Must-see nightlife in San José

  • Costa Rica Craft Brewing

    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…

  • Casa House of Beers

    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…

  • Castro's

    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…

  • Stiefel

    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…

  • Café La Mancha

    San José

    Hidden away in a courtyard within the historical Steinvorth building, this new third-wave coffee shop is the passion project of a local photographer with…

  • Wilk

    San José

    Named Wilk (Wolf) in honor of its former life as the Polish embassy, this Escalante pub attracts a mixed Tico/gringo crowd who share an appreciation for…

  • Bebedero

    San José

    This glitzy, recently established cocktail den in the historic Steinvorth Building is brought to you by the mixologist/chef team from Maza Bistro, and…

  • La Bohemia

    San José

    Old-school San Jose cantina La Bohemia is a traditional gathering place of poets and guitarristas, whose spirits still sometimes trouble the night air…

  • Hoppy's Place

    San José

    Voluble owner/brewer Alberto Sancho's encyclopedic knowledge of all things hoppy and his passion for classic rock make this a very, very fun place indeed…

  • Chelle’s

    San José

    If you’re drinking the night away with Ticos, you might find yourself here at 4am, clutching a cold one and professing your love for recent acquaintances…

  • Club Vertigo

    San José

    Located on the ground floor of the nondescript Centro Colón office tower, the city’s premier club packs in Chepe’s beautiful people with a mix of house,…

  • Antik

    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…

  • Mercado La California

    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…

  • Un Lugar Resto-bar

    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…

  • Chubbs

    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…

  • Craic Irish Pub

    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…

  • Azotea Calle 7

    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…

  • Pub

    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…

  • Sasta Pub

    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…

  • La Avispa

    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…

  • La Gata Candonga

    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.

  • El Morazán

    San José

    Facing Parque Morazán, this exposed-brick, Spanish tile–clad space dates back to 1904. Throughout its long life it has hosted all manner of historic…

  • Bar Río

    San José

    Just west of Calle 43 and the Fuente de la Hispanidad (the official boundary between Los Yoses and San Pedro), this large, popular bar has live bands some…

  • La Concha de la Lora

    San José

    An enthusiastic young crowd packs in here nightly for foosball, good bar snacks, DJs spinning everything from Latin music to Jimi Hendrix, and occasional…

  • Roots Cool and Calm

    San José

    This cool, crowded Los Yoses bar brings in DJs from as far afield as Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. It's a sweet spot to get a beer and leave with…

  • Pucho’s Bar

    San José

    This gay men's bar is more low-rent (and significantly raunchier) than some; you'll find scantily clad go-go boys and over-the-top drag shows.

  • El Observatorio

    San José

    This popular Barrio La California club stands out for its unusual mix of salsa, rock and stand-up comedy nights.

  • Terra U

    San José

    A longtime party spot in San Pedro. The area gets rowdy in the wee hours.