www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Who's in for Sunday lunch next week to Donde Alcides (aka Pork Chop Hill)?

We would have to meet up around 11am, I have to be back by 3pm for a poker tourney. I'm pretty sure that buses run every 30 minutes, so I'd like to make the 11:30am or 12pm bus. The ride up takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

http://translate.google.com/translate?p ... ry_state0=

Who's down?

I like pork chops!

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I can't deny it, with that smile on her face. It's not the kill, it's the thrill of the chase!

More then likely, I am in.

It's more than just pork chops, although the chops are mighty tasty. They cook a variety of meats and veggies on an open barbecue. Also, the trip up into the mountains is quite picturesque, so take your camera (beauty abounds outside and inside the bus ). Other than your own group, you probably won't see any other gringos there. It's an honest picture of Costa Rica outside of the Gulch, and I highly recommend you make the trip if you have a couple of hours to kill.

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

Anybody know the hours of operation of this place? I'm wonderin' if it's open 7 days a week for both lunch & dinner. I'd hate to head clear up the mountain to find out it's not open.

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"cuz I'm a back-door man" Jim Morrison-1969

It's definitely open 7 days a week.

As for the hours, call them 22309079 and find out. I can call them later and post.

I read the article and this place sounds great. I won't commit to going -- 11 AM Sunday is about the time I might be getting to bed from the night before -- but if I'm up to it (read: not massively hung over) I'd like to tag along.

Instead of taking the bus, why not have Martin, Gustavo or Rolando (SL drivers) provide transport? I know it'll cost a lot more, but if you split the cost among 4 or 5 mongers it might be a reasonable alternative.

mh

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mh

Ask around and see what kind of offers you get.

I'll give Martin a call later today and post what he tells me.

mh

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mh

Ok, spoke to Martin. He quoted me 60 bucks for the round trip -- take a group up there, wait, bring 'em back. He has a van that seats about 6-7 comfortably, so at that price it really isn't worth it unless you fill the van up. The bus sounds like a better option. How much is the bus by the way?

FYI: Martin cautioned me the restaurant gets packed on Sundays -- you have to wait in line to get a table.

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mh

Yeah, I figured he would go for the jugular on that one. A more reasonable price would be $30. A taxi there is about $15. He has to drive back to SJO anyway, and waiting an hour is worth $15... but maybe he has a lot of other offers on a Sunday early afternoon.

The bus was ¢540 a few months ago. Less than $2 versus $10 per person, and it's a nice scenic ride up and down the mountain. Personally, I'm fine with the bus.

We went there for lunch on a Sunday, it was not packed at all. We were seated right away, and there were 11 of us. And there were still some open tables. I don't think we had a reservation, but I could be wrong. That's why I'm thinking it's better to go around 12 (or a little before), while they're in church.

I just called them, they are open 7 days a week.

Mon-Sat 11am-10pm
Sun 11am-8pm

I

Orange

Thanks for the info on their hours. I've always wanted to go to the place & I'm gonna be in town but like MiamiHeller said, after a sure to be wild saturday night I don't think I'll be too eager to head up the mtn. before noon sunday to go eat a side of pig for sunday brunch. I'll probably be capable of nothing more than sittin' on a barstool drinkin' bloody marys & watchin' the nfl.

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"cuz I'm a back-door man" Jim Morrison-1969

Great choice. I've been there 4 or 5 times. Always caught the bus at A. 10 and C. 7. Its the Acosta bus and there is several of them. Don't know the times but theres always been one sitting there when I walked up. Its 460c and I've always asked the driver for Donde Alcides and he lets me off right at the door. Or after you go by Ram Luna you'll shortly start down hill. Theres a brown church on the left and then pull the buzzer. As posted beautiful views of San Jose once you are through Desamperadas and into the mountains. I always grab a seat by myself and more times than not you'll get a little Nica girl beside you as the bus fills. Different girls here so refrain from the monger talk. They all know the name Del Rey and its not a nice place to them. If you go in a group get all the apps. and share them. The roasted plantain stuffed with cheese is awesome. I only remember a medium and large pork chop on the menu. But the medium is over a pound and I've never finished it so I would stay away from the large unless you're sharing. After lunch I highly recomend walking back up the hill a couple of blocks to a little coffee shop on the same side of the street and having a coffee or a cap. They also sell coffee there. Theres a bus stop across the street in front of a little Columbian restaurant (which is also very good and very cheap) and all the buses that come by go back to San Jose. Sunday may be a little crowded with ticos after church. I've always gotten there around noon and other than Sunday I have been the first customer. You won't see any other gringos there but they are very gringo friendly. Don't guess they've seen any of the "bad" guys there. So be nice and enjoy. I was at the restaurant Wednesday but back in Florida today. Wish I could go with you.

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Knowledge speaks...Wisdom listens

who is definitely in for this?

i will be at SL at 11:45am on Sunday. We will leave at 12 sharp.