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Sonny's Bar and Restaurant, adjacent to the Hotel Castillo has closed. No further info available at present time.

Zebra

I just got back yesterday. Word I heard was the guys renting the bar/restaurant had not paid the lease in many months. Castillo owner kicked them out.

I heard this from one of the drivers at the SL because one of the SL security guards was stationed out front of Sonny's. The guard was making a few extra bucks with a side job.

If true, that's too bad. I was getting to like Sonny's and thought that they were headed in the right direction.

I agree it was a nice place.

Slightly off topic, but I would just like to advise anyone thinking of buying a bar in Costa Rica to take a realistic look at the situation. I have only been living here for 2 years and have seen bar after bar fail, in one way or another. The only thing that usually saves them is that there is a bigger sucker out to buy it when it becomes obvious the bar is failing.

Guys who spend a lot of time in bars seem to think that this qualifies them to run one. It doesn't. I could list the bars I have seen change hands and my take on why, but I don't want to step on any toes.

My advice? If you have money to invest, buy a parking lot. It's something we understand more than the bar business, and one parking spot isn't going to bite into the profits nearly as much as 'all you can drink and buy for your friends.'

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I was just informed that Sonny's is to reopen in early February with 2 new owners. It is to be called "The Gardens."

Zebra

I stayed at Castillo last year and enjoyed the convinience of the bar/rest. there. The kitchen was improving - maybe not enough! Hope the new owner has beter luck.
Duessel

I remember when that spot was La Palma Restaurant. It would seem that particular location isn't developing the best track record. We'll see how long this place lasts. IMHO, "The Gardens" sounds more like a gay bar than the type of place any of us would frequent. Zebra, do you have any more info on this latest incarnation?

hahahahaha

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Pro,

Sorry, not a whole lot of new info to tell you. The one owner is a guy named Tom who I had met last June/July. It seems he was a good friend of Sonny, and he spent a lot of time in Sonny's Bar. The other owner, I've never seen before.

I'm "on location" at the present time, so I'm sure I will hear more details and I will report them as they become available. Stay tuned.

Zebra

Best of luck to Sonny, Dave and all of the staff! I really liked a few of the bartenders.

nice little bar and good people, was there in nov, thought they were doing great, hope they do reopen, keep us informed zebra if your still there

The new place is to be called "The Garden Lounge and Restaurant." The new owners are Tom And Jim. It is to open February 1. They are in the process now of painting and doing some renovations.

Zebra

Is the bar behind sonny’s a different establishment?

If it is different, do they have food?

Chi,

The patio bar to the rear is part of the bar and restaurant, and yes, they will be serving food, the same as Sonny's did.

Zebra