Tamarindo has long been a popular beach destination on the Costa Rican Pacific coast. It’s known for having great surf waves, a fantastic west-facing beach, and – perhaps most of all – a vibrant nightlife. In fact, partying is what attracts loads of tourists to this lively town, because, when the night begins, Tamarindo really comes to life.
From fancy cocktail bars to tropical beach bars to bustling nightclubs that go on all night, there are venues for everyone in Tamarindo. The good news is that lots of places stay open all year round. The dry season, from December to March, is popular because it’s got sunshine from morning until night. But then there’s the rainy season, also known as the Green Season, which has similar visitor numbers because it boasts the best surf of the year.
If you’re looking for the top places to party in this wave-washed Pacific getaway, then read on. This ultimate guide to Tamarindo nightlife includes nine bars that we think you simply have to check out. It’s got ones that sit right on the beachfront for blazing sunset-viewing sessions, along with places to head to closer to midnight and into the early hours.
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Pacifico Bar
If you’re looking for a chilled location to enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in hand, you’ve come to the right place. Pacifico Bar is a tropical, seaside venue set right by beautiful Tamarindo Beach. It transforms into a club at night, and things usually go on there long after the sunset has finished.
You can expect live music, DJs, and a distinctly young crowd ready to party. So, whether you like to dance to reggae tunes with a mojito or chat to fellow travelers while sipping a cold beer, Pacifico Bar could just be the one for you.
But this place isn’t only about drinking. They serve delicious international food and snacks like burgers, fries, salads, or grilled fish fresh from the sea. And for socializing, they have lots of fun games to play, including everyone’s fav, beer pong.
Sharky’s
Popular Sharky’s bar is Located on bustling Central Ave in the heart of Tamarindo. If you’re looking to catch a sports game away from home while enjoying drinks with your friends, this one has you covered. With nine large TV screens around the place, you can rest assured that you won’t miss your favorite game, whether it’s football, rugby, or baseball.
Besides the sports, there are lots of fun games and events every evening. There are karaoke Tuesdays with free shots for every brave soul that chooses to sing a tune. There is beer pong on Sundays to get you going after the ladies’ night on Saturday. And there are lots of great drink deals every other night of the week.
But since drinks and sports go best with food, you’re in luck. You will find lots of party bites in Sharky’s, like burgers, wings, sandwiches, and fries.
El Be – Tamarindo Beach Club
After a long day of surfing the glassy waves of beautiful Tamarindo Beach, it’s time to relax and enjoy the sunset while sipping an ice-cold drink. And if that’s what you fancy, head to El Be, another great beach bar to enjoy the Tamarindo nightlife at. With palm trees lit at night and ultraviolet lights glowing under the stars, this place has great tropical vibes.
During the day, you will enjoy tasty local treats like shrimps, quesadillas, and tacos. At night there are DJs, dancing, live music, and fire shows. The best night in El Be is Saturday, though, when things go on very late indeed.
What makes this place super special? That has to be the location and atmosphere. It’s set right in the heart of Tamarindo playa, with some of the best sunset views in town. The place is packed with funky, fluorescent art, and the nights are all about jazzy saxophone acts and reggae tunes. Drink on!
Crazy Monkey’s Bar
Colorful tiled steps from Calle Centrale lead to funky Crazy Monkey’s bar, set on a hill overlooking panoramic views of golden sands and crystal-clear waters. There is a swimming pool up there, so make sure to bring your bikini or swim shorts. Whether it’s cocktails by the pool you’re after, sunset beers, or dancing the salsa to Latino rhythms, Crazy Monkey’s Bar is the place to go.
Three areas play different types of music. One takes care of the jazz. The other deals with pop. And there’s another dedicated to R&B and hip hop. There is also regular live music and two separate dance floors to show off your moves. Mostly, though, the place is renowned for its Friday ladies’ night parties, which take off with fire shows and DJs.
During the day, there is a continental restaurant with specialties that include a beef steak in mushroom sauce and a fish fillet in a jungle sauce. In the evenings, they serve a range of cocktails, including pina colada, tequila sunrise, mojito, and more.
El Garito
El Garito is an open-air nightclub and the best place in Tamarindo to enjoy underground house and electronic music. It’s located in El Punto mall on Calle del Parque, just off the busy Central Ave. It’s open every night apart from Sundays until 2.30 am in the morning.
