Once just another residential neighborhood in Costa Rica’s capital, Barrio Escalante has transformed into one of the trendiest spots in San José.
With enough restaurants to please even the most serious foodie, outdoor spaces to enjoy the warm Costa Rican air, and nightlife to keep the festivities going well into the evening hours, Barrio Escalante is a worthwhile addition to your Costa Rican travel plans.
1. Try Everything at Feria Verde
Costa Rica is replete with fruits and vegetables, with no better place to sample them all than San José’s best farmer’s market. Each Saturday morning, Feria Verde de Aranjuez transforms a riverside athletic campus into a popular market for fresh produce, traditional meals, artisanal goods, live music, and more. On other days, the polideportivo (sports center) is home to community events, ultimate frisbee competitions, and flea markets.
2. Dive into Costa Rica’s Craft Beer Scene
For decades, Costa Rica’s beer options were limited to a select few macro brewery brands. These days, the country is embracing the craft beer craze; nowhere is this more prominent than in Barrio Escalante. Start with Wilk, located in the old Polish embassy, and don’t miss the Costa Rica Beer Factory and Lupulus Beer Shop for some of the best brews in the region.
3. Enjoy the Breeze at Parque Francia
At the center of Barrio Escalante is Parque Francia, a small city park featuring a bubbling fountain, rustling trees, and relaxing benches that offer a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. After some people-watching, consider visiting Librería Francesa for a good read. If you’re seeking a larger green space, Parque Nacional is a mere five-minute walk toward San José’s center.
4. Catch an Award-Winning Movie at Cine Magaly
Inaugurated in 1978, Cine Magaly is a Costa Rican icon. Once the country’s largest theater, it differentiates itself by curating independent, award-winning films from around the world. Moreover, it hosts an array of film festivals and cultural events. Start your experience at the attached Kubrick Café, where you can order anything from pizza to salads to enjoy during the film.
5. Attend a Performance at the Antigua Aduana
Once the customs house for goods entering and leaving Costa Rica, the Antigua Aduana is now a historical landmark, tastefully renovated into a cultural center for concerts, performances, and art galleries. Although events may be sporadic, attending one is well worth it. Just next door, Santa Teresita Church serves as a small yet beautiful venue for Catholic masses.
6. Spend an Evening at Jardín de Lolita
Nothing says trendy like an outdoor food court made from repurposed shipping containers right by the railroad tracks. Jardín de Lolita is a popular evening destination, renowned for its collection of quality fast-casual dining options, a local craft beer stand, and a pleasant ambiance that offers second-floor views of the mountains surrounding San José.
7. Sip on the World’s Best Coffee
Some of the world’s best coffee is grown in the fertile soil around Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Experience it for yourself at one of Barrio Escalante’s many boutique coffee shops and restaurants. Franco is universally acclaimed for its breakfast and brunch, while other popular spots like Cafeoteca, Cafe Barrio, and Creperie & Café Entre Nous are all within walking distance.
8. Shop til You Drop
If you’re looking for a Costa Rican memento but want to avoid the kitschy items often found in tourist traps, Barrio Escalante’s independent boutique stores are the perfect alternative. After exploring Feria Verde, shop for fashion at Buena Nena and Amarilla Virulenta, trinkets at Kalú, or all-natural goods at ECOCO.
9. Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
In addition to coffee, Costa Rica has a rich history with chocolate. Take advantage of this in Barrio Escalante with a stop at Tapir, which creates sweets from locally grown cacao. If you crave a cold treat, try Dolce Gelato for its extensive selection of flavors. For adults, Galway Escalante infuses alcohol into artisanal ice cream, while Neon Ice prepares boozy slushies in a stylish, Instagram-friendly nighttime venue.
10. Expand Your Palate
Barrio Escalante is home to Costa Rica’s most eclectic cuisine. Savor Lebanese at Faqra, Mediterranean at Olio, Latin fusion at Arbol de Seda and Al Mercat, or vegetarian delights at the popular Mantras Veggie Cafe. For those unsure of where to go, Calle 33 is known as the paseo gastronómico (gastronomic walk), featuring an array of enticing restaurants.
