www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Hey gents--

I am looking for recommendations for good, cheap eats for lunch and especially dinner within walking or short cab ride of gulch. I already know about the sodas (e.g. peru) for lunch and of course the usual places like SL, etc.

Probably would be a place locals visit.

Any suggestions are welcome.
Thx

For inexpensive eats, don't forget the panaderias (bakeries). They offer many types of bread pastries with meat filling like chicken or beef. Some also have what I would call a 'pig in a blanket' or a hot dog type sausage wrapped in bread. Empanadas are also a good choice and are usually corn meal breading with meat inside all fried up. You can eat a full meal of any of these options and an inexpensive drink for $3-$4. You can find these bakeries all over the place although my favorite chain is Musami which has a good location one block south and one block east of Del Rey that opens up very early and has a very large selection of things from donuts to the aforementioned pastries.

_________________
The only thing that matters is happiness in all it forms...

Soda Peru is not what most would call cheap. A fish dish that I like (chicharrones de pescado) is ¢3500 ($7).

man i know there are some cheap guys but $7 isn't cheap enough? it is double what a cheap soda is though. seems like food prices are way up everywhere these days.

_________________
im way deep into nothing special
riding the crest of a wave breaking just west of hollywood

Soda Peru has probably the best value and quality of food in the downtown. $7.00 is a very good price for what you get there. It's pretty difficult to eat much cheaper in San Jose. McDonalds combo meal is about $6.50. Good luch eating cheaper food.

Soda Acropolis across from Hospital Calderon is excellent and cheap.

There's a little "food mall" 1 to 2 blocks west, then 1/2 block south of the Rey. Tough to beat $$ wise and Tico variety wise. I been there 5-6 times, always good, fresh.

Restaurant Y Bar Paris opposite the AM super mercado is a place locals go. Never seen gringos in there. I like their eggs. More flavourful than any you'll find in North America. Prices are pretty good and what I'd expect to pay here in CR.

Gallo pinto con huevos c1200
Casados c1750
Arroz dishes c1650 to c2475

Sit facing the street and you can watch the ticas as they wait for the bus as you eat.

Just start walking and get away from the Delrey, pick a direction and a walk a few blocks and try one of many restaurants catering to the locals and not the gringos. They are everywhere.

Another vote for Soda Peru and since most gringos like to stay in the comfort zone for mongering, this fits in perfectly. Don't be shy....try the seafood dishes.

_________________
I am NOT a Cien Boy!!

Mama's Place on Avenida 1 between Calle Central & Calle 2. The coffee shop is street level and the restaurant is upstairs. The owner's are Italian so they serve both local & italian food.

Here's a Trip Advisor link http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_R ... _Jose.html

cheers,
Attila

The idea of a Veyron in downtown...

Soda Peru may not be the cheapest but I have never left hungry and usually have to leave some on the plate. For portion to price, I think it's a good place to eat.

_________________
I aim to misbehave. -Capt. Malcolm Reynolds

GREENGO !!!!!!

Good to hear from you again.

One of my favorite tico restaurants is the Buen Comer (translate to "Good To Eat"), which is on Central Avenue about a fifteen minute walk east toward San Pedro, just past the Nicaraguan Embassy. Decent breakfast, great lunches with casados (fish, chichen, pork), daily specials and much more. Breakfast $3-4, lunch $5-6.

There is a good fish place just a block down the walking street from the National Theater (Teatro Nacional).

The casado is less than six dollars.

I think the sign reads Mariscos something or other.

Delfines con Amor is the name on the reciept.
calle 3 y Ave 4, 100 sur del Teatro Nacional.

_________________
* These are the "Good Ole Days". Enjoy Them.

* RENT but, "Don't Buy a Home in Costa Rica" until you have lived here for THREE years.