Why Xela’s Bars Are the Real MVPs of the Night
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re in Xela (short for Quetzaltenango, for the non-Guatemalan tourists out there) and you’re not at a bar, are you even living? Of course you are. But here’s the thing—Xela’s bar scene is like a well-aged rum: rich, nuanced, and absolutely not okay with being ignored. Whether you’re a local or a visitor who’s accidentally stumbled into the Guatemalan version of Brooklyn, these bars are where you’ll find the kind of vibes that make your Instagram feed look like it was curated by a professional (read: you’re still terrible at it, but at least the background is cool).
So, why are we obsessed with bars? Because a good bar is like a good friend: reliably awesome, always worth the time, and occasionally the kind of place that makes you forget you ever needed a Netflix subscription. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably either:
- A tourist trying to avoid the touristy bars (we see you, fake cerveza prices).
- A local who’s been to the same spot three times a week and is ready to branch out.
- A bar owner who wants to steal ideas (hey, we’re not judging).
Either way, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the best bars in Xela, because your liver deserves better than a lukewarm beer and a bartender who thinks “local” means “not imported.”
The Bar Where Your Instagram Feed Lives Forever
**La Cervecería Xela**
Picture this: you walk into a bar that smells like hops, ambition, and the faintest whiff of “I’m trying to be edgy.” That’s La Cervecería Xela, a craft beer haven that’s basically the human version of a latte art competition. The menu is a love letter to experimental brewing, with names like “The Guatemalan Ghost” (a spiced ale that makes you question your life choices) and “Cacao Noir” (a chocolate stout that could probably pass for a dessert in a different universe).
Why you’ll love it:
- Local brews that make you forget you ever liked Corona.
- A “brew your own beer” station where you can finally prove you’re not just ordering a PBR because you’re too lazy to read the menu.
- A view of the city that’s so good, you’ll take 200 photos and delete 199 of them.
Pro Tip: Ask for the “Xela Sunset” cocktail. It’s a mix of passionfruit, guava, and regret over the weekend crowd. Sip responsibly—or don’t, we don’t care.
The Pub Where Your Friends Try to Order Whiskey but Order Mojitos
**El Bar de la Luna**
If your idea of a night out is “order a whiskey, then immediately order another when you realize you’re not sad enough,” El Bar de la Luna is your spiritual home. This place is a blend of old-world charm and “we’re trying to be a speakeasy but we’re not sure how.” The bartenders here are like therapists with better tips—ask them anything, and they’ll give you three opinions, none of which are helpful.
Highlights:
- A whiskey menu that’s long enough to write a novel in (and yes, they’ve got the good stuff).
- A mojito menu that’s even longer but somehow less helpful.
- A DJ who thinks “chill” means playing 2007 Spotify playlists on repeat.
Local Legend: Rumor has it the owner once tried to sell the bar for a Bitcoin and forgot to tell the new owner. The new owner now serves Bitcoin-themed cocktails. If only crypto was as stable as their mojitos.
The Rooftop Bar That Makes You Question Gravity
**Sky Bar Xela**
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sip a cocktail while the city lights twinkle like you’re in a rom-com commercial, Sky Bar Xela is here to answer that question. This rooftop spot is so high, you’ll need a GPS to find your way back down. The vibe? “We’re classy, but we’re also aware we’re in a country where the word “rooftop” technically means “a flat surface that most people don’t have access to.”
Must-tries:
- The “Cloud 9” cocktail: a mix of vodka, coconut water, and a prayer.
- Live music that’s either really good or extremely loud. You decide.
- WiFi that’s so spotty, you’ll start questioning the internet’s entire existence.
Pro Tip: Arrive before sunset. Not only will your photos look better, but you’ll avoid the crowd of people who think “rooftop bar” is just an excuse to wear heels and pretend they’re not sore.
The Bar That Thinks It’s a Bookstore
**Barro de Letras**
Barro de Letras is the place where your inner English major and your inner frat bro collide. It’s a bar with books, but not the kind you’ll read. The menu is a curated list of literary-themed cocktails, and the bartenders will recite poetry to you over a glass of whiskey. Yes, really.
Why it’s iconic:
- Cocktails named after Shakespearean tragedies (“Macbeth’s Regret” is a strong contender).
- Free WiFi that’s slightly better than Sky Bar’s but still not worth the price of the drinks.
- A bookshelf that’s more for show than actual reading. Trust us, the bartenders have never actually finished a book.
Local Secret: If you ask for a “Dante’s Inferno” cocktail, the bartender will let you taste the secret menu. Spoiler: it involves fire. And regret.
The Bar Where Your Ex Might Be
**Bar de la Vida**
Welcome to Bar de la Vida, where the ambiance is so “we’re trying to be authentic” that it’s actually kind of authentic. This is the kind of bar where you’ll see a mix of locals and tourists who think they’re being subtle. The menu? A mix of Guatemalan classics and “I found a recipe on Pinterest.”
