The 21 best bars and drinks in La Fortuna de San Carlos

Excellent restaurant! We made a reservation for 5:30pm which was perfect because we got to step out and see the sunset at 6pm (see photo below with a clear view of the volcano)! The drinks were delicious! We ordered the Moroccan Salad (fantastic, flavorful, perfect portion for sharing between two people), the kabocha squash risotto with shrimp (tasty, a little too heavy for my liking but the flavors were solid! Too much food for one person), and the mushroom lasagna with squash (excellent choice for a vegetarian, flavorful, well constructed - didn’t fall apart, filling). Quite pricey for what you get but if you’re willing to spend a little extra, it’s a good experience!

Had an amazing birthday dinner here. We ordered the tasting menu, the staff provided phenomenal service and every dish wowed us! So much flavor in every bite. I had the standard wine pairing and it was 100% the right choice. The staff truly made our time here exceptional. Come see for yourself!

10 stars out of 5! The mushroom lasagna was absolutely delicious, unlike anything I’ve ever tried before. The fresh local beer was great, and the octopus was perfectly served and beautifully balanced with rich flavor. The banana dessert was incredibly fresh. This place should definitely be on Michelin’s list. I only wish they delivered to NYC!

The best way to celebrate my 40th birthday dinner! Delicious food and wonderful service. The fried shrimp furikake, the tenderloin & and the Almond Financier were the highlights of this dinner - simply amazing. Best restaurant so far in Costa Rica. Thank you to the staff for a wonderful evening. Special thanks to Raul, Jose and the lovely lady bartender (didn't catch her name)! 🥳🤙🏼

DELICIOUS. everyone was so kind. Service was great. We loved our food! Got grandmas chicken and the pesto pasta and shared it. Also had the short rib app which was amazing.

Very good service, nice food options and very delicious. Came here for a birthday dinner, we had a great time, we had very tasty food and enjoyed our visit. Prices are on the higher side but worth it. Large options of wines as well! On street parking!

My husband and I both agree that we had the best meals during our week long stay in La Fortuna at Don Rufino! We were absolutely floored that we both ate for under $30 USD and had some left overs as well. The atmosphere and service was equally amazing. Some menu options are more expensive, but don’t worry if you don’t want to spend much because the lower price options blew our socks off. I had the Grilled beef sirloin, and he had the Costa Rican Casado from the lunch menu shown. 1000% recommended, we will go back on our return trip later this year

What a vibe. The people are so lovely, the decor feels fun and there is also a local kitty. There are a couple craft beers from a microbrewery to try. And you should! They are excellent . I enjoyed the wild cat ipa. The caprese chicken sandwich was great and came with some delicious fresh cut fries. Diego is a fantastic host the other servers were good too

Great food and drinks. Had the chicken sandwich and a shake. Enjoyed it!

We were staying across the street at the Paradise Hotel Springs and Lava came up as a dinner option. Why there aren’t more reviews on this place is a mystery to me. The atmosphere at night is amazing. The views of the Volcano during the day spectacular. The food and service was excellent. We all had the filet with portobello mushrooms and potatoes. The presentation was very nice and the taste of the steak was excellent. While the cut was a filet it was not a filet mignon as I had anticipated the steak was by no means tough. I would go back in a heartbeat. There were several other menu items that I would like to try.

Heard lots about lava lounge never been, was a but disappointed in visit. There was a group of 4 we stayed there was 2 on staff only 1 other table . It was about 15 min I finally went to bar to get our drinks.. no one came after to ask us if we wanted more drinks we sat for about 30 minutes ..

This place is yummy, fun, and in the heart of the city. Food is packed with flavor. I ordered wings. They were huge. We don’t get wings of that size back home. The wings had great flavor and a nice kick but not powering spice. We also got the nachos. Super good and super in size. For drinks I had a pina colada and pineapple smoothie. They did not disappoint. Atmosphere was cool and hip. Great spot in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Lastly I love that there was this cute little cat roaming around

Located on high streets of La Fortuna. Great atmosphere with live music. Plenty of options of drinks and cocktails, however the food was disappointing. Pet friendly place and also stray cats and dogs were around. However disappointing was that while paying the bill there was too many surcharges and then they said their card machine isn’t working and to pay cash. We didn’t have that much cash, so they accepted whatever cash we had (100$) and remaining on card, as suddenly their machine started working. Artists are average but the whole ambience is nice. I would just go for drinks and avoid food!

Come for the food, stay for the dog! Great vibe and a little visitor if you need help finishing your plate.

We’ve had some duds foodwise on our vacation but this place is awesome. Top three meals of our trip. Burgers are awesome as are the chicharrones. Atmosphere is fantastic and you can’t beat the drinks. Would highly recommend!!!

We ate lunch here and had a great experience. Food was satisfactory and the service was helpful and kind. A great spot for lunch or tapas.

We came here for dinner and were not disappointed. We shared nachos and had cocktails for happy hour. Nachos were big and delicious. The drinks were even better. Really good Guaro Sours and mojitos.

