The El Chaman‘s menu and target clientele keeps changing, but you absolutely must go there for this unique Antigua Guatemala view over cocktails. The spectacular second-floor view of the San Agustin Church ruins in Antigua Guatemala provides an insight into Spanish colonial capital that took hold so many centuries ago.
El Chaman Bar Antigua Guatemala
Daytime or nighttime, there’s a stunning sideways view of the church, built in 1657 and destroyed by successive earthquakes starting in the 18th century. The good Fathers of San Agustin decamped for the new capital in Guatemala City around 1751.
The south wall of the church is completely gone, leaving a full view of what’s left of the old San Agustin Iglesia and Convento in full sight — all the floors, doll-house style.
San Agustin in Antigua Guatemala (St. Augustine to you gringos) said, “Lord make me chaste but not yet.” So here’s a lively bar, one that serves up heady drinks and sometimes pounding music, alluring to the senses and baser impulses. That it’s juxtaposed with the tattered but glorious remains of a formerly holy edifice dedicated to the tempted saint, well, this is no small irony.
My recommendation: time an early cocktail and light dinner (pizza is okay). That way you’ll be able to witness the church turn from gentle gray to heavy pewter shades as the light changes toward sunset. Once the sun is down the flood lights come on and you can see the church in eerie nighttime shadows. It’s extraordinarily beautiful.
Not only do you get a sideways view of the church, you get a downward and upward look that a sidewalk position at the north front of the building fails to afford.
The El Chaman Bar
As we were leaving, the next shift of younger patrons was starting to show up for the late evening and nighttime temptations that St. Augustine and the rest of us continue to struggle with. It’s a life’s work.
Address: 7th avenida Norte #2 in Antigua Guatemala.
Delicious Guatemala Food Guide 