Antigua Bars: JP's RumBar
After stumbling across JP’s RumBar last year, I had to roam Antigua’s quaint cobblestone streets for days to find it again. My persistence paid off, because JP’s RumBar became one of my favorite night time bars in town.
Nightlife by Candlelight
Illuminated by birthday cake-sized candles stuck in wax on the bar and in a “candle tree” climbing one wall, this cozy room has the feel of a spontaneous party in a friend’s living room. It attracts enough return visits that JP greets many people by name. The beer garden is set in an expansive courtyard that’s a comfortable place for drinks and dining.
Dining at JP’s RumBar
Speaking of food, JP, who hails from New Orleans and brings the best of the Big Easy with him to the kitchen, takes “bar food” to new heights. For appetizers, try the French Onion soup (which several locals tell me is the best in Antigua), or Fried Eggplant sticks with powdered sugar.
A bowl of spicy Jambalaya goes great with a cold beer, while the Shrimp Creole, Fish Cakes and Quesadillas are big enough for a full meal. (The quesadillas are some of the top Tex-Mex food, if not the pinnacle, I’ve tasted anywhere on the planet.)
The newest item on the menu is Fried Shrimp Po Boys. Guatemalan specialties such as Pepian Chicken (one of the dishes taught at Frijol Feliz cooking school, which focuses on Guatemala cuisine and is also located in the Antigua Center).
Beginning in March, 2010, you can enjoy lunch as well as dinner at JP's RumBar.
Music and Events
A staircase leads up to a cushion-strewn lounge overlooking the bar area, where New Orleans-style music--from Dr. John the Night Tripper to jazz, old-style blues and funk--is never too loud to interfere with conversation.
Live bands play every night. Friday features Open Mic Night, with music, comedy or other entertainment. JP also offers free Wi-Fi Internet for customers.
Rum, Rum, Rum, Rum
It’s a rum bar, so you should not be surprised to learn that the mighty Mojito is one of the bar’s favorite drinks—and it’s only Q15 during Happy Hour. Like most drinks, it’s a double. One of several original rum specialties is the Cuban Missile Crisis, a four-shot drink.
JP’s RumBar and Beer Garden, a singular addition to the Antigua nightlife scene, is a highly recommended stop on your visit to Antigua.
Where: JP’s RumBar is on 7th Street between 4th and 5th Avenues.
When: 6-11 PM, week days, 1 PM-1 AM, Saturday-Sunday. Happy Hour 6-8 PM during the week, 3-6 on weekends. Open for lunch starting March 5
Web Sites: JP's Rum Bar in Antigua, JP's Cooking School