Central Pacific Coast - Costa Rica - page 771

Best Western Jacó Beach Resort HOTEL
( GOOGLE MAP ; 2643-1000; www.bestwesternjacobeach.com ; Av Pastor Díaz btwn Bulevar &
Calle Ancha; s/d from US$160/240; )
Though there are excellent smaller lodges for families in Jacó, the Best Western remains a
solid choice for its all-inclusive resort packages. Rooms are predictably bland but comfort-
able and well maintained. The pools, beach access, myriad resort activities and bounteous
meals more than make up for the slightly dated accommodations. It pays to check for in-
ternet specials.
Eating
The quality of fare in Jacó is high, and aside from the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area,
the city proudly boasts the most diverse offering of international cuisine on the central Pa-
cific coast. While the vast majority of eateries cater primarily to Western palates, there are
still a few local spots that have weathered the storm of change.
It's worth pointing out that hours can fluctuate wildly, especially in the rainy season,
when many shops close sporadically, so it's best to eat early.
Taco Bar MEXICAN
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2643-0222; Calle Pops; meals US$6-12, breakfast from US$3;
7am-10pm Tue-Sun, noon-10pm Mon; )
A one-stop shop for Mexican, seafood, salads and smoothies. Get your drink in the gargan-
tuan 1L size or your greens at the salad bar featuring more than 20 kinds of exotic and
leafy components. And, of course, there's the obligatory fish taco, which may be one of
the planet's greatest food combinations.
Soda a Cachete COSTA RICAN
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 8633-1831; Av Pastor Díaz; meals US$4-8; 7am-7pm Thu-Tue)
Although many of the local sodas have been pushed out by gringo palates, this little place
survives through its loyal following, who drop by for huge, excellent breakfasts and set
lunches. A few bucks will get you rice, beans, a fish or meat dish of the day and some
juice. It's across from the Red Cross.