Michael is super knowledgeable about his craft beer around the world! Have great local Costa Rica beers. Very friendly and had some great recommendations:)

Google may have to add a 6 stars button just for this place.. The Mojitos were the best we’ve ever had, the atmosphere was so welcoming, the food was incredible - highly recommend the pork belly, and Maikol -the owner and his staff treated us so well…. One of the highlights our trip! We’ll be back every time we’re in CR! Pura Vida!

Went here twice. Got Patacones and Tamarind margaritas and Maracuya craft beer (bottle poured in frosted mug). Beautiful singer with live music. stars. Second time... watery margarita and super salty sliders- could not eat. Fun and terrible karaoke 2nd night lol; also but part of the scene. 3 stars overall. Fun place but inconsistent. Has solid potential but needs some quality control. Some decent draft beers on tap.

We stopped here every night of our stay and loved it! Whether a quick cocktail, or a late night snack, the service was amazing, drinks delish and vibe was perfect!

This place had a fun atmosphere, nice workers and excellent choices. We had a group of 12 and ate at all 4 places. The pizza was fantastic. Definitely go there, but the Sushi lovers said the sushi was also great and people went back for more tacos. The burgers were good size, had some fun options and were loved. Plus the ice cream and churros at the end were great. You can't go wrong.

My friends and I ate here before our Sloth Tour at Bogarín. We had amazing food and cocktails here. We all went to the burger restaurant and I had El Guapo which was like a combination of birria and grilled cheese, I loved it.

Got a few different things… quesadilla, sushi, matcha, and pizza! Everything was delicious!!! Highly recommend stopping by here to grab a bite!

I had a wonderful experience at the food hall. The wide range of options was impressive. We visited the pizza place, enjoyed some cocktails, and savored the burgers. It definitely lived up to our expectations, and I regret not having more time to dine here repeatedly.

Nice concept for multiple options. However, it is expensive. It is on the side of the main road through La Fortuna. It is almost twice as much as some other food locations. We came from Hotel Los Lagos and pizza was half the price that it is here.

This was the perfect stop, while traveling around Arenal. With 10 adults, all with different eating restrictions. Everyone found something they liked. From burgers, tacos, pizza to sushi and more, the selection and prices vary and there are even daily specials.

Really enjoyed this experience! It's just as it says, a marketplace where you can go up to he different stands and order whatever you want. It's very casual and it has free wifi. All of the food options looked great so it was hard to decide what to order. The taco truck was definitely worth it. I got the mixed tacos. The carne asada tacos and birria tacos were amazing. My friend got the burrito and it good and filling. From the burger/sandwich station, my other friends got the paninis that came with potato wedges which were perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. We ordered drinks as well. While they weren't as fancy as pictured, they tasted good. There's also free wifi which is w nice bonus. A staff member comes around to share the info. Would definitely recommend for a large group who has different preferences and has trouble deciding what to order but also the food here is great!

The barman was friendly and professional, and I enjoyed three cocktails, though the Cocojito felt a bit bland and watered down—maybe just a matter of taste. The glassware and presentation were great, but the modern food court setting disrupts the ambiance. The bar needs a more fitting atmosphere to match the quality of the drinks. As it stands, it feels incomplete.

Very good cocktails, looks amazing and the taste is very balanced. Me and my wife really enjoyed there.

One of worst drinks we have ever had! The drinks don't even look that good for posting them. I would have preferred them just give me water. Even after we told them it was bad and they tried to fix it, somehow they made it even worse. Good price though and an easy to order menu.

Fancy cocktails with a show! The bartenders put on a show for us while crafting some really fun, tasty cocktails. We had a great time watching them work their magic. I love chiliguaro and was delighted to see that they have a deal on it...10 shots for $20, and it comes in a cool little glass skull and shot glasses to share with your friends. I typically go to the Caribbean side where chiliguaro is always $2/shot. For some reason, it is $4-$6/shot in La Fortuna. So, if you love chiliguaro this is a good place to get it at a "discount." It was delicious! I got the Santeria as my drink. It was fantastic! My friend got the Cocolito which was nice and refreshing. I don't remember what the others in our group ordered, but everyone enjoyed their drinks. The bartenders were delightful as well. We will definitely be back in the future.

Felt a bit pricey given the location but worth it after all - service was excellent and our drinks top quality. The server, whose name I didn’t get, was super helpful in guiding us through choosing a drink that would fit our taste. Also, the cocktails they sell are their own recipe, so you wouldn’t get them elsewhere.

My new favorite cocktail place ever!! So delicious and fun! We came back multiple times because we loved it so much. The bartender gave us personalized recommendations based on what we said we like, and they were spot on every time. The bartenders are super knowledgeable and also entertaining while making drinks!! Highly recommend!!

I travel all over the world and really appreciate an amazing cocktail. Amazing ones are rare and really hard to find. This one however is right on a main strip tucked away in a market kind of setting. These bartenders are incredibly skilled and the cocktails not only on the menu are amazing but off menu are also incredible. We went here every night we could while we were in La fortuna. It's an incredible experience, extremely unique cocktail's and bartenders who clearly have a lot of passion for cocktails. I couldn't recommend this place more and if you go here please don't just get a beer. Explore something new, enjoy.

