Best Bars & Nightlife in San José, Costa Rica

San José, Costa Rica, San José, Food & Drink, Best Bars & Nightlife

Best Bars & Nightlife in San José, Costa Rica

1. Café Doka Bar

A unique bar located in a coffee plantation with live music and breathtaking views.
  • Coffee Lovers' Hangout: Offers a variety of Costa Rican coffees to taste.
  • Live Music Venue: Features live music performances several nights a week.
  • Nature Surroundings: Set in a beautiful coffee plantation with stunning views.

2. El Rodeo Bar

A lively cowboy-themed bar serving traditional Costa Rican food and drinks.
  • Costa Rican Cuisine: Offers authentic Costa Rican dishes like gallo pinto and casado.
  • Cowboy Atmosphere: Decorated with cowboy memorabilia, creating an authentic atmosphere.
  • Dance Lessons: Offers traditional Costa Rican dance lessons for visitors.

3. Barrio Escalante

A trendy neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife scene filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs.
  • Diverse Options: Provides various types of bars and entertainment to suit different tastes.
  • Local Atmosphere: Features local artists, musicians, and performers.
  • Walkability: Easy to walk between different establishments in the area.

4. La Avispa Roja

A speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a bookstore with unique cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Hidden Gem: Hidden behind a secret door within a bookstore.
  • Creative Cocktails: Offers unique and inventive cocktail creations.
  • Relaxed Atmosphere: A cozy, dimly-lit space perfect for intimate conversations.

5. Café con Arte

A coffee shop and art gallery that transforms into a bar at night, showcasing local artists.
  • Art Gallery Bar: Displays artwork from local artists on the walls.
  • Coffee and Art: Offers a range of Costa Rican coffees during the day, and transforms into a bar at night.
  • Local Art Scene: Supports and showcases local artists from San José.

6. El Pepe Bar

A classic Costa Rican bar with live music, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere.
  • Live Music Venue: Features live salsa and merengue bands several nights a week.
  • Authentic Costa Rican Experience: Offers an authentic Costa Rican bar experience.
  • Delicious Food: Serves traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado and gallo pinto.

7. La Oveja Negra

A popular bar with a great selection of craft beers, cocktails, and live music.
  • Craft Beer Selection: Offers a wide variety of local and international craft beers.
  • Live Music Venue: Features live music performances several nights a week.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

8. Casa Bermudas

A colorful bar located in a historic home with an outdoor terrace offering views of the city.
  • Historic Home Bar: Located in a beautiful, historic home.
  • Outdoor Terrace: Offers an outdoor terrace with city views.
  • Live Music Venue: Features live music performances several nights a week.

9. El Tucán Bar

A lively bar with a wide variety of drinks, karaoke nights, and dancing.
  • Karaoke Night: Hosts karaoke nights several times a week.
  • Dance Floor: Features a dance floor for visitors to enjoy.
  • Wide Drink Selection: Offers a wide variety of drinks, including cocktails and beers.

10. La Elegancia Bar

A sophisticated bar with a wide selection of wines, tapas, and live jazz music.
  • Live Jazz Music: Features live jazz performances several nights a week.
  • Wine Selection: Offers an extensive wine list with many Costa Rican wines.
  • Tapas Menu: Serves a variety of tapas perfect for sharing and enjoying with drinks.

11. El Trapiche Bar

A rustic bar located in a sugar mill with live music, traditional food, and a lively atmosphere.
  • Live Music Venue: Features live salsa and merengue bands several nights a week.
  • Traditional Food: Serves traditional Costa Rican dishes like casado and gallo pinto.
  • Rustic Atmosphere: Located in a historic sugar mill with a rustic, authentic atmosphere.

12. El Silencio Bar

A peaceful bar located in a tranquil garden with live music and a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Live Music Venue: Features live music performances several nights a week.
  • Tranquil Garden Setting: Located in a peaceful, lush garden.
  • Relaxing Atmosphere: Known for its calm and relaxing atmosphere.

13. Café Colibri Bar

A cozy bar located in a coffee plantation with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Coffee Plantation Setting: Located in a beautiful coffee plantation.
  • Stunning Views: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Cozy Atmosphere: A cozy, intimate space perfect for relaxing and enjoying drinks.

14. Café Bar Central

A bustling bar located in the heart of San José with a variety of drinks, food, and live music.
  • Central Location: Located in the heart of downtown San José.
  • Live Music Venue: Features live music performances several nights a week.
  • Diverse Menu: Offers a variety of drinks, food, and cuisines to choose from.

15. El Horno Bar

A friendly bar located in a bakery, offering delicious pastries, coffee, and cocktails.
  • Bakery Location: Located within a bakery.
  • Delicious Pastries: Offers a variety of delicious pastries and desserts.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.