Best Cafes in San José, Costa Rica

Cafeoteca has 23 different coffees from eight different coffee-growing regions in Costa Rica. Suffice it to say this café is a coffee connoisseur’s happy place. The baristas are incredibly knowledgeable and even use multiple brewing methods. Simply put, Cafeoteca is more than just a café – it is a coffee experience – with delicious pastries that pair perfectly with their speciality brews.

Underground Brew Café is an easily overlooked spot that should not be missed. Its nondescript entrance consists of a yellow gate that requires customers to buzz for entry. Once inside, electronic music hums like the effects of caffeine. The Underground Brew Café specialises in two in-house roasted coffees – medium roast black honey and yellow honey roast – and for adventurous coffee drinkers, there is the alluring spicy latte. Underground Brew Café also makes pastries and sandwiches to accompany your drink.

Alma de Café is an elegant, 19th century-style café complete with marble floors and ceiling murals. This highly recommended café in downtown San José – close to the National Theater – has an extensive coffee menu and a superb pastry and lunch menu; they serve incredible sandwiches and their carrot cake is one of the best. The service is friendly and professional, making this an essential spot to try when visiting the city.

Café Miel Costa Rica is famous for their empanadas, a flaky pastry that is often filled with cheese, ham, chicken, beef, vegetables, and sometimes even eggs with rice and beans. There are few things things better than a perfectly crafted homemade empanada and this place certainly ticks all the right boxes. Café Miel Costa Rica also serves up freshly squeezed juices and a variety of coffee beverages. This small café packs a delicious punch in everything they serve.