The best bars and cafés Guatemala

Timetable

Cafés and tearooms abound in Antigua and are becoming increasingly popular in Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango and the villages on the shores of Lake Atitlán. They generally open in the morning and close at around 6pm, and are equally suited to breakfast and snacks. As well as a few travelers with a book, they're mainly populated by digital nomads at work and groups of friends sharing a moment of conviviality.

Bars, meanwhile, are still suffering the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. While all health restrictions have been lifted, the sale and consumption of alcohol remains prohibited in public places between 1am and 6am. Establishments in all cities are busier from Thursday onwards.

Budget & Tips

Westernized and designed for affluent Guatemalans or tourists, the places to take a gourmet break are not cheap. Depending on the location, you can expect to pay between twenty and thirty quetzals for a slice of cake or a pastry. On the other hand, the price of beers - usually sold in bottles - and cocktails is bound to be higher in a hostel bar than outside. On average, for all establishments, you should expect to pay around 20 quetzales for a Gallo, the national beer. Most bars have ahappy hour, which traditionally offers a discount on the second drink purchased.

Age restrictions

In theory, the law prohibits the entry and presence of minors in bars, as well as in all places where alcoholic beverages can be consumed. In reality, establishments rarely ask young people for identification to verify their age, and children can accompany their parents without any problem.

What's very local

Outside of lunch, the inevitable jamaica - a refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers and with a characteristic red color - is available in alcoholic form, notably in a special edition of Quetzalteca brandy. Also in every bar: Gallo, the most consumed beer in Guatemala.

Smokers

As in all enclosed areas intended for public use, smoking is prohibited in bars and cafés, except on the terrace.