5 Best Coffee Shops You Must Try in Barrio Escalante, San José

Costa Rican coffee, grown in rich volcanic soil and hand-harvested, is more than a drink; it’s a cherished tradition. Barrio Escalante, with its vibrant food scene, is an ideal spot to enjoy this “liquid gold,” where local coffee shops offer brews that celebrate the essence of Costa Rican coffee culture.

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.

In this post, we cover some of the best coffee shops in Barrio Escalante, which is a trendy, bustling neighborhood just east of San Jose’s downtown area.

     

    1. Cafeoteca

    At Cafeoteca, you´ll get to have a coffee cup prepared by extremely skilled baristas. We dare to say that this is really one of the top specialty coffee shops in the country.

    We recommend trying different blends and asking for the history behind every cup. Of course, when keeping up with Costa Rican tradition, you’ll find some delicious pastries that’ll be a perfect companion for a top 10 coffee cup.

    Opening Hours:

    • Monday to Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM


    Phone
    : +506 2225 3830

    Atmosphere: Cafeoteca is a vibrant and cozy café with a strong emphasis on Costa Rican coffee culture. The interior is warm and inviting, featuring a mix of rustic and modern elements with wooden furniture, local art, and greenery. It’s a great spot in Barrio Escalante for both coffee aficionados and casual visitors looking to enjoy a well-crafted cup of coffee in a relaxed environment.

    Coffee Offerings: Cafeoteca offers a comprehensive menu of Costa Rican coffee, showcasing beans from various regions across the country. They provide a variety of brewing methods, including Chemex, V60, French press, and espresso-based drinks. The café also offers coffee tastings, allowing customers to explore the rich diversity of Costa Rican coffee. In addition to coffee, they serve light bites and pastries that complement their beverages.

    barista cafeoteca barrio escalante

    Cafeoteca on Google Maps

       

      2. Libertario Café Roasters

      A specialty coffee tradition present in Colombia, Mexico, and Costa Rica, Libertario Coffee Roasters is something else.

      Keeping alive the barista culture, this is a well-produced high-end coffee shop concept that translates to robust cups of coffee. They also carry an interesting variety of coffee in their personal brand, featuring limited edition packs and rare coffee beans.

      More than that, they take care of every detail. They’re coffee bean hunters, roasters, and coffee shop owners. When in Barrio Escalante, don’t miss out on this one!

      Opening Hours:

      • Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM


      Phone
      : +506 8305 4990

      Atmosphere: Libertario Coffee Roasters is a modern and trendy café with an industrial-chic vibe. The interior features exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and minimalist decor, creating a sleek and contemporary atmosphere. It’s a popular spot among young professionals and coffee enthusiasts who appreciate a good cup of coffee in a stylish setting–which is always an ideal Barrio Escalante plan.

      Coffee Offerings: Libertario is known for its high-quality, expertly roasted coffee. They offer a range of brewing methods, including espresso, pour-over, and cold brew, with a focus on single-origin Costa Rican beans. The café also has a retail section where customers can purchase freshly roasted beans to enjoy at home. In addition to coffee, Libertario offers a selection of pastries and light meals that pair well with their drinks.

      Café Libertario Barrio Escalante

      Libertario Café Roasters on Google Maps

         

        3. Dulce Junio

        Dulce Junio is a coffee shop that puts a lot of attention into their sweets, from chocolate cake, lemon, pecan, and passion fruit pie to more tropical creations using coconut, dragon fruit, or pineapple.

        This is also a great place to get brunch in Barrio Escalante, having a wide variety of options in their menu. Their coffee selection is also very complete, from traditional style Americano to delicious frozen creations.

        Opening Hours:

        • Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
        • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
        • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM


        Phone
        : +506 2253 8367

        Atmosphere: Dulce Junio is a quaint and charming café with a cozy, artistic vibe. The interior is colorful and eclectic, featuring a mix of vintage furniture, local artwork, and a homey ambiance. It’s a great spot for a relaxing coffee break or a casual meetup with friends, offering a peaceful and inviting environment in Barrio Escalante.

        Coffee Offerings: Dulce Junio offers a variety of coffee drinks, including espresso, lattes, and cold brews. They use locally sourced beans to create fresh and flavorful coffee, with a focus on quality and taste. The café is also known for its homemade pastries and desserts, which are crafted with care and make a perfect accompaniment to their coffee.

        postres dulce junio barrio escalante

        Dulce Junio on Google Maps

           

          4. CoffeeHolic

          “Todo buen día empieza con una taza de café” (every good day starts with a cup of coffee), is a fitting slogan for a very cool coffee shop.

          Tucked away in a very quaint neighborhood road in Escalante, people like to come to Coffeeholic because they offer a wide range of options, and you can see they truly enjoy their métier. It also helps that it stays open until 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays! The food presents a blend of European and American styles with the local coffee tradition.

          Opening Hours:

          • Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
          • Friday and Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
          • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM


          Phone
          : +506 2234 5820

          Atmosphere: CoffeeHolic is a modern and welcoming café with a lively and energetic atmosphere. The interior is bright and spacious, with contemporary decor and comfortable seating, making it a popular spot in Barrio Escalante for both working remotely and socializing. The café has a youthful vibe, attracting a diverse crowd of coffee lovers.

          Coffee Offerings: CoffeeHolic offers an extensive menu of coffee drinks, from classic espresso-based beverages to specialty lattes and cold brews. They take pride in using high-quality Costa Rican beans, offering a rich and satisfying coffee experience. In addition to coffee, CoffeeHolic also offers a variety of snacks, sandwiches, and pastries, catering to different tastes and preferences.

          café de coffee holic barrio escalante

          CoffeeHolic on Google Maps

             

            5. Crepería y Cafetería Entre Nous

            Craving some French-style crepes? If that’s the case, we got a great recommendation.

            This cute place located right in the heart of Barrio Escalante is a local favorite. You might find friends and family groups hanging out in this old school-styled house from the 1960s.

            With its nice patio, the owners have created a very inviting environment to enjoy specific coffee blends known for their very high quality.

            Opening Hours:

            • Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM


            Phone
            : +506 2224 0976

            Atmosphere: Entre Nous is a cozy and intimate café with a French-inspired ambiance. The interior is charming and elegant, with a mix of classic and modern decor, offering a warm and inviting environment. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet coffee break, a romantic date, or a peaceful morning with a good book.

            Coffee Offerings: Entre Nous offers a selection of well-crafted coffee drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, and French press coffee. They focus on providing high-quality coffee, with a smooth and rich flavor profile. The café is also known for its selection of French pastries and desserts, such as croissants, tarts, and macarons, which perfectly complement their coffee offerings.

            cafetería entre nous barrio escalante

            Crepería y Cafetería Entre Nous on Google Maps.

            Andres Vedova

            CR Nomads Commercial Director

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