A fine dinner in a lovely setting awaits at Tartines, where patrons may choose to be seated upstairs on a terrace which provides a splendid view over the streets of Antigua. The menu offers mostly French dishes, with a smattering of treats from other Mediterranean countries. Plenty of salads, hearty main courses or sandwiches, and crêpes (among other desserts) are sure to whet your appetite.
5ta. Avenida Restaurant & Lounge is an endearing establishment that will charm you. Its open courtyard layout replete with a traditional house with wooden beams is accentuated by canopies in the terrace and courtyard areas while the interior is decked with vintage light fixtures, wine racks, artworks and elegant furnishing. Tucked away on its namesake street, its whimsical ambiance is ideal for romantic meals. Their menu mostly comprises of meat, chicken and seafood. The lounge serves wines and cocktails.
Árbol de la Vida is a homey spot in Zona 10 to relish piquant vegetarian and vegan preparations. Cane-wood dining booths and other wooden accents complete a rustic set-up at this city eatery that offers an exciting menu of farm-to-table dishes. For a quick bite, go for their wholesome vegetarian burger or the equally appetizing hummus. Other menu specials include the delectable macadamia pie and eggplant cheese, among other toothsome eats.
Offering a number of specialty coffee drinks brewed with beans from Finca l'Azotea, a local coffee plantation, L'Espresso Café is a pleasant, open environment to enjoy a few flavorful moments. For customers who aren't looking for a cup of caffeine, creative smoothies are served in tall, curvy glasses and breakfast, crêpes, or sandwiches are served all day.
One of the limited worldwide locations that prepares a true French espresso outside of France, Luna de Miel is nonetheless known for another pillar of French culture : crêpes. Sweet or savory, expertly prepared as you watch, and served steaming hot, the real challenge is trying to walk past the doorway without being drawn inside. Once you've conceded this losing battle (there's no inappropriate time for a crêpe), the place charms all the senses with colorful throw pillows, pleasant lighting, the gurgle of the espresso machine, and of course the smells and flavors of French cuisine. The French owner is usually calmly at work over the specialized crêpe griddle, so you'll probably hear a bit of his melodic language as well. Juices and smoothies are also offert.
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!