BAR BENNY MORE:
THE BEATLES BAR:
A roquero’s delight on the edge of Parque Josone honoring the previously banned Beatles in a bar that evokes the swinging spirit of the decidedly un-Cuban 1960s. Simple food and beer are served but the real draw is the live rock ‘n’ roll kicking off alfresco at 10pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Count on energetic covers of Led Zep, the Stones, Pink Floyd and you-know-who.
SNACK BAR CALLE 62:
Set in the transition zone between old and new Varadero, this simple snack bar attracts clientele from both ends. It's good for a cheese sandwich during the day, and the ambience becomes feistier after dark with live music going on until midnight.BEATLES BAR
CAFECCINO:
Time to venture outside of the tourist zone to down a delicious coffee or cake with the off-duty resort workers in Santa Marta, the real Cuban town clustering around the base of the peninsula. This goes in at number one in our list of Varadero caffeine fixes; the cakes are delicious and no matter when you finish partying, this place will be open.
BAR MIRADOR CASA BLANCA:
On the top floor of Mansión Xanadú, Bar Mirador Casa Blanca is Varadero's ultimate romantic hangout where happy hour conveniently coincides with sunset cocktails.
ISABELICA CASA DEL CAFE
Cuba announces a new breed of cafe which looks… totally un-Cuban! This vast, neatly finished just-opened place at Marina Gaviota looks like it's just been shipped in from Seattle or Austin, with coffee-growing scenes on the walls, sofas, Cuban coffee beans for sale and a wide range of caffeinated drinks and tempting cakes, plus a few savory snacks.
SALA DE LA MUSICA:
This place at the new Marina Gaviota complex is pencilled in to be Varadero's next massive night out and was the talked-about spot (but had only just opened) on our last visit. The waterfront venue impresses; live music happens a couple of times weekly. Check what's on here at the place you're staying in advance of turning up.
CABARET CONTINENTAL:
The Hotel Internacional stages a shamelessly over-the-top, Tropicana-style floor show (Tuesday to Sunday), which is, arguably, second only to 'the one' in Havana. Book the dinner at 8pm (booking through your hotel is best) and stay after midnight for the tie-loosening disco. The hotel is being rebuilt in a new location across the road; doubtless the show will go on.