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…
Must-see nightlife in Costa Rica
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Popular gay mingling spot, which is straight-friendly. Usually plays pop, disco and dance music.
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Fans above (to cool the place), fanaticos below, watching every manner of sport on the four big screens. Baseball, hockey, and of course fútbol are all on…
Playa Sámara
One of the last Tico bars left, Pablito and family have a simple outdoor space, a bit of music and the occasional barnyard animal wandering through. Nice…
Playa Tamarindo
Beer on the beach is never a bad thing, and when it's Tico home brew, even better. The 15 varieties of cerveza are a bit pricey, but consider the location…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
The Point is a truly trashy dive bar, complete with video games, and a few TVs showing sports from around the world. Just look for the pirate flag. New…
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…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Though it's undergone many name changes in recent years, this drinking establishment will always be known to locals as La Taberna (its current name, in…
Playa Sámara
The requisite sports bar in this surf town is located on a balcony overlooking the main drag. The place shows international sports on its flat screens, so…
Península de Nicoya
There's very little nightlife on the northern end of Playa Grande, but there is Kike's. Order the local catch of the day from the blackboard until 9:30pm,…
Liberia
This tropical garden, lush with greenery, is one of the city’s more pleasant places for a drink. There's also sports and music videos on the big screen,…
Playa Tamarindo
Aqua Disco is a proper nightclub with a thumping dance floor and a breezy deck that's critical for the cool-down. Come early for free drinks (with a small…
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…
