Freedom Bar in San Pedro

"Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose," sang Janis Joplin. Those lyrics define the spirit of Freedom Bar, where travelers from around the globe dance and party into the night without a care for tomorrow.

It's down the street from the crossroads of the Zone in San Pedro. A big palapa covers the bar and restaurant, whose oak and bamboo walls display posters of culture heroes Che and Pancho Villa. Out back, stone steps lead down to a garden with cushions and mats for relaxing.

Black lights reflect eerily off enormous dream catchers on the ceiling and highlight the names of mysterious drink specials written in day glow chalk on a blackboard over the bar. Candelabras scattered along the bar enhance the surreal setting after dark.

Music, Fire Shows, Pool Room

Freedom's dance floor, the largest in town, is lit up by swirling disco lights as the crowd goes wild. Bands range from reggae to rock to ska. Other nights, DJs spin trance and techno. Towering JBL and Peavey speakers take the music to new heights, whether live or recorded.

Fire shows at Freedom are spectacular. On the lawn, a performer spins two flaming orbs attached to short chains in opposite circles, tosses them high in the air and catches them, all to the rhythm of the music.

The large pool room is decorated with a Maya god and warrior playing with pool balls that have Maya hieroglyphs for numbers (Q20 for one hour).

Freedom under the Sun

By day, this boisterous nightclub is transformed into a serene lakeside restaurant. Meals such as Coconut Cream Curry can be enjoyed in comfortable seating inside, in the garden, or in the air on a platform with lake vistas from both levels.

Open from Monday-Saturday, Freedom is one San Pedro scene you don't want to miss, by day or night. Especially "Hippy Hour" on Mondays and Thursdays, featuring drink specials all night.