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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Chero's Bar:

Where Hemingway Might Have Hung Out in Panajachel

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

Panajachel, Guatemala, boasts a hidden gem for those seeking authentic experiences – Chero's Bar and Restaurant. Billy and Akaisha Kaderli, known for their love of local haunts, feel right at home here. But would this spot resonate with a literary legend like Ernest Hemingway? Let's find out.

Hemingway's Hangout Criteria

Hemingway favored lively, unpretentious places frequented by locals. He gravitated towards good food, strong drinks, and a genuine atmosphere.

The Allure of Chero's Bar

Chero's Bar checks all the Hemingway boxes. Imagine a cozy space, buzzing with locals. The aroma of pupusas, a Salvadoran specialty, fills the air, whetting your appetite. On the bar, a bottle of Gallo, a favorite Guatemalan beer, awaits.

Beyond the Surface: Authenticity Reigns Supreme

Chero's Bar isn't about fancy frills. It's about genuine connections and a celebration of local culture. Ricardo, the owner from El Salvador, brings a touch of his heritage through pupusas, a delicious conversation starter. Here, you'll rub shoulders with Panajachel residents, exchanging stories and soaking in the unfiltered energy of the town.

A Final Verdict: A Hemingway-esque Escape

While we can't say for certain if Hemingway himself would have frequented Chero's Bar, it certainly embodies the spirit of his preferred haunts. The authenticity, the local crowd, and the unpretentious charm create an atmosphere that would likely have resonated with the legendary author. So, if you find yourself in Panajachel seeking a Hemingway-esque experience, head to Chero's Bar and raise a glass to good food, good company, and the magic of local discoveries.

 

Chero's Pupuseria

Chero's Pupuseria

Pupusas are a native El Salvadorian food, and the owner, Ricardo, is from El Salvador. It's the only place in town that serves the typical food from this Central American country. Gallo, on the other hand, is a favored Guatemalan beer.

Chero's Bar and Grill

Chero's Bar and Grill

Not a big place, more like cozy, Chero's is busy most nights. Here you see the bar and the flat top grill where the pupusas are made.

Pupusas and condiments

Pupusas and condiments

What's a pupusa? It's a stuffed tortilla grilled on a grill. The stuffings can range from garlic cheese, red beans, shredded pork, pork and cheese, spinach or any combination of these ingredients.

Condiments include pickled cabbage, hot sauce and pickled jalapeno vegetables.

Garnished pupusas

Garnished pupusas

 

 

 

 

With the stuffings and condiments, two pupusas are plenty for a meal. One pupusa costs 10 Quetzales each (about $1.25USD).

Musician with a soulful voice

Musician with a soulful voice

On occasion, there will be live music which adds to the enjoyment of eating and drinking at Chero's. This man had visited the States many times and his English was quite good. He came over to our table specifically to let us know how much he loved the U.S., and of course, we love hearing that!

Ricardo taking care of his customers

Ricardo taking care of his customers

We decided, hands down, that Ernest Hemingway would sit and enjoy a drink in this establishment. Friendly, with local flavor and unpretentious atmosphere, we could practically see him at the next table.

Gallo, Cabro and Moza beer served in 16Q & 26Q sizes. Micheladas and a full bar available.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, 5pm until late in the evening. Closed Monday.

Located on the corner of Los Arboles and Calle Principal

Panajachel, Guatemala

For more stories, photos and information about Antigua, click here

For more stories and photos of Guatemala, click here

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About the Authors

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

 

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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