Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [290]
Rioasis (Map; cnr Calle Cocal & Av Pastor Díaz; pizzas ₡4500-8000) There’s pizza, and then there’s pizza – this much loved pizzeria definitely falls into the latter category, especially considering that there are more than 30 different kinds of pies on the menu. Of course, considering that each one emerges from an authentic wood-fired oven, and is topped with gourmet ingredients from both Costa Rica and abroad, you really can’t go wrong here.
Calinche’s Wishbone Eatery (Map; Av Pastor Díaz, south of Calle Bohío; meals ₡4500-9000) Overseen by the charming Calinche, this is the most famous restaurant in town, and has been so for years and years. The eclectic menu includes pizzas, pitas, stuffed potatoes, pan-seared sea bass and tuna-sashimi salads, though its justifiable fame comes from the fact that everything is quite simply fresh, delicious and good value.
El Hicaco (Map; 2643-3226; Calle Hicaco; mains ₡5000-10,000) It’s hard not to be impressed by the innovative offerings at this oceanside spot brimming with casual elegance, generally regarded as one of the finer dining experiences in Jacó. Although the menu is entirely dependent on seasonal offerings, both from the land and the sea, the specialty of the house is seafood, prepared with a variety of special sauces highlighted by Costa Rica’s tropical produce.
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Hotel Poseidon Restaurant (Map; 2643-1642; Calle Bohío; meals ₡10,000-14,000) This is one of the most sophisticated restaurants in town, and the specialty here is fresh seafood served up with Asian flare. Sauces are inventive, the staff professional and the atmosphere upscale yet relaxing. A good bet for top-quality food and refined European-style dining that consistently receives good marks from travelers.
Pacific Bistro (Map; Av Pastor Díaz, south of Calle Las Palmeras; meals ₡10,000-16,000) This deservedly popular place is run by a gourmet chef from California who specializes in Pan-Asian–style fusion dishes. Whether you’re partial to Indonesian-style noodles and fiery Thai curries, or more refined Japanese soba and fish fillets topped with exotic Chinese sauces, one thing is for certain: this gem of a restaurant really hits the spot, especially if you’ve been craving fine Asian cuisine.
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Drinking & Entertainment
Jacó may not be the cultural capital of Costa Rica, but it’s without a doubt a great place to get hammered and party the night away. There are numerous raging bars and dance clubs that cater to good times–seeking expats and travelers, but be advised that a good portion of the nightlife in Jacó revolves around prostitution (see Dangers & Annoyances). Gentlemen’s clubs have sprung up all over town, so be sure to survey both the premises and the clientele before walking into a dodgy scene. Still, if you can find the right group of people (and stay away from the wrong group of people!), a night out in Jacó is – more often than not – a fun time for all!
Le Loft (Map; Av Pastor Díaz) A highly touted addition to Jacó’s nightlife offering, the Loft aims to balance out the mix of beach clubs and girly bars with some much needed urban sophistication. Live DJs spin essential mixes while glam-aspiring customers do their best to look beautiful and act fabulous.
Tabacon (Map; Av Pastor Díaz) Definitely one of the more modest night spots in town, Tabacon is a casually elegant lounge that occasionally hosts live music. The mature crowd passes the night away with carefully measured doses of hard liquor, while younger hotheads can let off a bit of steam at the pool tables and foosball.
Clarita’s Beach Hotel and Sports Bar and Grill (Map; western end of Blvr) Part hotel and part watering hole, this sports bar sets the table with ample pub grub, and quenches the thirst with copious draft beer. Sports fans will appreciate being able to catch the game on the big screen, not to mention the cheerleader-esque bartenders and wait staff.
Jungle (Map; Av Pastor Díaz) The 2nd-story terrace gives you a good vantage point for sizing up your prey, which is a good thing as this place