Street art, a lively nightlife, and delicious cuisine characterize one of the busiest areas of the capital, barrio La California, or “La Cali”, as it is popularly known.
This epicenter of entertainment draws in not only nationals who seek to have fun and eat delicious meals, but it’s also very popular with foreigners who want to have fun and learn a little more about Costa Rican culture and entertainment.
Most of the fast food restaurants, bars, and nightclubs of La Cali are located in the 21st street of the Carmen district of San José, which function as the main source of income in the area.
Currently, the Association of neighbors and businessmen of the neighborhood of La California together with the municipality of San José, work on a renovation project that aims to bring greater security for its visitors and better organization to the place. More and better lighting as well as the creation of a small boulevard in front of the old spring pump are part of the improvements.
The area also has key points such as the Atlantic Railway Station, the Magaly Cinema, and the old La Primavera gas station.
La Ventanita Meraki, was born with the idea of offering fast food of high quality, inspired by the best recipes worldwide but with a Costa Rican essence; hence its slogan “Costa Rica street food and fusion cuisine”.
They offer a wide variety of dishes including “The Legend of the Great Bill”, a hamburger with beef cake, artisan pretzel bread, palmito cheese, pickles, and barbecue sauce.
There is also “La Donut”, a hamburger made with donuts as a substitute for bread that seeks to offer an original and different alternative. In addition, they have vegan dishes for those who do not eat meat such as Portobello Hamburger or Coconut Bean.
Open hours: From Tuesday to Thursday from 12m to 12mn/ Friday and Saturday from 12 md to 2am. / Sunday from 12m to 8pm.
Follow them on Facebook: La Ventanita Meraki
Another favorite place is Oktober La Cali, a pub & bar inspired by the Oktoberfest, the German celebration that has spread all over the world. This place brings together good music with an excellent atmosphere to enjoy varied cuisine at a very affordable price in which they offer from executive lunches à la carte, to “Street food”.
One of its flagship dishes is the Oktober burger, prepared with an artisan bread made exclusively with beef and pork, bacon, caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, pickles, tomato and American lettuce, which is accompanied with delicious potatoes fried in spiral.
They also offer vegetarian options such as salads and pitas for those who do not eat meat or want a healthier menu. Other popular dishes are the Bratwurst German sausages with chipotle sauce and cheddar cheese, the choripán, the parrillada to share, as well as the famous patatas bravas.
Open hours: Monday to Sunday from 11am to 2am
Follow them on Facebook: Oktober La Cali
With a trend concept, Mercado La California, or “el Mercadito”, as it is best known, offers a wide range of options that combine delicious dishes with different types of drinks for all tastes.
The place is characterized by its nightlife, and has a series of kiosks among which you can find a taco station, a pizza place and the “Smoke House” in which delicious hamburgers and sandwiches are prepared.
Some of customers’ favorite alternatives are the “Concha” and “Korean” tacos, both with carne al pastor. For the most traditional dishes, there is the “Cacerito” taco, prepared with roasted meat and cheddar cheese.
Pizza lovers have to try the Tifosi, prepared with tomato, bacon and basil, or the classic ham and mushrooms.
Hours of operation: Thursday through Saturday from 6pm to 5am / Sundays from 6pm to 1am
Follow them on Facebook: Mercado La California