La Quinta Bar
La Quinta Bar occupies a renovated colonial house on Calle Madrid in Las Mercedes, one of the few remaining upscale nightlife streets in Caracas. The ground floor bar opens onto a small courtyard, while an upper-level terrace provides views over the neighborhood rooftops and the mountains beyond. The cocktail program focuses on Venezuelan rum (Ron Diplomatico and Ron Santa Teresa feature heavily) alongside creative house originals.
What to Expect
Walk past armed guards into a surprisingly elegant space. Well-dressed Venezuelans drinking excellent rum cocktails, chatting on the terrace, and dancing to Latin beats. It feels like nightlife in any other South American capital, until you step back outside.
Stylish and warm inside, with an undercurrent of tension from the security reality outside.
Latin electronic, deep house, reggaeton, and Venezuelan music on weekends
Smart casual. Dark, well-fitted clothing. Nothing with visible brand logos.
Small groups with trusted local contacts who want cocktails in a relatively controlled environment.
USD cash preferred. Cards theoretically accepted but connectivity issues make cash essential.
Price Range
Beer $1-2 USD, cocktails $3-5 USD, no cover most nights
Already very low in USD. Beer ~1-2 EUR, cocktails ~3-5 EUR
Hours
Thu-Sat 20:00-03:00
Insider Tip
Arrive before 10 PM to get a terrace table. Pay in USD cash; card machines are unreliable. Don't carry more cash than you plan to spend. Have your driver wait or be on call.
Full Review
La Quinta Bar represents what Las Mercedes nightlife could be in a different political reality. The space itself is beautiful: a restored colonial house with exposed brick, warm lighting, and a courtyard that catches the mountain breeze. The terrace upstairs is the highlight.
The rum cocktails deserve attention. Venezuelan rum is world-class, and the bartenders here know how to use it. Ron Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva served properly, or mixed into a house creation with tropical fruits and bitters, is a reminder of what Venezuela's hospitality industry can produce.
The crowd is almost entirely upper-class Caraquenos who haven't left the country. They dress well, arrive in groups, and bring the warmth and social energy that defines Venezuelan culture. Foreigners are rare and will attract attention, mostly curious and friendly.
The security layer is impossible to ignore. Armed guards at the door, the knowledge that the street outside is potentially dangerous, and the necessity of pre-arranged transport color the entire experience.
The Neighborhood
On Calle Madrid in Las Mercedes, surrounded by restaurants and other venues.
Getting There
Pre-arranged driver only. From Altamira or Chacao hotels, the drive is 10-15 minutes.
Other Venues in Las Mercedes
Mango's Club
One of the remaining large nightclubs in Caracas with Latin music, salsa, and reggaeton. Armed security at the entrance. Draws a dressed-up crowd.
360 Rooftop
Rooftop bar overlooking Las Mercedes with panoramic mountain views. Cocktails and light food in a lounge setting. Quieter than the street-level clubs.
Brasserie Cafe L'Atelier
French-influenced lounge and restaurant that transitions into a late-night drinking spot on weekends. A favorite of the remaining expat community.
Juan Sebastian Bar
Live music venue featuring Venezuelan artists playing jazz, bossa nova, and Latin fusion. Intimate space with table seating and strong rum-based cocktails.