9 Best Bars in Central Valley, Costa Rica

One of the pioneers of the country’s nascent microbrewery industry has set up shop west of Santa Ana, serving two year-round ales and several seasonal ones. They make a refreshing change from the ubiquitous Imperial beer.

A popular watering hole with the under-30 set, this spot has televised sports by day, varied music by night, and an island theme of beach paintings and surfboards. Costa Ricans refer to this style of bar as an "American bar," which is fairly accurate.

Music fans chill out here. The boxy club hosts an eclectic live-music lineup.

The cellar tavern beneath Le Monastère restaurant is a great place to stop for a drink before dinner, or stay on and while the evening away. You can dance to live music on Thursday through Saturday nights.

This stylish bar serves good cocktails in a sleek, modern setting with indoor and outdoor seating. DJs take over after 9 on weekend nights.

A great cocktail selection with very smooth gin and tonics is yours at this unassuming place in downtown Escazú. Occasional live music is on the schedule, too.

This low-key, mostly local place serves 30 types of beer—domestic and imported—with the requisite selection of chicken wings, nachos, and other appetizers, along with sporting events—mostly soccer—on the big-screen TV.

Although part of the enormous Multiplaza mall, sophisticated wine bar Tintos y Blancos (“reds and whites," as in wine colors) has its own entrance in back. It offers a quality selection of libations, primarily Chilean and Argentine wines, with several French and Italian to round out the choices.