San Salvador Entertainment

Entertainment in San Salvador

  1. A

    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

  2. B

    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

  3. C

    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

  4. D

    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

  5. E

    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

  6. F

    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

  7. G

    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

  8. H

    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

  9. I

    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

  10. 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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  12. J

    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

  13. K

    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

  14. L

    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

  15. M

    Teatro Presidente

    Hosts ballet, symphony, and other performances and festivals. Check local papers or Pashalua magazine for upcoming events.

    reviewed

  16. N

    Cinépolis

    This movie chain is opening an 11-screen megaplex here. It was still under construction when we visited.

    reviewed

  17. O

    Multicinemas Reforma

    Ask about Martes Loco specials when, on a random Tuesday, tickets cost USaround US$1. Crazy.

    reviewed

  18. P

    Bar Medieval

    Across the street from El Arpa Irlandés, this bar has a similar atmosphere.

    reviewed

  19. Q

    Cinemark

    The best place to catch a movie.

    reviewed

  20. R