Entertainment in Costa Rica
-
A
El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte
Though not strictly a live-music venue, this atmospheric old bar with exposed brick walls has long drawn in cheek-to-jowl crowds for live bands on most nights of the week (especially Fridays). It’s popular with university students, who arrive to flirt and drink and various combinations thereof.
reviewed
-
B
Coco's Bar
reviewed
-
C
Beach House
Beach House 'Eat, Drink and Go Surfing.' So implores Rennie Leone, owner of this expat hangout. By day, the place rents surfboards; by night, it serves sandwiches, quesadillas and cold beers at the cozy bar or on the breezy terrace. Live calypso music plays Thursday through Saturday.
reviewed
-
D
Bar Amigos
A disarming place because of its strange resemblance to one of those massive ski lodge bars, complete with picture windows overlooking the mountainside. But this is the one, consistent place in the area to let loose. There are DJs, karaoke, all the sports from the US and a billiard room downstairs.
reviewed
-
E
Matáe Caña
Housed in Santa Elena’s original tavern, Matáe Caña is a chic new lounge that fills the void long been present in Monteverde. Opened in late 2009 by the folks behind Pensión Santa Elena, Matáe Caña features the same passion and attention to detail. A waterfall graces one entire wall of the bar. There are numerous padded nooks and crannies where you can sip a drink with your date. During warm weather, guests can lounge on beds in the outdoor patio. The women’s bathroom even has its own lounge with couch and huge mirrors. The bar has a good selection of rums and specialty drinks; don’t miss the Howler Monkey Shot. The lounge also hosts occasional live salsa…
reviewed
-
F
La Guarida del Sapo
This cathedral of music built by the Hotel El Sapo Dorado resembles an old church – right down to the stained-glass windows with Costa Rican nature scenes. But about the only praying you may do here is to the porcelain god. Fridays are the most lively nights when the place is transformed into a discotheque. There’s live music on most Mondays and Saturdays. The international restaurantserves everything from filet mignon to escargot. A small cover charge applies for special events.
reviewed
-
G
Bar Chavelona
Nestled amid a row of auto body shops on the west side of town (in other words: take a taxi), this renowned bar, which dates back to 1927, was where Costa Rican author Carlos Luis Fallas (1909–66) once enjoyed happy hour in the company of the local intelligentsia. The bohemian atmosphere is long gone – replaced by an ’80s decor that screams Duran Duran – but it remains a pleasant Tico spot for beer and bocas (savory bar snacks).
reviewed
-
H
Disco La Central
This unintentionally retro disco sets the volume at 11 (whether or not there’s anyone on the dance floor), though it’s an old-timer on the Jacó scene that still draws in a strong local following. Very much an after-hours spot, Disco La Central doesn’t really get going until the restaurants and bars have emptied out, sending inebriated patrons out in search of flashing lights and heavy bass.
reviewed
-
I
Club Vertigo
Located on the ground floor of a nondescript office tower, the city’s premier club packs in Chepe’s beautiful people with a mix of house, trance and electronica. Downstairs is an 850-person-capacity sweat-box of a dance floor, while upstairs you’ll find a chill-out lounge lined with red sofas. Dress to the nines and note that admission charges can skyrocket on guest-DJ nights (from US$14).
reviewed
-
J
El Morazán
Facing Parque Morazán, this exposed-brick, Spanish tile–clad space dates back to 1904. Throughout its long life it has hosted all manner of historical figures (including Che Guevara, according to one account). It is a popular hangout among Chepe’s young artsy set. In addition to beer, there is a full menu of classic cocktails and snacks. On some nights, there is live music.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Jazz Café
The destination in San José for live music, with a different band every night. Countless performers have taken to the stage here, including legendary Cuban bandleader Chucho Valdés and Colombian pop star Juanes. Admission charges vary, but plan on spending about US$8 to see local groups.
