tamarindo, costa rica | february 2017
Even though we haven't been back a week yet, I am already ready to go back to Costa Rica. As I write this, I'm a little sad. Earlier this evening, I dropped the Man Friend off at the airport. He's headed to Pittsburgh this week to start working and to scope out our (soon to be!) new home turf. Since meeting, we've rarely been separated for longer than a few days, and I won't see him for almost two weeks.
So in order to keep the heavies at bay, I'm reminiscing about our recent trip to Costa Rica. We had an amazing opportunity to disconnect from work and spend a lot of quality time with each other...it was the perfect restart before our big move.
a room with a view
where to stay in tamarindo
AirBNB has come through again! Tucked away at the top of a (rather steep) hill, the apartment at Casa Colonial has one of the prettiest views I've ever seen. Though the hill was a bitch to climb (especially after our hike, OMGGGG), you can't get the beautiful views without being up. The pool was small, but refreshingly cool and the kitchenette was perfect for days we didn't want to go out to eat. Though the water pressure was a bit iffy at times, the bed was SO comfortable...perfect for a great night of sleep and post-beach afternoon siestas. The entire property is currently on the market for a cool $995,000, if you're looking to move.
where to eat in tamarindo
Though there is SO much to eat in Costa Rica. It's almost too much.
Note: Keep in mind that an actual street address is usually pretty difficult to come by in Costa Rica. Places are very old school in just being known by it's proper name and generalized location.
pangas beach club
Recommended by a friend of the host (who was housesitting for the weekend), Pangas is literally right on the beach. Get there early enough to enjoy the sunset and cool sea breezes. The Man Friend and I split the appetizer sampler, which was actually meant for 4 people, but made a great entree. We were still a little hungry after barely eating all day, so we also shared the catch of the day (mahi mahi) and a key lime tart. The service was excellent! We also enjoyed music from a live band and a fire show on the beach (no, that isn't a euphemism for something else!).
nogui's
We loved this place, so much that we ate there twice (one breakfast, one lunch)! Though it's a bit touristy (e.g. - twice the price), it's steps from the beach. The waitstaff is friendly but unobtrusive and the food is delicious. The fish is exceptionally fresh and they make the best Gallo pinto ever. If you're a coconut fan, don't miss the coconut cream pie. Instead of the overly sweetened stuff we use here, they use large slivers of coconut. It's amazing!
volcano brewing at witch's rock
The last time we were in Costa Rica, there were two local beers: Imperial and Pilsen (neither of which are spectacular). We were SO excited to see an actual brewery in Tamarindo...and the beers were actually really great! Volcano is part of the Witch's Rock "group," which includes a surf camp, hostel-style lodging, and a couple of restaurants. Try the Tropical Golden Ale (my favorite) or the Witch's Rock Pale Ale (the Man Friend's pick).
gallo fino
The Man Friend and I are huge fans of Mexican-style rotisserie chicken, so we were excited to try this place. As we were seated, a woman eating alone told us that if we ordered the barbecue plate for two, she would kill us...it was just too much food for her to eat, so she wasn't able to order it. She had watch allllll the people around her order it and she was insanely jealous.
So, we ordered it...and shared with her! She ended up sitting with us and we made a new friend. The food was absolutely AMAZING! Steak, chicken, sausage, pork ribs, tortillas, papas, and a variety of sauces didn't last long.
longboard's barbecue
Longboard's is owned by Jeff and Rebecca, friends of our hosts and a couple from the U.S. We got to meet their whole family and enjoyed spending time with them. They also own a hostel, so they were able to set up a shuttle to the airport on our return journey. While we waited, we snacked on chips, salsa, and guacamole. Being from Texas, we weren't sure what to expect. But y'all! It was quite possibly the best guacamole I've ever eaten. Stop in and say hello...you won't be sorry! The staff is friendly, the food is great, and the beer is cold.
la baula
After tiring of fish, rice, and bean, La Baula is an outdoor pizza place recommended by our host. The place was the busiest restaurant we had seen in town...and it was SO worth it. We split a prosciutto and garlic pizza at the bar and just enjoyed the people watching. Other than the fact that they chilled their cabernet (oh, the horror!), this place was great.
lola's (playa avellana)
Located 30 minutes from Tamarindo, Lola's is literally the only restaurant on the Playa Avellana beach. The service was meh, but the food (fish & chips and white pizza) was fantastic. They even have their own pig, Lola, who bathes in the surf every evening. Don't miss it!
patagonia argentinan steakhouse
The Man Friend and I opted to enjoy Valentine's dinner at Patagonia at Jeff and Rebecca's (again!) recommendation. From perfectly cooked steaks to fresh calamari, Patagonia was a perfect date night out...and, for the record, the Man Friend and I have never actually gone out to eat on Valentine's Day. Don't miss the freshly made chimichurri on your steak. It was out of this world delicious.
things to do in tamarindo
Ummmmmm, the beautiful beach! While you can take a tour, we are happy that we stayed a bit closer to our "home base" this time (minus our Rincon de la Vieja tour, which lasted all day). There's plenty to do in Tamarindo, from surfing to lazing around on the beach. We definitely recommend the drive to Playa Avellana, as the beach is so much more beautiful. For a small fee, you can also choose to sip on cocktails and snooze on a beach chair at the Langosta Beach Club.
Pura vida!
