Nightclubs and bars in Nicaragua

I have heard many discriptions of Managua as being an ugly city. Well, not all of Managua is ugly. It doesn't have a lot of "ambiance" for night life like most are accostomed to, but the center for "night life" would have to be the Zona Rosa. It is centrally located on the Masaya Highway that crosses north/south, through town, a few blocks south of the Mall, The Metrocentro. All taxi's know the place. Excellent restaurant options, good music and dancing and safe. When taking a taxi at night, pick one up from any of the nice hotels to assure personal security. Get the taxi driver's card and phone number and call him to pick you up when you are ready to return "home"/hotel. Also the Galerias Mall (Galerias) is a great night spot any night of the week. They have several restaurants with indoor or outdoor seating as well as a classy movie theater. The mall is open air and can be a fun place to simply people watch as you walk the mall. Might even enjoy an icecream or worldclass coffe during your evening stoll at the Galerias.

Dress Code: Casual to nice casual.

I can't vouch for this since I onyl went to one nightclub in Managua, so it could be a bit of bad luck. But Jambo had only my whole group of 37 people and 3 other women, and one of them was trying to get to a friend's wallet. Wasn't too crazy about the music either since I was looking forward to more latino/salsa but ended up with American pop. The club was decked out in neon with big posters of Manhattan.

Do try the club just across the road though, as it really looked fun with the music and crowd.

Dress Code: Party gear!

Along Calle Altraveseda we came across a seemingly popular watering hole with street side seating and music. We didn't partake in much nightlife when we were in Granada but I did see many foreigners and locals partying the night away in El Flamingo. It's cheap and the street side seats are a nice place for a beer....or two.

Dress Code: Totally casual. The clientele ranged from your typical surfer types to older foreign men chatting up the local Nicaraguan girls. It's not high class so dress appropriately unless you want every street beggar in Granada to target you for all your pocket change. They do make the rounds when you are sitting out front. A pollite smile and shake of the head usually sends them on their way. Have a cold Tona or Victoria beer, both brewed & bottled in Nicaragua, when you stop by the El Flamingo.

Here are some pictures of the people I ran into the jammed on my guitar.

The guy I mentioned before is a guitar teached and he played some wonderful music from Central/South America.

The girl is an Aussie who works at the Dive Shop on Little Corn and she played a few good tunes from the Waifs, then she busted out some Ben Harper and burned the house down.

Dress Code: come as you are

Once darkness sets in, little Corn Island belongs to the land crabs. They come out by the hundreds. You’ll undoubtedly hear and see these battle hardened crustaceans rustling about as they scoot through the jungle in search of whatever it is they’re looking for. They make for an interesting walk through the jungle and across the moonlit path back to the windward side of the island.

You’ll probably need a flashlight for the jungle portion of the path but the moon offers all the light you could ever ask for once you reach the windward side of the island.

Dress Code: Armour

This is a small restaurant / bar in Estelí where people go at night to listen to live music. Rincón Legal is known as the Sandinista bar of Estelí. You are missing a lot if you do not go there while in Estelí. Don't miss your chance. You will be left speechless by the atmosphere and the songs they play.

Dress Code: Anything will do.

This is an open air nightclub (with some roofs in case it rains) 10 minutes drive north from Estelí on the Pan Am (taxi 10 córdobas per person). The food they make is good and not too expensive. The atmosphere is good and people of all ages go there. They play latin music but also some 80s disco hits like all nighclubs in Nicaragua!

Best day to go is Friday or Saturday. People go out quite early in Nicaragua so 10 p.m. is a good time to arrive.

Dress Code: Neat casual.

Same kind of open air nightclub as Rancho de Pancho is, located 10 minutes drive southwards from Estelí. The audience is maybe somewhat more mature than in Rancho de Pancho. Good food, cheap rum as always and nice atmosphere. Good fun for dancing.

Dress Code: Neat casual.