Managua
No self-respecting coffee connoisseur should miss out on visiting this altar to the coffee bean, whose owner comes from generations of coffee farmers and…
Must-see nightlife in Nicaragua
-
Managua
The pick of the neighborhood bars, hip and relaxed Estación Central is your first port of call for the best range of Nicaraguan craft beers, from the…
-
Caribbean Coast
Dance up a storm to dancehall, country and reggae on the wooden dance floor at this legendary disco ranch, comfortable in the knowledge that your dignity…
-
Corn Islands
This all-wood open-air bar, right by the road just south of the airport, pulls a crowd when everywhere else is empty and is generally held by locals to be…
-
San Juan Del Sur
A great addition to 'gringo street', this small tiki-style bar serves really good cocktails – the passionfruit mojitos and the watermelon margaritas, in…
-
Managua
The brainchild of a young French entrepreneur, Art Factory wears many hats and we like all of them. It's a swanky yet chilled-out space for an intimate…
-
Managua
Fairy lights are strung around this popular club, where local students take to the alfresco stage to the cumbia beats or the interesting salsa-Macarena…
-
Little Corn Island
Head to this hip open-air cafe for great burgers, buffalo wings and bruschetta with an indie-rock soundtrack. It's the most popular haunt among travelers…
-
Managua
Let's start with what's important: the cocktails here are seriously good and served by expert mixologists. The 'Rum Old Fashioned' arrives in a smoked…
-
Granada
Modeled on the original Hog's Breath Saloon in Florida and run by a friendly Minnesotan couple, this safari-themed lounge bar is the antithesis of the…
-
San Juan Del Sur
The hilltop bar and restaurant at Pelican Eyes is a lovely spot for canoodling with your sweetie over sunset cocktails by candlelight – happy-hour…
-
Corn Islands
The only bar and restaurant on Long Bay is of the barefoot, palm-thatched variety. It's not as popular as it once was, but draws its biggest crowds on…
-
San Juan Del Sur
A long-time expat fixture on the scene, Big Wave Dave's serves up all sorts of American comfort food, while regulars knock back beers around the bar…
-
Granada
This place wears many hats and we like all of them. It's a small lounge-bar with a good list of cocktails and local craft beers (come for happy hour). In…
-
San Juan Del Sur
When you're tired of Toña and rum, this cool French-style bar should be your first stop: it does martinis, White Russians, and gin and tonics – to name…
-
Corn Islands
At the far side of South End, this laid-back local watering hole has several tables out the back overlooking rock pools full of fish and across the sea to…
-
San Juan Del Sur
A sedate place for a beer during the day, this place heaves to DJ sets by night. Arribas is an active participator in Sunday Funday and attracts a fun and…
-
Managua
This popular bar and lounge in the emerging zona viva, the nightlife zone behind the Santo Domingo mall, is a favorite pre-dance spot for scenesters.
-
León
The hottest dance club in the city center with plenty of sleek, modern styling, bright young things, occasional live bands and 'Techno Saturdays'.
-
San Juan Del Sur
Where else in Nicaragua can you pair watching hockey on the big screen with a nice plate of poutine and an ice-cold beer?
-
Caribbean Coast
A two-story open-air bar with unbroken sea views, the 'Sea Dog' is the perfect place for an afternoon tipple.
-
Little Corn Island
Little Corn Island's most popular after-hours hangout. Full of local flavor, the sweaty pool hall is a hotbed of hustling and competition, and the music…
-
Caribbean Coast
This popular, massive late-night venue has two very distinct zones. The open terrace bar downstairs is favored by hard-drinking seafarers and prostitutes,…
-
San Juan Del Sur
The original SJDS disco. The mirrored balls and colored lights start spinning at 9pm, but the in-crowd doesn’t show up until at least 11pm, primed for a…
-
León
In the unsigned orange building in front of the basketball court, this is your classic Latin disco – plenty of reggaetón and bachata (romantic Dominican…
-
Managua
There are a few little outdoor bars like this in the area, but this one consistently gets a good crowd. A range of snacks and more substantial meals …
-
Corn Islands
Sit on stools overlooking the multihued sea out on the grass foreshore and enjoy quality coffee prepared on the island's only espresso machine. Also…
-
Granada
One of the most popular pubs with tourists along the Calzada, O'Sheas has friendly service, cold beer and hit-and-miss pub grub. Attracts its share of…
-
Caribbean Coast
Locals descend on this sociable watering hole after work to knock back cold beers to a classic rock soundtrack. Also serves up fairly decent meals (US$4-7…
-
Granada
This lakeside bar is a spot for a cold beer by the water, with young locals dancing to loud reggaeton into the wee hours on weekends.
-
Managua
One of the few gay bars with any longevity in town, Tabú’s dance floor gets going on weekends (cover charge varies by night).
-
Caribbean Coast
This large air-con disco space by the water plays a mix of dancehall, reggae and Latin pop to keep the young crowd moving.
-
León
Corner bar, popular with students and with live sports on TV. There's usually live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
-
Little Corn Island
Set back behind some houses in the Village, this dark reggae dance hall doesn't get busy until late. Most patrons just hang out around the benches and…
-
Caribbean Coast
Sooner or later, anyone on a big night out ends up at this rustic dance hall, half a block from Parque Central. It's a little sketchy but has plenty of…
