The best bars in Tamarindo around sunset time.
One of my favourite moments in Costa Rica was sitting by the Pacific Ocean with an ice cold beer watching the sun set.
Tamarindo is the perfect spot to do so, as a result of the long sandy beaches, and abundance of bars and restaurants, which all battle for tourist’s spending money.
Here are the best bars in Tamarindo which made my time in the Pacific town fun and unique.
The consistent sun set time every day on the west coast of Costa Rica makes happy hour deals a necessity, as all of the bars compete with each other with special themed nights, bargain prices, and offerings of the coldest Imperial in town.
These bars are in no particular order, as I enjoyed my experience in every single one of them, even in the quieter season!
A beautiful sunset in Tamarindo.
Sharky’s Bar.
Sharky’s Bar is my favourite sports bar in Tamarindo with many screens showing live sport all day long.
As soon as I arrived at my hostel, the owner recommended the bar for its lively atmosphere, which differs, with a mix of sports bar day vibes and high energy dance scenes at night.
Sharky’s is located just back from the beachfront where my other favourite bars are located, however, the fun I had there means I had to include it.
The bar is famous for its regular events like karaoke nights, live sports screenings, and DJ sets, making it a very popular bar for a fun evening out in Tamarindo.
50% off at happy hour.
A big draw for visitors to the bar are the happy hour deals which run everyday between the hours of 4pm-6pm.
I enjoyed heading to Sharky’s for a couple of Imperial beers at half price before moving onto the Ocean front bars ready for sunset.
Tropical Tuesdays.
Tuesday is Karaoke night at the bar, with a free shot every time you sing!
I found this to be fun, as tourists from all over the world were singing while I was there.
Daiquiris & Piña colada are around $4 all night on Tuesdays also.
Thirsty Thursdays.
2x1 pitchers on Thursday are popular with visitors, as are the craft beers & cocktails.
An early edition of the Karaoke takes place from 7pm.
The happy hour deals showcased at the front of the bar.
Sharky’s Bar menu.
Sharky’s Bar location.
Sharky’s Bar opening times - 10:30am - 02:30am daily.
Find out more information on their Facebook page.
Portofino.
Portofino in Tamarindo is a beachfront restaurant offering an elegant dining experience.
The restaurant is famed for its fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and wood-fired pizzas, all made with high-quality ingredients.
I found the ambience of Portofino to be one for couples as its garden area feels very romantic and secluded.
There is live music regularly in the bar to ensure that your garden beach experience is entertaining.
Sign pointing towards the beach restaurant.
Happy hour every day from 4pm to 7pm.
Happy hour offers discounted cocktails for three hours between 4pm and 7pm making its beer garden on the beach an ideal spot to watch the world go by in Tamarindo.
The picture perfect setting outside the back of the bar is perfect to catch a glimpse of the sunset, along with surfers trying to tackle the Pacific waves.
Seafood specials board.
The fusion chefs at Portofino are very creative and it shows on the daily specials board.
Lobster tacos and salon pasta are two favourites which appear often.
Make sure you have a wander over to check as there are some surprises on there very often.
Seafood specials board at Portofino.
An awesome shot I captured while sitting in Portofino.
Walter’s Bar and Restaurant.
My first Tamarindo sunset was enjoyed in Walter’s Bar with an ice cold Imperial on draft, which was half price.
It really was a picture-perfect moment!
I found Walter’s to be very spacious inside and outside of the bar making it a comfortable setting to relax in.
Walter’s is located on the beach front and when the tide comes in, it is only a matter of metres away from Walter’s beer garden. I found this to be a nice experience, just sitting back and watching the Pacific waves crash against the shore.
The bar is famous for howler monkeys popping by at a regular occurrence, usually looking for food and some entertainment. This is one of the reasons that Tamarindo is one of my favourite places in Costa Rica.
It was random seeing a howler monkey in there, after seeing some on the Tamarindo Estuary Tour earlier in the day.
You will definitely hear them before you see them though!
Another lush setting for sunset.
Daily at Walter’s:
Happy hour from 4pm to 7pm.
Live music from 5pm to 7pm.
Some main course options if you are considering a sunset dinner.
- Caprese sandwich.
- Patacones with shredded beef.
- Chicken wrap & fries.
- Chifrijo with fish.
- Jalapeño Mac & Cheese.
Half price beers at happy hour.
Walter’s Bar menu.
Walter’s Bar location.
Walter’s Bar opening times - 8am - 10pm daily.
