Top 5 Bars & Entertainment Spots in Lima

Bustling day at Plaza Mayor showcasing vibrant colonial architecture and palm trees in Lima, Peru.
Cristian Salinas Cisternas, Pexels

Lima's bar and drinking scene is vibrant and diverse, with a strong focus on innovative cocktails, particularly those featuring Pisco, alongside traditional venues and a growing craft beer presence.

Entertainment and Music:

Lima provides a dynamic music and entertainment scene, particularly vibrant within its lively districts, offering a variety of experiences for visitors.

For live music, the bohemian Barranco district is a hub, featuring venues like Peña Don Porfirio, known for authentic Peruvian music, including criolla and Afro-Peruvian performances. In Miraflores, Cocodrilo Verde offers a cozy setting with live jazz, rock, blues, and traditional Peruvian music, while Jazz Zone, the oldest jazz club in Lima, presents Latin jazz, bossa nova, and blues.

1. Carnaval Bar

Type: High-end Cocktail Bar

Experience a world of inventive mixology at Carnaval Bar, where cocktails are crafted with artistic flair using Peruvian ingredients. The atmosphere is sophisticated and lively, with bartenders often engaging guests in the creation process. This venue offers a unique, avant-garde approach to drinks.

Getting There: Located in San Isidro, a short taxi or ride-share app (Uber, Cabify) journey from Miraflores or Barranco. A taxi ride would typically cost approximately S/15-25 (USD $4-7), depending on traffic and exact location. Reservations are advisable, especially on weekends.

2. Ayahuasca Restobar

Type: Cocktail Bar / Gastropub

Housed within a beautifully restored historic mansion, Ayahuasca Restobar offers a unique and mystical ambiance. Each room is distinctively decorated, providing a glimpse into Peruvian history. The bar is celebrated for its extensive menu of Pisco-based cocktails, including creative twists on the classic Pisco Sour, and also serves food.

Getting There:

3. BarBarian

Type: Craft Beer Bar

For craft beer enthusiasts, BarBarian in Miraflores is a must-visit. This lively bar offers a relaxed atmosphere and a wide selection of over 20 beers on tap, including their own house brews and seasonal choices. It also serves pub-style food, making it ideal for a casual evening.

Getting There:

4. Sastrería Martínez

Type: Speakeasy Cocktail Bar

Opened in 2022, Sastrería Martínez in Miraflores offers a sophisticated speakeasy experience, inspired by the Prohibition era. Guests enter through a tailor shop to discover a beautifully designed space with moody lighting, vintage furnishings, and a clandestine feel. The bar is known for its expertly crafted cocktails, including signature creations that incorporate regional Peruvian ingredients and distillates.

Getting There:

5. Juanito de Barranco

Type: Traditional Tavern / Bar

Juanito de Barranco is a historic tavern, operating since 1937, offering an authentic local experience. It's a no-frills establishment known for its classic Peruvian ambiance, serving simple drinks like beer and Chilcanos, alongside famous smoked ham sandwiches. This spot attracts a diverse mix of locals, artists, and politicians.

Getting There: