One of the most exciting aspects of adult vacations is exploring the nightlife in a new place. Tamarindo, while formerly a sleepy beach town in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province, has developed a bustling scene with the emergence of new bars & clubs. The atmosphere after dark has a multicultural flair & carefree party vibe & on any night, you could be mingling with a diverse mix of international jetsetters, locals & others from nearby the communities of Playa Grande, Flamingo, Playa Del Coco or Santa Cruz. On weekends, the main drag has the festival feel of Mardi Gras. But the best part is there's never a dull moment in Tamarindo, as there's something happening every night of the week. After observing the Guanacaste wildlife by day on your luxury vacation, discover the wildlife by night at these hotspots:
Yucca Bar The typical clientele at Yucca Bar, which is just several blocks inland from the Tamarindo Diria, is local surfers stopping in after a day of riding the waves. Local cover bands provide the soundtrack on most nights, but the open mic nights are a great opportunity to listen to up-and-coming talent. There's often a long line, so go early to beat the crowds.
Aqua Discoteque The only real nightclub in Tamarindo, Aqua Discoteque is known for its strong drinks, high energy & spectacular staff. Sip on a tropical cocktail from the terrace balcony with ocean views, lounge under the sparkling chandeliers or dance the night away to the DJs' progressive electronic tunes on the enormous dance floor. Monday nights are ladies night, meaning women drink for free from 10 p.m. to midnight, & Saturday night patrons pay one reasonable cover charge to drink at no additional cost for two hours.
Crazy Monkey Bar Featured on the show "Wild on E! Costa Rica," Crazy Monkey Bar's name is aptly fitting. This open-air bar, which is located on the hills above Tamarindo, hosts live music events, fashion shows & a ladies night on Fridays & live DJs through out the week, so no evening here is alike. The bar tends to get crowded when bands are performing, but it's worth putting up with the mayhem.
Insider Tip: Swing by for drink deals at the daily happy hour between 5 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Babylon If you're looking for some rasta recreation, head to this local reggae bar, which always has an eclectic mix of locals & tourists. The open structure & relaxed Caribbean vibe offer the perfect ambience for unwinding after an activity-packed day of tours & sightseeing.
El Garito Though a smaller space than some of the other venues, El Garito is still a popular spot for a top-notch mojito & some of the best partying in the area, likely due the ownership under the duo DJ Zeke & DJ Mauricio de Sostoa. Groove to hip-hop on Friday nights or stop by on a Saturday for beer specials. Just don't expect traditional tunes here – the music varies from divergent house to punk rock.
Sharky's ​For a more low-key environment, head to Sharky's Sports Bar & Grill, which has been a favorite local watering hole for many years. Sizable flat-screen TVs line the walls & consistently display major sporting events & concerts. It's an ideal spot for hockey fans, too, as it's the only sports bar featuring NHL games. If you're just chilling, nurse a local craft brew & nosh on some of the pub-style grub. Otherwise, check out Karaoke on Tuesday nights for some guaranteed absurdity.
After partying in Tamarindo, your expectations for a good time might be raised to a whole new level.
