El Patio Cafe — Restaurant in Cóbano

I pen this review in situ, the Ooga-Chaka Ooga-Chaka of Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling” seamlessly cross-fading into Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl.” And from a low table in the corner of El Patio I can survey this late morning scene and pronounce it properly, if perfectly, archetypal. Immediately before me are four women, all facing the central axis of the cafe, in various states of digital distraction, conveying an affect of this epoch, their total presence, what with carefully inked tattoos and face-framing hairdos, and yet with an elsewhereness so intubated that I can’t detect if any one of them would welcome gregariousness. And still, they, and everyone else here, exude an ease and an appreciation for the well-executed simplicities of this somewhere, free of pretence and striving, a place to be alone, a place to be alone together, a place to cackle in a large group over unfussy eggs, and down one of the better espressos...

Food is really good but was a little disappointed by the service. After ordering an iced caramel macchiato (cashier confirmed they can make it) I got an iced espresso macchiato with caramel flavouring - a very different drink. I let them know there was a misunderstanding, even showed them what I wanted. They didn’t have caramel syrup, which is fine, so I ended up ordering a warm latte. Disappointed because they charged me for the second drink even though in my opinion the mistake was on their part. Totally get that there may be a cultural/language barrier but given the drinks are already overpriced, it would’ve been nice if the second one was...

One of my main gripes about restaurants in Costa Rica is that they never give you an estimate on when food show up. I get that relaxed vibes are the norm but not when you’ve got a flight to catch. 30min+ wait times for an uncrowded spot is a bit high.

Ordered 3 Mahi Mahi fish tacos with guac which were near perfect. I’d hope for slightly softer or fresher tortillas.

The eggs Benedict with salmon were great. They serve two. I only got to photograph one. The bread (brioche bun?) tasted fresh and melted in your mouth.

Would come again to try out the rest of their menu, and won’t forget to ask how long the food will...