In the land of Fidel and Che, a venue based on the memory of John, Paul, George, and Ringo certainly comes as a surprise. Nevertheless, The Beatles Bar Varadero is one of the Cuban beach resort’s most popular hangouts, drawing crowds nightly for live music and mojitos under the stars – or more accurately, under leafy trees on a patio.
Located at Calle 59, guests are welcomed by a sculpture/requisite photo op of the Fab 4 and the small interior bar is plastered with paraphernalia recalling the band’s career, garnished with shout-outs ensure the bar’s primary patrons (Canadians) feel at home – such as Canada and Quebec flags, and a Toronto Raptors banner.
But it’s outside on the patio where guests settle in, in front of a small stage that boasts nightly cover bands that invariably span the classic rock scale from ACDC to ZZ Top, prompting singalongs, dancing, and occasional spontaneous arm waving.
On a recent visit, the band did belt out “Hey, Jude,” but otherwise did not actually play any other Beatles songs.
Three bands rotate throughout the week, taking the stage nightly at 9 and playing non-stop till midnight (Mondays excepted). The venue opens at 1 p.m.
Like all visitors, our group, which was in town for Swoop’s inaugural flight to Varadero earlier this month, was limited to drinks in the rum family – mojitos, rum punch, and rum & cola – which cost $2.50 a pop. Notably, there was no wine or beer, the latter which, like in most Cuban bars, comes and goes according to availability.
(A general insider’s tip in Cuba: “If there are people on the patio, it means they have beer!”).
As for the Beatles Bar, lack of beer on the night notwithstanding, and despite a few vocal Internet reviews suggesting otherwise, the place was a blast. Just ask those among the throng of nightly patrons, or the ones queuing to get in.
Without a doubt, we loved it, yeah, yeah, yeah!
With glass purposefully in hand, we at Travel Industry Today continue our series on some of the planet’s best bars, patios and rooftop venues. For more articles in the series, click here:
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