Alcoholics guide to Central America
As assumed, alcohol is an integral part of our trip but in a different way than it would have been 10 years ago. Gone are the nights out leading to massive pissups, bloodshot eyes and an empty wallet, instead we've moved into the appreciation bracket. We'd rather find the best venues and sit back to enjoy a handful of tasty beverages, while letting the younger, and frankly more annoying, backpackers go at it until sunup.
Yes we sound old but we'd suggest trying the bars listed below before criticising. (In order of travel, not preference as they're all damn good).
Zeitgeist: Mission, San Francisco, US
The first bar we found worthy of a special mention. Thanks to Olivia our SF local we hit up this down and dirty tap house where the music plays loud, crowds jostle back and forth for space in the courtyard and the booze - either the strongest vodka sodas you’ve ever seen or some seriously tasty beers, flow more freely than any shower we’ve encountered this far. I’d say there’s limited rules here which is just about perfect for us.
Mescal bar: Oaxaca, Mexico
Read our post about this joint here but know it’s the most unique bar we’ve found on our travels and proves that space or a long drinks list isn’t required to draw in a crowd. Just prepare yourself as mescal isn’t to be taken lightly.
La Bodegita del Medio: Habana, Cuba
An institution since the late, great Ernest Hemingway immortalised it by claiming it’s where he wants to drink Mojitos. As endorsements go that’s got some clout. Like many good venues it’s small but packs a punch. Grab a mojito, spark up a cigar, swing to the beat of a local salsa band, or simply hang in the street and watch it all unfold. Famous the world over this is one Habana Vieja watering hole you can’t miss.
Cafe Fortuna (bathtub bar): Trinidad, Cuba
If the name isn’t enough then know this cosy establishment just off Trinidad's pulsating main square serves great booze and has the eclectic decor to match even the most vivid of imaginations. Bowtie-clad bartenders will serve you 24/7 if that’s to your taste, otherwise just grab a rum and sink into the tub.
Taqueria La Eufemia: Tulum, Mexico
A beach-shack bar sandwiched between boutique hotels and overlooking Tulum’s famous stretch of white sand and turquoise water. Offering quality fish tacos (of course we had fish tacos), beer by the litre bottle, tanned beauties and cooling surf mere metres away, what’s not to like. Recipe for enjoyment is simple - chill, eat, drink, repeat.
Terrace hostel: Antigua, Guatemala
This might just be a hostel bar but the ingredients speak for themselves. A great rooftop space, multiple drinks deals, and the kicker - uninterrupted views of Agua, Acatenango and Fuego, Trinidad’s trifecta of volcanoes. Sit here enjoying this unique site, and quite possibly an eruption or two from Fuego while sipping on ice-cold locals beers for less than $1.50.
Cafe Noe Se: Antigua, Guatemala
We kept hearing about this place. First in San Francisco before we even started our trip and then through-out Mexico and Guatemala. Apparently a local landmark, thankfully it doesn’t disappoint. Dark and moody with strict consumption rules (on the positive side for getting wasted) it’s best to visit Mon-Thur or Sundays when the Guatemalan City locals aren’t in flashing their cash. Oh and any bar that’s card game of choice for drinkers is Cards Against Humanity is OK by us!
Image credit: @sjds_cerveceria
Cerveceria: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
It’s been 3 months but finally I found a decent craft beer…not what I expected from a beach town in Nicaragua’s pacific south coast. Running their own micro-brewery this place has got the model spot-on. Yes it’s a taste of America (which I love despite ‘The Donald’ doing his best to mess it up), but you’ve also got exposed brick work, surf art on walls, and on special occasions an 8 foot long smoker on the street prime for Thanks Giving turkeys or slow- cooked pulled-pork. If in town I’d suggest you try the Sandbar amber ale, it’s damn fine.
Instagram: @thelisaphillips #somedaysherpa
