The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bars in Xela (No Boring Lists Here)

Welcome, Thirsty Travelers: Why Xela’s Bar Scene Deserves a Meme‑Journalism Deep Dive

Alright, you seasoned sipper, you’ve probably Googled best bars Xela while nursing a half‑empty pint and scrolling through memes that say, “I don’t always travel, but when I do, I drink the local brew.” Let’s face it: Xela (aka Quetzaltenango) isn’t just Guatemala’s second‑largest city—it’s the unofficial headquarters for anyone who thinks a night out should be as unpredictable as a TikTok algorithm. This guide is your unfiltered, sarcastic, and SEO‑savvy passport to the city’s most kick‑ass watering holes. Grab your favorite cocktail, set your sarcasm meter to max, and let’s get into it.

Table of Contents (Because Even Redditors Need Structure)

1. Historical Vibes & Crafty Cocktails
2. Hipster Hideouts That Pretend to Be Underground
3. Late‑Night Legends for the Insomniac in You
4. Budget Beasts: Great Drinks, Small Prices
5. Local Flavors You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
6. Pro Tips & Tricks (Including How to Sell Your Beer Online)

Historical Vibes & Crafty Cocktails

If you think Xela’s history is limited to “old Spanish buildings” and “volcano views,” think again. The city’s bar scene is a living museum where you can sip a café de olla martini while debating the meaning of life with a local who just finished a philosophy degree and a night shift at a call center.

• La Casa del Café – Yes, it’s a coffee shop, but after 6 pm the espresso machine transforms into a gin‑infused alchemy lab. Try the Espresso Old Fashioned and watch the barista whisper, “This is how we do it in Xela.”
• Bar Central – Nestled in the historic center, this joint offers a curated list of Guatemalan craft beers that make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret level in a video game. Pair it with their Queso Fresco Sliders for maximum points.
• El Rincón del Vino – A wine bar that pretends it’s a speakeasy. The décor screams “I’m sophisticated, but I also binge‑watch reality TV.” Their house‑made sangria (with a splash of local rum) is the perfect antidote to any post‑flight jet‑lag.

Pro tip: Ask for the “historical cocktail” and the bartender will give you a story about a 19th‑century revolutionist who allegedly invented the first mezcal‑based punch. Spoiler: It’s probably a meme, but the drink is real.

Hipster Hideouts That Pretend to Be Underground

Now, let’s talk about the places that Instagram influencers love to post about because they have a vintage typewriter on the wall and a neon sign that says “Good Vibes Only.” These bars are the perfect blend of irony and authentic local flavor.

• Bar 13 – The name is a joke about the fact that they have 13 different types of mezcal. The interior is a collage of reclaimed wood, exposed brick, and a wall of Polaroids featuring patrons who look like they just stepped out of a Wes Anderson film. Their signature drink, the Mezcal Mule, is basically a Moscow Mule with a Guatemalan twist.
• El Botánico – A plant‑filled oasis where the bartender is also a part‑time botanist. They serve cocktails infused with local herbs like hierbabuena and cacao nibs. Order the Jungle Jive and you’ll feel like you’re sipping a rainforest in a glass.
• La Bodega – Hidden behind a faux wine cellar door, this spot feels like a secret speakeasy for people who think “craft beer” is a personality trait. Their rotating taps include a barley‑wine that’s older than your grandpa’s mixtape.

Remember, the best way to get a table here is to act like you’re late for a very important meeting and then apologize profusely while ordering a cold brew stout. Works every time.

Late‑Night Legends for the Insomniac in You

When the sun sets behind the Volcán de Fuentes, Xela’s nightlife transforms into a neon‑lit carnival of sound, sweat, and questionable dance moves. Here are the spots that stay open past midnight and keep the party going until the rooster crows.

• Club 69 – Don’t let the name fool you; it’s not a retro strip club (though there’s a karaoke night that could qualify). The DJ spins a mix of reggaetón, EDM, and classic 90s hits. Their Guate‑Grog is a potent mix of rum, pineapple, and a dash of chili that will make you question your life choices—in a good way.
• El Cactus – A desert-themed bar that serves tequila shots with a side of “you’re not ready for this” attitude. Their Spicy Cactus Margarita comes with a rim of powdered sugar and a tiny cactus garnish that looks like a miniature desert landscape.
• La Noche – Literally translates to “The Night.” The vibe is laid‑back, the lighting is dim, and the playlist is curated by a local DJ who swears he’s the next Tiësto. Order the Midnight Mojito and you’ll be sipping minty bliss while the city’s streetlights flicker outside.

Late‑night tip: If you’re planning to hop from bar to bar, keep a reusable bottle handy. Many of these places will refill it for free if you ask nicely—plus, it’s an excellent conversation starter.

