nightlife

Los Almendros de Ocotal

Night Life

 

With all there is to do during the day you still should save time for the local evening activities.

Our travel office will be happy to assist you in planning your evening.

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Beachatlosalmendros

Los Almendros
de Ocotal

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email almocotal@yahoo.com

In Costa Rica
dial 2670-1744

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Below are some of the airlines currently flying to the Liberia Airport which is less than 1/2 hour from Los Almendros. There are also frequent charter flights. Check with us or your travel agent for special offers.


Code for the International Airport that is less than 1/2 hour from Los Almendros is LIR
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THE “NIGHT LIFE” IN PROXIMITY 
TO LOS ALMENDROS DE OCOTAL


By Chuck Spicer
Travel Editor


If you are the nocturnal type, there certainly is ample time to savor the colorful “night life” in the Los Almendros de Ocotal area. 
Because Costa Rica is situated just a half-dozen degrees above the equator, the magnificent sunsets over the Pacific Ocean always go on display around 5:30 pm. Obviously, that means that there is plenty of time to enjoy the “night life” of the region and the relative coolness that the evening brings.
Come to think about it, because the sun regularly rises about 5:30 a.m., there is also a consistent 12 hours of sun in which to enjoy the abundantly available daylight recreational and sightseeing activities.
But this article is about letting your hair down a little while on vacation.
But before we get started, may I discourage you from drinking and driving. Drinking – fun! And driving – not so good! Especially in an unfamiliar rental vehicle and certainly not on narrow streets laden with strolling residents. A taxi ride is easy to secure and very inexpensive. 
So, go ahead and get “a snoot full” and leave the driving to someone else.
You don’t need transportation of any kind if you meander the few hundred yards from your abode in Los Almendros to the Father Rooster Restaurant and bar on the beach. This family eatery features a comprehensive menu ranging from Bocas (finger food) to lots of seafood. Libations are available as is a pool table and television.
I will say this but once and it will just about cover all evening destinations I will discuss – dress is casual and there is no air conditioning. Nearly all restaurants and dance/party spots are wall-less and open to the street.
If you are really into walking, you can also stroll on over to neighboring Ocotal Resort and enjoy a meal and a great view from the hilltop restaurant. Wonder if the resident raccoons are still seeking leftover handouts. 
The next “community” just a mile or so south of Ocotal Resort is Pez Vella and its “Picante” beachfront restaurant. This pristine outdoor eatery was recently taken over by new management but has always been pretty consistent. Do take a cab, as you may be able to walk down the hill but not back up it.


PLAYAS DEL COCO
The small “city” of Playas Del Coco is about a 2.5- mile taxi ride from Los Almendros. This is likely where you will spend several evenings during your vacation stay. The beach side community is safe and fun. 
Most of the gringos (non-locals) start their nocturnal activities at either Coconuts (located across from the casino on the main drag) or at Coco Palms (across from the soccer field).
Coconuts is a sports bar and features lots of televisions for ardent fans. Food (do try the pizza) is available as are libations. Musical entertainment of offered quite often.
Coco Palms is a bit more subdued but is noted for its excellent food and service. A “happy hour” starts things off right and lots of business transactions are completed before it is “completely let your hair down” time. 
If you into “eating out”, you have an abundance of choices. Ranging from simple “sodas” (a Costa Rican eatery) to various ethnic restaurants. Yes, lots of seafood.
Even if you have tons of loot, you should certainly “go native” and give a “soda” or two a try. For a very reasonable price you can eat like the “Ticos” do. A “cosada” (a working man’s meal featuring either fish, chicken or pork chop) runs around $4. 
There are a pair of Louisiana style restaurants that feature excellent meals and a great view of the street and its many fun-loving and colorful characters. Even a great steakhouse. It is only fair to note that steak lovers must be very particular where they order a steak in Costa Rica. Not all steaks and restaurants are necessarily up to your “gringo” standards. But you will most certainly love the freshly caught seafood. Several restaurants will also prepare and serve YOUR catch from earlier in the day.
Into Italian food? Mexican? How about Bavarian? All available! And more!

THE CASINO



I previously mentioned the casino complex on the main drag. Under new ownership and management, the newly revitalized complex features a hotel, restaurant and an intimate casino. The gaming portion of the facility opens about 7 pm and the hours extend to around 1 or 2 am. A couple dozen slots (that you have likely never seen or played before) that accept colones (the local money) are scattered around two cozy rooms. There are also a half-dozen card tables featuring black jack, tute, and variation of black jack. Every once in a while a spirited “Texas hold ‘em” game will get underway. 
Yes, you can win if you REALLY know how to play cards. And, yes, the beautiful hostesses will serve you free drinks while indulging in the gaming. 
If you are into this kind of evening activity you might check to see if the casino at the “Itabo” (Italian hotel/restaurant) is open. And, as of this writing, still another downtown Coco facility has requested a gaming license. There is also another “evening only” casino at the main intersection entering Liberia (45 minutes away). 
By the way, there are also plenty of semi-private, friendly, small stakes games (including hold ‘em) around the region.


MUSIC AND DANCING



No night would be complete without at least a little music and dancing. One of the more popular late nightspots is affectionately known as “Jimbo’s” or “the beach bar just over the foot bridge” You won’t find it by accident, so ask. A full range of libations, great background music (sometimes a band) plus pool and ping-pong table make this a fun spot.
That loud, lively music you hear while browsing the gift shops is likely coming from the “Lizard Lounge”, a recently renovated street side bar and dance floor. Sure, the throng is mostly younger folks, but no one checks your ID to see if you are over 30. Beautiful dance partners abound and before you know it – it is well past midnight. 
But, if you are a real party person, the night isn’t over. Just up the street is a really late-night spot called “bongos.” Again, even with the slightest “buzz”, you may not locate it without asking. Even though it is quite obvious in daylight. 
The City of Coco recently enforced its public beach 50-meter line law and an entire line of old structures was demolished to make way for a significant beachfront park. Unfortunately, a couple favorite bars and eateries were leveled. But we are certain that they will be reopened elsewhere in the community.



THE SURROUNDING AREA



If you have a designated driver or take a cab, there are plenty of dining and fun times to be had in the immediate surrounding area. The community of “Hermosa” is just north of Playas de Ocotal and Playas De Coco and features (despite being a mostly residential community) several most worthwhile fun destinations. 
Many an hour has been delightfully wasted at the Pescado Loco – the crazy fish (a Tico bar/restaurant) and at an El Velero Hotel beachfront BBQ across the street. Upscale dining (plus occasional music and dancing) is featured at Los Suenos. La Finestera and Gingers Restaurant have been drawing the monied crowd. 
And a short “inland” drive from Los Almendros there are a whole series of sodas and restaurants on the road to Sardinal and on toward Liberia. One of the most popular being the three-story Lagunas restaurant located at the “catfish” farm about five miles past Sardinal. It features an unpretentious and relatively inexpensive menu that has been achieving kudos.
There you have it. Just a few of the fun spots within 15 miles of Los Almendros that you can frequent if you wish to pass a good time most any evening.

bulls at fiestaLocal bullfights are different. The bull always wins! Interesting.

Father Rooster is a great night time spot! It is only steps from Los AlmendrosFatherrooster at nite

entrance sign