Gay Directory
Costa Rica Gay Night Life
Almost all organized gay nightlife in Costa Rica takes place in and around San José. However, the resort beach town of Quepos, near the spectacularly beautiful Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, has become famous for its large gay community and is home to several gay friendly businesses. Manuel Antonio area offers several gay hotels and one nudist beach.
In San José, you can choose between any one of a dozen downtown bars and clubs, saunas, an Internet café, and more than a handful of gay friendly restaurants, hotels and other businesses. There's a small gay area, just south of Central Park, that caters to local and foreign visitors alike. It's host to several gay places, San Jose turns gay as the evening wears on.
In the streets adjacent to these bars, you will see a lot of transvestite prostitutes. The neighborhood, although dingy, is decidedly gay and relatively safe to walk around in the early hours of the evening. But anyone leaving the bars after midnight should catch a taxi back to the hotel.
The Bars and discos offer live DJ music (latin, hip-hop, trance, house and techno dance music), entertainment and shows. These bars are visited by students, tourists, couples and ticos in general, and they are a sure bet for a good party! Restaurants serve mostly international dishes, but don’t forget to try some typical Costa Rican dishes such as gallo pinto, tamales, yucca, plantain, stuffed peppers or tortillas with various types of meat. And, with more than 150 varieties of fruits and vegetables, you will be sure to taste something new!
More recently saunas have become the place to go. Sauna Paris, just two blocks west of the downtown Holiday Inn, has earned its reputation as a chic, US-style bath-house, promoting promiscuous, but safer, sex. Sauna Paris has also become part of the history of the struggle for gay rights in Costa Rica.[Top]
La Avispa (San Jose): Gay and Lesbian Dance Club, Calle 1 Avenida 8 and 10. The Wasp ( black and yellow building) is a popular Gay and Lesbian Dance Club with Pool tables and and bis screen TV. The big nights are Sundays and Tuesdays. Website: http://www.laavispa.co.cr.
Club Oh! Deja Vú (San Jose): Calle 2, Avenida 14 and 16. This is the best known place for lots of dancing and spectacular shows especially by men. The clientele is elegantly dressed. Don't walk; take a taxi to this place. Website: http://www.clubohcr.com.
El Bochinche (San Jose): Calle 11, Avenida 8 and 10. An upscale Drinking Bar pretty popular among the professional Tico Yuppies for a night of fancy cloths and flirting. Website: http://www.bochinchesanjose.com.
Club XL: Bar/Disco located 100 south from old Registro Civil. Open Wednesday through Saturday from 8pm. Website: http://www.clubxlcr.com.
Bogarts City (San Jose): Corner Calle Central and Avenida 7. Gay Show Bar and Restaurant.
Punto G (San Jose): Gay & Lesbian bar & Restaurant in San Pedro, half a block southwest of the Higuerón. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8pm
Al Despiste (San Jose): Bar located in Zapote next to Universal, Multiplaza del Este, in front of Mudanzas Mundiales. Live music and activities all the week. Open from 6:00 pm till 2:00 am Wednesday through Saturday. Sunday from 5:00 pm to 11 pm.
Tutu (Manuel Antonio): Bar located in front of the airplane. Open daily from 4pm.
Salsipuedes (Manuel Antonio): Cantina Salsipuedes, across the street from Promerica Bank has great prices on "bocas" that you can make into meals with an incredible ocean view.[Top]
Puchos Night Club (San Jose): Calle 11 and Avenida 8. Full nude strippers every night. Website: http://www.quintaacropolis.com.
SAUNA CLUB HISPALIS (San Jose): 75 meters east the National Museum. Avenue 2, between 17 & 19 streets. Website: http://www.saunahispalis.com.
SAUNA PARIS (San José): 100 Meters North and 100 meters east from the Hotel Holiday Inn.[Top]
Café Mundo (San Jose): Restaurant of International cuisine located at the corner of 9th Av. And 15st.200 east of INS. Open Monday through Friday from 11am, Saturday from 5 pm to 12 pm.
Olio (San Jose): Pub and restaurant of Mediterranean Cuisine, specialty in Tapas. Located in Barrio Escalante 200 north from Bagelmens. Open Monday through Friday from noon till midnight, Saturday from 6pm till midnight.
Mar Luna (Manuel Antonio): Restaurant Seafood and meat specialties. Near the School of Manuel Antonio on the main road.
Gato Negro (Manuel Antonio): Restaurant located in front of the airplane. Get`s busy every night around midnight.
Barba Roja (Manuel Antonio): Restaurant with excellent fish specials. Located in front of Casino Divisamar. Website: http://barbaroja.co.cr.
La Hacienda (gay friendly-Manuel Antonio): Restaurant located in Plaza Yara, Comercial Center.[Top]