El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte - located in San Jose, Costa Rica - is a good place to find an upbeat, upscale nightlife scene any day of the week. After twenty eight years in business, the place knows its stuff, and it seems to keep getting better.

Nightlife at El Cuartel — Photo courtesy of El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte

Mondays, it's Lunes del Cuartel with DJ Fish, who gets the dance floor full with his special blend of beats from 11 p.m. on. Every Thursday, the traditional Olla de Carne is served for lunch and dinner, and it's become somewhat of a calling card for the chef in El Caurtel's kitchen.

Other nights, there may be a live blues special or a plate of the day. Usually it's a finely crafted traditional Costa Rican plate that complements the ceviche and the Cuartel salad, which both come highly recommended.

In a sprawling former house in the center of the city, El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte comes to life when it's full of people mingling, dancing, drinking and eating. A little bar, La Esquina, serves over 200 cocktails, and it's a sweet respite from the stage and dance floor nearby.

Find El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte at Calle 21-23 Avenida 1ra in Barrio La California, San Jose.

Reservations for dinner are strongly suggested.