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TEFL Training In Costa Rica | Updated: 12/20/2022

Top 8 Coffee Shops in San Jose, Costa Rica

Written by International TEFL Academy Costa Rica

Costa Rica is not only known for its beautiful scenery but also for its great coffee! Costa Ricans love coffee so much that they have “La hora del café” which roughly translates to "coffee time" in English. Coffee time is usually between 3 and 4 pm and what’s some good coffee without bread or a delicious pastry?

Here are eight great and out-of-the-box coffee shops in San Jose.


8: Tournant Restaurant and Café

Located in Barrio Amon, this place is not only a coffee shop but an Art gallery too! My favorite drink was the infused tea, and they also have some great banana bread! The art gallery is located on the top floor of the coffee shop; the exhibitions are constantly changing and are by Costa Rican artists.

Location:  Barrio Amon, 200m Norte Y 25 Oeste De La Alianza, San Jose, Costa Rica


7: Café Miel Garage 

This coffee shop became so popular that it has opened various locations all over the Central Valley!  The first Café Miel was opened in the garage of an apartment building, hence the name!  It’s small and homey, and it has a wide variety of drinks and pastries.  There are plenty of affordable items on their menu.   You have to try one of their Colombian empanadas with your coffee.  Delicious!  

Location:  Avenida 9, entre calle 11 y 13


6: Caféoteca

Located in Barrio Escalante, this coffee shop is for coffee fanatics. They offer many different types of coffee and give you a very detailed explanation on how the coffee was roasted. They also have a big variety of desserts!  It’s quite unique so the price is a bit elevated, as you can imagine. You gotta treat yourself sometimes!  My favorite dessert is the crème brulée. They also have a restaurant and a boutique in the same building.

Location:  Calle 31 Avenida 5


5: Chinchilleta

Located in Barrio Escalante, this coffee shop is a great place to visit if you want to have a fun afternoon.  They have all types of books which you can read while drinking your coffee, and they also have board games which you can play with your friends.  In addition to the coffee shop, they have a savory and sweet brunch with mimosas and coffee.

Location: Av. 5, San José


4: Pandeli

Also located in Barrio Escalante, if you enjoy Italian desserts this is the place for you. Not only do they sell pastries, they also bake some of the best bread in Barrio Escalante. Their chai tea is great, not too sweet and their cannoli’s are just like the ones you can buy in Italy. It’s also a great place to have a late breakfast date,  and its menu is overall very affordable.

Location:  Calle 33, San José


3: Coffee, Books + Art

This great cafe is located in one of our favorite areas of San Jose, Barrio Escalante, famous for its great restaurants, pubs and coffee shops.  If you like both books and art you’ll enjoy this coffee shop. It has a very creative layout and each room with a different aesthetic.  So fun!

Location:  Calle 33 y Avenida 11


2: HEF Café y Libros

Located in Los Yoses, this place also has some interesting books that you can read while you drink your coffee. They have one of the best cheesecakes I’ve eaten and some very good black coffee. It’s small and quaint, but a nice place to relax for a little bit. Their menu is affordable but not the cheapest coffee shop in the area.

Location:  Av 2, San José, 11501 


1: Le Rendez-Vous 

Located in Zapote, this coffee shop is not only cheap but it also feels like you’ve been transported to a small French patisserie.It has many different French desserts and the environment is quiet and friendly.The owner is French and is always around. Their sandwiches and eclairs are their specialties!  

Location:  50 Metros Antes de Las Oficinas de Canatur en Zaopte, San Jose


It wouldn't be a Costa Rican experience without the coffee!  Ready to start your journey of teaching English in Costa Rica?  Talk to us about saving your seat in one of our 4-week, onsite TEFL courses!  


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