If you’re into techno and house music, then El Garito is the place for you. Loud sets played by famous DJs from all over the world, world-class cocktails mixed by professional bartenders, and an open-air dancefloor are the reasons why people love this place. Every Saturday, there is a special guest DJ with freshly mixed tunes, too.
They do a range of drinks, from cocktails and shots to beer and wine. Apart from drinks, they serve delicious snacks. The menu includes things like burgers, tacos, fries, and tapas – the perfect accompaniment for an evening of drinking and dancing.
Kinky Tamarindo
Kinky is one of the leading LGBTQ+ bars in Tamarindo. It’s located in one of the most central spots in town, the Plaza center off Central Ave. It’s a small venue filled with pink neon signs and colorful lights, and one of the very few dedicated gay bars in the area.
The bar is open only on Fridays and Saturdays, and parties don’t tend to go on there until exceptionally late. But, when it’s on, you will enjoy a range of cocktails named after famous female artists and fun pop tunes. You can try a strong Madonna or a zingy Lady Gaga, or opt for a more classic option like beer, wine, or rum and coke.
The venue is small and can fill up pretty quickly, especially as it’s only open for a few hours at a time. The prices are slightly higher than the average, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for something a little different.
Volcano Brewing Company
Tucked away from the hustles and bustles of Tamarindo’s main nightlife area is Volcano Brewing Company. This is a small craft beer place where you can enjoy a chilled evening and try a range of local hops creations. It’s located around 15 minutes’ walk away from Tamarindo Beach. Although it’s not in the heart of the Tamarindo nightlife scene, it’s a great place to enjoy a mellow evening with tasty beverages.
Volcano is a microbrewery and the best place in Tamarindo to try artisan craft beers. Whether you’re after pale ale or lager, Volcano’s qualified staff will help you choose the best beer for you. There is often live music to match, and, although the beer is the real highlight, you can also enjoy some of their tasty snacks, salads, or kebabs.
Surf Club Bar & Grill
Hidden just up above the rocky bay of Playa Langosta south of Tamrindo’s downtown, the chilled Surf Club Bar & Grill is a top spot for a couple of early-evening drinks and plates before getting stuck into the more happening nightlife venues of the center.
It’s relaxed sports bar vibe, with TVs showing major US events and leagues, from MLB to PGA golf. The décor matches that – notice the framed New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings shirts on the wall, not to mention the big projector screen at the back end of the bar.
Talking of the bar…it’s a well-stocked spot that’s marked out by a wooden surfboard. The menu reads classic cocktails and a number of local and international beers. You can also sample a range of foods from the grill, including stuffed jalapeno peppers, cheeseburger sliders, cobb salad, and sauteed beef tacos.
Groot Tamarindo
Groot is a pretty new face on the Tamarindo nightlife scene. Only opened in 2020 by a duo of Argentinian expats living in the beach town, it’s a good-vibes bar and eatery with a gritty but fun feel to it. Technically on Central Ave, the main street in the town, Groot can be found away from the buzz of the downtown about seven minutes’ walking from Playa Tamrindo.
The whole thing is centred around a large outdoor space with a raise dancefloor and garden. That’s the perfect spot for their fun-filled day parties, which turn into long boogying and beer pong showdowns that last late on into the evening.
Drinks range from mixed cocktails to cold Imperial beers, although they claim to make the best mojito in town (we’ll let you be the judge). And there’s food – in the form of filling sandwiches with wedges, poke bowls topped with fruit, and packed croissants.
Is Tamarindo a party town?
Tamarindo is a beach destination that boasts a well-established nightlife scene. It’s popular with tourists from all over the world, especially American surfers. At night, Tamarindo turns into a big party town. You can hear music and crowds at every corner of Central Ave, especially. It’s busy, and there are always things to do at night. From ladies’ nights to beer pong to karaoke, you won’t be disappointed with parties in Tamarindo.
Is Tamarindo good for nightlife?
Tamarindo may not be as popular a party destination as Jaco, but a lot is going on there when it comes to nightlife. From neon-lit beach bars and noisy nightclubs to cocktail bars, this place is packed with fun places to go later on. There are also lots of excellent sunset bars right on the beach if you’re after something more mellow.
Where is the best place to go in Tamarindo for nightlife?
Tamarindo’s vibrant nightlife is the reason why many people choose to travel there. There are bars and clubs all around the place, with most venues concentrated around Central Ave. Since the majority of places are within a walking distance from Tamarindo Beach, it’s worth staying there to be in the middle of the action. For sunset drinks, try Pacifico or the Crazy Monkey, and for all-night raves, go to El Garito.