Came here with the family to watch a UFC pay-per-view fight and we’re so glad we did! We’ve tried a few other spots along this strip, but nothing compares to the vibe and atmosphere here. The seafood soup is a must-try, and their margaritas hit the spot. Super clean, family-friendly, live music, and best of all—plenty of TVs downstairs so you won’t miss a moment of the action!

Best pulled pork taco I have ever had! We stopped in for dinner our first night there because they were the busiest place we saw and we ended up eating there again the next day because the food was so good. Staff was super friendly and spoke good English. Taco Tuesday is $2.00 mix and match tacos so you can try all the tacos!

If you're looking to get banged up on booze, this is the perfect place for you. If you're looking for a quality meal, go elsewhere. For starters, we got the guacamole (really just smashed avocado), elote, chicken tacos, and a tamarindo margarita. The best thing here was the tacos which were average. The elote was pretty bad, the corn was really hard and felt like it wasn't even cooked. Overall, it just felt like a bar to attract tourist, and nothing more.

Sometimes a burritos is all you need after a good hike, and an ice cold beer. Small joint, friendly, priced like all the others… but good $$

Friendly staff and delicious food! Enjoyed the Chicken tacos and guacamole & chips (crisps).

We really enjoyed our margaritas and chips & guac here while we were bar/restaurant hopping on a rainy afternoon. We also met the owner Danny and he was incredibly welcoming!

Fun atmosphere with lively music, great service and affordable prices. The frozen passionfruit drink is a must have!! (Just add a shot of rum…) 😊

Great food that was unique and delicious. Great service and friendly staff. David was our waiter and made the experience great! We ordered steak, ribs, chicken, and burgers… and all were amazing.

The atmosphere, food and service was amazing. Henry and Nela was very kind and accommodating. Absolutely love this place. Mucho Bueno!

10/10 The food was amazing The staff every single one was amazing and friendly The atmosphere feels a place you can have a good vibes plus is really close to La Fortuna Park

David made fantastic coffee and cocktails. Food was delicious and service was great. Would definitely come back

I would like to start with a positive review : The restaurant is located in the center of the town. One thing I would like to mention that the manager of the cafe told us that service fee is not considered tips. However based on our research and when we asked other places service fee is considered tips. Plus taxes . So don’t be fooled ! The place is not designed to have guest during the rainy season. It was pouring and we had to move the table several times. Eventually we moved to another table( still had few drops here and there). We were excited about the food but that disappointed us as well. There were limited choices of dishes. one dish carpaccio that was good the rest of the food was very dry( meat), ceviche ( watery), drinks were very expensive( the quality and service doesn’t align). And we paid around $150 for the table of 4 with only 1 main dish and 3 appetizers. I don’t recommend to go there unless you don’t have any other choices. But there are multiple choices. We went to another place and were much surprised by the quality, prices, attitude: I would highly recommend to visit Cafe Rest Raul Costano Fortuna. There is a nice view, wonderful food, and police staff.

Food was good, but not great. When you think about grilling you think about the kiss of fire that the grill gives to the meat, and here that was missing. Felt like they punched the meat and then served it. Service was good!! The cocktails were a little toned down. Whenever you see certain ingredients in the cocktail description you expect that flavour to be very present. It was not the case. The price point for the items here was not low, so it just feels like the food was not matching that point.

Maria Bonita has amazing food, fantastic drinks and great service! Daniel was our server, and he had great recommendations. If you come from US and want steak, you will be disappointed. I had the Buffalo Tenderloin, and it was cooked to perfection.

Okay where to begin. The food was very good. All of it. Steak perfect. Shrimp tasty. Chicken juicy. Sausages great. Veggies just right. The presentation with the grill on our table... A must. It said for two people but we had a lot of leftovers and we ate a lot. Here's one thing I don't recommend... Don't get a coffee there. They use a machine making instant coffee and c'mon people we all know that's such low quality like the instant coffee you find in your workplace and they were charging way too much. I saw waiters over at that machine all night swiping and pushing buttons then patrons so happy to get their coffee not knowing its source. This place prides itself as a high quality steakhouse. Please get rid of that machine or hide it from our view. Beyond that - all prices very reasonable and food quality high. The best dinner we had during our trip. And like others mentioned, get there before 6pm for a table otherwise reservations required. We watched people getting turned away all night. The dining room is small. They take credit card and apple pay.

This place absolutely deserves a 5 star!! We visited first time, ordered a tuna ceviche/tartare and shared a 400g ribeye steak (cost ~17,300 colones) It comes with 3 complimentary sides and 1 sauce, lots to choose from. Had our steak medium rare like how we always do, and it was the best darn steak we had. It was soft, not chewy, and it just melts. Sooooo good. We had mushroom sauce and got an extra capers sauce, both were excellent! Mash potatoes were good too! The meal was so good that we went back again for dinner the next night and it did not fail us. 😋😋 now we're thinking if we should return for thr 3rd night in a row. Haha, but anyway, if anyone is visiting la fortuna and wants a good steak, this is your go to place 👍👍👍

What a great experience! We walked in around 5pm without a reservation, but we were quickly accommodated. The servers were really patient and let us practice our Spanish, even though they all speak English. The food was excellent and reasonably priced for a very touristy town. I’m so glad we found it and wish them continued success!

