Perhaps Antigua's most elite dance club, La Casbah leaves nothing to be desired for location: it overlooks the ruins of a Baroque church as dancers enjoying popular hit songs fill the floor. The club often projects movies directly onto the church wall as an added point of interest for customers, and people walking up the street can see the "screen" from a few blocks away. Drinks can be expensive, and there is a cover charge some nights, but ladies' night on Tuesday and Salsa/Latin night on Wednesday (no cover) help keep the revelry affordable.
Known for salsa and merengue music, La Sin Ventura is usually packed with dancers (of varying expertise) enjoying the live bands who often occupy the stage beside the entrance. Otherwise, various popular songs play over the sound system to keep hips shaking, and the center bar keeps serving drinks at fairly typical Antigua prices all night long. The crowd is surprisingly polite, considering the atmosphere of the place; its name, after all, translates to "the luckless". Care to try yours?
A festive, upscale Mexican ambiance draws an older crowd than many Antigua establishments, and has a lively business serving up traditional dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Colorful paper banners hang from the ceiling, ribbons are braided into the waitresses' hair, and reproductions of Frida Kahlo paintings hang all around the dining rooms. Two-for-one drink specials run all night on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: pick the night that features your favorite alcohol and have it mixed however you like!
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.
Café Bar Esperanto has been around for sometime and is a hub for creative people, skaters and surfers. An eclectic place with a character of its own, its walls are adorned with photographic art works and it is dimly lit. You will find live music performances almost nightly. It is a nice spot to hangout and make new friends.
Trovajazz is a popular spot for music lovers. This vibrant bar has a brooding look due to its dim lighting and dark colors. The big frames of musicians on their walls give it an added charisma. You will always find bands playing Latin American songs, folk tunes, blues and jazz. They also host comedy acts occasionally. Enjoy the live entertainment with a fine drink and tasty food.
Karma, Gastro-Bar is a trendy bar in Zona 4. This dog-friendly resto-bar is a popular haunt among the hip crowd of the area and rightly so. Its distinct decor is inspired by the freshness of food in an orchard or farm. Ceiling made of wooden crates, bricked walls, hanging light bulbs, wooden swings, high stools and other wooden elements give it a certain rusticity that is also chic. Their menu is inspired by global cuisines and the drink list sees a wide variety of wines, liqueurs and cocktails. They also host live music regularly. It is a wonderful place to hangout with friends and your canine friend.
Reillys GuateCity is an Irish pub known for their beers and well-crafted cocktails. The place is open since noon on weekdays and is frequented by many for their amazing happy hours. The pub caters to a younger clientele hence college students and young professional are seen here more often. Reillys has a unique interior; it is dark and dimly illuminated with lights emanating from candles. The bar is gorgeous and boasts of an impressive number of liquors and local as well as international beers. Quintessential pub fare is available to satiate your appetite. Smoking is permitted here.
Aperitivos Bar y Restaurante Teatro Abril is set in the elegant Teatro Abril. It has a ambiance of an art gallery with grand art works framing its walls and has an eclectic lighting. Though hidden from prying eyes, it is a popular spot in the neighborhood and is a nice place to unwind over some drinks and good food.
La Chula Cantina Bar is known for their inventive cocktails and interesting decor. The bar is dark and dimly lit with chandeliers; skulls, skeletons and other eerie paraphernalia makes the place unique but does not stop one from having a great time. Patrons blend in the atmosphere and groove to the music with well-crafted drinks in their hands. The cocktails served at La Chula Cantina taste as dramatic as they look and they're known to linger on your palate for a long time. When in the City Center, a visit to La Chula Cantina Bar is a must.