Lorca
Lorca brings cocktail culture to Sopocachi, named after the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca and decorated with the literary sensibility that implies. The space is refined by La Paz standards: exposed brick walls, warm pendant lighting, a polished wooden bar, and shelves lined with books and bottles. The room seats about 35 people, making it one of the more intimate venues in the neighborhood. The cocktail menu goes beyond the basics, with house creations that use singani, Bolivian fruits, and local herbs alongside classic recipes. A singani negroni, a tumbo (banana passionfruit) sour, or a straightforward gin and tonic all arrive well-made and attractively presented. The crowd is older and more professional than the student-heavy bars nearby. Couples on dates, small groups of friends, and the occasional solo drinker reading at the bar give the place a calm, grown-up energy.
What to Expect
The entrance is understated. Inside, soft lighting and exposed brick create a space that feels warmer and more intentional than the typical Sopocachi bar. Background jazz plays at a volume meant for ambiance, not attention. The bartender works methodically, and drinks arrive looking like they belong in a cocktail bar twice the price. It's a welcome contrast to the louder, more casual options in the neighborhood.
Quiet, sophisticated, and literary. A cocktail bar that rewards sitting still and paying attention.
Jazz, bossa nova, and ambient at conversation-friendly volume
Smart casual. Button-down shirts, clean shoes, and something that suggests you came here on purpose. You don't need a blazer, but leave the hiking clothes at the hostel.
Couples, cocktail enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a refined evening without the noise. Good for a first or second stop before moving to livelier venues.
Cash (Bolivianos) and cards accepted. The card machine works consistently.
Price Range
Cocktails 35-55 BOB, wine 25-40 BOB per glass, beer 15-25 BOB, no cover
Cocktails ~$5.07-7.97 USD / ~4.65-7.30 EUR, wine ~$3.62-5.80 USD / ~3.30-5.30 EUR
Hours
Wed-Sat 7 PM to midnight, sometimes until 1 AM Fri-Sat
Insider Tip
The singani-based cocktails are the specialty; try the tumbo sour or the singani negroni. Sit at the bar if you want to watch the bartender work. Wednesday and Thursday evenings are quieter and better for conversation.
Full Review
Lorca occupies a ground-floor space on Calle 20 de Octubre that's easy to miss if you're not looking. The facade is modest; the interior does the talking. The bar sits along the far wall, well-lit and organized, with the cocktail ingredients displayed like props in a theater. The bartender takes the craft seriously without making a performance of it.
The cocktail menu changes with availability, but the core offering centers on singani, Bolivia's national spirit. If you haven't tried singani before, this is the best place in La Paz to be introduced. The tumbo sour uses a local passion fruit variety that adds tartness and color. The singani negroni swaps gin for singani and works better than it has any right to. Classic cocktails (old fashioned, manhattan, mojito) are executed cleanly.
The crowd is noticeably different from Diesel Nacional or La Costilla de Adan. People here are older, quieter, and more likely to be on a date than a bender. Conversations happen at normal volume. The ambiance is intentional in a way that Sopocachi's other bars don't attempt.
Pricing is the highest in the neighborhood, but context matters. A cocktail at Lorca costs 35-55 BOB, which translates to roughly $5-8 USD. By any international standard, that's cheap for a well-made drink in a pleasant setting. The value proposition is strong.
The only downside is the limited hours and capacity. The room fills up quickly on Friday and Saturday, and the bar doesn't stay open past midnight most nights. Treat it as a first stop before heading to the louder venues, or as a standalone destination for a quieter evening.
The Neighborhood
Lorca sits on Calle 20 de Octubre in Sopocachi, within walking distance of Diesel Nacional, Hallwright's, and the rest of the neighborhood's bar scene. Plaza Avaroa is a five-minute walk. Several restaurants along the same street make it easy to combine dinner with cocktails.
Getting There
A radio taxi from the tourist area near Calle Sagarnaga costs 15-20 BOB. From Zona Sur, expect 30-50 BOB. Walking from other Sopocachi bars takes under five minutes. The venue is on the main strip of Calle 20 de Octubre, so you'll pass it naturally while bar-hopping.
Address
Calle 20 de Octubre, Sopocachi, La Paz
Other Venues in Sopocachi
Diesel Nacional
Popular Sopocachi bar on Calle 20 de Octubre known for its rock and alternative music playlist, industrial-themed decor, and a young professional crowd that fills the space on weekend nights.
Hallwright's
British-style pub in Sopocachi with craft beers, pub food, and a relaxed atmosphere that draws expats, backpackers, and English-speaking locals. One of the few places in La Paz where you'll hear English spoken regularly.
La Costilla de Adan
Cozy Sopocachi bar with dim lighting, rock music, and a bohemian crowd of artists, musicians, and university students. Known for cheap drinks and a laid-back atmosphere that encourages conversation.
Mongo's Rock Bottom
Late-night bar and live music venue popular with backpackers and younger Bolivians. The dance floor fills up after midnight on weekends with a mix of rock, reggaeton, and cumbia.
Etno Cafe
Cultural cafe and live music venue hosting traditional Andean performances, poetry readings, and folk music nights. A quieter alternative to the louder bars, with a menu of Bolivian dishes and coca-based cocktails.