San José Restaurants

Churrería Manolo’s

#159 of 159 things to do in San José

#2 of 2 bakery restaurants in San José

3 reviews | Write a review

Not good for: atmosphere, food

  • Address
    • Av Central btwn Calles Central & 2
  • Phone
    • tel, info: 222 2234
  • Price
    • churros ₡200-275, mains ₡2400-3500, casados ₡2420
  • Hours
    • 7am-10pm

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Lonely Planet review for Churrería Manolo’s

This San José institution is famous for its cream-filled churros (doughnut tubes), which draw crowds of josefinos in search of a quick sugar rush. Here’s a tip – churros are the freshest around 5pm when hungry office workers beeline here straight from work. Otherwise, this is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch (though the food and service are uninspired). There is another premises on Av Central btwn Calles 9 & 11.

 

Traveller reviews for Churrería Manolo’s (3)

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    Closed today by the ministry of health in Costa Rica.

    expatcostarica does not recommend this,

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    A total of 47 health violation, including dead insects in the refrigerators and total lack of sanitary procedures in the kitchen.

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    Not the best restaurant in town.

    beralc does not recommend this,

    This restaurant is located in the heart of San Jose. In spite of its popularity among tourists, its food isn't great quality. Their churros are not the best, to say the least, and all you will find there are loud tourists and old expats. Moreover, that part of town isn't the safest nowadays, as pick pockets and petty thieves know that plenty of foreigners go there. If you want proper Costa Rican food I bet there are better places to go that would not only serve better food and provide a more typical seeting, but also be located in a safer place away from all the panhandlers that will certainly ruin your stay there.
    If you want proper Costa Rican food, I recommend you go to one of the Sodas in town. They serve "Casados" (Rice, beans, chicken, beef or pork, salad and a juice), Olla de Carne (Meat and vegetable soup), Gallo Pinto, etc.

    Not good for: atmosphere, food

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    Just for tourists

    jrgomez does not recommend this,

    I must say that I used to enjoy long walks in San Jose’s downtown streets, but in the recent years, I have a growing feeling of insecurity. This restaurant gets its profit because its location…. In the central avenue (that is a pedestrian way only), you can find many different food options, but just a few are really typical Costa Rican food.

    This Spanish like restaurant with a basic menu and high prices. The sandwiches are not bad, but neither excellent. The “churros” are ok (but is difficult to damage a churro). If you go there, I recommend to you to enjoy a cup of local coffee.

    You’ll never see locals seating there, only sunburned tourists, watching to the street and joking, talking and laughing loud. It's a great point of encounter though, everybody knows where it is.

    Not good for: atmosphere, food

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