Demente
Demente occupies a high-ceilinged colonial space in Getsemaní and runs a cocktail program that riffs on Colombian ingredients with creative flair. The bar staff infuses spirits with local fruits, herbs, and even ants (yes, hormigas culonas are a thing in Colombian cuisine and cocktails). The menu is playful; drink names are provocative and the presentations sometimes border on theatrical. But behind the fun, the technique is solid. The space itself mixes colonial bones with modern art and graffiti, reflecting the neighborhood's creative energy. Live music and DJ sets appear on certain nights, adding an unpredictable element.
What to Expect
A creative cocktail bar that doesn't take itself too seriously. The drinks are inventive, the space is visually interesting, and the crowd is a mix of travelers and Cartagena's creative scene. Less refined than Alquímico or El Barón, but more fun.
Creative, playful, and slightly wild. Getsemaní's spirit in a glass.
Background eclectic mix, with occasional live music and DJ sets on weekends
Casual to smart casual. Getsemaní sets a relaxed standard.
Adventurous drinkers and groups who want cocktails with personality.
Cards and cash accepted
Price Range
Cocktails COP 25,000-45,000, bar snacks COP 15,000-30,000
≈ €3-10 / $4-11
Hours
Wed-Mon from 6 PM to 2 AM
Insider Tip
Try something from their 'Demente' section of the menu. These are the creative drinks that showcase what they do best. The staff enjoys explaining the ingredients, so ask questions. Weekend nights bring more energy and occasionally live music.
Full Review
Demente occupies a high-ceilinged colonial space with exposed stone walls, modern art, and graffiti that mirrors Getsemani's street culture. The bar itself is the focal point, with spirits lined up behind the bartenders and infusion jars visible on the shelves. Lighting runs dim and warm, throwing shadows that make the artwork pop. Seating mixes high tables, low couches, and bar stools.
The cocktail program is where Demente earns its name. Bartenders infuse spirits with Colombian ingredients like hormigas culonas, tropical fruits, and local herbs. Presentations can be theatrical, but the technique behind them is sound. The crowd splits between curious travelers ordering the wildest thing on the menu and Cartagena creatives who treat this as their local. Service is attentive and staff enjoy explaining what goes into each drink.
In Getsemani's cocktail landscape, Demente sits between the polished precision of Alquimico and the dive-bar energy of the hostel bars. It's less formal than El Baron, more inventive than most hotel bars in Centro Historico. The price point is fair for the quality.
Weekend nights occasionally bring live music or DJ sets that shift the energy from conversational to something closer to a party. The "Demente" section of the cocktail menu is the reason to visit; skip the classics and go straight for the creative builds.
The Neighborhood
Demente sits on one of Getsemani's main pedestrian corridors, surrounded by hostels, street food vendors, and murals. It draws from the neighborhood's young creative community and feeds into the broader bar-hopping circuit that runs from Plaza de la Trinidad to Cafe Havana.
Getting There
A short walk from Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemani. From the walled city, cross through the Clock Tower gate and follow Calle de la Media Luna. Taxis from Bocagrande cost around COP 12,000.
Where to stay in Cartagena
Compare hotels near the nightlife districts. Free cancellation on most properties.
Other Venues in Getsemani
Café Havana
Legendary live salsa institution and a Cartagena pilgrimage site. Cuban-style son and salsa bands play nightly. Expect a line on weekends and a cover around 20,000 COP.
El Arsenal: The Rum Box
Rum-focused bar with an extensive Caribbean and Colombian selection. Colonial building interior with knowledgeable bartenders and a pace slower than the nearby clubs.
Beiyu
Asian-fusion cocktail bar bringing a different flavor to Getsemaní's scene. Moody lighting, creative drinks, and a crowd that skews toward late-20s and 30-somethings.
Media Luna Hostel Bar
Open-air hostel bar that doubles as one of Getsemaní's main social hubs. Cheap drinks, rotating DJs, and a reliable starting point for backpackers before a night out.
La Jugada Getsemani
Lively corner bar near Plaza de la Trinidad with reggaeton and champeta on the speakers. Cheap beers and a young crowd that spills onto the sidewalk on weekends.
Alquimico Terraza
The open-air rooftop level of Alquimico with its own cocktail menu and views across the Getsemani rooftops. Separate entrance queue on busy nights.