Entertainment Guide to San José

When the day is over, almost melancholic and disheartened, the vibrant and noisy city yields gradually to murmurs and tranquility. San José starts transforming its formal business and commerce face, into a makeup of coquetry and glamor! Bars and taverns get crowded with business men and women, public workers, professionals, and patrons of all kinds, wishing to release the pressures of the working day and anxious for new friendships.

Nightlife

Downtown San José is packed with small bars and taverns that in many cases are traditional landmarks. At the Palma Bar, the bar stools are common for those that come alone or wish to make new friends, as they are perfect to break the ice. It is true that some years ago, ladies sitting on a barstool were looked upon with disdain, times have changed. It is common to see groups of women sitting on the stools nowadays, a sign that they are open to conversation and friendship. The tables are relegated to more intimate or business conversations. Establishing contact with the local people is easy, as by nature ticos are friendly and talkative.

At the sports bar Hooligan's, the preferred drink per excellence is beer, which is of outstanding quality. Imperial, Pilsen, and Bavaria are traditional brands along with some newer ones with appealing names for the young at heart such as Rock Ice. For stronger spirits, the Zambra Lobby Bar in the neighborhood of Escazú is the place to try Guaro Cacique, the national drink, which is mixed most of the time with Coca-Cola, Ginger Ale, or in cocktails. For jazz enthusiasts, the Jazz Café hosts renowned artists that play until late.