Budget Beasts: Great Drinks, Small Prices

Travelers love to brag about “drinking like a king on a peasant’s budget.” Xela makes that bragging right possible. These bars prove that you don’t need a trust fund to enjoy a decent drink.

• Bar El Pollo – Known for its cheap beer and even cheaper chicken wings. The beer is a local lager that tastes like “affordable happiness.” A pint costs less than a taco, and the wings come with a side of “I’m not sorry for the mess I made.”
• Casa del Gallo – The name means “House of the Rooster,” and the vibe is as loud as a rooster at dawn. They have a 2‑for‑1 happy hour that runs from 5 pm to 8 pm, featuring local spirits that will make you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden treasure chest.
• Bar Central (yes, it appears again) – Their “budget combo” includes a draft beer and a plate of pupusas for under $5. It’s basically a culinary hug in a glass.

Pro tip: Carry small change. The local bartenders love to round up, and you’ll look like a seasoned traveler who knows the drill.

Local Flavors You Can’t Find Anywhere Else

What makes Xela’s bar scene truly special is the infusion of indigenous flavors into classic cocktails. Think chilero (a local pepper) in a gin fizz, or cacao dust on a bourbon old fashioned. These drinks aren’t just beverages; they’re cultural experiences.

• Mezcal & Mayan Spice – A cocktail that blends smoky mezcal with a pinch of cacao nibs and a dash of chilero. The result is a drink that feels like a midnight ritual at a Mayan temple.
• Guatemalan Coffee Martini – Brewed with locally sourced coffee beans, this martini is the perfect pick‑me‑up for those who can’t decide between a night out and a caffeine fix.
• Horchata Rum Punch – A sweet, creamy concoction that swaps out the traditional rice base for a blend of coconut milk and cinnamon. It’s the kind of drink that makes you wonder why you ever settled for plain rum.

Don’t be shy—ask the bartender to explain the ingredients. Most will launch into a passionate monologue about the origins of the spice, complete with a side of meme‑worthy anecdotes.

Pro Tips & Tricks (Including How to Sell Your Beer Online)

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on the best bars Xela, let’s talk strategy. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a budding brewer looking to expand your market, these tips will level‑up your experience.

1. Map Your Night: Use Google Maps offline mode to plot your bar crawl. Start with a historical bar, swing by a hipster hideout, then finish at a late‑night legend. This minimizes walking distance and maximizes drink variety.
2. Speak the Language (or Not): A simple “¡Una cerveza, por favor!” goes a long way. If you’re feeling extra, throw in a meme reference like “¿Tienen alguna cerveza que sea tan épica como el último meme de ‘Distracted Boyfriend’?” You’ll get a smile, if not a free upgrade.
3. Stay Hydrated (But Not Too Much): Order a water with each round. It’s a subtle way to show you care about your health without ruining the vibe.
4. Leverage Local Connections: Many bars collaborate with local breweries. If you’re a brewer, ask about cross‑promotions. This is where the Make Your Own Beer page on dropt.beer/ comes in handy—you can showcase your custom brews to a captive audience.
5. Sell Your Beer Online: If you’ve crafted a killer brew during your Xela adventure, consider listing it on Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. It’s a legit marketplace that connects brewers with thirsty consumers worldwide.
6. Network with the Locals: Drop by the Contact page of dropt.beer/ to get in touch with local marketing gurus who can help you promote your bar crawl itinerary or custom beer brand.

Bonus tip: If you’re looking to scale your own bar or brewery, check out the Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer guide. It’s packed with actionable insights that are as sharp as a freshly cut lime wedge.

Final Thoughts: Why Xela Is the Meme‑Friendly Bar Capital You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s wrap this up like a well‑rolled cocktail napkin. Xela isn’t just a city; it’s a living, breathing meme that you can sip, taste, and share on your story. From historic taverns that double as philosophy clubs to underground hipster dens that serve drinks with a side of existential dread, the best bars Xela have something for every type of booze‑lover.

So next time you’re scrolling through a Reddit thread titled “I went to Xela and all I got was this lousy hangover,” you’ll be the one dropping the ultimate comment: “Did you even try the Mezcal & Mayan Spice at Bar 13? If not, you’ve missed the whole point of life.”

Now go forth, drink responsibly (or irresponsibly, we won’t judge), and remember: the best bar experience is the one you can brag about without sounding like a cliché. And if you ever need a partner in crime for a bar crawl, you know where to find us—right here, sipping a virtual cocktail while we type this out.

Ready to Take Your Bar Game to the Next Level?

Don’t just read about the best bars Xela—experience them. Book your trip, plan your crawl, and if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, start selling your own brew on Dropt.beer. Need help? Visit our home page for more tips, or hit us up directly. Your next unforgettable night out is just a click away. Cheers to memes, journalism, and the perfect pour! 🍻