The Good
The best chill out bar by far is the Pitch and Putt bar towards to Rubicon Marina, friendly staff and reasonable prices.
The Irish Anvil (near the port) great watering hole after a hot walk along along the promenade. Good service and again reasonbale prices.
The Sports Bar - behind the Hotel Dream Grand Castillo. Nice little bar (dont be put off by the name) although very quiet because of the number of 'All Inclusive' visitors surrounding it. Use it or lose it
The Bad (and ugly)
Galeria (just off the sea front to the east of the 'town') - rip off - a litre of Sangria? I don't think so, more like half. As for the cocktails more ice than spirits. This a great pity since it has great views.
It was called Galeria del sol, i was informed that the name change was because it was being confused as a tanning salon, more like a conning salon. Don't go there.
The two bars at Papagayo Beach both owned by the same family - do not buy anything there - another rip off. Bring your own beer in a cooler.

Just shows how peoples opinions can be totally opposite.

I really like Galleria - its a bit quieter, the music or sport is not in your face like others and the views are fab. Have never drank sangria there or elsewhere so can't comment.

Not a huge fan of the irish anvil - I thought it was expensive and stuffy inside for such a big place - much prefer popeyes across the road.

Really like manea - next to the natura palace - but then am sure others will say its v. expensive.

I don't know about the others but I agree about the Irish Anvil, reasonable is not a word I would use to describe it's prices.

I'm a bit suspicious of the original poster as well - only one post!

I quite like Galeria and as RobertK said reasonable prices and the Anvil don't really belong in the same sentence.

Best bar by far is the Wax Bar just upstairs from McDonalds

I'm not a fan of the wax bar either.

TBH PB doesn't really have many good bars. I used to like the Fiddlers for the music but alas it's gone.

Wax is alright - just not a great location for me but if am around the dorada then would pop in for one.

Everyones definition of a great bar is very different!

Keep it coming all, Im in Playa Blanca for three days from the 19th December before moving onto Puerto Del Carmen. Great to know best bars, good bars and not so good.

Staying at the Ibrostar papagayo (H.B only not into A.I)

Where is McDonalds in PB? I live here and I am not aware of one??

Isn't there one in Centro Commercial Papagayo, - on the first floor. To the right as you walk up the stairs from the seafront ????

Woops ! ,,,,,,Wax Bar is upstairs by Burger King not McDonalds although it's the same sort of thing,,,,