Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Calle Central Rubén Darío, frente Parque Central; dishes US$5-13; 11am-10pm)
You can't beat
the location (although you can beat the prices) of this pleasant plazaside cafe, with spec-
tacular people-watching, fresh-brewed espresso beverages, a very full bar and a long
menu of carefully prepared Nica classics.
Mesón Real
OFFLINE MAP
CONTEMPORARY
$$$
GOOGLE MAP
(
www.elmesonreal.com
; Parque Rubén Dario, 220m N; mains US$6-15; dinner Mon-Sat, lunch
Fri-Sat)
Travel your way through the tapas menu, including an eyeball popping crab
bisque, bull's balls and clams in garlic sauce, or check out the grilled grouper or other
well-conceived mains, before settling into an obligatory romp through the dessert menu at
this chart-busting high-end restaurant.
The friendly chef/owner Gustavo comes out of the open kitchen midmeal to check on
his guests, adding a touch of humanity to the unique culinary adventure.
Al Carbón
(Iglesia La Merced, 25m O; mains US$5-15)
León's best steakhouse has a long menu that takes
you from pepper steak to special sauce. There's fish and chicken from the grill to choose
from. And the sumptious patio dining in a well-preserved
casona
is delightful.
STEAKHOUSE
$$$
Drinking & Nightlife
León's university students fuel the diesel-charged party. Check out
La Taberna de Mau
al live music. There are plenty of other places to get your drink on - 1a Calle west of the
park is a particularly good area to go bar-hopping. La Siesta Perdida, Bigfoot Hostel and
Vía Vía all have good bars out front.
There are some rather snooty discos just out of town on the bypass road, but also a few
good dance floors right in the center of town.
Bar Baro
(cnr 1 Calle SO & 2 Av SO)
The corner bar offers a wide selection of international dishes
(mains US$2 to US$8) and is a popular drink spot.
BAR
