, a union of local coffee…
Liberia
Liberia's best sabanero (cowboy) hangout is this family-owned cantina, serving cheap Pilsen since 1970. It's a fun place to watch sports or people, there…
El Salvador
Juan José and Marisol have fitted their small, artsy coffee shop with books to browse, and use the space to host live poetry readings, literary…
Copán Ruinas
A terrific, German-owned microbrewery in a basement pub. The owner, Thomas, is friendly and makes sure everyone's regularly topped up with pilsner or…
La Ceiba
This is one of Ceiba's more interesting drinking establishments, a curious, enclosed beach bar with a tree-house feel and lots of nooks, crannies and…
Central El Salvador
Perched on a clifftop west of Playa El Sunzal is this branch of the San Salvador brewery, serving the country's best beer with ocean views. There's plenty…
Western El Salvador
Retro furniture, chunky wooden decking and jungly gardens help create a chill vibe at this sprawling cafe, where vinyl records provide the tunes. Come for…
Corn Islands
This all-wood open-air bar, right by the road just south of the airport, pulls a crowd when everywhere else is empty and is generally held by locals to be…
San Juan Del Sur
A great addition to 'gringo street', this small tiki-style bar serves really good cocktails – the passionfruit mojitos and the watermelon margaritas, in…
Estelí
Get down with the good working people of Estelí, Tisey and Miraflor at a proper ranchero bar. This indoor/outdoor club with a palapa (thatched) roof and…
Central El Salvador
Everyone's favorite Tunco sunset spot is this gorgeous cocktail bar, east of the main beach. Crisp electronic beats are the default sound, as well-heeled…
Puntarenas
This social hub near the ferry port ticks a lot of boxes: it offers a tiki bar, bountiful seafood, a tour desk, live music (Thursday to Saturday) and…
Western El Salvador
Offers a fine selection of gourmet local beans brewed using a variety of methods, plus breakfasts, sandwiches and cakes.
Panama City
Replete with brass fixtures and polished wood bars, this gorgeous low-lit brewpub serves its own award-winning small craft beers, alongside tasty thin…
Panajachel
This cafe has made Panajachel a major crossroads for coffee aficionados. When he's not roasting beans, the Bay Area owner/head barista spends his time…
Panama City
Though it serves casual lunches, this ultra-hip cafe-bar is best known for sunset happy hours on its rooftop deck. Pair your cocktail with fusion-style…
