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SOMA Cultural Center

SOMA Cultural Center (4-27 11 Calle 2, Zona 1, Guatemala City) – located in a
trendier part of the capital, this bar attracts both locals and expats who listen to 90s
grunge rock, and 80s New Wave rock acts like The Clash, Depeche Mode and David
Bowie. To no surprise, live rock acts frequently perform here.
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Por que no?

Por Que No? (Casa 9, 9ª Calle Oriente, Antigua) – this street-level bar, housed in a
colonial building, is one of the venues favored by ex-pats passing through Antigua.
Along with its “at home” setting and cold beers and tequilas, light snacks are also
served there. This quirky bar also lets patrons write their names on the wall – a
gimmick that’s one of the reasons to drink here. There’s also occasional live guitar
music.

Monoloco

Monoloco (5ta Avenida Sur 6, Antigua) – this is another favored watering hole for the
young ex-pat set. The bar food here is very popular (including tacos, burgers and
pizzas), as well as the cold beer and other liquors served here. Patrons can watch
international (especially American) sporting events here. Parties are often thrown here
as well.

Las Vibras de la Casbah

Las Vibras de la Casbah (5ª Avenida Norte, Antigua) – located near the Santa
Catalina arch in Antigua, this is a great venue for those in a mood to dance to electronic
and other forms of dance music like House. The trendy décor and deep blue lighting
contribute to this club’s ultra cool vibe. There’s a “lady’s night” every Wednesday, and
various forms of liquor are available (from Bacardi and Zacapa rums, to Patrón Tequila,
Skyy and Stoli Vodkas, and “Illegal” brand Mexcal). Much of the crowd is 20-something
ex-pats (including “Instagram” followers).

Las Cien Puertas

Las Cien Puertas (9a Calle entre 6ª Avenida y 7ª Avenida, Ciudad de Guatemala) –
this is another historic bar in the capital. It’s a great place to have a good chat over
some music and a few icy cold local (Gallo brand) beers. The drinks menu is decent,
the bartenders are friendly and there’s a good range of food items if you get hungry.
This bar is known for its graffiti, which follows the trend of letting patrons sign their name
on the wall – do so before you leave!

La Sala

La Sala (6a Calle Poniente 9, Antigua) – for those in a mood to party, La Sala is the
way to go. Salsa, Bachata and Reggaeton music dominate the dance floor (attracting
mainly a 20-something crowd). A nice mix of ex-pats and locals. Salsa lessons are
occasionally offered. There’s also a terrace for those wanting to hang out at the rooftop
and take in a view of the city.

La Bodeguita del Centro

La Bodeguita del Centro (Asia Mall, 13-88 Calzada Roosevelt, Zona 7, Ciudad de
Guatemala) – this Cuban-themed venue is a bar as well as a cultural center, which
means that there are poetry readings, debates, art exhibits, and film screenings (usually
during the day), as well as live music (from jazz to rock and salsa) at night. While the
entrance is free on Tuesdays to Thursday evenings, there’s small door charge on
weekend evenings.

Karma

Karma (Via 5, esq. 1a Avenida, Zona 4, Ciudad de Guatemala) – this is a trendy
gastro-bar, with not only a wide array of liquor options, but wine as well (along with
food). Because this place serves wine & fine cheeses, it attracts an upscale local
crowd. There are also some live jazz evenings.

El Portalito

El Portalito (entre la 6ta y 7ma avenida de la zona 1 en el interior del pasaje
Rubio, Ciudad de Guatemala) – this is an old school local watering hole that has been
around for generations. Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara frequently hung out here
when he lived in Guatemala. Aside from that, this bar is better known for its cheap draft
beer prices (a draw until itself to this bar).

Café No Sé

Café No Se (1a Avenida Sur, Sacatepéquez, Antigua) – this venue is reputed to be
the first mezcal bar outside of Mexico. This bar’s rustic setting would fit in well in a
Robert Rodriguez or Quentin Tarantino film, which means that it has a lot of character
(confirmed by YouTube video clips of this bar). Frequented by both ex-pats (especially
Americans) and locals, this bar also has occasional live music.