Costa Rican Nightlife

Written by duesouthpacific

Visitors to Costa Rica will enjoy vibrant nightlife that includes something for everyone. From dancing the night away in the bustling nightclubs of San José to sipping cocktails at a quiet restaurant on the beach,
Costa Rica has it all. Bar patrons will appreciate the cheap drinks and friendly locals while taking in the Costa Rican scene, which inevitably leads to dancing and good times…

El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte—Avenida 1 between Calles 21 and 23—506-221-0327— El Cuartel as it is commonly known provides some of the best live music the city has to offer along with one of the most diverse crowds you’ll find in
San José. Europeans mix with Americans and Costa Ricans to make this the place to be, especially on Mondays. With the cheap beers, perpetually packed dance floor, and live bands that play everything from regatón to disco, dance partners are almost as plentiful as the drinks. In the opposite corner of the densely packed stage area, the club houses an extra bar with a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, offering dimly lit seating where couples can go to get away from the crowd. Be prepared to party hard and stay late, as the sarpes (last drink) seem to keep on coming. A reasonable cover that includes a drink or two is usually charged at the door, with women being free. (?)

La Cantina—La Cantina is one of the best places in the city to go when everywhere else is closing up and you aren’t quite ready to call it quits. This bar offers comfortable outdoor seating as well as an indoor area with more of a disco-like atmosphere, which usually costs a few bucks to enter. Be prepared for a wild night to get even wilder after walking through the doors. Once inside, the constant energy and dark windows that shield you from the impeding morning sun will cause you to lose track of time. Men, look out: prostitution is legal in Costa Rica, and similar to many bars in the country, it sometimes can be difficult to distinguish between the women who are working and those who aren’t.

Henry’s— Henry’s is the perfect place for Americans to go when they need a little taste of home. Populated by Gringos and Ticos alike, this restaurant/bar in Escazú will make American guests feel right at home with pitchers of beer and some of the best burgers San José has to offer, along with perennial favorites such as buffalo wings and cheese steaks. Diners should be prepared to pay American prices, but be sure not to miss the 2 for 1 drink specials everyday from 4-8.

Castro’s— Castro’s is one of those late night bars where the party never seems to end. Visitors will be impressed with the distinctive environments that can be found under the same roof. Downstairs offers a nightclub with a large dance floor surrounded by full length mirrors and plenty of seating, while upstairs offers a room with a dimly lit bar and karaoke, in addition to a quieter lounge area where one can go to get away from the crowd. This place stays open until the party stops, if ever, and even offers bocas into the wee hours of the night.

El Pueblo— As one of the most talked about nightspots in the city, visitors to San José cannot afford to miss this densely packed commercial center that brims with energy day and night. El Pueblo is home to over 100 restaurants, bars, clubs, art galleries, and shops. With its cobblestone streets, red tile roofs, and Colonial-style architecture, it is one of the most unique attractions in the city. At nighttime El Pueblo transforms into a bustling cluster of discotheques and bars, staying open until 2 or 3, or even later. If elbow-to-elbow crowds and loud music isn’t your thing, simply step outside, walk a few steps, and take your pick from clubs with posh lounge seating, salsa and meringue bars, or a basic place with only the necessities. Prostitutes are prevalent, and robberies and fights are not uncommon, so visitors should take caution.

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