Café Colombia

I spent about five months traveling across Costa Rica, exploring the country from coast to coast. During that time I fell in love with simple, traditional dishes like gallo pinto and especially casado — rice and beans with chicken, a piece of plátano, and a small salad. It’s simple food, but when it’s done right it’s always delicious and full of energy, as locals say: “mucho energía.” After a long trip from Limón, and on my last evening in Costa Rica before flying home, I wanted to have one final, memorable casado as a farewell to the country. I almost never write reviews, and I very rarely write negative ones, but unfortunately this experience was simply disappointing. What we received did not resemble a proper casado at all. It looked and tasted like a cheap ready-made supermarket meal. The rice was dry and completely without flavor, the broccoli and cauliflower seemed old, the beans were a bland mush, and the chicken was cold with a strange plastic-like taste. I don’t want to be rude or exaggerate, but it honestly felt sad — especially because the dish was described differently on the menu. There was no plátano and no salad, which are basic elements of a traditional casado. To make matters worse, the food was simply reheated in a microwave in front of us. After experiencing so many amazing casados across Costa Rica during my travels, this one unfortunately felt like a tasteless cafeteria meal rather than the comforting, traditional dish I was hoping for on my last night. Sadly, I cannot recommend this place.

Very delicious coffee and pastry. The waitress is wonderful: She speaks fluent English (which she learned from Marvel movies) and has such a positive vibe! 😄🇨🇷

Stopped for a cafecito and something to nibble, great service