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Wishlists

A Nightlife and Happy-Hour Guide to Puerto Viejo

Party cruising | © Arturo Sotillo/Flickr
Party cruising | © Arturo Sotillo/Flickr
Puerto Viejo is located on the southern Caribbean side of Costa Rica, often referred to as “the other Costa Rica.” The culture of the Caribbean side is totally different from the Pacific side, with a definite a Caribbean vibe. During the day, Puerto Viejo is a mellow, relatively quiet coastal town, but by night a great transformation occurs: Puerto Viejo is well known for its happening nightlife. The Rasta vibrations, the Caribbean sea breeze cutting through the humid heat, reggae music, and cheap cold beers make for a fantastic combination. Let yourself loose in Puerto Viejo by experiencing the vibrant nightlife – there’s something going on every day of the week.

Mango Sunset

Mango Sunset is located in the heart of Puerto Viejo, right on the beach. If you’re looking to experience a traditional discoteca in Costa Rica and party where the locals party, this is the spot. Monday night is Mojito Madness, which offer ladies free mojitos from 10 p.m. until 12 a.m. There is live music every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Mango’s Sunset also does a weekly beach BBQ. You can also indulge in $1 tequila or guaro shots while you are here. This is a spot you have to do visit at least once during your trip to Puerto Viejo.

Mango’s Sunset, Sunset Boulevard, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Tasty Waves Cantina

Bar, Restaurant, Mexican, American
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A beer, a snack, and a view
A beer, a snack, and a view | © Jeffrey/Flickr
Tasty Waves Cantina is a laid-back beach bar with a surfer vibe and an unbeatable view, and it epitomises the true essence of Puerto Viejo. There are pool tables, cheap drinks, and tasty food to satiate your appetite after surfing some of the area’s best waves. Tuesdays are the most popular day at Tasty Waves Cantina, as it’s Taco Tuesday. This is a great place to come with friends, or come alone and make new friends.
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Mon:
10:00 am - 2:00 am
Tue - Sat:
10:00 am - 12:00 am
Sun:
10:00 am - 10:00 pm

Johnny's Place

Bar, Caribbean, Seafood, Pub Grub, $$$
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Johnny’s Place has been the number-one spot to get your late-night dance on for over ten years, and the later it gets, the more lively it seems to become. You can dance the night away listening to a blend of reggae, roots, and Calypso jams. On Wednesday nights, only women are allowed to enter the bar until 12 a.m. During this time, there are free drinks on offer, while the men have to stay outside and wait, causing amusement all round.
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Sun - Mon:
9:00 am - 2:30 am
Mon - Tue:
9:00 am - 2:30 am
Wed - Thu:
9:00 am - 2:30 am
Thu - Fri:
9:00 am - 2:30 am
Fri - Sat:
9:00 am - 2:30 am
Sat - Sun:
9:00 am - 2:30 am

The Point Sports Bar and Grill

Bar, Restaurant, American, $$$
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Don't miss out on that wing special!
Don't miss out on that wing special! | © Stu_spivack/Flickr
The Point Sports Bar and Grill is located just north of town, at Playa Negra. This is one of the best places to try some of Costa Rica’s microbrews, or to enjoy some sunset drinks and snacks. All major sporting events are shown here, too. Playa Negra is a beautiful black-sand beach and is an ideal place to watch the sun go down. There’s a special offer of half-price wings on Wednesdays.
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Sun:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Mon:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Tue:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Wed:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Thu:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Fri:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Sat:
11:00 am - 11:00 pm

The Lazy Mon at Standford's

Bar, American, Caribbean, $$$
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Surf, then party
Surf, then party | © travelmag.com/Flickr
The Lazy Mon at Stanford’s will most likely be your favorite bar in Puerto Viejo. Whether you come during the day or at night, it’s a fun place to hang out and have a few drinks. The bar is so close to the ocean that you can take a swim between cocktails, if you are in need of some refreshing. Thursdays here are reggae night and there are free drinks for the ladies from 10 p.m. until 12 a.m. There’s live music from DJs and reggae and Calyso bands all through the week.
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Sun:
12:00 pm - 12:00 am
Mon:
12:00 pm - 12:00 am
Tue:
12:00 pm - 12:00 am
Wed:
12:00 pm - 12:00 am
Thu - Fri:
12:00 pm - 2:30 am
Fri - Sat:
12:00 pm - 2:30 am
Sat - Sun:
12:00 pm - 2:30 am

Salsa Brava

Bar, Pub Grub
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Salsa Brava, which is the most famous wave on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, is one of the best sunset bars in the area. It is an amazing spot to grab a few drinks, post up with your feet in the sand, and watch the locals shred the wave. This is the oldest bar in Puerto Viejo and an institution you must visit on your trip. The vibes are very laid back and welcoming, and the food and drinks are very affordable. Sunday is reggae night, and is apparently the best reggae night in the area.
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Sun:
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Tue:
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wed:
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Thu:
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Fri:
10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat:
10:00 am - 9:00 pm