reviewed
-
L
Centro Comercial Trejos Montealegre
This nightlife and drinking complex on the northern edge of San Rafael is one of the hottest nightlife outposts in the capital. The scenesters usually start rolling in at 9pm and keep going until the wee hours. As with other San José party places, bars come and go quickly, so inquire locally before setting out.
reviewed
-
M
Monkey Bar
In Tamarindo, all you really have to do is follow the scene wherever it happens to be on that night. On weekends especially, cruising the main drag has the festive feel of a mini Mardi Gras or spring break. But, for a start, the Monkey Bar inside the Tamarindo Vista Villas is usually a good bet, and it has a ladies' night on Fridays.
reviewed
-
N
Café del Correo
Adjacent to the central post office is this mellow cafe that draws everyone from businessmen to teenagers on dates – and is a nice, central place to rest your feet. The cortados (espresso with a dollop of steamed milk) are good, and there are some sinful drinks, too – such as whiskey-laced Irish coffee (from ₡2250).
reviewed
-
O
Taberna Arenas
This delightful, old-fashioned Tico bar is an Escazú institution. Arenas has good bocas and a wide selection of domestic and imported beers. Owner Don Israel is a true charmer, and has his photos with various heads of state on the walls, along with the agricultural implements that are de rigueur in any country bar.
reviewed
-
P
Jungle
The 2nd-story terrace gives you a good vantage point for sizing up your prey, which is a good thing as this place can turn into an unabashed meat market. But, the vast majority of people here are looking for a hookup rather than opting to pay for one, so it definitely earns a small measure of respectability in our book.
reviewed
-
Q
Tabacon
Definitely one of the more modest night spots in town, Tabacon is a casually elegant lounge that occasionally hosts live music. The mature crowd passes the night away with carefully measured doses of hard liquor, while younger hotheads can let off a bit of steam at the pool tables and foosball.
reviewed
-
R
Clarita’s Beach Hotel and Sports Bar and Grill
Part hotel and part watering hole, this sports bar sets the table with ample pub grub, and quenches the thirst with copious draft beers. Sports fans will appreciate being able to catch the game on the big screen (and be served by a waitstaff dressed up in cheerleader outfits). On Saturday afternoons, a trio of codgers sets up in the corner to amble through Costa Rican folk songs, calypso versions of Bob Marley favorites and several beers.
reviewed
-
S
Miraflores Discotechque
After a few rounds of beers and bocas (savory bar snacks), the party really kicks off at the Miraflores Discotechque, on the southern edge of the Parque Central. Stay aware, however: Heredia can get dodgy at nighttime, though there is an established police presence.
reviewed
-
T
La Avispa
A gay establishment that has been in operation for more than three decades, La Avispa has a bar, pool tables and a boisterous dance floor that’s been recommended by travelers. There are lesbian nights twice a month.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Pub
This small, friendly American-owned pub has a list of more than two dozen international beers, a dozen local brews and a selection of shots with scary-sounding names like ‘Test Tube Baby’ and ‘Anti-Freeze'. A greasy bar menu is available to soak up the damage.
reviewed
-
V
El Túnel de Tiempo Disco
If you've had it up to your maracas with salsa music coming at you from all directions and want something more electronic, then make tracks to this place, which starts pumping out the techno late at night and keeps it going till the break of dawn.
reviewed
-
W
Club Oh!
This massive dance club with an attached lounge attracts a mixed crowd of gays, lesbians and their allies. There’s drinking, dancing and midnight drag shows every Friday.
reviewed
-
X
Club Gaira
Escazú’s new trendy, design-conscious club with a geometric-meets-tribal decor (think zebra pelts and striped couches); has two bars, two dance floors and DJs spinning hip-hop, Latin and electronica.
reviewed
-
Y
Luna Roja Café
This place is a bastion of young, hip and trendy josefinos so leave the chinos at home, wear something black and try to look cool. It has a ladies night every Monday and even features the occasional Goth night.
reviewed