Often folks arrive to Costa Rica ready to party….imagine that? So at Package Costa Rica we frequently get asked about the best places to go. If they happen to ask me, invariably they will get the same answer, Castro’s. Castro’s is an old-style Latin disco. It was founded in the 70’s (I think). It probably has not changed one iota since then. The location can be intimidating for some folks. I mean it isn’t located in the best part of town, but in an area known as Barrio México. With the new ley de transitio now in effect, the best way to arrive (and certainly to go home) is by taxi. By the way, the new ley de transito (or new driving law) is in nutshell this: if you get caught driving with even a little alcohol in your bloodstream two things happen, you lose your car and you go to jail. So take a taxi. Also, that eliminates the problem of finding a parking place, which on the weekends after 10:00 PM is difficult to impossible. So what’s so special about Castro’s? Well for one they still play good traditional Latin dance music and not that crappy techno garbage that many of the new discos play (sorry if you like that stuff). In Castro’s you will hear all the best Latin genres in sets. So you will have a salsa set, then merengue, cumbia and so forth. The service is fantastic. When you arrive you will quickly be escorted to an open table and served there (no “bellying up” to the bar required). The dance floor is ample enough so even when it is crowded it is not like Monday night football. Also, the place is dirt cheap (so you can be Broke and Happy and still go) and the food (bocas, or small plates, like appetizers) is really good. And then there is the dancing. The best dancers in the area (and probably in the country) go there. It is a joy just to sit back and watch. Although it can be intimidating to get out there and try yourself when there are so many experts whirling around you. Upstairs they have the Karaoke bar, which is also the best in town (in my opinion). Castro’s is just a fun place and I never have anything but a great time when I go there (which is probably a little more frequently than I should admit….my mom reads this). So there you have it….my favorite bar/disco in San Jose and one of the top reasons I love Costa Rica.
See My Squidoo Lens….When in Tiquicia Do as the Ticos, Dance!
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