Exciting Manuel Antonio Nights

This is our essential guide of where to eat, drink and dance: Exciting Manuel Antonio nights out !

Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back drink, a little live music, or somewhere to watch the game with other fans… Manuel Antonio and Quepos both offer some great nightlife options. Every spot has its own local flavor.

Lots of great places to catch the game

Let’s say your favorite team is playing while you’re in town — YOLO Social is a solid bet. It’s a lively spot with big-screen TVs, billiards, and a good menu. And if you’re feeling lucky? There’s a casino right next door, the only one in Manuel Antonio / Costa Rica.

Prefer a bigger casino experience? Head down to Quepos / Costa Rica, where the Best Western Hotel Kamuk has a larger gaming area with slot machines, blackjack, roulette… the works. Just down the street, you’ll hit El Gran Escape — a long-time favorite restaurant that’s right on the oceanfront. The outdoor tables fill up fast, and if you went fishing earlier in the day, they’ll even grill your catch for you. Big TVs here too — so you won’t miss a play.

A little farther along are a couple of well-loved bar-restaurants: Bahia Azul, which sits right on the waterfront and feels local in the best way, and Bar y Restaurante Marlin, easy to spot as you drive into town. Just steps away from Marlin is Café Milagro, a great stop for coffee or a light bite. There’s another Milagro up the hill in Manuel Antonio as well — that one’s especially nice for dinner.

Thursday nights mean trivia, and if that’s your thing, make your way to Balu Restaurant in downtown Quepos at 7 p.m. for “Thinkin’ and Drinkin’.” It’s free to join, hosted by friendly locals, newcomers are always welcome, and definitely one of those exciting Manuel Antonio nights. Win the quiz, and your team gets a pizza and beers on the house!

Visit the luxury marina for dinner

For something a little more upscale, Marina Pez Vela makes for a great night out. There’s a whole lineup of restaurants and sports bars here — perfect for watching a game, grabbing a grilled mahi-mahi, or just taking in the view of the boats bobbing gently in the water. Some places at the marina may also cook up your catch if you’ve been out fishing earlier in the day. Bonus: there are a few boutique shops worth checking out while you’re here too.

Live music lovers are in luck — there’s usually something happening every night of the week. Catch local bands, solo acts, or DJs at Hotel La Colina (wood-fired pizza and tunes on Wednesdays and Sundays), Drunken Monkey, El Ranchito at Hotel Plinio (Fridays), Si Como No, and Restaurante Buru Seaside, which is tucked right down on Manuel Antonio Beach.

Dance the night away

And if you’re feeling the rhythm… there are places to dance too. Check out Cuban Republik Disco Lounge in Quepos or Ape Eclectic Social Bar up in Manuel Antonio — known for its stylish vibe, good music, and delicious tapas.

Need help finding what’s happening while you’re here? Grab a copy of Quepolandia — the go-to local monthly. This is full of listings and nightlife calendars, plus lots of other info.

Whatever kind of night you’re in the mood for, this place has you covered. Things change often around here, so it’s always worth asking your host what’s new… they’ll point you in the right direction. Then just head out and enjoy — the night’s yours.