Barrio La California
Is the place to be if you're into the bohemian/rock crowd. many bars have local bands playing every night. great place to go bar hopping!
El Pueblo
(http://www.elpueblo.co.cr/) is a shopping center which becomes a clubbing district at night. there are several bars and nightclubs cluttered in the tiny little alleyways. just mention el pueblo to your taxi and he'll know where to go.
San Pedro
Is home to many bars and clubs, try to avoid the university of costa rica area at night as the many bars in the university district tend to attract brawls and even the occasional bullet shot. the other bars/clubs in san pedro are free of trouble.
Gay and lesbian nightlife
Club OH
Huge electronic music place with open bar on fridays and saturdays. it has a vip area with better quality liquors and another dj. live drag shows at midnight. best day to go is saturday.
Bochinche
Crowded pop bar/disco, twink ambient. it is a very fashionable art deco style, colorful place. diverse shows during the whole week, fridays are open bar with carnival at midnight. place is open until 5am. gets very crowded after 1am. $3 each person.
La Avispa
Is the oldest gay disco in costa rica. big place with latin music and dancing, pop. it has the most popular crowd and is recommended if you want to try the local flavor. sunday's late afternoon and evening is the best time to go.
San Jose is a very tolerant city. Most bars are gay friendly. There is a small but vibrant gay life in San José from lesbian bars, to saunas and discos.