A hidden treasure in the northwest corner of town, Santo Pecado offers great live music, drink specials, salsa dancing, and tasty meals all under one roof. The talented musicians and gracious dueño are fast to befriend you, and after the impassioned, percussive show, these people are sure to know the best late-night parties in town. Monday brings an hour of free salsa dance lessons, followed by a 6-9 p.m. happy hour with two for one drinks (happy hour runs Monday through Saturday). Live music performances overlap nicely with happy hour, running from 8-10 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The Santo Pecado is closed Wednesday, but otherwise, it would be all too easy to wander this way every evening of the week!
The little shop filling the entranceway to Sabe Rico is a sweet place, in all senses of the word. It stocks specialty foods both packaged and homemade, including gluten-free products ranging from chocolates and granola to bread and pasta. The already impressive establishment is increasingly amazing as patrons walk deeper; the shop gives way to a courtyard, then two separate garden areas filled with lush greenery and charming shaded tables. The menu lists a delicious variety of dishes, and pleasant surprises like teas brewed from herbs grown organically just a few feet from your table... or, with luck, the pure white rabbit who was too cute to cook might pop out of the vegetation to lend a fanciful feel to your dining experience.
The name of this bar and eatery should be taken literally - continue past the first flight of stairs, up the spiral staircase, for some of the best views of Antigua to be found. Gaze out over the captivating displays of sunshine and shadows of the surrounding hills, or take the opportunity to learn about some major attractions in town : the Iglesia San Francisco sits just to the south, and streetscapes stretch out in every direction. The astonishingly friendly rooftop bartender will be happy to explain what you see between mixing drinks, chipping ice, and calling orders for food down to the kitchen.
A small bookshop in the entrance of this well-known Antigua establishment stocks a good number of titles, and a gamut of seating arrangements provide the ideal spot to curl up with your new read or discuss it with new friends. To keep you fueled, the menu offers a variety of cuisines (including plenty of vegetarian food), such hummus and falafel, traditional breakfasts, and plentiful drink selections. Happy hour runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. every evening, with live music most nights and lectures about local history and environmental initiatives every Tuesday.
Tienda Delicio, S.A., true to the word play in its name, offers a laundry list of delicious gourmet goods. Prepared sandwiches await suggestively near a case of beers, wines, and liquors, or the cheeses and dips make great accompaniments to their homemade baked goods. Pastas, meats, fish, and spices are welcome sights for those with access to a kitchen, and the deli even offers delivery... although, only two blocks from center, the location is conveniently accessible from most of Antigua.
Amongst the beautiful gardens of Antigua, Escalonia offers a particularly enchanting seating area. Tables are sheltered by umbrellas lit with strings of white lights in the evenings, or sit under a vine-filled arbor with flowers dangling overhead like living ornaments. The restaurant serves a menu focused on lovely desserts, coffee drinks, and breakfasts. The establishment is also a plant nursery, and customers can carry home a variety of floral, artisanal, and culinary souvenirs, as well as their memories of the time spent in this lush garden.
Ped-Rock's Café offers an intimate setting to relish freshly roasted brews and savory light bites. A popular haunt with the local student community, it is famous for its frothy cappuccinos and espressos made from the finest coffee beans sourced locally. Alongside, Ped-Rock's also serves up an array of toothsome fruit smoothies like chocolate, melon, pineapple and strawberry, among other options.
Patrons of this central Antigua bar enjoy friendly service and treats that are cooked up in the kitchen until late at night. Up until closing, go ahead and order a few beers with a brownie, and follow those up with a plate of crispy onion rings. The staff are happy to accommodate the strangest of special requests!
Authentic Italian cuisine has crept across the Atlantic to Caffé Mediterraneo, where dishes incorporate bold herbs and treats like fresh, homemade pasta. For special occasions or a special night without an occasion, the comforting flavors of Northern Italy are whipped together with skill that is obvious from the first bite... or even before, from the tantalizing smells filling the intimate dining room. The chef creates a menu each day, to be written on the board which will be carried to your table for perusal. Reservations are recommended, and the restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.
Hacienda Real Restaurant on 5A Avenida in Guatemala City is a true gem that captures the essence of traditional Guatemalan cuisine in a charming and elegant setting. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored hacienda that transports diners back to a bygone era of colonial grandeur. The ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, with warm lighting and comfortable seating that creates an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The menu offers an array of authentic Guatemalan dishes, from hearty stews and savory tamales to delicate ceviches and fresh seafood platters. And to accompany the flavors, there is an impressive selection of wines, cocktails, and spirits to choose from.