Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
La Esquina Argentina
ARGENTINE
2288-2811; cnr Av 30 & Calle 128; empanadas US$1.60, casados US$7;
7am-3pm)
This popular corner eatery sells piping-hot
empanadas,
breakfasts,
casados,
smoked meats
and tasty mashed potatoes. The outdoor patio is a good spot to linger over a cup of coffee.
Chez Christophe
BAKERY
If you have a hankering for a coffee éclair, croque monsieur or a plain (but transcendent)
croissant, linger here awhile. Waffles are reserved for Sunday, but every other day this au-
thentic French bakery offers freshly baked breads and pastries, as well as espresso and a
full breakfast and lunch menu. It's just south of Centro Comerical El Paco in San Rafael.
Soda Río de Janeiro
COSTA RICAN
Located southeast of the Iglesia Escazú, this charismatic little
soda
decked out with bright-
red tablecloths is frequently full. Typical Tico fare includes pork chops, chicken or fish ac-
companied by big jars of spicy, pickled vegetables. There's a tiny aquarium of angelfish
that you can watch while you wait for a seat.
Buena Tierra
ORGANIC
& Av 34; mains US$6-8; 9am-5:30pm Mon-Fri, to 2pm Sat; )
With tree-trunk tabletops and huge windows letting in fresh breezes, this cute, friendly
cafe in Escazú Centro is a good place to detox. Only organic fruits, vegetables, rice and
beans are used, while
batidos
(fruit shakes) are made with your choice of water, milk,
goat's milk, yogurt or almond milk. The cafe also organizes a Wednesday-morning organic
farmers market.
La Casona de Laly
COSTA RICAN
2288-5807; cnr Av 26 & Calle 132; bocas $2-5, mains $6-15;
11am-mid-
night Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun)