The Circus Bar in Panajachel
If you ever decide to run away and join the circus, make it the Circus Bar in Panajachel. It's one of the liveliest bars on this side of the lake. And it has been so since 1983, when the bar opened its doors.
Send in the Clowns
The atmosphere is like a bizarre theme restaurant, with European circus posters, masks and photos of clowns and other stars of the big top lining the walls of the cavernous and dimly lit room. Clown marionettes dangle from their strings over the bar next to the small stage and a vintage piano.
A different kind of band hits the stage at the Circus every night of the week. On Thursdays, a salsa group plays. Friday brings tropical music to the Circus. A popular local group from the area, Los Gitanos de Solola, performs every Saturday night. (Gitanos means gypsies.) If you have only one night to party with the clowns and gypsies, make it Saturday.
There is usually a crowd, especially on weekends, as this is a place where "regulars" hang out and mingle with tourists and the locals from other towns around the lake, Antigua and the capital.
Pizza and More
Circus Bar is also known for making some of the best pizza in Panajachel. They have a whopping 19 varieties, including vegetarian. If you cant make up your mind, we suggest the mixto or the Re Ne. Circus Bar will deliver pizzas to hotels and homes in the area.
Other Italian offerings are available. You can choose from six kinds of calzone and 31 pastas. A large assortment of international cuisine is also on the menu, from to Steak Dijon to shrimp.