Malamaña
Malamaña is a bohemian cocktail bar on Carrera 2 Oeste with live music several nights a week, a small terrace, and a 25-40 creative-class clientele. The space runs a small indoor bar with a long counter, a few low tables, and a small outdoor terrace. The cocktail program leans toward house-infused spirits and local ingredients: aguardiente infusions with regional herbs, Viche cocktails, lulo and chontaduro-based builds. The music programming runs live bands several nights a week with rotating local musicians playing jazz, soul, MPB-style Colombian, and occasional Latin acoustic. Pricing is moderate: cocktails 25,000-38,000 COP, beer 12,000-18,000 COP, no cover most nights, R$15-25 occasional cover for headliner sets.
Where to stay near Malamaña
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
A bohemian cocktail bar with live music several nights, small terrace, and a creative-class 25-40 crowd. House-infused spirits dominate the cocktail program.
Bohemian cocktail bar, live-music-driven, creative-class. A different El Peñón energy from the louder strip venues.
Live jazz, soul, MPB-style Colombian, Latin acoustic on programmed nights; recorded similar on other nights
Smart-casual. Long trousers, clean shirts. The creative-class crowd dresses with intent.
Cocktail enthusiasts, live-music seekers, creative-class evenings, conversation-focused dates.
Cards and cash accepted
Price Range
Cocktails 25,000-38,000 COP, beer 12,000-18,000 COP, cover 0-25,000 COP, small plates 22,000-45,000 COP
Cocktails ~$6-9/€5.50-8, beer ~$2.80-4.20/€2.50-3.80
Hours
Wed-Sat 19:00 to 02:00
Insider Tip
Live-music nights are typically Wednesday and Thursday with rotating local musicians; check the schedule via Instagram. The house-infused cocktails are the bar's distinguishing offer; ask for the rotating seasonal selection. The small terrace fills first on cool evenings.
Full Review
Malamaña sits on Carrera 2 Oeste in the central El Peñón strip, occupying a small ground-floor space with a long bar counter inside, a few low tables, and a small outdoor terrace. The interior runs warm and bohemian: exposed brick walls, framed Colombian-modern art, low ambient lighting, and a long bar with house-infused spirits visible on display.
The cocktail program emphasizes house-infused spirits and local ingredients. Aguardiente infusions with regional herbs and fruits (cilantro, lemongrass, lulo, chontaduro), Viche cocktails imported from Pacific-coast distilleries, and seasonal builds incorporating the Cali region's tropical fruits. The execution is careful and the rotating seasonal selection rewards repeat visits. Classic cocktails are also available with reliable execution.
The live-music programming is the venue's distinguishing feature. Wednesday and Thursday programming features rotating local musicians playing jazz, soul, MPB-style Colombian (Brazilian music influenced by Colombian acoustic conventions), and Latin acoustic. The performances stay at conversational volume; this is not a venue where the music dominates over conversation. Cover charges for headliner sets run 15,000-25,000 COP.
Compared to Boom Bar Granada and the louder strip venues, Malamaña is significantly quieter and more music-focused. Compared to 891 Bar nearby, Malamaña runs the live-music programming that 891 doesn't offer. Compared to Bourbon St. in Granada (the other live-music venue in the broader Cali nightlife circuit), Malamaña is smaller and more creative-class-focused versus Bourbon St.'s tourist-friendly New Orleans format.
The Neighborhood
Malamaña sits on Carrera 2 Oeste in the central El Peñón strip. Boom Bar Granada is one minute north; 891 Bar is two minutes south.
Getting There
Uber from Granada 10,000-15,000 COP and 10-15 minutes. From the central historic zone 8,000-12,000 COP and 5-10 minutes. Walking from anywhere on the El Peñón strip.
Address
Carrera 2 Oeste, El Peñón, Cali, Colombia
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