Travesía Restaurant is a must-visit if you’re looking for authentic flavor, great service, and a lively atmosphere. The food was outstanding — perfectly grilled meats, fresh salads, and sides that were full of flavor. Everything tasted homemade and high-quality, and the portions were generous (great for sharing). The service was excellent — friendly, attentive, and fast even though the restaurant was busy. The staff made great recommendations, and everything came out fresh and hot. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, with a true local charm that makes the dining experience even more memorable. It’s the perfect place for a family dinner, date night, or group outing. 📍 If you’re in the area and searching for the best steakhouse, authentic Latin food, or a top restaurant for groups, Travesía is the spot. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!

YOU HAVE TO EAT HERE. We got the seafood grill and the mixed grill (enough food for 4-5ish people). The meat was cooked to perfection. The melted butter was divine. The shrimp was excellent, and of course you have to get the plantain chips. We recommend the “dirty monkey” for a drink option. Servers were super attentive too.

We got a Mixed Grill platter. The food was delicious, perhaps a bit too much for 2 people (we weren't able to finish all the potatoes...) The variety on the mixed grill platter was very pleasant but a part of the steak had just a bit too much fat cap. Chimichurri was absolutely delicious and totally made up for any fatty steak. Despite not speaking perfect English, the team made us feel incredibly welcome.

This is hands down the beat meal we have had in Costa Rica! The fish and steak were some of the best food I have ever eaten! It was recommended by a local and I am so happy we took her recommendation. Go!!!

We went here, because our first attempt at Lunch had ended in front of a closed restaurant. It doesn't look like much at first sight , but we were very positively surprised. Super friendly service, great smoothies and the food was delicious with plenty of options for vegetarians. The wrap was great, the vegetable fettuccine with pesto were yummy and the mushroom ceviche an interesting option that I hadn't seen anywhere before. The Costa Rican Pacifica Premium Lager was also excellent and a first time I've seen it on a menu during our (so far) 10 day trip. You can even see the volcano dominating the view through the windows. All in all I definitely recommend this place.

This was so much fun in here. Staff were great, had such a laugh with them 😄 we left, had something to eat, then went back there with some friends and had some cocktails 🍸 Very resonable, price wise, two cocktails on the happy hour. So much fun was had, then an Uber back to the hotel, highly recommended 👌

I literally love this place. I have already come back twice and am going to keep coming back. I just got the chicken with vegetables and passion fruit juice and it was DELICIOUS. Simple but so well seasoned, and was one of the best meals I’ve had so far. Really nice and warm inviting servers. Try it you won’t regret it

Excellent view of the volcano from the balcony. Our waiter Freddy was funny and attentive. Drinks were excellent.

I spent a week in Costa Rica traveling and this was one of the best places I ate. The food was well seasoned with large portions, the service was great and super hospitable, and the vibe inside was super warm and fun!!

Fantastic restaurant! Had the veg burrito and it was delicious and filling. The servers are very kind and speak great English. Emilio was very attentive and took great care of us! This place is a must!

We were so lucky to choose Balcón Arenal on our first night in La Fortuna. The owners are twin brothers, and one is also an adventure tour guide. The staff was incredibly warm and attentive. Jason, our server, brought us two delicious Guaro Sours. Then we ordered a whole tilapia with Caribbean beans and rice, plantains, and salad. 🍽️ It was THE BEST fish we had eaten in our lives (no exaggerating). 👍👍👍👍👍 The chef, Jasmin, should win an award for this meal. It's the kind of thing Anthony Bourdain could have featured on his show (rest in peace). This place is only two months old, under new ownership. I imagine once people discover how good it is, there will be a line out the door. Thank you for a wonderful meal and such fantastic service!

everything was incredible! service by Allan - off the charts - he took the time to teach us a bit of conversational spanish. the food was literally amazing. the atmosphere, the surroundings… must see to believe. make your way to la fortuna for a really special experience

Great spot to have a drink!! Good prices, nice music and big outdoors place.

This placed was recommended by a local guy. I got there around 8pm ( way too early for what I was looking for). The place looks nice, the lighting was good, however the food was not very tasty. The drinks were okay. I went on a Friday and the music was not itt. Left after 1 hour and still hungry because I couldn’t eat the food. I got the Patacones and they were hard and like reheated. The girls were a little dry ( except for one which was her first day) and kept asking if everything was okay wayy too often which became a little uncomfortable. Maybe it was just a bad timing but didn’t really like it that much.

Nice atmosphere.. good service..

Great place to chill out with friends. Chicha is an original recipe only found in this bar. Quite environment, nice music and you can find a mixed of ticos and tourists. Veggies allowed and tipycal snacks as well.

The best party place at the village!

Went here last night and the food was amazing! Drinks and atmosphere were great too.

Sports bar with music, Karoake, food, beers. Very western feel. Food was average. We went there for the cheap prices but it was normal. Cool area to check out. Small town where locals go

The food was super good, despite getting the wrong order. There were only a few people at the bar, but they were singing karaoke and the atmosphere was really fun and authentic. I'd come back!

