We loved the Circus Bar so much that we went twice. Our second time there, we were treated like regulars with free shots and marriage proposals from the bartender. We were recognized by a few local and tourist regulars as well, who then joined us at the bar.
The place is decorated with old circus posters and memorabilia from all over the world and with marionette clowns. Even if you think clowns are scary, the décor is so consistent, warm, and laidback, that it’s cool.
Circus Bar was perfect for us to unwind. Overall, locals and tourists are there to get down and kick back. It seems like it is THE place to be since it was crowded and going strong pretty late on both a Monday and a Tuesday during low season. We sat at the bar and were entertained by these two dramatic, drunk, Guatemalan girls. One, we called the Mata Hari and was in full seduction mode, and the other was all Shakira moves and loved screaming, "American girls! Dis is how Latin girls dooo eeet!" Outside of friendly travelers and patrons buying rounds, the bartender occasionally sets a pair of dice in front of the customer and if doubles are rolled, drinks are on the house.
There was live bluegrass and folk, which are always great to hear abroad. Regardless of how patriotic or unpatriotic you are feeling on your particular adventure, there is nothing like hearing Don McLean’s American Pie after a long day, a big meal, and a few drinks when away in a faraway land.
We had the pizza and it was very delicious and the portions were huge. There is pasta and other yummy things to eat as well. The prices were decent for Panajachel, but expensive for Guatemala in general. There was definitely something in the wine that knocked us out cold, because that night was one of our best nights sleep to date.