Central Valley & Highlands - Costa Rica - page 254

In the grand tradition of university towns worldwide, Heredia offers plenty of spots for
pizza slices and cheap vegetarian grub, not to mention one branch of every fast-food outlet
imaginable.
You can fill up for a couple of thousand colones at the Mercado Municipal ( MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; Calle 2 btwn Avs 6 & 8; 6am-6pm) , which has sodas to spare and plenty of
very fresh groceries. Más X Menos ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Av 6 btwn Calles 4 & 6;
8:30am-9pm) is a supermarket with everything else.

Espigas COSTA RICAN
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2237-3275; cnr Av 2 & Calle 2; meals US$7-8; 7am-9pm)
One of the only eateries open on Sunday, Espigas is the go-to cafe for traditional casados
and breakfasts, with views of the main plaza diagonally across the street. Order sit-down
meals at the counter, stop by the front window to pick up fresh batidos (fruit shakes) or
pop in for a look at the tantalizing pastry case.

Vishnu VEGETARIAN
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2237-2526; Calle 7 btwn Avs Central & 1; dishes US$4-8; 8am-7pm

Mon-Sat; )
This branch of the famous San José chain is the top spot in town for vegetarian fare, in-
cluding a wide array of colorful salads and cheap, gut-filling casados .

Cowboy Steakhouse STEAKHOUSE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2237-8719; Calle 9 btwn Avs 3 & 5; dishes US$7-18; 5-11pm Mon-Sat)
This yellow-and-red joint with two bars has patio seating and the best beef cuts in town.
As the title suggests, steak is the focal point, making it a meat-lover's must. But the hearty
salads and extensive list of bocas are worth a nibble as well.

Drinking & Nightlife
With a thriving student body, there's no shortage of live music, cultural events and the odd
happening. Stay aware: downtown Heredia can get a bit dodgy at nighttime.
The university district is hopping most nights of the week. La Choza ( MAP
GOOGLE MAP ; Av Central btwn Calles 7 & 9) , El Bulevar Relax ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; cnr Calle