Bar Hoping in Utila, Honduras

Whether you're headed to Utila to get your open water, your dive master, or just party here are the essentials to Utila’s most happening bars. The first thing you need to know is Utila is a party island. So be prepared for a good time. No matter where you stay there will be something happening until late within walking distance and most likely earshot. If you're not a party person have your earplugs ready and practice your peer pressure skills cause your friends will nail those puppy dogs eyes, and trust me I speak with experience, from both sides.

First thing you need to know are these words: Shot Challenge. Verb. A unique activity or set of activities designed by each bar specifically to embarrass patrons into drinking too much for 200 Lemphiar and a tank top. Don’t be fooled when you are having a night out with a group these are phenomenal entertainment whether you're participating or spectating. It is like a right of passage on Utila to earn your first shirt and for the night you can wear it with pride. You’ll be hard pressed to walk the street ever without seeing these tanks scattered amongst the tourist and while you might poke fun at those gringos chances are you’ll be one soon enough. Hey, no shame. There are two bars on the island that offer non alcoholic healthy shot, shot challenges; tank tops included. My suggestion, save these for when your hangover is killing you and watch them work wonders. Treetanic and Pucker Up Power Up Juice Bar both offer these similar challenges for 200 lempira (roughly 10 USD).

The island operates primarily around the ferry schedule. Rush hour coordinates with the arrival and departure of ferries in the morning and evenings. The bars work in a similar way. Each night of the week is specifically coordinated to a certain bar that holds a weekly event. If you want to party hard chances are you’ll end up here for each night. Thursday is ladies night at Vinyl, ladies drink free all night. There is something gong on everywhere Friday so head wherever the crowd flow goes or do a pub crawl down main street. On Saturday similar things happening but Venue at the far end of the island throws a raging black light party. 50L cover but cheap drinks, and free paint for the night with a live DJ. For now lets break it down bar by bar.

Tranquila: Probably the most central bar and always trying to be the loudest. While they don’t host a shot challenge you make your own on Tuesdays sans tank top.

Everything closes at 12 except Tranquila, who stays open until 4am. They offer free tequila shots between 8 and 11 and depending on the flow of the night again for late night happy hour after 2am.

Skid Row: they host the original bar challenge and it changes every time but know its physically demanding and will test your drinking ability. Breakdown is four shots of Guifitti (Local Rum infused with 24 herbs) and includes, push up, jumping jack, running laps through the bar and penalty shots. While you’re here grab a burger or try the specials on the board. The food is great. Plus Sundays are 2-4-1 Bloody Mary’s!

Rehab: Their shot challenge is simple enough. Take four spins around and hit your four blue shots in under 10 seconds. Those shots might be deceiving in size but check your self afterwards when they start to hit! Try the fish soup and the snapper. Fair prices for food and always a good crew on shift.

Dr. Johns: This mysterious place is a jaunt up the hill. But they done the coolest tank tops and you’re always in for a surprise here. The shots and the rules change according to how the doctor feels that day. You drink to his favorite song for his chosen amount of time with his own special blend of shots. You might need his medical care afterward but you’ll look great in that black tank.

Treetanic: Just like its sound a beautiful tree house bar with hand made arches and eclectic architecture. Every other Saturday they theme their cocktail list for signature cocktails so their menu is ever changing. Don’t mind the arachnids they are drinking with you. Take a wander up here during the day to check everything out in the light and venture back for late night party that transcends.

Pucker Up Power Up: I wouldn’t call this a bar but they are home to 10 shots healthy shot challenge and the best organic and vegan salads on the island. All of their shots are home infused and you can buy them by the shot or for the same 200L get all 10 with one secret shot included. Best way to ward off some rumbling tummies and get yourself back on track after a few night of partying. Try their salad of the day they use local fresh ingredients and change it up everyday.

“Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.” ― Ernest Hemingway