Farmers place, don't expect much. Lots of supicious gents walking the parking lot. Disco is an interesting place where the majority is standing instead of dancing. Music was good.

Cheapest beer in town! Everyone will say Costa Rica is expensive, which is true for the most part. One has to find the tourist free areas that offer a great deal, this is one of them.

Loud and packed place for the Ticos after their work. You will find you bartneders and cooks from other Local Restuarants and Bars here after hours. Gets wild and crazy, of course

A nice place to party with friends. Mostly to drink and dance. However, if you are looking for a place to eat and chill you have better options

Popular local bar, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Good music, inexpensive drinks, US friendly, popular with locals and tourists looking for fun and action.

Location is great and shared spaces such as the terrace are good. Although the rooms are very basic. For one night it is fine.

We are staying at Las Colinas Hotel, and unfortunately, our experience has been far from pleasant. Upon arrival, we discovered that our room faces a busy street, resulting in constant noise that disturbs us both day and night. The single-pane windows provide no sound insulation, making it possible not only to hear traffic outside but also conversations of passersby, which significantly reduces both our privacy and comfort. Another major issue is the beds— the mattresses are so worn out that you can feel every metal spring, making a restful sleep nearly impossible. As for the bathroom, it does not even meet basic standards, but I’d rather not go into details. When we tried to address these problems and requested a room change, the staff showed no willingness to help, and our request was dismissed with what felt like mockery. Overall, our stay here has been a huge disappointment, and I would not recommend this so-called hotel to anyone. We will definitely never return.

Downstairs room with no window and no ventilation even in bathroom. Bed cover has dirt or something on it and needs washing. It is not a blanket or bed spread. Room and AC smells of mold/mildew. There is water stansing behind the toilet. Had to turn off air after we returned from dinner it smelled that bad. Nothing dries...towels, swim suit..nothing. I already have a sore throat and we have 2 more nights here. :( Staff are really friendly and food in the attached restaurant has been good. I would not stay here ever again. I submitted complaint to G Adventures and to my travel agent.

The staff are very friendly and helpful, they helped us plan some of the attractions. The location of the hotel is right in the center of town so you are close to everything you need. Overall, great value for money.

We booked as a group. One room they gave us was pathetic with very bad odor only upon strong confrontation they changed our room. All the while saying they sold out.. couple of rooms had water logging issues. Hot water cannot be called hot water. Very thin walls making the rooms on ground floors uncomfortable while at night. Staff are friendly but management needs to understand the needs and should cater towards that.

Great value. Not super fancy but very clean, wonderful location, great breakfast, potable water, and really nice folks at the desk. Really, this hotel provides everything one needs for a great visit to the La Fortuna area. Go for it!

Superb location, can walk to places in La Fortuna. The roof top dining area was nice. The food we ordered were pretty good. They have a secured parking place which was great but it is about 500 mts away. The room was tiny. Needs major updates and looks like the last update was like 20 years back. The AC even though cooled the room well, made such a loud noise that we were not able sleep peacefully. Since we had to get it as last minute option, we did not have much choice. But the location and the view was the saving grace.

A truly fantastic hotel - one of the best I’ve ever been to. After having our reservation randomly cancelled at another hotel we had to book a new hotel fast. And so we stumbled across this hotel which was able to provide us two rooms on very short notice. Even though we choose the cheapest room options we were amazed by their quality. The rooms are very spacious, modern and clean. Due to our rooms being next to a river we had an amazing terrace view. The hotel is really the perfect combination of nature and modernity - we saw many animals but none in our rooms which is what I was looking for after experiencing cockroaches and spiders in my other hotel room. The personal is also very good just like the pool facilities. I was amazed how many pools the hotel has - including whirlpools which were truly relaxing. The only two tips are: -to add some umbrellas to each room, as it is raining often -add other breakfast options maybe without eggs and sausages Other than that I am super happy with the hotel and would undoubtedly recommend it to everyone who searches for a calm and clean accommodation near nature.

This place is such a gem! It's incredibly safe with a keyed entry gate and security at night. We booked a two room, two bathroom place- it was super clean, very spacious, had comfortable beds and the showers are amazing with big windows to see out. But the best part about this hotel is the restaurant staff, especially Andrés. Andrés recommended two activities to us, we did them both and had such a lovely day. Breakfast is included and we were pleasantly surprised to find out it's full service (we expected a buffet). The service was exceptional! It really made our stay. I loved their coffee and we tried a bunch of different items, all delicious. We stopped by for beers and had guac and chips one afternoon-the guac was so good. They also have wonderful desserts. We tipped extra everyday on top of the regular service charge, the impeccable service was deserving! Can't say enough good things about this hotel. Made our trip to Costa Rica that much better.

