Costa Rica

Jaco Restaurants & Nightlife

From steak houses and sushi to South East Asian cuisine, Jaco restaurants cater to all tastes. Taco stands, salad bars and local cafes offer inexpensive lunches, and visitors craving fresh seafood won’t be disappointed. A few fast food chains have permeated the town, so pizza and burgers are never far away. Or, watch the sunset from a beachfront restaurant while savoring Spanish tapas and a glass of wine. 

Adventure Dining

Perfect for vacationers with children, this mountain top restaurant offers more than just good food. Wander the onsite botanical gardens, meet their resident scarlet macaws, and savor amazing waterfall and Pacific ocean views. Serves continental cuisine and specializes in fresh seafood. 
 

Caliche’s Wishbone

Popular with locals and tourists, Caliche’s Wishbone features an eclectic menu including pizza, noodle dishes, Asian rice bowls and seafood. Try the Poki bowl, a hearty portion of tuna sashimi over rice, spinach and avocado. 

Grafitti Cafe & Wine Bar

Rated one of Jaco's best restaurants, this intimate spot is known for its romantic ambience, creative menu and tantalizing cocktails. The cuisine is flavorful and varied, and includes fresh seafood, sushi and American fare. Try their Asian-inspired fish tacos or coffee-crusted steak for a truly memorable meal. Reservations are suggested.

Hotel Poseidon Restaurant
Casual dining with avant-garde cuisine – serves Asian-infused seafood dishes, filet mignon and a variety of homemade sauces. Order the mouthwatering Hunan style lamb chops (imported from New Zealand) served with mashed potatoes, jasmine rice and freshly sauteed mixed vegetables.

Lemon Zest Restaurant
Featuring a contemporary menu, spiced up with local ingredients, Lemon Zest is open for dinner and has monthly comedy nights. Think lobster Francais, Caribbean jerk pork chops, fresh tuna with pickled ginger, and fabulous desserts like bananas foster and mango creme brulee pie -- all complemented with a selection of fine wines and a full bar.

Pura Vida Pantry

Known for its welcoming hospitality, this small cafe serves up delicious and healthy snacks, salads and light meals that are heavy on flavor and fresh, organic ingredients. Don't miss their Pad Thai rolls, Bok Choi Boats or yummy treats like Karmic Caramels and Bliss Balls. Perfect for vegans, raw foodies  and vegetarians!
 

Tacobar Jaco

For a tasty lunch at reasonable prices, head to Tacobar. Order your entree (the fish tacos come highly recommended!), choose your meat (fish, shrimp or chicken) and load up on a variety of fresh toppings, side dishes and greens from their salad bar.

Jaco is legendary for its vibrant nightlife and party-loving crowd. During the high season (December through April), clubs and bars are packed from dusk till dawn. Music festivals, local jams, disco parties and dance halls are rocking on the weekends. Happy hours are easy to find, and sports enthusiasts can watch the latest games at the Sky Lounge in Hotel Poseidon, Clarita’s Sports Bar and Grill, or Hotel Cocal and Casino.

Backyard Bar & Restaurant

Located in neighboring Playa Hermosa, nice open air restaurant and bar with happy hour specials from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. daily.

Beatle Bar

A Jaco staple, known for its laser lighting shows, bikini contests, themed parties and hordes of serious partiers.

Clarita’s Bar

Attracts an older crowd with a more laid-back vibe. Great for watching sporting events on their big screen TV.

Ganesha Lounge

Beachfront location ensures a decent crowd – Monday and Wednesdays are ladies’ nights, with reggae night on Friday.

Monkey Bar

A local favorite that plays plenty of dance-hall reggae, electronica, and hip hop; known for its drink specials, pool tables and dance floor.

Plankton

One of the original Jaco after hours bars, favors Reggaeton for late night dancing.

Jaco Travel Guide