Most people in Medellín have the same reflex when it rains: cancel the plan, order in and try again another night. But anyone who has watched the city from above during a downpour knows that this can be the best night of the month. The lights of the Aburrá Valley double on the wet streets, the air cools just enough and the whole evening slows down.
At Etro Rooftop, the rooftop bar at Binn Hotel in El Poblado, rainy season isn’t something to work around. It’s another way to experience the place. This guide covers why it’s worth going up when the sky is heavy, what to order for a cool night and how to plan your visit so you make the most of it.
Why rain changes the way you see Medellín
October and November are usually among the rainiest months of the year in Medellín. Afternoons cloud over, showers arrive hard and often leave just as fast. What remains is a city that looks freshly washed, with clean air and a kind of light you don’t get the rest of the year.
From street level you barely notice the change. From up high, it’s a show. Avenues turn into lines of light, the mountains around the valley appear and disappear behind the mist, and the buildings of El Poblado shine with a reflection that almost looks painted. If you’re into night photography, or you just like to sit and watch a city breathe, few nights compare.
There’s a quieter effect too. Rain empties the streets and changes people’s mood. Conversations run longer, nobody is in a hurry to leave and the table becomes the center of the night. That’s exactly the spirit behind Etro’s concept.
Binn Hotel rooftop when the city lights up in the rain
Etro Rooftop sits at the top of Binn Hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the Aburrá Valley. That design is what lets you enjoy the rain as scenery: the water falls outside and the whole city stays in view on the other side of the glass.
The brand describes its spirit as the energy of a New York night brought to Medellín. On a rainy evening that idea lands better than ever: a bar that takes center stage, low light, music in the background and an entire city glowing below. Etro’s own concept puts it plainly: the bar is the true meeting point, the stage where the night takes shape.
On weekends the rooftop also has a music program, which gives you one more reason to stay while it keeps raining outside.
A drink to match the rain
Etro presents its drinks list as high-altitude mixology, and some of its creations seem made for these weeks. The Ámbar, which the menu describes as a creamy, warm liquid dessert, is the most comforting choice for a cold night. The Niebla, with Ojo de Tigre mezcal and pennyroyal syrup, has a smoky edge that suits the mist over the mountains. And if your group prefers classics, a Carajillo or an Old Fashioned plays the same role.
To choose at your own pace, this guide to rainy season cocktails at Etro Rooftop sorts the menu by weather: warm drinks, smoky ones, classics with character and fresh options for when the rain lets up. For non-drinkers, the menu offers still and sparkling waters, sodas and premium tonics.
Shared plates that feel like comfort food
Etro’s kitchen is built for sharing: dishes arrive at the center of the table so everyone can try them and the conversation keeps flowing. That approach works especially well when the rain stretches the night out. A few picks from the menu:
To open the table. The sweet potato and shredded pork rib croquettes (7 pieces) come with uchuva pepper sauce and seasonal mushroom aioli. The corn tentacles, sweet corn in brown butter with chipotle aioli, parmesan and scallions, are the kind of dish that disappears in minutes.
For seafood lovers. The Bahía Solano tuna tartar with coconut and sweet mango sauce, and the catch of the day, also from Bahía Solano, cooked in brown butter with green hummus, reflect the “Colombian oceans” idea that guides Etro’s kitchen.
For the heart of the night. Beef and rice, fried rice with braised beef neck, chalaca and a soy-cured egg yolk, and the slow-cooked braised pork ribs with house glaze are the most comforting dishes on the menu. On a rainy night, they’re the obvious call.
To finish. The coconut rice pudding or the double chocolate cookie with murrapo cream make a sweet ending that pairs nicely with an Ámbar or a Carajillo.
If you’d rather have a slower, seated dinner first, Binn Hotel also has La Makha, the hotel’s restaurant, as a place to start the evening before heading up to the rooftop.
How to plan your night, from sunset to last call
A good rainy night at Etro starts a little before dark. Arriving late in the afternoon lets you watch the light shift over the valley and the city lights come on one by one. If that moment matters to you, this guide to sunset at Etro Rooftop explains how to make the most of it.
Keep the hours in mind: Etro is open Sunday to Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. If you plan to stay late, Thursday through Saturday gives you more room.
A few practical tips for these weeks:
- Book ahead, especially for groups or weekend visits.
- Leave early: heavy showers can slow down traffic in El Poblado.
- Order something to share first and let the night decide the rest.
- Charge your phone: photos of the wet city from the rooftop are worth it.
- Keep the house dress code in mind: Etro asks for sophisticated, neutral attire, and a jacket or blazer works well on cool nights.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Etro Rooftop in rainy season
Is Etro Rooftop worth visiting when it’s raining?
Yes. Etro’s windows frame panoramic views of the Aburrá Valley, so the rain becomes part of the view. Some of the best nights to watch the city are the rainy ones.
What’s the best Etro cocktail for a cold night?
The Ámbar, which the menu describes as a creamy, warm liquid dessert, is the most comforting choice. If you prefer something smoky, the Niebla, made with Ojo de Tigre mezcal, is another great option.
What are Etro Rooftop’s opening hours?
Sunday to Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Which dishes are best for sharing on a rainy night?
Beef and rice and the braised pork ribs are the most comforting. To open the table, the sweet potato and pork rib croquettes or the corn tentacles work well for groups.
Does Etro Rooftop have music on weekends?
Yes, Etro has a music program on weekends. We recommend confirming the lineup when you book.
Is the tip included in the bill?
No. Tipping is voluntary and not included in menu prices; a 10% tip on the total bill is suggested. All menu prices include taxes.
Rain doesn’t cancel the plan, it makes it better. Book your table at Etro Rooftop and watch Medellín light up from the Binn Hotel rooftop.
