One problem that the traveler may encounter in San Jose is the apparent lack of late-night dining opportunities. Thanks to a tip from a local, we found Nuestra Tierra ("Our Land") on Av. 2 at Calle 15. Nuestra Tierra is open 24 hours and provides very decent, reasonably-priced "tipico" food.
Pros: Open 24 hours. Large, complete menu. Big portions. Really great service, considering the restaurant's size (large) and traffic flow.
Cons: Uncomfortable tables/benches (hard wood). High noise level at peak times. Street musicians/vendors.
Watch for the two elderly guys sharing one marimba just outside the front door, and the older gent in a threadbare suit with guitar wandering from table to table. The flower vendor, a young boy in a very neat suitcoat and tie was neither persistent nor invasive, however his roses at 1,000 colones each are quite expensive.
Our waiter, an expatriate Cuban trying to work his way to the united States spoke no English, but was solicitous and helpful. The price for a complete dinner for four was under U.S. $24.00, including a couple glasses of poor-quality red wine and better-than-average coffee. Try this one, if you find yourself hungry for something other than pink snapper at 3:00 a.m.
