www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Went to this place tonight.

Since I had heard that you should get reservations I stopped by right when it opened and got in easily.

It started out okay but went downhill pretty fast.

First off I showed my CRT card to get the discount and was assured that I would get it.

Then I ordered the porcini tenderloin steak entree. Medium. I normally order medium rare but never know what different geographic locations think is medium rare so when traveling and can't really have a good conversation about "doneness" I usually pick medium.

It showed up rare. I go with the flow and am fine with rare, but I thought I would advise the CRT board.

But then it went quickly downhill. I finished about 6:45pm. I was asked if I wanted coffee but said no, and just wanted the check. I asked for the check again at 7:00, 7:15 and 7:30. I don't get it, they are needing tables, I have asked for the check several times... I think I must be invisible--though the girls at the Blue Marlin don't think so.

7:45 my waiter asks if I want coffee and I said no--remember I wanted the check? (I was tempted to just walk out.)

I finally get the check. When it arrives the discount is nowhere to be found. I have to bring out the card once again to get the discount.

The only thing--the ONLY thing that was positive about this experience was that I got a pretty decent Malbec for about $13.00.

Otherwise I would not recommend this place at all.

Sorry about your bad experience there. It's one of my favorite places and I have no idea what was going on there when you ate there. Hope that this was a sole instance or 'slipping' rather than a trend.

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Here's what you do... do not show your card at the beginning. When you ask for the check, hand them your CRT card. I have NEVER had a problem getting the discount there.

And the service has always been excellent.

I went there last week and was very disappointed.

I ordered the Vacio (end of rib eye). Very chewy and tough. I couldn't eat but half of it. I'm not picky. This was the worst steak I've had in a long time.

My wingman had Lomito (tenderloin). It was much better. But it was not like any tenderloin I've had before. It was stringy and chewy too.

However the wine and shrimp with Alijo (Garlic) was great.

I love steak. I generally go to El Chicote and get the Baby Beef (tenderloin) and its great.

Which steak entre at Esquina Beunos Aires do you guys recommend? I might give them another try. In september.

I always get the "beef kabob with vegetables." I forget the exact name of it; two sticks of beef and vegetables, very tender and plenty to eat.

Some of the problems we are seeing posted here, could be attributed to a new waiter they had hired last spring.....he isn't very accommodating. Last June my friend and I were there and we asked him for the waffle like potatoes that are so good. He said they didn't have them anymore....I knew that couldn't be true, cause I had just seen someone eating them. We asked the other waiter, who's been there 'forever' and he said "sure, no problem...I'll get you some."

Lomito Porcini (in creamy mushroom sauce)

This is the entree I had. It was on the "just stopped breathing" side of rare instead of medium.

I get medium well (3/4), which ranges from medium to well done, depending on the day.

I've been there about 5 times and never a bad experience yet. Had several friends with me and they liked it also. Could have just been a bad night.

Personally.....I like Ruth Chris.....

High Line but good... Do they have one in CR? I would love to see the prices in Colones.... I know they would not use local beef.

I personally prefer bison..but can't see Ted Turner opening a CR branch any time soon.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

I went there last night and had an excellent meal & service. Didn’t have reservations and got right in. We both had different Tenderloin dishes. Too full for desert.. No problem getting the check. Cute woman brought it without even asking.

Bill

Well...I finally made it to Esquina de Buenos Aires and I must say I was NOT dissapointed at all. Went in today (Sunday) around 4:00 in the afternoon. Very nice ambience. Service was impeccable. Ordered Churrasco which was a BIG fricken steak and was prepared exactly the way I asked them too. Also had as an appetizer something I HIGHLY recommend if you like shrimp. It was a shrimp in garlic butter (sort of like Scampi) dish. They gave you what seemed like close to a dozen peeled large shrimp (not that small dinky crap you usually get in the U.S.) and they were served in a bowl that was filled with Garlic butter that was extremely tasty. Have some mints handy though if you're planning any DFK afterwards. In any event..that's my take. EXCELLENT in every aspect and I absolutely plan to return (this time with one of my favoritas) before I leave.

I've been there several times, and once I had a tough steak. I usually get the lomito porcini, medium. Medium there generally is a little more red than medium in the states, but it has never been rare on my plate. The "discount" means they don't charge tax on the check. I wouldn't give up on the place based on your bad experience, because IMO it's one of the better options downtown.

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One-eyed and peg-legged is how I like 'em, ARRRRR!