For a small town with a downtown of about 3 blocks plus a beach strip, there are a ton of boites, bars and cafés, so this is my second round up of the food and drink in San Juan del Sur. I have moved on to new spots in Nicaragua, but I never got bored in San Juan del Sur.
Bocadito Tapas
Bocadito Tapas is the only place in San Juan del Sur where I was able to get a properly chilled glass of sauvignon blanc. Not even Pelican Eyes had this! It is a key selling point. They also have a nice front patio and some very tasty tapas which are not pricey either. Nothing is pricey in San Juan del Sur, which is an excellent enticement for visiting the town!
La Vecchia Signora
A few of us from Spanish school took a night off from our home meals and enjoyed some pretty good quality pizza at La Vecchia Signora. Located right in the middle of town, it’s run by Italians who are crazy fans of Italian football club Juventus – you can tell the moment you step in. We split a couple of different pizzas and they were good – especially when all you’ve been eating for three weeks is gallo pinto!
Henry’s Iguana Bar
A pretty decent beach bar with a good sunset view is how I describe Henry’s. I went here with a friend from Spanish school to watch some of the super bowl and we had some burgers and Toñas for <$15 each. Pretty cheap and easy.
Big Wave Dave’s
Big Wave Dave’s is a very large sports bar close to the beach in San Juan del Sur. It’s so big it always seems empty. The bar is pretty basic aside from the TVs, pool table and darts.
They have some pretty funny wall murals with some OK and some absolutely terrible depictions of famous people. When I went with two of my schoolmates, we thought one was Bridget Bardot but it was really insulting to her so glad she never had to see it. Clint Eastwood is actually a pretty good likeness – and Marilyn Monroe. But there were a lot I didn’t even recognize. That’s my main takeaway of Big Wave Dave’s in San Juan del Sur: bad paintings of famous people.
I had rum here. Safe bet in Central America. Go with the rum.
Jicaro Garden
This beautiful outdoor restaurant is just off the beaten path a block away from the beach and a block or two away from the center of town. A group of us went on my last night in town because of their wine special – a bottle and a half of Argentinian malbec for $15. This is a great place to go with a group. We didn’t eat but the food looked good too!
That was my experience with the food and drink in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. And don’t forget you can dine by a pool with a view at Pelican Eyes.
For more hunger inducement, check out food experiences in Austria and Puerto Rico.
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What cute little tropical spots! I’ve never been to Nicaragua, but it looks similar to Costa Rica.
When I was in Nica, everyone was saying it was similar to Costa Rica but cheaper and less touristy. IDK but I still need to visit Costa Rica for myself!
I didn’t even know what a boite is before reading this, so thanks for teaching me a new word. 🙂
It’s very cool that they have so many places to eat (and drink rum) in such a small area.
That pizza at La Vecchia Signora looks a-mazing. Man, a tropical location like Nicaragua sounds amazing right now. I’ll take your advice about the Rum when we make it there someday. ????
It was great pizza and unexpected in Nicaragua! Yes to the rum!