Casa del Rio really was a wonderful surprise. The superior river view rooms are nestled facing into the rain forest and river providing a tranquil experience. If you are looking for a sanctuary where you can go to sleep absorbing the sounds of the forest then this is a great choice. The service was very good, in particular to the staff in the restaurant, shout out to Jose who consistently provided top notch service. The food was excellent. The only knock on the service was availability not quality. It’s not 24/7, but this generally wasn’t an issue. I found the stay to be excellent value for money. And as other reviews have mentioned the photos don’t really do the property justice. Casa Del Rio was modern, clean and provided a serene experience. Highly recommended

The staff at this hotel is amazing!! The property is beautiful, with plenty of amenities. The recreational area is awesome with a full soccer field, half basketball court that is covered & 2 tennis courts! There are chickens on property too! It is a very lush experience in the beautiful rain forest. 2 different pools on property that were both beautiful and felt private. The rooms are nice, with AC! Wilberth at the restaurant was so kind & helpful! José was informative & so kind with helping us to our room! Our only complaint is that the restaurant was a little bit pricey for dinner. We ate there one night & found a food truck in town for the 2nd night. The free breakfast was amazing! Would definitely return!

Great place to stay - our trip was short and could not use all amenities. Room was great, food and service was amazing and room was great. Wish had little more space in the suit. Pretty close to all attractions in La Fortuna.

An Unforgettable Stay at Hotel Boutique Casa del Río Our experience at Hotel Boutique Casa del Río was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the staff, who went above and beyond to make us feel at home. The property itself is stunning — surrounded by lush greenery and with beautifully maintained grounds that offer a true escape into nature. We stayed in one of the villas, which was spacious, immaculately clean, and thoughtfully designed. The private balcony and outdoor BBQ area were perfect for relaxing evenings, and the fully equipped kitchen was a great bonus. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and waking up to the sounds of the river and tropical birds was magical. The hotel’s amenities truly elevate the experience. We enjoyed both of the gorgeous pools, the jacuzzis, and even took advantage of the gym and paddle courts. Breakfast each morning was fresh, delicious, and served with a view of the surrounding gardens — a perfect way to start the day. What really sets Casa del Río apart is the service. Every staff member we encountered was kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making our stay special. They helped us arrange local tours and gave great recommendations for exploring La Fortuna and the Arenal area. If you're looking for a boutique hotel that combines comfort, nature, and top-tier hospitality, look no further. We can’t wait to return — highly recommended!

A wonderful location close to the town and other attractions. Our room was located near a fast moving river and surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. The room was spacious and very well equipped to a high specification. The pool areas were beautiful and tranquil and relaxing. The staff were very friendly, helpful and attentive. The offer of transportation was brilliant and a huge help to us getting around La Fortuna. I would certainly recommend using this service as it completely takes the stress out of moving around the area. We only scored four for service because there were sometimes delays at breakfast time. If you have trips planned you need to allow more time. In particular we would like to thank Hayward, Gabriel, Maria & Camila for their outstanding service. We would also like to thank all the support staff, gardeners and cleaners for keeping the place so clean and beautiful and for making our stay such a memorable and enjoyable experience. We would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel.

Wow, I have been at many bars around the world, and this one is definitely up there in creativity and service. Upscale place and excellent service. We skipped the typical "fruity" tourist drink menu and instead asked the bartender to make recommendations. I am blown away! Had a beautiful gin and tonic, then the most amazing Volcano Margarita. With a special black Patron tequila, enhanced and aged by their own roasted pineapple and special carbon salt. Never had anything like this. The quality and creativity of the drink s would be like any excellent cocktail bar in New York, London, Los Angeles, etc. More people need to know about this gem in La Fortuna. The two gentlemen working the bar were super friendly and welcoming. Will definitely be back!

This is a relatively new establishment and it has a lot of potential. Service was excellent. We went on a relatively “slow” day.. we were the only customers there so we had all of the attention which was great. The drinks were great.. espresso martinis were delicious.. so much so that we asked if we could buy a bag of coffee to attempt them back home. I got the grilled chicken with sautéed cauliflower, both were fairly good. My partner got an octopus appetizer which he raves about but mentioned his beef entree was only ok. Overall, this place has a lot of potential. They mentioned their plan to expand the back patio to include a pool bar. If in la fortuna, it is worth a try!

I can't say more great things about this place. Great food and great service. Beautiful restaurant. They are new and opened just a couple months ago and i feel that the bad reviews of this place were just opening complications. This was an amazing place to eat and relax at. We ordered one appetizer and 2 entrees. They were all very good. We will be back again. Also, I'm from the United States and on my second night in Costa Rica I had the ceviche and it didn't upset my stomach at all - I was a little nervous about that.

New restaurant in La Fortuna with a very modern, chic setting and quality service. The food is ok ($25 a head if you're a gourmet). Music is really good thought with perfect volume to speak (house music). Good for an evening meal after a long day's hiking.

This restaurant says “Social Club Restaurant” on the outside. They should display the Bar Patron sign much bigger. This was a fantastic place to eat. We got the pizza, quesadilla, burrito and shrimp. Everything was well made. We hope this place gets more busy. The nicest restaurant in town. We wish we found this place sooner.

Exclusive and Best Bar Experience in La Fortuna. Excellent food. Try the Arroz Patrón and Entraña with all kind of margaritas. Good music and super friendly staff. A-must stop when visiting Volcán Arenal. PS: includes a swimming pool...

