Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the heart of Escazú Centro, this much-loved restaurant-tavern specializes in country-
style Tico fare. Locals and expats alike pack the joint for cheap, lip-smacking
bocas,
ice-
cold beers and a soundtrack of merengue accompanied by the cackling of the owner's pet
birds, who inhabit the cages along the restaurant's west wall. Don't miss the delicious
da-
dos de queso
(fried cheese cubes).
Tiquicia
COSTA RICAN
(
8828-1280, 2289-5839;
www.miradortiquicia.com
; bocas US$5-17, mains US$13-23;
noon-mid-
night Tue-Thu, to 2am Fri & Sat, to 9pm Sun)
This long-running hilltop restaurant 5km south of Escazú Centro serves up bounteous plat-
ters, along with live folk music on weekends. Yes, the food is only so-so, but you're not
here to eat, you're here to admire the extravagant views of the Central Valley. It's tricky to
find; call for directions or check the website for a map.
Drinking & Nightlife
Whatever your poison, San José has plenty of venues to keep you lubricated.
Good spots for people-watching over a beer or a coffee include Café 1930 at the
Gran
Hotel Costa Rica
, with unbeatable views of Teatro Nacional, the upstairs terrace at
El Pa-
btwn Calles 7 & 9; mains US$9-27; 6am-10pm, terrace bar 4-10pm)
, overlooking the pedestrian
walkway on Av Central, and
Café de los Deseos
in Barrio Otoya.
Chepe's artsiest, most sophisticated drinking venues are concentrated north and east of
the center, in places like Barrio Amón and Barrio Escalante. For a rowdier, younger scene,
head to Barrio La California (between downtown and Los Yoses) or the UCR university
district. Calle 3 north of Av Central in San Pedro - locally known as Calle La Amargura
(Sorrow St) - has the highest concentration of bars of any single street in the city, many of
them packed with students even during daylight hours. Places come and go, but
Terra U
(
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
;
2283-7728;
www.terrau.com
; Calle La Amargura; 10am-2:30am Mon-Sat,
are longtime party spots here. The area gets rowdy in the wee hours.
San José also has a thriving club scene. From thumping electronica to hip-hop to salsa,
merengue and reggaetón, Chepe's clubs offer a galaxy of musical styles to help you get
