Mango’s is a former gangsta’s paradise which now caters to the whole family. Mango’s is infamous for sexy models and dwarfs whom mingle with the crowd against a backdrop of Wild West décor. Once heralded as a venue for real-life gangsters, Mango’s ‘anything bizarre goes’ policy now creates an open friendly atmosphere which now seems [...]
Conejos y Conejos
Conejos y Conejos is filled with family memorabilia and other bizarre ornaments from a previous era of Medellín. Conejos y Conejos’ star attraction is manager Senora Piedad Elena Sosa. With her husky voice and a personality that flickers between a vexed bull and all the warmth of a fairytale grandmother, she seems popular with her [...]
Royal Thai
Royal Thai is the first genuine Thai restaurant in Medellín. Royal Thai would hold its head up high in many other, more cosmopolitan, cities of the world. Indeed, this is not Colombian-Thai food. Somebody in Medellín was wise enough to ensure the cook is from Bangkok and upon first evidence, so is the food. The [...]
El Son de la Loma
El Son de la Loma is an archetypal salsa bar which has been pumping out the classics since 1981. El Son de la Loma’s the big screen TV may be the only modern touch in a charmful setting which holds an extensive vinyl collection and wall mounted photos of salsa legends close to its heart. [...]
Exito
In 2009, Exito celebrated 60 years as Colombia’s largest and most successful supermarket chain. Offering the widest choice of products, Exito is the popular choice for middle and upper-class families alike. Its distinctive bright yellow brand and tall signposts also make it a natural reference point if you ever lose your bearings or can’t remember [...]
El Callejon Bar
A large presence of Rastas in the vicinity supports the argument that El Callejon Bar may well be Medellín’s best reggae joint. El Callejon Bar is a spacious bar with open-air courtyard and plays a good mix of both conscious roots classics and more modern pieces, while there is no attempt to cross-over into Ragga. [...]
Trilogia
Trilogia is one of many large clubs in Barrio Colombia with live rock n pop music. From a non-Colombian perspective, the live performances at Trilogia may seem more like well-rehearsed karaoke. Indeed, if only they were slightly worse we might at least enjoy the comedy value of a truly horrendous show. People tend to arrive [...]
Woka
Walking up the stairs to Woka is a bit like those edgy moments that precede a ghost train ride. Woka consists of weird trees, cave-like walls, jungley sounds, fluorescent fish and a waterfall that bursts into life when it’s raining. With dimmed lighting and endless comfy sofas, Woka also offers a full restaurant menu and [...]
Bar el Bodegon del Parque
Bar el Bodegon del Parque is the centrepiece of Parque Poblado. Bar el Bodegon del Parque is the quickest way to escape the yupified corridors of Parque Lleras. How long Bar el Bodegon del Parque can continue not to confirm to its wealthy neighbours remains to be seen. But, for now, on any night of [...]
Plaza de las Esculturas
Plaza de las Esculturas exhibits 23 sculptures by Fernando Botero. Plaza de las Esculturas (also known as Plaza Botero) exhibits 23 instantly recognisable sculptures featuring inflated or oversized humans and animals. Botero donated the sculptures on condition that they were placed outside so that people could easily see and touch them. Indeed, the Roman soldier [...]
