Costa Rica knows its stimulants. The first Central American country to commercially export coffee, in 1820 they sent some beans south to their neighbors in Panama. An economic stimulant was born. They’ve never looked back. Costa Rican coffee is well known for their production of higher grade varieties as well as growing beans that are highly caffeinated.
Costa Ricans enjoy their coffee, if they can afford a cup. The North American average strength coffee clocks in at about $3 a cup. A daily cup of java would cost almost twenty percent of the average worker’s salary of $500 a month. Local ticos drink a much more diluted version with their typico breakfasts. Coffee shops here are frequented by the tourist, expat, or slightly more affluent ticos.
So in what fashion will I informally review these coffee shops? I’m so happy you asked. It’s always early when I grab my first coffee, so I keep it simple. I based my extensive daily research on the following criteria: 1. The quality of what’s in the cup. 2. What supporting nibblies can accompany what’s in my cup. 3. How the place makes me feel while I enjoy what’s in my cup and beside my cup.
Coffee Beach is a Micro Coffee Roaster in the heart of Jaco. They make a great cup of coffee hot or cold. We found their coffee smoothie to be particularly addictive in this warm climate. It’s hit or miss what you might have to nibble with your coffee. The brownie was extremely moist and chocolately. The atmosphere is functional rather than cozy, but it’s a convenient place in town to recaffeinate whenever the need arises. At the back of the store are shelves of their three premium roasts in different strengths–great gifts for the coffee lovers you left behind.
El Cafetal at Crocs is our favorite daily coffee shop in Jaco. It rates at the top of every category. The wifi is fast, food delicious, chairs comfy. The baristas are friendly and are used to creating a familiar cup of North American style, if you need a taste of home. They open at 5, which gives them the early riser nod of approval. Everything here is fresh and delicious, from the fruit smoothies and Oreo cheesecake, to the smoked salmon and avacado paninis.
We love the coffee shop, bakery combo, which is common in Costa Rica. In Jaco one of our favorites is the the French inspired Panaderia Artisanal. You can have a chocolate croissant with your coffee, and relax in their colorful chairs. Grab a warm baguette and the fresh catch of the day in the fish store next door, and you have the makings of a yummy dinner. But don’t try to order in French, because it won’t get you very far.
The brightly lettered homemade signs will start to entice you from either end of Lake Arenal. Tom’s Pan German bakery and cafe is strategically located halfway around this spectacular lake, a welcome break from the twisty roads. The open air cafe comes complete with strong coffee, fresh German pastries, and a few cats to keep you company. The person behind the counter wasn’t eager to give much pastry clarification, just eager for a quick decision. The coffee had more an over-roasted after taste that I don’t care for, but Paul enjoys a bolder flavor, and declared his cup sehr gut. Having come from a family of German bakers, the pastries stayed true to the tradition of filling your belly, even I prefer a bit more chocolate and flakiness in my chocolate croissant. The cats were a unique presence with this mini Deutschland experience, as well as the instructions on the walls not to feed them. Somehow the whole experience was extremely German and I enjoyed it immensely.
The best coffee shop we found on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, was a gem tucked in a back street of the small beach town of Puerto Viejo. Earning the coveted early morning-riser star of approval, this cafe also scored at the top of all three categories. At Cafe Rico the walls are books, the mugs are hand painted, the coffee is super smooth, the comfort food was delish, the owner and his Mastiffs, welcoming. It delivers on its self proclaimed Damn Good Coffee with the most flavorful cup on the tico Caribbean coast. Whether you’re heading out to surf or taking refuge from a lengthy downpour, once you’re curled up at Cafe Rico with a book and a hot mug, you won’t want to leave.
Cafe Del Mar in Jaco another neighborhood cafe that prides itself in some of the best fresh ground coffee in town. Efforts not made in the overall atmosphere is made up for in the best banana bread we’ve ever had anywhere. It’s warm, has the perfect raw sugar to banana ration, and melts in your mouth. Go here, drink great coffee, eat banana bread, be transported to heaven. Period.
The Coffee Shop in Jaco is tucked slightly of the main street with bright orange and blue chairs. Once you know where it is, you’ll return often like the regulars. This bright and clean cafe is run by a friendly Canadian woman who has lived in Costa Rica since the seventies. The coffee here, amazing, and ready at 7am. You can pick up a bag right in her store or at the local grocery. All of her bread and baked goods are made from scratch and the butter is real. Delicious from beginning to end.
Dominical is a small town on the Pacific coast. But not too small to have one of the best coffee shops in Costa Rica. After an unfortunate roach in the girl’s bed incident, we found ourselves unable to go back to sleep and were wandering around the streets of Dominical in the wee hours of the morning. Patron’s state they open at 5am and they aren’t kidding. We also had delicious banana bread (with real butter!) to go with our coffee, and had the quaint little place to ourselves.
I wanted to include a coffee shop that caters almost entirely to tico clientele, and I found one. The sidewalk cafe Momentos has a dedicated following. While the tico style of coffee has more water and less coffee essence than its North American cousin, you don’t hear any complaints from people who prefer their coffee this way. I’ve never seen anyone sitting at the two tables on the sidewalk, there is a steady stream of people getting to go orders. The reason this is a must cafe is the huge variety of tico pasteries you will find in one spot. One could coffee at this cafe daily for a month and could discover a new Costa Rican pastry treasure daily.
Not everyone can balance on a swing before their first coffee. But at the TacoBar that’s always an option. Open at 7 am, they’re committed to serving up coffee the way you like it. A regular black coffee with warm milk on the side had a full bodied rich flavor. They also have a daily $3 breakfast special to go with your coffee. The day we went it was french toast and fruit. Well worth the seeking out the swing and coffee experience.
There is great coffee to be found in Costa Rica. Enjoy the variety of ways to drink it, and unexpected places you’ll find an excellent cup.