El Barrio Bar in San Pedro

Two walls lined with San Pedro's widest array of spirits, el Barrio is between Buddha and Nuevo Sol on the way to the Santiago dock. And it's worth the 10-minute stroll down 7th Avenue from the zona viva.

Not because el Barrio has the best happy hour in town, with small beers as low as Q9. Not because el Barrio has nightly specials like Tequila Tuesday, Beer & Bacon Night, Problem Customer Night and live music. And not because it serves some of the best-tasting Mexican food in town.

So Why Go to el Barrio?

For the same reasons the locals do: the friendly staff and regulars make you feel at home.

The amiable people at el Barrio make it seem as if you're among friends, even if you know you're not. It's a sociable place where you can strike up a conversation with total strangers and depart that evening having made some new friends.

El Barrio means ""the neighborhood." This neighborhood bar is a regular hangout for locals, snowbirds and global travelers.

Let's Eat!

In addition to good drinks and good company, el Barrio has one of the town's top sandwiches, the Chicken Club Sandwich with bacon and cheese, big enough to feed two. They also have great quesadillas with two kinds of cheese and a gargantuan plate of nachos.

Hamburgers, chicken poppers, other appetizers and full meals are available from 6 PM until midnight, when the kitchen closes. The bar and facilities out back close at 1 AM.

Thursday night usually features live music. You can play darts and poker out back (though not at the same time), or enjoy the warmth of the oak bonfire.

Home of Tequila Tuesday and other weekly events, el Barrio is the place to go when you want to set sail with Captain Morgan or knock back a shot of Jack.

Where: Seventh Avenue

When: 6 PM-1 AM, food until 11 PM