Chico's Playa Bar Restaurante — Restaurant in Cóbano

We arrived amazed at getting a table with such a beautiful view of Montezuma beach. After looking at the menu, we noticed the prices were on the more expensive side after a relatively cheap couple of days in the country’s capital San José. Alas, I ordered a Mojito and my partner a corona. The menu had a good range of food, with a variety of fish, meat and smaller plates. I ordered the Guacamole and the Beef Tacos, my partner ordered the ceviche and fish tacos. Drinks came at a decent pace but the food took quite a while to come. When the food did arrive my beef tacos were drenched in a mayo sauce and I really dislike mayonnaise so I couldn’t eat them. I know it’s personal preference but I didn’t expect mayo on tacos :(. I just ate my guac and my partner had my tacos and his food. His food was ‘alright’, the fish tacos were breaded fillets rather than fresh fish. The atmosphere was very nice, with a good breeze coming from the sea and a stunning view. When the bill arrived we felt that the price really didn’t seem just for the quality of the food nor service (10% service included).

It seems that they have nighttime events and a good set up for a dance floor so I think it would be better as a night club/ bar but beware of the prices of drinks.

Would recommend instead the ‘Latino’ restaurant next door. Similar price but better quality...

Waiter used a derogatory, sexist word + We waited 1.5 hours for expensive food that was tasteless. I am not a good chef myself but I can easily say that I can make better shrimp and spaghetti than this place. The amount of salt and pepper I had to dump on my dish was insane. Now it was not only me that did not like the dish, I passed it around the table and everyone said it did not have flavor. All the three dishes served to us (3 people) were simply bad. The smoothie also tasted like fake chemicals, and the guacamole was old and way too much lime. The guacamole did not have any other ingredients besides avocado and lime, quite sad. The "salsa" was simply tomato paste that would go on a pizza. It was warm, no onions etc... Literally like warm tomato juice served on airplanes.

They were kind enough to let me not pay for my food, but the overall message still remains the same = Skip this place and save your money. Buying sandwhich material at the supermarket is a better/faster/tastier option...

After exploring the town & nearby parks, we stopped in Chicos Playa to have a drink and watch the sunset. Although the same building & location, Chicos Playa & Chicos Bar are 2 separate businesses. The best view was at Chicos Playa, but the drinks cost way more and service was pretty slow. It cost $10 for two 12oz beers in a can. Had to ask for a glass. Staff was friendly, but after we were served the beers, we never saw our waiter again and there was only one other group in the place. I finally had to go hunt the guy down to pay for the beers. I don’t think we’re gonna try this place a second time, too many other places and the 2 different businesses...