Things to do in Escazú
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La Casona de Laly
At the heart of Escazú Centro, this much-loved restaurant-tavern specializes in country-style Tico fare. Locals and expats alike pack the joint for cheap, lip-smacking bocas, ice-cold beers and a soundtrack of merengue accompanied by the cackling of the owner’s pet birds, who inhabit the cages that line the entire west wall of the restaurant. Be sure to try the dados de queso (fried cheese cubes) – they are the best.
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Tiquicia
This long-running hilltop Tico restaurant serves up bounteous platters, in addition to live folk music on weekends. Without a doubt, it’s a tourist trap – an expensive one – but you’re not here to eat, you’re here to admire the extravagant views of the Central Valley. The restaurant is 5km south of Escazú Centro on a paved road. It’s tricky to find; call for directions or check the website for a map.
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Multiplaza Escazú
Costa Rica’s most stylish – and massive – shopping mall has everything you need (or don’t). Of particular interest to campers is the Cemaco, a budget department store that sells basic fishing and camping supplies, including propane gas for your portable stove. If you’re coming from San José, the mall can be reached by taking any bus marked ‘Escazú Multiplaza’.
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Jazz Café
The destination in San José for live music, with a different band every night. Countless performers have taken to the stage here, including legendary Cuban bandleader Chucho Valdés and Colombian pop star Juanes. Admission charges vary, but plan on spending about ₡4000 to see local groups. It’s 50m east of the Antiguo Banco Popular.
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Iglesia Escazú
The Iglesia Escazú was first built in 1799, it has been rebuilt many times since due to regular earthquakes. The exterior isn’t much to look at (a 1990s remodel left it with an awkward concrete facade), but the stone-columned interior is pleasant, with a main altar covered in ceramic tiles and capped by a gilded baroque-style altar.
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Centro Comercial Trejos Montealagre
This nightlife and drinking complex on the northern edge of San Rafael is one of the hottest – and trendiest – drinking and dancing outposts in the capital. The scene-sters usually start rolling in at 9pm and keep going until the wee hours. As with other San José party places, bars come and go quickly, so inquire locally before setting out. One of the few enduring spots is Frankie Go, which regularly screens soccer matches and hosts ladies’ nights.
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Los Anonos BBQ
On the road between San José and Escazú is this meat-centric place, which has been in continuous operation since the early ’60s. It’s a rustic family spot, with wood tables and historic photos of Costa Rica – and if you’ve got a hankering for a good steak, this would be the place to dip into USDA-approved cuts. Credit cards accepted.
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Inka Grill
The San José outpost of this venerable international chain serves all the Peruvian classics, including ceviche (marinated seafood), stuffed potatoes and an exceptionally well-made ají de gallina (walnut-chicken stew). Don’t miss the pisco sours (grape-brandy cocktails). There is also a children’s menu.
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Soda Río de Janeiro
Located southeast of the Iglesia Escazú, this charismatic little soda decked out with bright-red tablecloths is frequently full. Typical Tico fare includes pork chops, chicken or fish accompanied by big jars of spicy, pickled vegetables. There’s a tiny aquarium of angelfish that you can watch while you wait for a seat.
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Taberna Arenas
This delightful, old-fashioned Tico bar is an Escazú institution. Arenas has good bocas and a wide selection of domestic and imported beers. Owner don Israel is a true charmer, and has his photos with various heads of state on the walls, along with the agricultural implements that are de rigueur in any country bar.
reviewed
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Restaurante Cerutti
This pricey restaurant, south of Carretera JF Kennedy in San Rafael, delivers predictably top-notch Italian specialties, including fresh seafood and house-made pastas. The ravioli stuffed with ricotta and mushrooms is a local favorite, and you can’t go wrong with the long list of delicious risottos. Credit cards accepted.
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The Pub
The small American-owned pub has a list of more than two dozen international beers, a dozen local brews and a selection of shots with scary-sounding names like ‘Test Tube Baby’ and ‘Anti-Freeze.’ A greasy bar menu is available to soak up the damage.
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Club Gaira
This is Escazú’s new trendy, design-conscious club with a geometric-meets-tribal decor (think zebra pelts and striped couches), plus two bars, two dance floors and DJs that spin hip-hop, Latin and electronica. Admission charge varies.
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Buena Tierra
A cute and friendly organic cafe and cafeteria in Escazú Centro, south of the Iglesia Escazú, has an outdoor balcony with wonderful views of the town center. It’s a great spot to sip herbal tea and eat cake.
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Soda Pintico
This cheap and charming soda located on the 2nd floor of the Escazú Centro Commercial Plaza is tiny but the casado portions are just right. There is no menu to speak of; ask what’s cooking.
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Rice ‘n’ Smile
This contemporary new spot in the Atlantis Plaza shopping center serves a rotating selection of more than 30 scrumptious flavors of rice pudding. Dulce de leche (caramel) is a sticky-sweet favorite.
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Perro Loco
If you’ve been boozing it up, this greasy spoon is what you need. ‘Crazy Dog’ serves eight internationally themed hot dogs. Our favorite: the Chihuahua dog, loaded with fresh guacamole.
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Automercado
For self-caterers, try Automercado – large, modern supermarket that stocks plenty of everything. It has a good selection of healthy items, including veggie burgers.
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La Esquina Argentina
This popular roadside stand sells piping-hot empanadas, smoked meats and tasty mashed potatoes. The outdoor patio is a good spot to linger over a cup of coffee.
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Atlantis Plaza
A symphony of brutal-looking steel is home to a small shopping center lined with boutiques, a bookstore, an Automercado supermarket and various eateries.
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Librería Internacional
Costa Rica’s best bookstore chain, with an excellent selection of books in English, including natural history, fiction, cooking and guidebooks.
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Cinemark
The cinema inside the Multiplaza mall has first-run movies. Wednesday admission is knocked down to ₡1300.
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Parque Valle del Sol
The golf set can swing their nine-irons at Parque Valle del Sol in nearby Santa Ana, a residential community with a public 18-hole course.
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Driftwood Books
On the northwest corner of the park, this tiny 2nd-story shop sells used English-language books and displays a collection of vintage bells.
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Merecumbé Escazú
If you want to sharpen your dance moves, sign up for classes at Merecumbé Escazú.
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