Find out more information on their Instagram page.
An open plan bar which gets busy on an evening.
Ocean Restaurant and Beach Lounge.
This beachfront venue offers a perfect mix of relaxed daytime lounging and vibrant evening socialising.
The setting is ideal for watching Tamarindo's famous sunsets, making it a top choice for both casual beachgoers and those looking for a more upscale experience.
Ocean Restaurant and Beach Lounge combines a laid-back beach vibe with exceptional service, making it a must-visit bar in Tamarindo.
Whichever vibe your evening entails, Ocean is a great place for a pitstop or for your whole evening.
A higher end option.
2 for 1 on cocktails at happy hour.
Happy hour coincides perfectly with the sunset, making the spectacular daily event even more special.
Who doesn’t love a mojito or two?
If you prefer not to drink, the delicious mocktails are also included in the price.
An abundance of seafood options.
There are around 15 different seafood dishes across the menu including:
Jumbo shrimp.
Seafood pasta.
Sea Bass fillet.
Snapper.
Another happy hour with 2 for 1 drinks.
Tama Onda Beach.
Tama Onda Beach Bar in Tamarindo is a laid-back beachfront spot known for its chilled vibes and refreshing drinks, especially as the sun sets.
As it is located right on the beach, it is a great place to go and enjoy a break from swimming or surfing.
I noticed a variety of tropical cocktails, cold beers, and tasty snacks through the daytime, with more of a gourmet menu in the evening.
I found a couple of local craft ale options in this bar also, which I enjoyed tasting, and it reminded me of the Beer Factory during my day exploring San Jose.
This bar felt like the best one in terms of the ‘surfer vibe’ which Tamarindo is famous for!
Located in the corner of Tamarindo Beach.
The Seafood Experience.
Local and fresh lobster is a popular dish served in Tama Onda, and they are usually served with prime cuts of beef.
We loved the experience of dining at Tama Onda, as our local waiter’s smiles, along with the beachside ambiance created a memorable evening.
Our lobster in Tama Onda was the highlight of our culinary experiences in Costa Rica.
Family friendly.
If you are travelling as a family, Tama Onda will be a good choice for your evening meal and drinks, as the restaurant features a child friendly area with a swing set and play table on the beach, all in viewing distance of the tables in the bar.
Firework shows.
When the colourful skies from sunset are replaced by the dark night sky, the fun begins at Tama Onda.
Regular fire shows take place on the sand just in front of the bar, with talented locals performing fire tricks, firework effects, and rings of fire in the sand.
It is a unique touch which none of the other Tamarindo bars on the list offer.
The colourful Tamarindo sign near the beach bars.
Tama Onda Bar menu.
Tama Onda Bar location.
Tama Onda Bar opening times - 8am - 11pm daily.
Find out more information on their Facebook page.
Pura Vida vibes throughout Tamarindo.
Nogui’s.
Nogui’s has been an important bar/restaurant in Tamarindo since 1974 when Nogui Acosta opened its doors.
The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner to passing visitors.
I loved my experience of enjoying a few drinks in the garden, as you could tell the staff love their jobs.
This iconic bar offers an authentic Tico experience which has been continuously improved for nearly 50 years.
Even in the so-called worst months to visit Costa Rica, the bar is still thriving!
Nogui's Beach Beer Garden.
Local breakfast options.
Nogui’s is open bright and early to provide local and international breakfast options for beach goers.
Gallo Pinto, pancakes, and omelettes are the highlights which surfers will fuel up with before a big day on the Pacific waves.
Happy hour deals.
Happy hour takes place between 4.30pm - 5.30pm daily with 2 for 1 cocktails.
Many surfers stop by for a refreshing drink just before sunset to make the most of the deal.
A packed menu.
Sunset on Tamarindo Beach.
Prefer jungle towns to beach destinations?
Beautiful Pacific sunsets are just one of the big draws to Costa Rica.
I found La Fortuna and Montezuma to be awesome for exploring the rainforests, and learning about the ecosystems of Costa Rica.
Mistico Hanging Bridges Park is a true highlight and a great place to see some flora and fauna in its natural habitat.
In terms of natural beauty, my favourite spots are La Fortuna Waterfall and El Salto Swimming Hole, with Montezuma & Rio Celeste waterfalls both also offering a beautiful hiking routes.
One thing which Tamarindo doesn’t have is the iconic Arenal Volcano overlooking the town.
That is one unique aspect of La Fortuna that must be experienced!
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