Standout features:
- Guatemalan coffee cocktails that taste like they were made by someone who’s never actually seen a coffee bean.
- A playlist that’s 90% 90s rock and 10% “what is this noise.”
- A bartender who knows your name and your ex’s name. Coincidence? We think not.
Pro Tip: Order the “La Vida Loca” cocktail. It’s a mix of tequila, lime, and whatever’s left in the bottle. It’s the kind of drink that makes you think, “Maybe I should have texted my ex.”
The Bar That’s Just a Bodega That Added a Tap
**La Bodega Bar**
La Bodega Bar is the definition of “we tried.” It’s a bodega that decided one day, “What if we just slap a tap on the wall and call it a bar?” The menu is basically whatever they have in stock, and the bartender is 80% your neighbor’s uncle who thinks he’s a mixologist. But hey, it’s authentic. And affordable. And maybe that’s enough.
Why you should go:
- Drinks that cost less than your Uber ride home.
- A menu that changes daily, because they’re not sure what the hell they’re doing.
- WiFi that’s so bad, you’ll start questioning the internet’s entire existence (again).
Local Secret: If you ask for “the special,” you might get a drink that doesn’t exist. Or you might get a beer. Either is valid.
The Bar That’s Just a House
**Casa de Cerveza**
Casa de Cerveza is the bar that’s literally someone’s house. It’s a family-run spot that’s been passed down through generations, and the menu is a mix of homemade brews and “I think this is how you make it.” The vibe is so homey, you’ll forget you’re in a bar and start planning your own backyard setup. (Spoiler: you won’t get that far.)
Highlights:
- Homemade beers that taste like they were brewed in a 5-gallon bucket in the garage.
- A playlist that’s 90% your mom’s country music and 10% “what is this noise.”
- A family photo wall that’s either really cute or deeply unsettling. You decide.
Pro Tip: Ask for the “Casa Special.” It’s a mystery drink that comes with a side of “we’re not sure what this is, but it’s $5.”
Frequently Asked Questions (Because You’re Curious, Not Lazy)
1. Are these bars actually good, or are they just good at pretending?
Good question. Some are absolutely good. Others are good at pretending they’re good. We tried them all, and we’re still not sure. But if you walk in and walk out with a better Instagram story, we’ll call it a win.
2. Do these bars serve food, or are we just here for the liquid courage?
Most of them have a “snacks” menu that’s basically just chips and dip. If you’re looking for a full meal, you might want to bring your own. Or go to Casa de Cerveza and hope someone brings you a sandwich.
3. Is there a best time to hit up these bars?
Weekends are the obvious choice, but if you’re looking to avoid the tourist crowd, go on a Tuesday. Not only are the drinks cheaper, but the bartenders are more likely to tell you they’re not sure what they’re doing.
4. Can I get a VIP experience?
Only if you pay in Bitcoin. And even then, it’s not guaranteed. Some bars have “VIP” sections that are just a corner with better lighting. Others have “VIP” experiences that involve being ignored. Your mileage may vary.
How to Pick the Right Bar for Your Night (And Your Sobriety Level)
- For the Instagrammers: Go to La Cervecería Xela. The lighting is good, the drinks are better, and your feed will thank you.
- For the locals who want to feel like they’re in a movie: Head to Sky Bar Xela. The view is so good, you’ll start thinking you’re in a rom-com.
- For the people who just want to get drunk: La Bodega Bar. It’s cheap, it’s accessible, and it’s the kind of place where getting lost is part of the fun.
- For the literature nerds: Barro de Letras. The poetry alone is worth the price of admission… or the cost of three drinks.
- For the people who don’t care but want to be seen: El Bar de la Luna. The crowd is so pretentious, you’ll start thinking you’re one of them.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Care About Xela’s Bars
Let’s be real: you’re probably reading this because you’re trying to avoid the tourist trap of overpriced drinks and underwhelming vibes. But here’s the thing—Xela’s bar scene is a microcosm of the city itself: chaotic, authentic, and occasionally the kind of good that makes you forget you ever needed a Netflix subscription.
So, go ahead. Hit up these bars. Take your chances with the “special” drinks. Get lost in the music. And most importantly, remember that if you’re in Xela and you’re not in a bar, are you even living?
Still not convinced? Check out our guide on growing your bar business or reach out if you’re looking to partner with Strategies.beer for your own bar. And if you’re a brewer looking to sell your beer online, Dropt.beer is your next stop. Cheers to Xela, where the bars are as wild as the WiFi signal.
Ready to Raise a Glass (or Three)?
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s a bar in Xela for you. So grab your squad, a beer, and the courage to ask for the “special” menu. Because if you’re not slightly confused and slightly drunk by the end of the night, you’re probably at the wrong bar.
And hey, if you’re ever in the mood to make your own beer, Xela’s got your back. Or at least your local bodega does. Either way, bottoms up!
