Antigua’s favorite dive bar prides itself on having live music every night of the week. There is a rotating cast of local musicians and those that play a few gigs to make some money before carrying on their travels. Blues music dominates.
This little venue sits above the restaurant/bar called Frida’s. It’s not open very often, but the programming is high quality. You can expect to pay a decent price for entry, but musicians are brought in from Guatemala City or abroad.
5a Avenida Norte #29, Arco de Santa Catalina, La Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala +502 7832 1296
This tiny bar hardly seems big enough for live music, but it happens anyway. Musicians cram into the space between the bar and the toilet in a space that can is only about as long and wide as a pickup truck. Things can get rowdy so come prepared for a good time.
6a Calle Poniente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala +502 4215 9601
This place is famous for its regular open mic nights, so if you want to show off your talent on stage feel free to turn up and play. The café also serves food, so you can come for dinner and watch if you don’t feel like performing.
Another favorite on the Antigua scene, this English bar serves great food and drinks alongside a regular program of live music. It’s a spacious place to spend an afternoon eating and drinking before the music starts around 7pm. You’ll often find the same musicians playing here as at the other bars in town, which is understandable given the limited selection.
This restaurant sits on top of a hill outside Antigua, with regular shuttles leaving from outside the Nim Pot souvenir shop in the middle of town. It’s a spectacular place to spend an afternoon eating and drinking, plus there are regular gigs. Head up at sunset to watch the sun go down over Antigua and the volcanoes behind the town.
San Cristóbal El Alto, Guatemala +502 5941 8145
The Antigua branch of Monoloco sticks with the sports bar theme, with screens everywhere you look. It also books musicians for regular live performances, and there are deals on food and drinks to draw in a crowd. Come here if you want to see bigger acts from Guatemala City rather than local Antigua musicians.
5 Avenida Sur no. 6, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala +502 7832 4228
