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Total Views: 343 - Total Replies: 9
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POSTED BY:
tim on March 25, 2007, 12:12 pm
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What's you favorite bar and/or restaurant in Costa Rica?
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POSTED BY:
tim on March 25, 2007, 12:17 pm
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“The Pub” In Escazu: A Perfect Gathering Spot While visiting the Central Valley, recently, I came across a local gathering spot called “The Pub.” It’s a relatively small place, but big on hospitality and good get-you-by food that’s a hit with local Gringos and Ticos, alike.
The Pub, has new owners, but that hasn’t changed the profile or clientele of this unique “watering spot.” It was purchased about two months ago by Gary and his wife, Nadeene, who, with the help of Gary’s parents, have not only continued the tradition of this local pub, but enhanced it with a varied selection of menu munchies that tempt the palate. Especially, their Fish & Chips - a featured menu item every Thursday.
But what impressed me most, in addition to the food, was the friendliness of the crowd, the prompt service of it wait staff, and the overall alluring ambience of the place. On the first of my several visits there, I enjoyed the fun company of folks from all over. All with their special story to share about why they moved to Costa Rica.
Gary and his wife were gracious enough to take time from their hectic pace, to chat about their “leap of faith” as they pulled up stakes and relocated to Santa Ana, just a few minutes down the road from The Pub. A 27-year-old ex-Army man, Gary, his wife and parents, thought it would be “cool to pick up his life and move to Costa Rica to run the bar and "The Pub" with his wife and parents.” Gary and Nadeene have been married for six years.
The Pub is tucked away on a side street in Escazu, straight up the hill a bit past the Scotia Bank heading toward Escazu Centro. When you go around the curve to the right at the top of the hill it will be about 25 yards on your right. It will have a green Heineken awning and read "THE PUB"
As I’ve said, The Pub is a great oasis for food, fun and reasonable bar prices. And, if my recent pleasurable experiences there are any indication, The Pub will successfully continue for many, many years to come.  
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POSTED BY:
chris on March 25, 2007, 2:21 pm
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Rock & Roll Pollo and Sportsbar: Santa Ana, Costa Rica A Great Meet-Up Locale for Locals & Gringos My first visit to Rock & Roll Pollo, in Santa Ana, certainly wasn’t an accident. It had been favorably written up on the Internet as a good place to temporarily hang my hat during Happy Hour. And, as it turned out, that was definitely an understatement.
Owner/Proprietor Bill Russi was a welcomed sight, and a character, for sure, as he greeted us sitting at the bar. Bill personified the atmosphere of Rick & Roll Pollo. He was friendly. He was fun. And was a great conversationalists, backed by a dedicated bar staff that was also friendly and welcoming. But adding to the unique environment were the customers. Obviously regulars, who gladly introduced themselves – some retired, some semi-retired, and others who were looking to find their groove among the local business scene.
The menu was hardy, filled with such succulents as, my favorite, Fried Chicken. A theme that is emblazoned on their business card” “Only a Rooster Gets a Better Piece of Chicken.” And others, such as barbecue fresh from a fireplace at the front of the restaurant. But my menu choice du jour was a hefty plate of juicy ribs so abundant that I could not finish them all, accompanied by a generous serving of slaw.
My first visit to Rock & Roll Pollo was followed by subsequent visits later in the week and later in the evening. And, although the clientele had changed a bit, the food remained the same, garnished by the same welcome atmosphere I had come to enjoy.
So, of you’re seeking an abundance of welcomes, served with generous helpings of tasty food morsels, don’t miss Rock & Roll Pollo, located at 25 este Servicentro Herrary in Santa Ana. For directions, or more information, call 506-282-9613. 
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Trying to get there
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POSTED BY:
tim on March 25, 2007, 2:49 pm
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The Spoon Restaurant in Escazu: Tasty Cuisine and Affordable
Breakfast at Spoon, in Escazu, was, for me, a delectable, and enjoyable dining experience worthy of additional visits. Nestled in a modern, outdoor shopping mall this unpretentious dining spot presented a colorful menu that exhibited a multitude of breakfast and brunch selections. My favorite, which name I cannot recall, consisted of a delicious toasted pita pocket filled with tasty chicken salad, laced with tomatoes, onions and cheese - a generous serving that would sustain my appetite well throughout the day. Whether inside dining or alfresco, The Spoon is well worth visiting. Maybe even several times, as a matter of fact.
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POSTED BY:
tim on March 25, 2007, 2:50 pm
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Chi Chi's Restaurant Bar and Grill in Escazu: A Questionable Choice
I found out about Chi Chi’s from Yahoo Group “CostaRicaYoungExpats.” Apparently, according to the group, it had become an occasional Friday night drop-in spot for socializing and later, food. But my one and only visit there on a Wednesday evening, was not the most pleasurable, I must admit. The place was objectionably noisy, and the food unimaginative and slow to be served. Food that I later packed back to my hotel, only to remain further untouched, in the refrigerator. During my recent visit to the Central Valley and, more especially, Escazu, I had several pleasurable dining experiences. But, unfortunately, Chi Chi’s was not one of them. And, for a place that had spent so many colones in its interior décor: its wait staff, atmosphere, and quality of food simply didn’t hold up to my personal standards or expectations. Therefore, I’m fully confident that I’ll never visit there again.