One of the best meals we had in La Fortuna! Absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. Prices were reasonable and the atmosphere was great. There is a large, free parking lot right next door with security. Highly recommend a visit!

Beerland is one of those special places that stays with you long after you leave. The owner Nelson is genuinely one of the kindest, most welcoming people we’ve ever met — the type of hospitality that makes you feel like you’re visiting family, not just a restaurant. The local draft beers on tap are excellent, and the vibe is laid-back and cozy. Plenty of wine and other drinks for those who prefer something else. The food? Absolutely incredible. Nelson is also the talented chef behind every dish! We came back two days in a row. An absolutely must visit place if you’re in La Fortuna!

We had a great afternoon here trying all the different beers from Lake Arenal Brewery and chatting with Nelson, who was happy to share all his knowledge of the beers and the rum. Nelson and Freddy were so welcoming we stayed for pizza, which was very good. They made us feel at home and spoilt us with samples of beer and rum and had lots of recommendations for us based on what we liked to drink normally. If you are in La Fortuna, you really should visit Nelson and try his local craft beers!

Absolutely 5 stars for BEERLAND! This place isn't just a bar — it's a full-on experience. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with good vibes, friendly faces, and the unmistakable aroma of incredible food and top-tier beer. Nelson, the owner, is the heart and soul of BEERLAND. His passion for beer and hospitality shines through in everything — from the curated beer selection to the way he makes every guest feel welcome. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. The beer? Exceptional. Every pour is fresh, flavorful, and clearly chosen with care. And the food — wow. Unique, bold, and absolutely delicious. It’s not your typical bar food — it’s a perfect pairing for the beer and worth a visit on its own. The staff are just as amazing as Nelson — friendly, attentive, and clearly love what they do. Whether you’re a craft beer nerd or just someone looking for a good time, BEERLAND is your spot. Can’t wait to come back!

After a few days of traveling around Costa Rica, we were really craving a nice dinner – something like a good steak, and Beerland CR in La Fortuna absolutely delivered! It’s a little hidden gem, tucked just behind a sushi place off the main strip. At first, we were a little hesitant since it wasn’t busy, but the owner personally came out to greet us, made us feel so welcome, and even recommended a signature drink to start. We ordered the ribeye steak and garlic mushrooms, and it was absolute perfection, hands down the best meal we had during our entire trip. To top it off, when the debit machine wasn’t working, the owner was so apologetic and even sent us off with a delicious chocolate flan for the trouble. The food, the hospitality, and the cozy atmosphere made it such a memorable night. Highly recommend if you’re looking for amazing food and a warm, welcoming experience in La Fortuna!

Beerland in La Fortuna is an amazing spot that exceeded expectations! The service was super personalized—so much that they even made us a sugar-free crepe on request. Live music, immediate attention, and a vibrant atmosphere made the night unforgettable. The menu is very diverse, with plenty of delicious options to choose from, and everything we tried was excellent. A truly top-notch place to enjoy great food, drinks, and vibes in La Fortuna. Highly recommended!

Such a nice hidden gem for craft beer lovers! The owner is passionate about his business and has at least 9 taps and bottles as well. Definitely worth seeking out!

Best steak I’ve had in my life.. food, service atmosphere all fantastic. Owner was very involved and lovely. Great live music too.

Nostalgia Wine Bar is one of the most memorable spots at Nayara, offering a unique way to experience wine. Guests can sample vintages from around the world through their sleek wine dispensers, creating a fun, interactive tasting experience. The bartenders are exceptional — knowledgeable, engaging, and always ready with recommendations to match your palate. Special thanks to Leo for making our evenings full of laughter and great memories. The cozy, elegant setting makes it perfect for both casual tastings and lingering evenings. It’s a must-visit for wine lovers looking to discover new favorites in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

Beautiful wine bar with nice tech that let's you select your drink size and load it all to a card. Many options of different wines and whiskey. Great indoor and outdoor sitting with excellent service.

My husband and I came here on our honeymoon and did the wine pairing. It was exceptional! The food was delicious and the wine selections to go with it were also fantastic. I recommend doing this on an evening where you have nothing planned the next day so you can drink all the wine! The wine bar also offers tapas and you can just go drink wine for fun too. It’s great! Must try if visiting Nayara.

Amazing experience all thanks to Max! We asked him to give us his recommendations with whatever we ordered and he did amazing! Everything was delicious. Top notch! For reference, my husband and I shared 4 plates each come with a few ounces of wine then a dessert with dessert wine. We spent about $200.

The wine is excellent, but the thing that really set our experience apart was José, the man behind the bar. He heard what wines we liked and recommended some amazing wines that we never would have picked on our own. His knowledge of the wines was only surpassed by his friendly and welcoming demeanor. I cannot recommend this place enough!

Wow - this was such an incredible experience on our honeymoon and one we will never forget. From the second we stepped inside the eccentric, beautifully decorated little gem, we knew we were in good hands. Jose and Leo were excellent. We learned so much about wine tonight. My husband who isn’t even big wine drinker now I think is in love. Jose was so knowledgeable and passionate about wine and it showed, he made every paring so exciting and delicious. Leo paired the most amazing moscato with our apple dessert (amazing BTW). This place is so funky and cool inside and perfect place on a rainy rain forest night to hang out! Highly recommended you come here!!

