Bars popular with students include La Choza (Avenida Central, Calles 7/9, tel. 506/2237-1553, 4 p.m.–1 a.m. Mon.–Fri., 3 p.m.–1 a.m. Sat.–Sun.), which packs ’em in nightly for music from salsa to rock, and for football games on the big-screen TV.
Caramba (tel. 506/2261-2200, 11 a.m.–1 a.m. Mon.–Sat.), 50 meters away, has reggae and two-for-one beers all day Tuesday.
Bar Rock La Habana (Avenida 4, Calle 7, tel. 506/2238-4691) is also popular with students and is a great place to meet young Ticos.
Champs (tel. 506/2260-2511, 7 p.m.–2:30 a.m. Thurs.–Sun.), in Plaza Heredia, has discos on two levels drawing the university crowd; Tuesday is ladies’ night and Friday is reggae night.
The race car–themed Bar Speed 7 (tel. 506/8849-9871, 7:30 p.m.–2 a.m. Fri.–Sun., $3), adjacent, is similar and has a shaded deck; Thursday is ladies’ night with a Chippendales-style show.
In the mood for a movie? Head to CCM Cinemas (tel. 506/2237-6263) at Paseo de los Flores Mall, on the south side of town.