Greater San Juan

For a little taste of España, check out the Saturday night flamenco show at Divino Bocadito (574 Ave. Ponce de Leon, Hato Rey, 787/765-8282, www.divinobocadito.com [1], Wed.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–midnight, Fri. 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Sat. 7 p.m.–2 a.m., Sun. 7 p.m.–midnight). Formerly located in Old San Juan [2], this lively Spanish bar and restaurant serves tapas and paella, but the real reason to come is to dance. Flamenco shows are Saturdays at 9 p.m., Andalusian dance performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., and dance classes are Wednesdays 7:30–8:30 p.m.

The large open-air pavilion bar La Terraza Condado (intersection of Ave. Ashford and Calle McLeary, 787/723-2770, Sun.–Thurs. 5 p.m.–midnight, Fri.–Sat. 5 p.m.–2 a.m.) is popular with a young crowd that flocks here on the weekends for the cheap drinks, and it’s an ideal perch for people-watching. There’s a full bar, and it serves Puerto Rican cuisine ($9–18).

There are two types of strip clubs in Puerto Rico [3]—those that don’t serve alcohol and feature nude dancers, and those that serve alcohol and feature dancers who keep their G-strings on. Divas (1104 Ave. Ashford, 787/721-8270, www.myspace.com/divasinternational [4], $10) is the latter. Fairly upscale and well controlled by several large no-nonsense men in suits, it’s a safe, saucy environment that attracts both men and women. It features a full bar and a private VIP room upstairs.

Another popular hotel hotspot is Brava (El San Juan Hotel, 6063 Ave. Isla Verde, 787/791-2761 or 787/791-2781, www.bravapr.com [5]). Formerly Club Babylon, this popular dance club still packs in the upscale trendy set, who dance to an eclectic mix of dance-club tunes, salsa, and ’80s rock. Reservations required for table service.

For something more casual, Drums (Isla Verde Mall, 787/253-1443, www.drumspuertorico.com [6], Mon.–Tues. 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Wed. 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Thurs. 11 a.m.–2 a.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–4 a.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m.–2:30 a.m.) is a huge, crowded spot that packs ’em in for live rock music, DJs, and karaoke. It serves an extensive menu of pub grub, as well entrées including steak, fish, and ribs.