Andres D.C.
The most famous, most popular, and zaniest bar in Bogotá by a mile, Andrés D.C. is a den of nocturnal delight. Inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, this Zona T institution is a bit like America’s TGI Friday's on steroids: four floors of décor devoted to hell, purgatory, earth, and heaven. The young and rambunctious as well as whole families come here to let their hair down amid the roving brass bands and waiters in wacky costumes ranging from Gothic brides to demons.
The menu includes a dizzying array of beers and cocktails, many infused with anis-flavored aguardiente and served in a fishbowl-sized glass. When patrons leap onto the tables and you can’t hear yourself talk, you’ll know the fun has started. The experience will definitely prime you to make the hour-long journey to the suburbs to check out the bar’s forebear, Andrés Carne de Res, in Chía. Unbelievably, it makes Andres D.C. look tame.
For more on the Chía location of Andrés Carne de Res, see our list of the best day trips from Bogotá.
Comercial El Retiro, Calle 82 #12-21, Zona T, Bogotá
Apache
The stylish Click Clack Hotel, in the equally upscale Chico neighborhood, draws a cocktail-loving clientele to its rooftop Apache lounge bar. With its wrap-around windows and brilliant 360-degree views over the city, this is an awesome venue for a sundowner. We also like its quasi-industrial design, with large leather sofas and bar stools surrounding the square island bar. At night, the lights dim and the atmosphere kicks into top gear as DJs spin ’80s classics and the latest club hits. It has an extensive cocktail list and a good selection of beers and wines. Plus, it’s renowned for serving what may be the best burgers in town (but also has Colombian dishes). The name and décor are inspired by 1950s Western Americana.
Carrera 11 #93-77, Chico, Bogotá
Armando Records
A hugely popular (some would say prestigious) multi-level bar and concert venue in the Zona T, Armando Records serves up style and mood on every floor. The ground floor patio, called Armando Allstars, grooves to Latin and Caribbean sounds. For live music head to the second floor, La Cochera, which packs in a party crowd and has a back garden where bands perform. The mellowest space is the top floor, La Terraza, a rooftop lounge good for chilling before heading back downstairs to the action. Aside from the all-night clubbing and great music, come for the yummy pizza served in the adjacent pizzeria.
Calle 85 #15-30, Zona Rosa, Bogotá
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Bogotá Beer Company
Sure, it’s a chain brewery, but there’s a reason the Bogotá Beer Company has exploded in popularity and now has 24 locations throughout the city. Every venue serves the same excellent artisanal beers and each has a friendly pub ambiance, but our fave is the lively outlet off Parque de los 93. The craft beers on hand include the refreshing Honey Ale, the fruity Monseratte Roja, and the black and creamy Chapinero Porter, all served by the pint or pitcher. If you're unsure what to order ask for the sampler. Or perhaps you're in the mood for a spirit? No worries—the wait staff are trained to prepare a huge list of cocktails, including a generously sized margarita served right from the shaker.
Carrera 11A # 93A – 94 Parque 93, Bogotá
Céntrico
Spectacular panoramic views of the city are a great reason to check out Céntrico, a genteel restaurant-bar on the 41st floor of the former Hilton Hotel. Opt for a dinner/drinks combo and enjoy the superb tapas or full Colombian menu. Items include smoked trout soup, roast pork with plátano and cheese purée, and coconut flan. Go Wednesday through Saturday to enjoy eclectic Latin sounds that might include Cuban son trios guaranteed to full up the large dance floor.
Carrera 7 #32-16, Centro Internacional, Bogotá
Chelsea
Another swank rooftop bar with a sensational view, Chelsea sits atop the contemporary Bioxury Hotel, in vibrant Chapinero. It competes with Apache in style and is likewise inspired by Americana—in this case, New York’s Chelsea district. This eleventh-floor bar has indoor and outdoor spaces, the latter glass-enclosed with comfy sofas and heaters to take the edge off chilly evenings. The bar is known for its tea-infused gin drinks called Tea Tonics, but the mixologists pour other classics like Manhattans and martinis. All in all, great drinks, great vibes, and great vistas.
Calle 83 #9-48, Bogotá
Gaira Café Cumbia House
Owned by legendary Colombian singer Carlos Vives, Gaira Café Cumbia House is a cozy, pocket-sized dancehall. A veritable museum of music paraphernalia, it has a restaurant serving coastal Caribbean fare, plus a stage for live cumbia and vallenato music on weekends. What the drink menu lacks in local beers it makes up for with an extensive cocktail menu. Strike it lucky and Señor Vives himself might perform. On other nights a house band performs, and a cover charge applies.
Carrera 13 #96-11, El Chicó, Bogotá
Pravda
James Bond would definitely approve of Pravda. This chill, dim-lit Zona T bar, with its black leather sofas and classy atmosphere, serves the bests martinis in town. So find a spot on the outdoor terrace and sample from a list of more than 30 versions. They offer fruit options such as lychee as well as sweeter concoctions like their smooth dark-chocolate martini. Pravda also specializes in fondues, including chocolate.
Carrera 12A #83-10, Zona T, Bogotá
Ugly American
Perfect for travelers hankering for a taste of back home, the tongue-in-cheek Ugly American is a classic speakeasy-style American tavern that could have been dropped into Bogotá from Boston or New York. Sure, it's a great restaurant, but the bar is a huge draw unto itself. The low-lit, wall-to-wall wooden bar is well stocked and the mixologists here really know how to prepare a mean cocktail, which includes signature American faves like gin fizzes, mint juleps, and Old Fashioneds. Maybe spice things up with a Crimson Mojito or jalapeño-laced Spicy Mexican. The restaurant serves American comfort food classics as iceberg wedge salad, mac ‘n cheese, burgers, and beignets.
Calle 81 #9-12, Zona T, Bogotá
For more on Colombia's capital city, see the Ultimate Guide to Bogotá, Best Things to Do in Bogotá, and Bogotá's Best Boutique Hotels.