San José
Set in a historical mansion that once belonged to a Venezuelan general, Antik offers a tri-level experience, with a basement catering to the EDM crowd, a…
Must-see nightlife in Costa Rica
Península de Nicoya
Anchoring Playa Potrero's gastronomy park (El Garden), this expat-owned brewery excels at sours, stouts and gose-style beers. And once the friendly owners…
Jacó
Tucked into a nondescript plaza, this little watering hole features 10 craft beers on tap; it's a welcome alternative to some of the grimier nightlife…
Playa Tamarindo
If you want to catch the big game, look no further than Sharky's. Besides nine screens showing sports, there are burgers, wings and lots of beer. There's…
Quepos
This well-established pub offers a good happy hour (runs 4:30pm to 6:30pm) with two-for-one cocktails, plus excellent fresh seafood, sports on the screen…
San José
Inspired by Madrid's 'Mercado San Miguel,' El Mercadito (as the locals say) is a recent addition to the up-and-coming Barrio La California. The line…
Central Valley & Highlands
On the second floor, overlooking the square, this vibrant space decorated with papier-mâché trees, bright floral wall art and patterned tiles is the…
Península de Nicoya
If there is a list of unlikely places to find a craft brewery, put Cabuya on there. But it has one! Hidden down a quiet side road, the tiny tasting room…
Montezuma
When it comes to nightlife, Chico's is the main game in town, which means that everybody – old, young, Ticos, tourists, rowdy, dowdy – ends up here…
La Fortuna
La Fortuna’s raucous sendero bar with an attached disco fronts the bull ring and attracts an ever-enthusiastic local following: it does tend to more of a…
Arenal & Around
In a town crying out for a little nightlife, Balazos ('shots' in Spanish) offers some – as well as locally loved seafood and ceviche, and handy showers…
Playa Tamarindo
Formerly Le Beach Club, this place has changed languages (and added an exclamation point!) but the cool vibe remains the same. Lounge on beach beds or…
Cahuita
The place to be on Friday nights in Cahuita: anyone who's anybody in the expat community shakes their thang here as the rum and Red Stripe flow. Live…
San José
This small wood-lined bar in Barrio Escalante serves as a neighborhood hangout that draws artsy types and young professionals for cold beer and bocas…
Playa Sámara
Step out of Latin America and into this lovely, French-owned wine bar and tapas bistro, where fabulous boards of imported cheeses and charcuterie pair…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
The place shut down briefly and reopened under new ownership as a high-end attempt at selling ceviche, salads, mixed rice and grilled fish (meals US$5 to…
Península de Nicoya
You need to know La Perla, the landmark by which all directions are given. You might also want to experience its highly lauded Saturday night rib dinners…
Playa Sámara
Not an inch of space is wasted in this smart little bar on the main road, which serves up 21 Costa Rican microbrews plus infused 'beertails' like the…
Playa Sámara
A laid-back, Tex-Mex bar near the soccer field. It's open for lunch – and the grub is recommended – but it's more fun to come at night, when you can also…
Jacó
Popular nonseedy 2nd-floor bar on the main drag with daily drinks deals like Craft Beer Mondays, and a good daily happy hour (4pm to 6pm with all drinks…
Península de Nicoya
It's hard to resist this colorful shack on the beach offering cold fruity cocktails and glorious sunset views. You'd expect seafood and pub fare, but…
San José
In the heart of the San José tourist belt, this little sports bar has reasonably priced drinks, tasty burgers and a stack of TVs displaying the game. It's…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
We overheard someone saying, 'This is the best cup of coffee I've had in Costa Rica.' Hard to quantify in the Monteverde region, but espressos, lattes and…
San José
The faux-Irish theme here extends to posters of sporting heroes past, including boxer Barry McGuigan and footballer Liam Brady. There's also Guinness, if…
Puntarenas
A time-honored spot for shaking some booty, with a huge dance floor right on the beach. It's popular with a younger Tico crowd. Seafood and ceviche dishes…
San José
Featuring stylish indoor and verdant outdoor spaces, along with a sweeping view of the city, this rooftop cocktail bar fills nightly with Hotel Presidente…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Don't come for the food, but do come for the drinks and spectacular view over the bay in an easy chair. Whether you're watching a fiery sunset or a…
San José
This small, friendly pub has a list of about a dozen international beers, more than a dozen local brews and a selection of shots. Well-priced happy-hour…
Quepos
Cuban Republik hosts the most reliable party in central Quepos, and has various drinks specials. The DJs get loud late into the night and women get in at…
Playas del Coco
A neighborhood sports bar that's also home to Angry Goats Brewing, one of the first microbreweries in Guanacaste. Surfboards dangle from the hardwood…
San José
The passing trains will shake or stir your martini just fine in this quaint replica of an English Pub. BritPop from various eras politely rattles the…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
Bright, cheerful and right in the middle of Zancudo's main drag, this place is the social hub of Zancudo, and on weekends the adjoining space transforms…
Tortuguero Village
This popular tavern is mellow in the afternoons but draws the party people after dark with cold beer and blaring reggaetón. The main dance floor has a…
San José
A lesbian disco bar that has been in operation for more than four decades, La Avispa (the Wasp) has a bar, pool tables and a boisterous dance floor that’s…
Cahuita
The Crazy Crab is a big supporter of live music including the inimitable 'Latin Hendrix,' who has to be seen to be believed. Two-for-one drinks seems to…
Península de Nicoya
Apart from the beach, the best spot to appreciate Junquillal's explosive sunsets is this charming, second-story hotel bar. Grab a beer or a cocktail, but…
Cahuita
At the main intersection, you can’t miss it: painted Rasta red, gold and green and cranking the reggaetón up to 11. On Saturday nights, there's calypso…
Cahuita
The former Cafe Cahuita is finding an identity as a sports bar, although the rather tepid nachos are not so sporty. There's also live music weekends.
San José
'The Playful Cat' is well liked for its tasty grub – think gyros, wings, and burgers – and music from acoustic duos to somewhat harder stuff.
Puntarenas
A popular spot with a lengthy bar and a warehouse-sized dance floor. We hope you enjoy reggaetón.