The wine pairing here is fantastic. The food is wonderful and the wines are not only outstanding, but have been carefully thought out to complement the food in a thoughtful way. José really made the experience, with a deep knowledge of the food and the wine, and a warm and welcoming demeanor. This meal was the highlight of our visit to Nayara, and this pairing is a must if you stay on property.

The food was good. Better than a couple places we ate at. The guys were very helpful. We speak very little Spanish and they were very helpful. Menus was in Spanish and English.

Great food. We had the bbq pork fajitas and they were great! Only 1 small tortilla though. Try the homemade mayonnaise. Yum.

Awesome little dive bar in the area. Richy is a great bartender

Really good experience, The waiter was so nice he even change my plate after i told him i did not mine coriandre. You should really try! !

Awful restaurant, 30 minutes after we ordered our drinks and waters nothing was brought to the table. Ended up walking out

Very good food - good service. Highly recommended for typical food.

(Translated by Google) Excellent music, spectacular service, the truth is I will return today and tomorrow I married this place I hope they recognize the girl for the excellent service she provides I highly recommend it and I am talking about La tabernita tiquicia (Original) Excelente música la atención espectacular la verdad volveré hoy y mañana yo me casé con este lugar ojalá a la muchacha le reconozcan el excelente servicio que da lo recomiendo al mil y estoy hablando de La tabernita tiquicia

The best party spot in the area!!! It's very cheap. VIP was only $16 USD!!!

Local recommended this spot for dancing and music. Good pick. Went around 11pm and it wasn't packed yet. Young crowd. Good drinks. Cover was $4 per person. No wait entrance.

Very friendly staff. Plays hip hop, reggaeton, and reggae. Cool spot. Drinks are priced the same as the states. But overall good time

Saturday night reggaeton, multiple people said this bar was the place to go. Pat down to enter, CRC $4000 each cover, got there at 9:30. That's early but wow...the lower (non VIP) dance floor level was absolutely empty. No tables, no chairs, no people other than staff. Just a big, empty, rectangular room with insanely loud music with nowhere to duck away to talk or sit and grab a bite to eat or a drink until more people arrive. I guess it's a later crowd, but even had it been packed, I've never seen a dance club with zero seating and it was soooo loud. We just finished our drinks and left, no one else came in. Epic fail.

SCAM!! When paying by card you can get scammed at this place. They charged almost 200% of the price of a Cuba Libre in the menu and a card payment cannot be easily reversed. Avoid this place at all cost! The other comments are confirming the price scams too! It’s a pattern!

No reggae or hip hop music on a Saturday, if that’s what you looking for don’t bother. But they didn’t overcharge me for drinks.

This has a great dance club atmosphere that did serve food and the drinks were reasonably priced. The bar staff was also very friendly. There was definitely a true international culture there.

I had a great experience here. Freddy (one of the owners) is awesome. He took the time to sit with me and chat for a while. Would visit again! 🇨🇦🍻

Good food, cold beer, great friendly service, perfect for catching your sport of choice. If I'm in la fortuna and a game is on I'll be back

The best food in La Fortuna and a lot of TV's to enjoy sporting events. Great service and friendly staff!

Cold beer, great prices and the only place to watch the NFL. Go Packers!

Wings were perfect...cooked right, sauced perfectly...and plenty of napkins. Can't wait to go back!

The best service i had New place and the only real sport bar in the area! Highly recommended to come and check this place!!!!

Great Bar, every sport on the tv you can wish and a smooth vibe. 🤙

Bar Valentín is one of the best restaurants in the la fortuna area! Amazing food and the service is amazing! Jesus was an amazing waiter, made us feel so welcome! I would highly recommend this to anybody in the area.

Loved the place! The staff are so incredibly friendly and hospitable, especially Jesus! He makes amazing cocktails and is super personable and welcoming. We enjoyed every moment we spent at this bar/restaurant. It's a hidden gem! We highly recommend it to all tourists! And the food is great, too! 5 stars for Jesus (Chuz) and Bar Restaurante Valentin's!!!

Amazing experience, really good drinks. Arthur great bartender and Ester are amazing!! Will be a bar to go every day!

What a great bar! Really fun, good music and great food/drinks. It's our first time visiting Costa Rica and we were lucky to stay at an airbnb on the same street. The owner speaks English and is incredibly kind and generous. Prices are very good especially compared to some bars on the main street. Still only a 2 min drive out of town. Highly suggest visiting!

I’m a tourist and had a great time at this bar!! If you are in La Fortuna you definitely should go there. There is a waiter called JESUS, he’s so good, fun, and nice. We felt really safe!

We had an amazing night at the bar. We could watch the local soccer game and the service was incredible. Especially from Jesús who made us feel super welcome.

Best bar in Costa Rica! The owner was such a great bartender. Great service, great food, and he spoke English. If you’re in La Fortuna you need to come check this place out