www.CostaRicaTicas.com

It would be an excellent place to hang out if you're staying at Castillo but it was always dead when I looked in during my stay in May. They were just trying to start a ladies night one night a week but I never read anything about it. I guess with SL right around the corner reportedly providing better food, greater ambience, y muchas chicas bonitas para el postre, they have a difficult row to hoe. Of course, hiring hot bartenders is a good way to start.

One rich but good dish here is the Chicken Lasagna. I'd have to say it is the best meal I've had from this incarnation of the restaurant.

Veelee,

My buddy and I spoke on the phone a couple of days ago. He had heard that a number of chicas from the SL are hanging out at Sonny's now. Do you have any first hand knowledge that could validate this comment?

Thanks,

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Some chicas come through, but it isn't typical to have a whole gang hanging out for long periods of time unless there is a party. Some include it on their rounds of SL, NY, ... They do a fair amount of business with folks who would be offended by the scene at the BM and the hotel does get families too. More people seem to bring their own. Most of the hookups I've seen in the bar are people meeting ladies they already knew for arranged meetings, whether for regular dates or p4p. A few who come through, whether briefly or for a drink before moving on, have been quite attractive.

Thanks for the update, Veelee...

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

I decided to take another chance on Sonny's. I've tried a couple of different dishes over the past few days and noticed a measurable improvement in quality.

A new guy, David, is running the place now. He has rolled up his sleeves and wants to make this place work. David is educating the kitchen staff on how to prepare cuisine that will appeal to the gringo palate...and it is beginning to show.

Sonny's still offers a 10 per cent CRT discount, and a daily discount special. I counted four lovely barkeepers who are very pleasing to be around. They are very helpful with giving directions, Spanish lessons and doing small errands for patrons.

I noticed several familiar chicas from other establishments dropping in. I would not call the place "packed with chicas" ...but it is a start. (It kind of reminds me of the environment at the SL a year and a half ago when a handful of ladies would show up to entertain a handful of mongers.)

If David and his crew continue to focus on customer service, serve good food, and pay attention to details, I believe they have a shot at making Sonny's a favorite among the mongering crowd. With Hotel Castillo's popularity on the rise (and Sonny's right next door) it appears that these two businesses are "perfect together."

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

Does this mean that Sonny and Greg are completely out of it now?

I mentioned once before that they were trying to get a Ladies Night going once a week, I think maybe Tuesdays but am not sure. Anybody know if it ever got off the ground?

I will be staying at Hotel Castillo the final four nights of my late October/early November trip and look forward to checking out the new and reportedly improved Sonny's.

I like the atmosphere of the dining area.

I think it would be a nice place to have a drink/bite to eat in the evening, especially in the back area which affords a measure of privacy.

I like the place, hope it does well.

_________________
The difference between a Sea Story and a Fairy Tale is that a Fairy Tale starts out 'Once Upon a Time..' and a Sea Story starts out 'This is no Shit...'

(export version only, some restrictions may apply, some assembly required, not valid where the sun don't shine...

if you live in the states of Poverty, Darkness or anywhere outside of The Blessings of Civilization Trust, Inc...other rules may apply)

no me and sonny are still in,we just hired a great manager to run the place. im in the states now i will be back on oct 24.

My wingman and I were pleasantly surprised by a new addition to the bartending staff...a cute tica rubia by the name of Alejandra. If you haven't seen her yet, Alejandra is definitely worth a look. She is still "under instruction" until she masters a little more English. Alejandra enjoys practicing her English with gringos...and is skilled at pouring the perfect "TV beer."

When I first arrived a little over two weeks ago, I grumbled to Hellen and David about the absence of Bavaria Dark...the only CR beer I can drink without doing a number on my stomach. The next day, Hellen announced that she had a surprise for me...she poured me a Bavaria Dark.

My wingman and I were a little dismayed with the price of a shot of Jaegermeister. At $5.00 a shot, we grumbled loudly to David and he promised to "look into it."

David is aware that the layout of the bar/restaurant needs re-engineering to offer greater "face time" between the chicas and gringos. The present configuration, with an undersized bar out front, just doesn't cut it. David has some good ideas, but will need sufficient capital to execute his plan. IMHO, Sonny's Bar and Grille has nowhere to go but up. I wish David and his staff well.

_________________
Blue Devil

Pura Vida...enjoying life to the fullest...

BlueDevil -

I completely agree. Sonny's does need to work but it also has great potential I think. Hotle Castillo is a great place to hang your hat while in CR. The staff there is great.

With a few new hot bartenders, better food and maybe weekly meet and greet sort of functions this place woul be my home away from home.

As it stands now I always feel like i'm in a shot and a beer tavern in Chicago. It could feel downright depressing.

I hope them all the best!!!

Well, I gave a pretty much critical report on Sonny's when I returned from my trip in May. however, I can see from these threads that work is being done to improve the place. I will be in Castillo in late Oct and will give Sonnys another try...I might even try the Sunday Brunch. I will also provide a second comment to this thread when I return.

no soup for you pura vida

Guys..does any of you know any bar that plays great blues? Is there any place with live music??