Old and new, Tico and foreign, extravagant and humble converge in this hilly
community just west of San Jose. San Rafael is a kaleidoscope of neon lights,
where night people feast and play. The old town, with its legends of witchcraft,
adobe houses and contemporary dwellings, sprawls up the mountainside to San
Antonio, where oxen still plod the steep rutted roads and traditions are
preserved. Santa Ana, the country cousin, nestles in the valley west of Escazu,
and still has a laid-back village atmosphere.
Zoom west on the highway from La Sabana Park, take Escazu turn-off and grind
to a halt at San Rafael de Escazu intersection. For Santa Ana, continue on the
highway 6 km more, or take the scenic route along the "old road" from
San Rafael.
Visit Biesanz Woodworks. Jewelry boxes, humidors,
stunning collection of quality hardwood gifts. In Plaza Colonial: Tierrafue is a treasure trove of ceramics, classes for adults, children and
pottery painting parties. Deli Mundo deli treats, bagels and breads.
NaturalMente health food, alternative medicines. One block west, El Sabot Tico. Costa Rican arts, crafts. Multiplaza Mall: Libreria Internacional
, outstanding selection of books in English, Spanish
and German. Libreria Motivos, good for rainforest posters. Cafe Real famous for tortes and pastries.
Multicentro Paco:Rincon Educativo, overflows with children's
games, books, educational supplies in English and Spanish. Watch potters work at Ceramica Las Palomas, on the old
road to Santa Ana, browse their unique collection. Santa Ana's La Caraiia Riding
Academy specializes in English equestrian for
visitors or residents. Centro Equestre Valle Yos-Yo. Riding, no
membership required. In nearby Santa Ana, roadside stores sell colorful local
pottery, onions and honey.
San Rafael: In Centro Comercial Trejos Montealegre, Orale, trendy
restaurant, two bars. Fandango swings on weekends, live music, dancing till
early hours. Next door. Taos , packed with yuppie set dining, imbibing.
Cafe Havana, coffee, pastries, good selection of Cuban cigars.
Near McDonald's, Quiubo and Q'Tal specialize in Costa Rican dishes, Requete
features live music. Rincon del Pirata,
popular bar, light fare, great ice cream day or night. Sale a Pepe,
excellent pizza, pasta. Il Capriccio Italiano, authentic Italian,
large wine selection. La Rambla overflows onto the balcony with bar flies.
In El Cruce: Cocol's Bistro, open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., great
coffee, croissants. Cafe Urbano and Art Bar are popular hangouts. Perro Loco -
Hot Dogs del Mundo, large, yummy internationally dressed
"doggies" until after the bars close. Exotic flavors of Thailand and
Indonesia are found at El Exotico Oriente, opposite Mas x Menos. One
km west, Chinese cravings are satisfied at Restaurante Villa Rey. Pizzeria Il Pomodoro
eclectic menu, Italian specialities,
pleasant ambience, for express delivery call 283-1010.
In Multi-Centro Paco: young crowd hangout, dance till 2.30 a.m. at Club La
Estrategia del Caracol. El Encuentro Salad & Juice Bar, healthy eating, meeting place, homegrown, organic menu, holistic
health information, Friday night alcohol-free drinks, live instrumentals.
Enjoy at PINCHOS CUBAN GRILL located in Plaza Florencia, 150m north from Multi-Centro Paco. They invite you to enjoy the best proposals and innovative Grilled Food in Costa Rica offering juicy and delicious Cuban cuisine in a vibrant, sophisticated and fun meeting place, with live music all weekends. The key to their delicious Cuban food are their authentic homemade recipes, and their grill "Pinchos". The intense heat of the fire increases the natural flavors of the meat, seafood and vegetables marinated in olive oil, lemon and species, accompanied with our delicious and original sauces. Come and check that "FOOD TASTES BETTER ON PINCHOS"!
Heading towards central Escazu: "El Chi" owned by
"Brits," Argentine BBQ, pub atmosphere, attracts ex-pats, locals.
Across the street, Hostaria Cerutti classy- Italian. Manitos Taco & Grill, Mexican fare, pretty patio. Pizzeria Sabor
a Lena balcony/bar, 60 different pizzas! Delivery available. La
Leyenda Mexican fare, romantic setting, mariachis on weekends.
Chango's Bar And Grill giant TV screen, steak, ribs, fresh fish.
Euro Cafe local Mediterranean, European pastries, modern decor.
Diagonal from Saretto's supermarket: Steaks sizzle at popular La Cascada, while next door, BBQ LosAnonos
serves mean surf n turf.
At nearby plaza, Big Dogs sports bar has play by play.
In Bello Horizonte: Perched on a mountain ridge between Escazu and Santa Ana,
Marisqueria Marlin highly recommended by seafood freaks, L'Monastere, converted mon.
The Monastery, elegant romantic dining, "monk"
waiters, spectacular views of sparkling valley lights. El Boyero in
San Antonio, Costa Rican menu, lovely scenery, garden, live music Fri.-Sat.
In Santa Ana: Join the locals at El Estribo, rancho-style eatery, grilled tipico
dishes, or at Nacho's Mexican-style family restaurant. Don Cipriano dishes
out delicious Mexican specialties in his old adobe house. Historic Casa
Quitirrisi, Costa Rican fare accompanied by live music Saturday
night. El Tejado de Tono Restaurant & Museum serves great bocas snacks,
history. Richard and "Dr, Bob" at Tex Mex, northeast
of the church, earns rave reviews for their tangy southwest specialties. From the Red Cross west follow signs to Rancho de Macho, order mixed plate of
meats grilled over coffee wood and local luscious fried onions.
In Rio Oro, Restaurante La Patagonia grills Argentine grub, Thurs-Sat.; becomes
a trendy disco, Fri.-Sat. 9 p.m - 2 a.m. North from the Red Cross, follow signs
to the funky, Biker's Bar mingle with Harley mania, shoot pool, lift weights,
listen to `70s hits. San Jose's famous El Nuevo Vane del Sol dance
with the locals. Call first, they're often closed. In Piedades, Restaurante
Canal Grande consistently tasty international, classy ambience. |
