Tela is second only to La Ceiba for nightlife on the north coast. A cluster of discos on the beach on the east side of town is the center of the action, with crowds meandering back and forth between the dance halls until daybreak on weekends, although the crowds can be rather unseemly at times.

The Bayside Hotel and Restaurant (tel. 504/448-1210, www.baysidetela.com) is fashioning itself as the most happening spot on the beach, with men juggling fire and deejayed techno street/beach parties on the weekends. Plans for a rooftop disco at the hotel are also in the works.

A few blocks away, Iguana’s (tel. 504/984-8671, 8 p.m.–3 a.m. Thurs.–Sun.), two blocks from the beach near Río Tela, with a big-screen TV for sport events and a disco, charges around US$3 cover, depending on the night.

Arrecife’s on the promenade always has people relaxing with a beer. On 10 Calle, just east of Iguana’s, is a nameless pool hall with relatively well-maintained tables and, of course, beer for sale.