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I have been asked to post about my favorite restaurants here. I have to say up front that I am very fussy and love to eat out and do so frequently. I guess I'm trying to say that I enjoy fine dining without fine dining prices ;) I just got home from the "Parrillada Argentina" where I had a couple of excellent glasses of wine from Chili, a great piece of fish (sea bass) and steamed vegetables. Oh so good and excellent service! Their best steak is the "bife de lomo" which is a New York strip. That's what my husband ordered along with several drinks and our bill was under $50. and that included a tip for the parking attendant! Their fresh trout and tuna is excellent also even though they do have the BEST steaks in town! Probably the best Tiramisu in town also! Parrillida Argentina (Argentina Grill) two locations; Escazu 125 m. este de Super Saretto. Tel 288-4995 Santa Ana. 200 m norte de Automercado. Tel 203-4753 Escazu "La Bariloche" in the Centro Commercial Paco. If you need some escargot this is the place! Owned by the same people and a bit more upscale than the other two. They all have a different menu so worth a trip to each. If your in the mood for Italian then I'd recommend "Tre Fratelli" also located in the Centro Commercial Paco in Escazu. They have an charming sidewalk cafe atmosphere around behind the shopping center with red and white checked table cloths and excellent service. I truly have never had a bad meal here nor paid too much! Don't leave without having a wonderful dessert called panacotti with raspberry sause. "Il Ritorno" in San Jose is also excellent but be sure and have a reservation! Owner and chef "Antonio D' Alaimo" has a wall of fame upon entry. The Veal is superb! Il Ritorno 225-0543 or 827-4777 De Kentucky San Pedro, 200 mts. Sur, Edificio Casa Italia. San Jose. Hungry for Seafood? The best is "Machu Picchu " with 3 locations. San Jose, de Kentucky 125 mtrs norte. 222-7384 Another in San Pedro, ask any taxi driver. Excellent fresh seafood at very reasonable prices. They also have a new location on the freeway going toward Santa Ana that is much more upscale with a great view. In Escazu on the freeway across from Price Mart is Plaza Itskazu and they have a couple of good restaurants. Please look past Hooter's and Outback Steakhouse to the rear and right of the plaza for a great Cuban restaurant that I can't remember the name of at the moment. Order the Cuban sandwich! Also another very good seafood restaurant, the name also escapes me, could be the wine ;) "Something del Mar", at any rate it was very good. For the BEST breakfast at any hour they happen to be open is the "Cafe Artista" located in Escazu 100 mtrs. east of the Plaza Rolex. It's a charming sidewalk cafe with the best real fruit smoothies in town! They also make a mean Cuban sandwich. They have daily lunch specials with great healthy choices like salmon and veggie plates. They close at 4pm so go early and be sure and check out the art booths while your there! The first Sunday of the month they serve a "Jazz Brunch" and have live entertainment that's very good! It's a cool place even if they do take forever to bring you a check! Downtown? Try "Cafe el Mundo"! There are many great places I have not mentioned here but this should whet your appetite! Tell them Isabela sent you and tip them a little more than is on the ticket! These guys work hard! Buen provecho!
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Corrections to above; "El Novillo Alegre" is the "real name of the Argintina Grill I mention above, both are on the sign. "Cafe Artista" is open daily until 6pm!  Isabela
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RESTAURANTS IN COSTA RICAIn CR we have hundreds of varied establishments. Here is a list I have compiled by the type of cuisine offered throughout the enitre country: Varied Cuisine:Bacchus (Santa Ana) Bakea (San José – Barrio Amón) Cerutti (Escazú) Da Marco (Piadades) El Grano De Oro (San José) Jurgen’s (San Jose – Los Yoses) La Pecora Nera (Puerto Viejo) L’Ile de France (San José – Los Yoses) Caribbean: Casa Creole (Cahuita) Delicias Caribenas de Mami (Heredia) Maxi’s (Manzanillo) Miss Edith’s (Cahuita) Whapin’ (San José – Los Yoses) Chinese: Casa China (San José) Chef Oriental (Moravia) Don Wang (San José) Flor de Loto (San José) King’s Garden (San José) Lotus (Escazú) Restaurante Villa Bonita (Rohrmoser) Tin Jo (San José) Typical Costa Rican: Casa