Costa Ricans embrace coffee as a ritual, savoring it in the morning, afternoon, and even at night. For them, “coffee time” signifies a special moment in the day, an opportunity to connect with family and friends, and a chance to live in the present moment.
Given its profound connection to the national identity, Costa Rican coffee has evolved into a delightful elixir, showcasing diverse techniques and varieties available in recommended coffee shop experiences within the city.
On this post, we cover some of the best coffee shops in Escazú, which is a trendy, bustling neighborhood west of San Jose’s downtown area.
1. Dulce Chilena
Dulce Chilena is a recently opened pastry shop that has gained notorious attention for its amazing cakes and pastries.
They offer special versions of the “torta chilena”, a mille-feuille caramel-styled pastry, with blends of red fruits, citrus flavors, and other subtle additions.
This is an amazing place if you like to try different well-made sweets. You can visit them in Escazú or order cakes for your events.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Phone: +506 7071 7961
Atmosphere: Dulce Chilena is a cozy and welcoming café with a Chilean flair. The interior is warm and inviting, with a homey feel, featuring rustic decor and comfortable seating. It’s a great spot for enjoying traditional Chilean treats in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Coffee Offerings: Dulce Chilena offers a selection of coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and drip coffee. Their coffee pairs perfectly with their signature Chilean pastries, such as empanadas, alfajores, and tortas. The emphasis is on providing a warm and comforting coffee experience, accompanied by authentic flavors from Chile.
Dulce Chilena on Google Maps.
2. Caffé Negroni
If you’re looking for something more than just a coffee shop experience, you don’t want to miss Café Negroni Bistro.
Built inside a beautiful old Escazú house, the architects created an environment where elegance takes place every day & night.
This is a café-restaurant where you can find different dishes, cocktails and drinks while enjoying a nice conversation in the afternoon or evening.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +506 2101 6946
Atmosphere: Caffe Negroni is a stylish and modern café with a chic, urban vibe. The interior features sleek decor with a touch of Italian influence, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for both day and evening visits, with a lively ambiance that suits everything from casual coffee dates to pre-dinner drinks.
Coffee Offerings: As the name suggests, Caffe Negroni not only serves excellent coffee but also specializes in cocktails, including the classic Negroni. Their coffee menu includes a variety of espresso-based drinks, cold brews, and Italian-style coffee. The café also offers a selection of light bites and pastries, making it a versatile choice for any time of day.
Café Negroni on Google Maps
3. Crème Caramel
Crème & Caramel is a European-style gourmet pastry shop. Located near downtown Escazú, you’ll find plenty of sweet treats, whether you’re looking for cakes, chocolate bites, marron glacé, or a wide variety of French pastries.
This place has its own staff of professional master chefs that make the experience a unique experience for a coffee date or business meeting.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone: +506 4702 0784
Atmosphere: Creme & Caramel is a charming and elegant café with a French-inspired atmosphere. The interior is cozy and sophisticated, featuring classic decor with a focus on comfort and style. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet coffee break or a sweet indulgence, with a serene and welcoming ambiance.
Coffee Offerings: Creme & Caramel offers a range of high-quality coffee drinks, including espresso, lattes, and French press coffee. Their coffee is smooth and aromatic, perfectly complementing their selection of French pastries and desserts, such as macarons, éclairs, and of course, their signature crème caramel. The café focuses on providing a refined and delightful coffee experience.
Crème Caramel on Google Maps
4. Chez Christophe
When talking about French tradition in Costa Rica, you can’t avoid mentioning Chez Christophe. This place has been around for a long time, bringing excellence and quality to the Escazú area for at least 15 years.
You can find both tradition and a place where you can enjoy a nice terrace area with breakfast, brunch, and afternoon coffee, offering a blend of Costa Rican ingredients with French-style cuisine.
Opening Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Phone: +506 2280 5122
Atmosphere: Chez Christophe is a sophisticated French café and patisserie in Escazú with a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere. The interior exudes elegance, with a combination of classic French decor and modern touches. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a refined coffee experience in a beautiful setting.
Coffee Offerings: Chez Christophe offers a variety of premium coffee drinks, with an emphasis on quality and taste. Their menu includes espresso, cappuccino, and other espresso-based drinks, all made with care and precision. The coffee pairs beautifully with their wide range of French pastries, including croissants, tarts, and mille-feuilles, making it a popular spot for breakfast or a mid-afternoon treat.
Chez Christophe on Google Maps
5. Búlali Artesanal
Located at Avenida Escazú, Búlali is a well-known fine coffee shop in the area.
Offering a varied food selection and specialty coffee catalog, this place has a tranquil ambiance that you can enjoy during the week or weekends.
This is also a very family-friendly place, with an outdoor terrace at the very center of the Avenida Escazú shopping complex.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Phone: +506 2225 1212
Atmosphere: Bulali is a quaint and cozy café with a strong community feel. The interior is simple yet charming, with rustic decor and a warm, inviting ambiance. It’s a popular spot among locals for its friendly service and comfortable setting, perfect for casual meetups or working remotely.
Coffee Offerings: Bulali offers a variety of coffee options, including espresso, lattes, and pour-over coffee. They focus on using locally sourced beans to ensure fresh and flavorful coffee. In addition to coffee, Bulali is known for its delicious homemade pastries, sandwiches, and salads, making it a great spot for a light meal or a coffee break.
Búlali Artesanal on Google Maps.
