a few good bars

[ndoughman]

We are heading to Playa on Friday (THIS FRIDAY!) for the umpteenth time and can't wait. We have no problems finding excellent food, but we are always trying to find a comfortable bar with friendly service and a pleasant atmosphere. A place where we can stop before going to dinner. Or after dinner. Or in the afternoon. Cold beer is a plus.

In the past, we enjoyed the old Siesta Fiesta (Babalu?). Then it really changed with new staff, live music, etc. One year, Bar Ranita had a great staff. That too changed with different staff and the beer is definitely not very cold. Last year, through friends, we discovered Chico Latino and loved it and the staff. Unfortunately, they closed. Beer Barrel never felt quite right. So, does anyone have any ideas?

Much appreciated,

Nancy

[cmsitaly]

Originally Posted by ndoughman

We are heading to Playa on Friday (THIS FRIDAY!) for the umpteenth time and can't wait. We have no problems finding excellent food, but we are always trying to find a comfortable bar with friendly service and a pleasant atmosphere. A place where we can stop before going to dinner. Or after dinner. Or in the afternoon. Cold beer is a plus.

In the past, we enjoyed the old Siesta Fiesta (Babalu?). Then it really changed with new staff, live music, etc. One year, Bar Ranita had a great staff. That too changed with different staff and the beer is definitely not very cold. Last year, through friends, we discovered Chico Latino and loved it and the staff. Unfortunately, they closed. Beer Barrel never felt quite right. So, does anyone have any ideas?

Much appreciated,

Nancy

Chico Latino closed!?!! That is a bummer..we liked it there and the staff was soooo nice. I know the beer is cold at Carboncitos, but that is a restaurant-doesn't mean you still can't have a beer there. We like Bodeguita del Medio Cuban bar in Paseo del Carmen (great mojitos, live Cuban music at night)

Not sure when the bar at the Luna Blue will be open, but that would be a wonderful atmosphere, and you couldn't ask for better owners

Hmmm, well there is always Tequila Barrel (great people watching) and the Beer Bucket, and DJ's Bar

Good luck and have fun!!

[gingele]

Originally Posted by ndoughman

We are heading to Playa on Friday (THIS FRIDAY!) for the umpteenth time and can't wait. We have no problems finding excellent food, but we are always trying to find a comfortable bar with friendly service and a pleasant atmosphere. A place where we can stop before going to dinner. Or after dinner. Or in the afternoon. Cold beer is a plus.

In the past, we enjoyed the old Siesta Fiesta (Babalu?). Then it really changed with new staff, live music, etc. One year, Bar Ranita had a great staff. That too changed with different staff and the beer is definitely not very cold. Last year, through friends, we discovered Chico Latino and loved it and the staff. Unfortunately, they closed. Beer Barrel never felt quite right. So, does anyone have any ideas?

Much appreciated,

Nancy

Be sure to stop by the beach bar at Fusion, especially for a nightcap. It's really wonderful to sit out on the beach at night, with the glow of the lanterns and the sound of the waves, the stars overhead (Jason and I even saw some shooting stars one evening). That and a nice pour of Centenario & cold Sol and life is just about damn near perfect. God, I'm killing myself here.

[cmsitaly]

Originally Posted by gingele

Be sure to stop by the beach bar at Fusion, especially for a nightcap. It's really wonderful to sit out on the beach at night, with the glow of the lanterns and the sound of the waves. That and a nice pour of Centneario & cold Sol and life is just about damn near perfect. God, I'm killing myself here.

I am so glad the new owners made that bar a nice place to be at night. Last 2 years there it was not so much. (formerly Alejari) I can't wait to enjoy it there, thanks for the reminder

[sonofalurker]

For a nice drink, swing up to hotel Deseo and go up the steps (be careful coming down them!) and have a drink above 5th ave, people watching from a birds eye view is always fun. maybe a little too trendy for some, but the foregin films projected on the wall and the comfy seating is pretty cool if you ask me..
For a beer, or 4 go down to the parque and beach near senior frogs. there is an awesome little beach bar (called the beach bar?) that is an open air red colored structure with a palapa roof. happy hour almost all day, and bob marley legend on repeat all day every day, a nice place to get some refreshments and take in the sights.
Does anyone know the name of the above bar???

[jmac]

Go back to La Ranita, the forum fave Jez works there now & I'm sure the beer is very cold. He is a wonderful host, I know I'm heading there in the next few days, quite possibly Thursday night when we arrive. Can't wait to see you again Jez.

[JEZ]

Originally Posted by jmac

Go back to La Ranita, the forum fave Jez works there now & I'm sure the beer is very cold. He is a wonderful host, I know I'm heading there in the next few days, quite possibly Thursday night when we arrive. Can't wait to see you again Jez.

Hi guys,

See you soon! And you are right the beer is very cold!

[ndoughman]

OK. Jmac and Jez have totally convinced me to give La Ranita another try. We will probably be stopping by Friday evening.

Nancy
(from St. Paul)

[psa24]

La Ranita is always a great place to stop. It doesn't get much friendlier than there. Also across the street is Beer Bucket. On 5th we always stop at Bourbon Street for a few pre-dinner drinks. Great place for people watching.

[Sr.Yason]

Originally Posted by gingele

Be sure to stop by the beach bar at Fusion, especially for a nightcap. It's really wonderful to sit out on the beach at night, with the glow of the lanterns and the sound of the waves, the stars overhead (Jason and I even saw some shooting stars one evening). That and a nice pour of Centenario & cold Sol and life is just about damn near perfect. God, I'm killing myself here.

I knew my wife had to post on this one!!!! It was great place and the people (Loke)were nice. it was great to hangout there at the beginning and the end of the night, if it was before 3:00 am

[mer]

The Ranita of course!

[Bluespicker]

For an after dinner drink stop in at the Don Emilione for what I consider the best Mayan Coffee in Playa.

[Sr.Yason]

We went there and saw the show, scary and cool. We also had some very good wine, and a good selection with good assistance.

[Susie Q Roo]

If rumors were wrong and I was sure it was still open, I'd say Posada Freud's bar. Best place to hang out comfortably, laugh with the bartenders, people-watch, drink the best margaritas in the entire world, meet interesting people, and just plain chill. If the rumors ARE right, perhaps that vibe will be recreated in their new location, whenever it gets going. I sure hope so and I hope it's soon... I could use a good margarita about now.

[mastequilapf]

Give Manne's Biergarten a shot, and while you're there sample the "hausfusel." You'll likely be served by Manne himself. He's one of the nicest guys I've met.