Entertainment in El Salvador
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Café La 'T'
The most bohemian of nightspots in town, Café La 'T' (latte, get it?) is straight out of Chiapas, with Zapatista posters, photos of indigenous coffee workers and a distinctly lefty crowd. Free films are screened on Wednesday and Thursday, and there's live music every other Friday, usually jazz or Latin American folk music. Coffee is the specialty.
reviewed
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B
Centro Arte para La Paz
Occupying a full city block, this former school - that has stood closed for the last 25 years - is being renovated and reopened as an arts and performance space, emphasizing 'a culture of peace.' Not yet fully opened when we visited, it promises to be an important addition to Suchitoto's already vibrant arts and culture scene.
Plans include a 300-person theatre for live shows, film screenings and more; an outdoor garden and performance space; studios for art classes; and a media and digital resources center. The website is very professional, and includes an up-to-date events calendar.
reviewed
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C
ZukaFé y Bar
Located inside Dos Gardenias Hostal, the name is a contraction of 'café' and 'Zuka', the name of the little dog running around barking. Rotating art exhibits and cool music (including occasional live performances on Saturday) make this a good place for drinks and meeting other travelers. The food and service is only so-so. Free art-house type movies play every Thursday.
reviewed
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El Atrio
Once in the thick of things, this longtime favorite moved to a quiet street several blocks east of the bar scene. Alternative films are shown under the stars every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (free); Friday entertainment varies from live music to concert videos to just setting up telescopes to check out the stars. Also screens films at 19:00 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
reviewed
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Drive Inn El Molino
When it gets going, this is one of Santa Ana's best nightspots, with drink specials, great music and late-night table dancing. When it's dead, though, it's really dead. You'll need to take a taxi there - ask the driver if he knows if there's much movimiento (action) before heading out. It's located on the old San Salvador highway, behind a Texaco gas station.
reviewed
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E
Bar-bar-o
A play on the expression Qué bárbaro! (How crazy!), this place is more urban-hipster with its sleek sitting area and small dance floor. There's live music on Friday and Saturday nights (no cover charge), and a DJ before and after - films are also shown on Wednesday nights. While it may be a little wild here, it's probably too cool to be seriously crazy.
reviewed
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Les 3 Diables
A lively bar attracting a diverse crowd of disaffected university students, professionals taking the edge off and Peace Corps volunteers cutting loose. There's no dance floor, but a great mix of old-school pop and alternative rock gets people moving wherever there's space. Look for drink specials from Monday to Thursday and live music on Wednesday.
reviewed
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G
Los Horcones
A classic dive bar in the heart of Santa Ana, complete with palapa (thatched palm-leaf roof shelter) and gnarled tree trunks for tables. Balconies overlook the main park and have incredible views of the Gothic cathedral next door. Disco beats and Saturday-night beer specials provoke occasional table dancing.
reviewed
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Pueblo Viejo
The best place for Latin dancing in town. This restaurant-club draws a somewhat older crowd, but never lacks for ambiance or energy - in fact, arrive late and you may not get a table. There's live music Thursday through Saturday. Meal deals include soup, salad, a main dish with rice and veggies, dessert and a drink.
reviewed
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Mileniun
Gay and lesbian travelers will find the gay nightlife scene buried. Deeply. The only openly gay places at the time of research were Yascuas and Mileniun, two discotheques located in the same building. It's easy enough to find one if the other is slow, but that doesn't help the fact that the pickings are so slim.
reviewed
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Yascuas
Gay and lesbian travelers will find the gay nightlife scene buried. Deeply. The only openly gay places at the time of research were Yascuas and Mileniun, two discotheques located in the same building. It's easy enough to find one if the other is slow, but that doesn't help the fact that the pickings are so slim.
reviewed
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South Beach
One of the newer clubs located just north of the triangle (on the highway), South Beach plays a mix of salsa, reguetón and techno, and cultivates a somewhat wilder reputation by hosting wet T-shirt contests and other events. It has one large dance floor, a balcony level and air-con.
reviewed
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K
Papagallo Bar & Grill
Papagallo Bar & Grill it attracts a slightly older and wealthier crowd than the other clubs, but by no means is this place dull. A large hardwood floor and strong air-con make for fun dancing, and there's an outdoor patio area if you need a breather. Live concerts are held occasionally.
reviewed
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Marquís Discotheque Bar
A gay-friendly (but not gay-exclusive) bar and disco at the back of Plaza San Felipe, a small commercial center. The light is very dim and there's not much seating, but the music - a mix of techno and hip-hop - should keep you on your feet. Drinks are cheaper here than elsewhere.
reviewed
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Rinconcitos
The place to start the evening, this two-story karaoke bar has a decent appetizer menu and stiff drinks. Live music - typically Spanish rock - is played on weekends. Head to the second floor for a boogie or kick back on the breezy terrace and take it all in.
reviewed
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El Arpa Irlandés
The Irish-born founder of this no-nonsense pub has left, but the new management seems intent on keeping the Guiness flowing and the Irish stew bubbling. There's a pool table, but most people come just to relax, and drink thick black beverages with friends.
reviewed
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Harlequín
Suchitoto's go-to bar and nightspot features film nights, great music and frequent drink specials. It was about to change locations when we visited, but it's too good to leave out - ask at the tourism office for the latest.
reviewed
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Elements
Near enough to the Zona Rosa to be included here, this discotheque caters to a crowd in their early 20's, although you wouldn't guess it from the popular '80s music theme nights. The DJ also spins (current) top 40 tunes.
reviewed
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Puerta Vieja
Most people come here to have a few drinks before heading somewhere for dancing, preferably somewhere with air-con. There is a small dance floor here, though, and all sorts of music finds its way to the turntable.
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Jala La Jarra
Part of the Señor Frogs' chain, this is actually three places in one: a restaurant called Guadalajara Grill; a bar with a dancefloor called Cantina El Patrón; and Jala la Jarra, the main bar and disco.
reviewed
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Teatro Luis Poma
If you're curious about San Salvador's theater scene, check out this modern play house. Yes, it's in a mega-mall, but the offerings are excellent, the setting is sophisticated and the tickets are affordable.
reviewed
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Highland Bistro
A raucous smoke-filled bar with two small rooms, and football shirts and movie posters instead of windows. There's live music most Fridays; expect a small cover charge.
reviewed
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Teatro Presidente
Hosts ballet, symphony, and other performances and festivals. Check local papers or Pashalua magazine for upcoming events.
reviewed
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Cinépolis
This movie chain is opening an 11-screen megaplex here. It was still under construction when we visited.
reviewed
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Multicinemas Reforma
Ask about Martes Loco specials when, on a random Tuesday, tickets cost USaround US$1. Crazy.
reviewed