Patrick
As one of the oldest bars in Cali, Zaperoco has become an institution and one of the best places to listen to salsa music and dance in the city. I say dance, because the bar is far from the best place to go if you plan to hang in the bar with your drink or linger standing in the middle of la pista (as the dancefloor is called). Caleños that patron Zaperoco Bar come to dance and not to waste time small talking. The music is also too loud to have any in-depth conversations, but it doesn’t matter, because the atmosphere is so happy that you can’t help but feeling good. If rhythm is not something you were blessed with, entering la pista can be quite intimidating, as everybody else look like a professional – at least to the untrained eye. And while there are better places in Cali for beginners, I’d encourage you to give it a try anyways. Remember, everybody were also once been a beginner once.
What looks like a Centenarian behind the stereo, flipping records the old fashioned way, is DJ Osman Arias who has been serving Cali with latin music since the bar opened several decades ago. He probably knows more about salsa than pretty much anyone else in Cali and his repertoire is one of the main reasons that Caleños flock to Zaperoco,
The place is dark, small and cozy, filled with fine little details and pictures of the world’s salsa legends. Service is attentive and you won’t be waiting for your drinks.
Zaperoco Bar · Avenida 5 Norte # 16-46
Finding it is easy as it’s located just one block from La Sexta – Cali’s 6th Avenue. See map on their website if you have trouble finding it and check their Facebook page for special events.
They open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 p.m. and close at 3:00 a.m.
Entrance is usually free but in case of live music there will be a cover charge of $10.000 pesos, which goes to support the musicians.
Tel: 661 2040
This is a great place to go dancing, sometimes they have live music too, Zaperoco is so well known by the good musicians… You can see it in the walls, all the pictures with those famous musicians who have been there.
It is a simple place, the prices of liquors and cocktails are good. is located near the best hotels in cali, safe and affordable places
It is a place where heavy salsa is danced from before, very visited by foreigners who like salsa guateque.
One of the sites that you should not miss if you are a foreigner.