www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Soda Tapia is probably the largest and most popular with the Ticos. it is located on the Paseo Colon-Sabana line about a 10 minute taxi ride from the Gultch. All the Taxis know where it is.

Soda Tapia always has a good crowd of Tico's so decided to try it one day with an amigo. We were both disappointed in the quality of the food. Thinking perhaps it was just an off day or what we had ordered went back with different friend. The unanimous decision was the place may be a great Tico place but we fail to understand why. YMMV as always

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Hey guys. Get the Colombian chicas to take you to some local Colombian restaurants in San Jose. Can't remember where any of them are but have eaten some great food at these spots.

The main thing that makes sodas special is that they're always dirt cheap. Sometimes the food can be pretty good too, but usually not so special that it would be worth making a special trip across town for. VB can stop off at Tapias on his way in from Escazu. But for most CRT'ers, why take a 500 colone taxi ride each way for a 1000 colone meal. I suggest popping into any reasonably clean looking place you pass by and discovering your own little gems. I used to grab a Tico breakfast for a buck at a little hole-in-the-wall just up the street from the DR. Unfortunately it has since "upgraded" to a gay fern bar and pricier antojito joint called the Morazon Cafe. Chelles isn't bad, but the food isn't special. What makes Chelles such a great place is that it is open 24 hours, making it a great place to stop off for a late snack or an early breakfast on your way back from the BM to the Prez. Many of the other sodas have irregular hours, many closed on sundays, some not open for dinner etc. Another area that is known for having a concentration of good cheap sodas is the area just south of Parque Central. Finally, the place that Kotigre was referring to is the Nuevo Esmeralda. It is a well known Mariachi hang-out. I think it may be referred to in some guidebooks at a different older location hence the "Nuevo" part of their name.

If that the qualifier Soda Tapia just struck out, it is not only not dirt cheap, is not cheap.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Okay, I should've said usually or nearly always dirt cheap. If one doesn't mind paying a little extra there's another place in the Gulch that gets little mention around here but which I'd highly recommend. I'm not sure if Restaurant Criolitta qualifies as a soda but it's definitely a Tico joint. I believe they close at 6 or 7PM, but if you go at noon you'll find the place literally packed with Ticos on their lunch hour. Its a big place, larger than most sodas. I usually try to get there early or go a little after 1PM in order to miss the most of the mid-day rush and try to get a seat in the back courtyard next to the aviary. For me, the setting is what makes this place worth the slightly higher than soda prices but the lunch specials are a pretty good deal anyway. For 2000-2500 colones one can get soup, a main course consisting of some sort of meat with rice and beans or vegetables, desert and a drink. the last time I went I had a filet mignon, not the best cut of meat but for $5 bucks what can you expect. It was still pretty good. For those not familiar with this place it is on Avenida 7(?) on the block halfway between NF and Morazon Park.

Also in the category of not quite Sodas,one should consider various foodcourts as good places to go for cheap lunches or even dinner. Of course they have a few of the US chain places, but they also have places that are uniquely Costa Rican. I've had really good meals at the food court at the San Pedro Mall. If you go with some buddies you can each get different dishes at your choice of food stalls and then sit back and check out the chicas all around you. If you go with a "novia", you can get in a little window shopping or buy a few items for her and a meal and still come off with a very happy girl and as many shekels left in your pocket as if you had gone to an expensive restaurant. Back in the Gulch, there's a new food court across the street from Mariscar called Plaza Venado (?) which I haven't tried but looks very promising. Probably a dozen or so different places to choose from inside and one can get a seat at a table along the rail of the second floor balcony that could give the News Cafe a run for its money in terms of chica watching. The News Cafe is great but the prime seats are often taken. If that's the case one might consider going across the street some time.

Boy I really got hammered on this one from a couple of our experienced guys. However gentlemen,why don't you at least read what I wrote first. NOWHERE in my post did I say Soda Tapia was EITHER CHEAP OR GOOD. I merely said that it was probably the largest and most popular with the Ticos. Would any of you food critics care to argue with that. lol

Hey VB, what I said was


Did not mean to give the impression that you said anything about the food quality was just giving mine and others impression of the place. Sorry if it came off the wrong way.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

VB,
Ditto DingDong. I certainly didn't mean to sound like I was hammering you. You're still da Man in my book! BTW, have you ever tried Criolitto?

A place I eat which is near Manolo's (is quite acceptable, plato del dia is 1100) is ABC restaurante plato del dia 650 colones w/drink. Rice, vegetables, beef & vegies w/ sauce, fried plaintin. There are other choices. In the evening you can order from a menu, the other day I had beef w/ vegies on noodles (800) and a pop (300). It is quite alright if you like Chinese style, and great for us deal seekers.

Davey,
There are 2 Manolo's one is west of the Presidente and has a patio dining area as well as an inside one. The other one is about 2 blocks east of the Presidente. Have never been there. Which one are you referring to?

At lunch time still like Faro's, casada is 1200 colones,you get a good portion, choice of fish, beef, pork chop, chicken, the food is good & everyone is very friendly. On Avenida 1, Calle 7, catty corner from the Morazon. (No, not at tout )

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Not fimilar with directions but it would be east of Presidente a couple of blocks towards the bus area. Same side of street as Presidente.

Speaking of Faro's

anyone ever done the taller waitress who works there or know if she is a player.

She is really fine and seems to be putting out some good vibes

I don't know what luck anybody has had, but she is magnificent. I'm not a great fan of Faro's, though they used to have a good steak deal and I know lots of people who swear by it, but she is grounds for going there. When people mentioned Hazel, I thought they meant the bartender at the Piano Bar, who is also attractive, but they meant a lady who looks like a supermodel. Yum.