Costa Rica

Eating out in Costa Rica

San José has an impressive variety of restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world and you'll never pay much, even for 6- and 7-course meals at the best restaurants. Rice and beans are the staples, called gallo pinto when mixed together, and are served at nearly every meal. To sample the local flavor, find a soda (the equivalent of a diner in the US), where the food is good, cheap and filling. Don't miss out on the perennially favorite drink, a fresco, which is a bit like a fresh fruit milkshake without the ice cream, and made from delicious tropical fruits that are whipped into a pure ambrosia. On almost every street corner in downtown San José, you will find a fruit vendor selling fresh exotic fruits that will make a waterfall of your mouth, including more varieties of mangos than you ever knew existed!.

Gourmet

La Luz serves the most adventurous food in Costa Rica, mixing fresh local ingredients with international cuisine. The wait staff is attentive and knowledgeable and the chef makes the rounds most nights. The glass-walled dining room is one of the most elegant in town, with a view of the city lights. All breads and desserts are baked in-house. San José, On the old road to Santa Ana, inside Hotel Alta.

Highly Recommended

Café Mundo radiates the casual elegance of its former colonial mansion, appointed with wood tables and wrought-iron chairs. The outdoor veranda, tropical garden, and tile fountain are especially nice during the day, and the lively bar with colorful wall murals is also popular. The chef has a passion for fresh local ingredients prepared with creativity and classical finesse. San José, Calle 15 and Avenida 9.

Local Flair

La Esmeralda is more than a restaurant - it's the Grand Central Station of Costa Rican Mariachi bands - and the later at night, the better. Often, while the musicians wait for "pick-up" work, they serenade diners in the large open-air dining hall. The classic Tico food is excellent, especially the coconut flan for dessert. San José, Avenida 2 between Calles 5 and 7.

Romantic

Le Chandelier is located in a large old house in a quiet residential neighborhood. It is one of the most elegant restaurants in town and its surroundings give it the feel of an old-time Hollywood restaurant. Swiss chef Claude Dubuis creates unique dishes, with French classics served alongside less familiar dishes such as roast duck in green-pepper sauce or tenderloin with cranberry sauce. The feast and is topped off with rich desserts like crème brulée. San Pedro, + mile south of the ICE office.

Going party in Costa Rica

San José at night has a good range of activities and is as wild as the wilderness itself. You'll find plenty of good-time clubs and bars, a wide range of theaters, and pulsing discos. In San José, pick up a copy of the Tico Times (English) or the "Viva" and "Tiempo Libre" sections of La Nichión (Spanish) to find out where the parties are.

Teatro Nacional

Performances by the National Symphony Orchestra light up the stage during the April to December season, and there are also year-round concert and play performances.

Beatle Bar

The Fab Four line the wall and the music is a mix of Beatles and other 60s and 70s rock classics. Grab one of the outdoor tables or take a turn on one of the most happening dance floors in the city.

El Tobogan

The dance floor is about the size of a football field and it's always full. This is the place where the locals, "Ticos," come to boogie to live music.

Risa's Bar

Six restaurants and bars occupies all 4 floors of this beautiful old building in the heart of San José. A large disco takes up much of the first two floors with a variety of different environments spicing up the rest of the building.

Casino Colonial

This 24-hour casino is a complete gaming hall that also offers a bar, restaurant, cable TV, and a betting service for major US sporting events.

La Avispa

Two dance floors and a quiet upstairs bar cater to gay and lesbian patrons.

Centro Comercial El Pueblo

This hotspot has 2 discos with Latin music at Cocoloco. Infinito has 2 dance floors that split their musical styles between mostly techno, pop and funk on one side, and strictly Latin on the other.

Common events in Costa Rica

Fiesta de Santa Cruz

This religious celebration honors the Black Christ of Esquipulas, with folk dancing, marimba music, and bullfights. January.

Fiesta de los Diablitos

Boruca Indians wearing wooden devil and bull masks perform dances representing the Spanish conquest of Central America. There are also fireworks shows and an Indian handicrafts market. February.

Dia del Boyero

A colorfully painted oxcart parade celebrates the traditional occupation of oxcart driving, and local priests bless the oxen. March.

Juan Santamaria Day

Costa Rica's national hero is honored with parades, concerts, and dances. April.

Festival for the Virgin of the Sea

A regatta of colorfully decorated boats carrying a statue of Puntarenas' patron saint is the main event of this festival. July.

Annexation of Guanacaste Day

Bullfights, folk dancing, horseback parades, rodeos, concerts, and other quintessential Costa Rican events celebrate the region's annexation. July.

Independence Day

Celebrating Costa Rica's independence from Spain in 1821, the country erupts with parades and parties. The entire country stops and sings the National Anthem at 6 pm, when the Freedom Torch arrives from Nicaragua, signifying Central America's liberation. September 15.

Fiesta de los Negritos

Boruca Indians celebrate their patron saint, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, with costumed dances and traditional music. December.

Festejos Populares

Bullfights, a horse parade, and a carnival with street dancing, floats, and a whirlwind of carnival rides fire up the fairgrounds in Zapote, culminating with a dance in Parque Central. December.