Where are the best places to watch the Super Bowl in Central America this weekend? Here’s our annual guide to the best spots in Central America for the Super Bowl.
I’ll start this with a confession. I don’t understand American football. Or, I guess I should say, football. I grew up in a country where we played real football. You know, that sport where people who call American football football call football soccer. Still with me?
But even though I don’t understand the sport, I don’t dislike it… I’ve even warmed to it over the years. Plus, I’ve lived in Costa Rica long enough to know that most of my fellow native English-speakers are Americans, and many of them love their game. Who am I to fight it?
I know enough about football, though, to know that this weekend (Sunday, Feb 11) is the culmination of the 2023/24 season know as Super Bowl LVIII
That’s Super Bowl 58, non-Roman numeral readers.
I also know we have last year’s winners, the Kansas City Chiefs, facing the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas, and that this year, it’s pretty open on who’s going to win, with the 49ers slight favorites. At least that’s what they tell me.
Due to some family ties, I’ll be rooting for the 49ers, but nobody cares what I think. I’ll probably be in bed before the thing’s over, anyway.
But just in case you’re not me, and you want to go out somewhere to watch the game on Sunday, know that pretty much anywhere in Central America, you’ll have no problem doing this. Which leads to the question we ask every year on behalf of our readers: Where are the best places to watch the Super Bowl in Central America in 2024?
Let’s take a look.
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Super Bowl in Panama (6:30 PM start):
In Panama, the game kicks off at 6:30 PM. Note that Panama is a hour ahead of the rest of Central America. Also note that this is carnival weekend in the city, so things might be slightly hectic and/or skewed.
In Panama City, check out Buffalo Wild Wings (B-Dubs). In truth, you’ll have no issue finding a place with the game on in Panama City. Pretty much any bar you pass by will be showing it. Most hotel bars will have it on, too.
Over in Playa Coronado, west of Panama City, is the Sandbar Gastropub. That’s your spot for anyone out there on a beach weekend.
If you’re in Bocas del Toro, you have two main choices for your Super Bowl viewing pleasure, according to Nicolas Corea from The Bocas Breeze. Those are Toro Loco and Skully’s.
“Toro Loco is a sports bar and typically the number 1 spot to watch it. Skully’s is a U.S.-expat-owned hangout, and they should be broadcasting the game,” says Corea.
Super Bowl in Costa Rica (5:30 PM start):
In Costa Rica, the game starts at 5:30 PM local time.
In the San José area, we recommend two places: Chubbs or Fanatics, both in Escazu. Tap House is another good option, with two locations on the west side (Escazu and Santa Ana). Of these places, Chubbs is better for the crowd and banter, while the other three have better TVs. And speaking of Chubbs, they also have a downtown location in front of Parque Morazan and one in Sabana.
If you’re in Manuel Antonio, Quepoa Sports Bar is the place to be. Also check out the Double Hook at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. In Jacó, Lone Star are going all out with a full day Super Bowl party that’ll be tons of fun. Another option in Jacó is Clarita’s on the beach at the north end of town.
Where else? What about the Tamarindo area? Try the Surf Club Bar & Grill. There’s also TRIO Tamarindo and, like Jacó, tons and tons of other places. Zero issues finding the game anywhere in Tamarindo.
Zero issues anywhere, actually. Wherever you are in Costa Rica, unless you’re in the middle of nowhere, you’ll find a place with the Super Bowl on. There are a lot of gringos here, so you won’t miss out.
Super Bowl in Nicaragua (5:30 PM start):
I used to know the bars of San Juan del Sur and Granada like the back of my hand. I remember past Super Bowls on the Calle Calzada in Granada, where every bar had a big screen. Everyone was outside in some big street party where all the bars merged. Good times.
But I haven’t been in Nicaragua for a while, so I reached out to friends in San Juan del Sur, who say the best places there will be Bar Republika, Isabella’s, and Iguanas. Big Wave Dave’s has been around forever and is also a good option.
As for Granada, it looks like the Hogs Breath Saloon is the place to be for the game. It’s also worth checking out the bars and restaurants on the Calle Calzada to see what’s showing. That’s easy enough to do.
Super Bowl in Honduras (5:30 PM start):
If you’re looking for a spot to watch the Super Bowl in Honduras, here’s what the word is on where to go.
On Roatan, check out Bananarama in West Bay Beach. They show the Super Bowl on a massive screen on the beach each year. Another option is the Hangover Hut. Also check out Herby’s Sports Bar in French Harbour. If you’re on the island of Utila, go to the Reef Bar at the Coral View Beach Resort.
In Tegucigalpa is McAllister’s Irish Pub. They have a bunch of big screens, and promotions with craft beer and artisanal pizza.
Super Bowl in El Salvador (5:30 PM start):
If you’re in San Salvador, El Salvador, check out Stones Sports Bar in Colonia Escalon. They have some great beer deals. Strikers Sports Bar at the Barcelo Hotel is another option, and also the Tucson Steak House. Those seeking a BBQ experience with their Super Bowl should head to Jorner.
Hopefully, you’re not in the city, though. Hopefully you’re at the beach in El Zonte, where you can do no better than watching the game at the Beach Break Bar & Grill. They accept Bitcoin!
Super Bowl in Guatemala (5:30 PM start):
If you’re a gringo in Antigua, Guatemala this weekend, you’ll have no problem watching the game.
Reilly’s, Monoloco, Bullseye, and SKÅL Antigua are all still in contention. You won’t have a problem watching the game in Antigua, as long as you’re early enough to save a seat for yourself.
Another popular part of Guatemala for gringos is Lake Atitlan. If you’re up here, check out the Alegre Pub in San Pedro La Laguna.
In Guatemala City, you’ll also find plenty of places to watch the game. Most of the main chain hotels will play it, and there are plenty of places around Zona 9 and Zona 10. The aptly-named Uncle Sam’s in Zona 10 is probably your best bet for a gringo sports bar experience.
Super Bowl in Belize (5:30 PM start):
Belize is as up for the Super Bowl as anyone, and you’ll have no problem finding a place to watch it in The Jewel.
Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar is the place to be on Ambergris Caye, among many other places including Dirty Martini, The Truck Stop, and more. Coco Locos is also having a beach/pool party for the game, while Nauti Crab will feature a delicious chili cookoff. On Caye Caulker, both the Barrier Reef and Cards will be screening the game.
Down in Placencia, the Tipsy Tuna and the Barefoot Beach Bar will both have the game on. Hmm, which one to choose? If you’re in the capital city of Belmopan, head to Caladium. Elsewhere, in San Ignacio, there’s The Shack Cafe, while anyone in Hopkins Village can head to Mango’s Beachfront Bar. If you’re in Belize City, and of the main hotels will show the game, and there’s also Thirsty Thursdays for anyone wanting to party.
So that’s your roundup of places to watch Super Bowl LVIII in Central America.
We hope this mini-guide helps you, wherever you are. It’s nowhere nearly extensive, and we know there are tons of places we missed. It’s impossible to name pretty much every sports bar in the region, but we hope we’ve shown you that at least you won’t have a problem finding a place if you want to go out.
Where do you think you’ll be watching the game?
James Dyde is the editor of CentralAmerica.com. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica.
