San Jose
The capital city offers a sophisticated urban happy hour scene with craft cocktail bars, microbreweries, and international cuisine. From the trendy Barrio Escalante to the historic El Centro, San Jose's happy hour options showcase Costa Rica's cosmopolitan side.
Popular spots include: El Gaff, Stiefel Pub, Bebedero, and La Concha de la Lora.
Jaco
This popular beach town is known for its vibrant nightlife and beachfront happy hours. Surfers, tourists, and locals mix at the many bars along Jaco Beach, creating a fun, laid-back atmosphere that epitomizes Costa Rica's beach culture.
Popular spots include: Clarita's Beach Bar, Jaco Blu Beach Club, Le Loft, and Swell Bar.
Santa Teresa
This bohemian beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula has become a magnet for surfers, yogis, and digital nomads. Its happy hour scene reflects its international crowd, with beach bars offering everything from craft cocktails to local beers as the sun sets over the Pacific.
Popular spots include: Banana Beach Club, La Lora Amarilla, Vista de Olas, and Kika Beach.
Manuel Antonio
Combining natural beauty with upscale amenities, Manuel Antonio offers happy hour with a view. Many bars and restaurants are perched on hillsides overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the national park, creating a magical setting for sunset cocktails.
Popular spots include: El Avion, Barba Roja, Emilio's Cafe, and Agua Azul.
Santa Ana
This upscale suburb of San Jose has become a hotspot for expats and affluent locals. Its restaurant scene is thriving, with many establishments offering sophisticated happy hour experiences that blend international influences with Costa Rican hospitality.
Popular spots include: Costa Rica Beer Factory, Bacchus, La Divina Comida, and Doris Metropolitan.
Playa Islita & The Monkey Bar
Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Islita is home to the famous Monkey Bar, a must-visit happy hour destination. With its open-air setting, ocean views, and frequent monkey visitors, it offers one of the most authentic "pura vida" happy hour experiences in Costa Rica.
The Monkey Bar is known for its tropical cocktails, friendly atmosphere, and stunning sunset views over the Pacific Ocean.
Manzanillo
This laid-back Caribbean village offers a different flavor of Costa Rican happy hour. With its Afro-Caribbean influence, Manzanillo's bars serve rum-based cocktails and cold beers alongside spicy Caribbean cuisine, all with a relaxed, reggae-infused vibe.
Popular spots include: Cool & Calm Cafe, Maxi's Restaurant, and beachfront spots where locals set up impromptu bars during high season.