Vieja (Cartago) Don Rufino (San Carlos) El Chicote (San José – Sabana Norte) El Stablo (Ciudad Colón) Hacienda El Estribo (Santa Ana) Los Anonos (Escazú) Restaurante La Galeria (Monteverde) Best French: Colbert (Vara Blanca) La Caravelle (Puntarenas) Le Chandelier (San Pedro) Le Monastere (Escazú) L’ Isle de France (San José – Los Yoses) L’Olivier (Nosara) Restaurant Les Arcades (Playa Flamingo) Voulez Vous (San José) German: Casa Bavaria (Alajuela) Hamburgo (San José – Los Yoses) Willy’s Caballo Negro (Arenal) Gringo Bar and Grill: Big Dog’s (Santa Ana and Escazú) Mac’s (San José – Sabana Sur) News Café (San José) Rock and Roll Pollo (Santa Ana) The Hook Up (Playa Herradura) The Pub (Escazú)Hooters (Escazu) International: Bakea (San José – Barrio Amón) Bistro Rouge (San José) Ginger (Playa Hermosa) Jurgen’s (San José – Los Yoses) La Luz (Santa Ana) Lazy Wave (Tamarindo) Nectar (Playa Santa Teresa) Restaurante Oasis (San José) Sunspot Grill (Quepos) Xandari (Alajuela) Italian: Antonios (Ciudad Cariari)Andiamo’la (Curridabat) Cerutti (Escazú) Da Marco (Piedades) Di Bartolo Guachipelin) Il Pomodoro (Escazú) Il Ritorno (San José - Barrio Escalante) La Pecora Nera (Puerto Viejo) La Piazzetta (San José - Paseo Colon) Mangiamo (Santa Ana) Sale e Pepe (Escazú) Japanese: Fuji (San José – Sabana Norte) Matsuri (Curridabat and Santa Ana) Samurai (Escazú and Santa Ana) Sakura (Alajuela, Hotel Herradura) Shogun (Santa Ana) Korean: Little Seoul (Rohrmoser) Saisaki (San José) Satto (San Jose – Paseo Colón) Victoria (San Antonio de Belén) Lunchtime Deli or Café: Bagelman’s (Escazú and San Pedro) Café Torino (Escazú) New York Deli (Pavas) Te Con Te (Escazú) Wall Street (Escazú and Santa Ana) Mexican: Chipotle (Moravia) El Fogoncito (Rohrmoser) Jalapeños (Atenas) Jalapeños Central (Alajuela) Tequila Bar & Grill (Las Playas del Coco)Tex Mex (Santa Ana) Middle Eastern or North African: Al Muluk (San Pedro) Beirut (San José) La Mamounia (San Pedro) Lubnan (San José – Paseo Colón) Restaurant Beirut (San José – Sabana Norte) Nuevo Latino: El Coconut (Playa Tamarindo) El Patio Bistro Latino (Quepos) Nuevo Latino (Playa Herradura) Papagayo (Papagayo) Restaurante Tipico Neo-Latino (La Fortuna) Sofia, Nuevo Latino (Monteverde) Pan Asian: Tin Jo (San José) Poco a Poco (Monteverde) Saisaki (San José) Peruvian: Bohemia (San José – Barrio Escalante) Chancay (Escazú – Plaza Itzkazu)) Inka Grill (Curridabat & Escazú) Macchu Pichu (San José & San Pedro) Pizza: Bacchus (Santa Ana) Il Pomodoro (Escazú and San Pedro) Pan e Vino (Chain) Sale e Pepe (Escazú) Tutti Li (Escazú – Plaza Itzkazu) Seafrood: Banco de Mariscos (Santa Barbara de Heredia) Casa Creole (Cahuita) Cha Cha Cha (Cahuita) El Galleon (Playa Herradura) El Pelicanjo (Playa Herradura) La Fuenete de Los Mariscos (San José – La Uruca) Louisiana Bar & Grill (Playas del Coco) Mar Luna (Quepos) Restaurant Camaron Dorado (Playa Brasilito) Spanish: Casa Luisa (San José – Sabana Sur) La Isabela (Alajuela) La Lluna de Valencia (San Pedro de Barva de Heredia) La Masia (San José – Sabana Norte) Sancho Panza (Alajuela) Steakhouse: Outback (Escazu)A Churrascaria Brasileira (San Antonio de Belén) Donde Carlos (San José – Los Yoses) El Rodeo (San Antonio de Belén) El Stable (Ciudad Colón) La Cascada (Escazú) La Esquina de Buenos Aires (San José) Tex Mex: Jalapeños Central (Alajuela) Rico Tico (Quepos) San Clemente Bar and Grill (Dominical) Santa Ana’s Tex Mex (Santa Ana) Tex Mex (Santa Ana) Vegetarian: Earthly Delights (Ciudad Colón) Shakti (San José) Vishnu (San José and Heredia)
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Experienced Builder with CR residency since 94
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I haven't visited the places you mention in Escazu. But The Pub and Rock & Roll Pollo sound really fun. I find my mouth watering for some of The Pub's Fish & Chips. Mac
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Ready for a Move
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Ive heard about a neat place you might want to check out. It's called Clarita's Sports Bar on the beach in Jaco. Seems like there's always a good time there. Reports of horseshoes on the beach, neat people, cold beer, hot music, and an awesome view. Supposedly, they have the best cheeseburgers in Costa Rica. It'll be sure to be a stop for me next time I'm in Jaco.
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ExPatty In Costa Rica
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