El Tostador — Restaurant in Hospital

I saw the good reviews so I thought I'd try this place. You walk in and immediately there are many nice looking treats in the display case and you can dine on the first floor too. But I decided to give the main dining area a look, upstairs.

When arriving up the many stairs, there were many tables and chairs, which is great. And of course, the main ordering counter was in the front section. I glanced at the menu, and no panninis any more, like I saw on their menus here on Google Maps. Not good, only some kind of a puff pastry, baguette and some other type of sandwich bread. Not happy...

I eventually went with a tilapia white fish and broccoli+cauliflower+carrot vegetable mix. It also had mashed potatoes - which were most likely not real but an instant potato junk. This I've experienced at other restaurants before, because it's a cheap shortcut option. So, based on that, I asked for a substitute for the mash potato instead, and they offered more of the vegetable mix.

I also ordered an Irish Whisky Coffee too, paid and then selected my table. Afterwards, a short wait, both my drink and food arrived at my table. The tilapia fish was ok, tender and easy to cut with a fork. The broccoli+cauliflower+carrot vegetable mix was luke warm and some were even cold. WOW, UNBELIEVABLE!

The Irish Whiskey Coffee however, was intense with the (I'm assuming) shot of whiskey and strong expresso, then of course the milk froth. I've got to say, that was a drink I've never experienced before and quite enlightening!

Unfortunately the loud street noises were overwhelming. At first: 1 screaming vendor, then 2, then 3 more were in a competition to outdo each other in a yelling competition. Whatever they're trying to pedal, it's not working and maybe these yellers should opt in a new profession that is more lucrative. 🙄

The price for what I got for the food wasn't worth it! The drink, even though good, I also think it was too high as well. As far as service goes, they don't care, just place your order, you're just more customer cattle, go away and NEXT CUSTOMER!

In addition, maybe they excel in their sugary sweet drinks and deserts, but their food I'd pass on, for the...

Will never get tired of this in the morning.

Okay, so I'm the first review, so I better make it good. Yes, the wifi pwd is in here. :)

If you are having trouble finding this place, like I did, here we go:

there is a tall building on the corner of Paseo Colón and Calle 24. You may know this as the Scotiabank building.

walk along the calle 24 side for a bit and you will see another entrance with large doors. There is a drive for people to pull up with a car, and there is a security guard near the door.

go inside, and there are a bunch of different services, one being El Tostador.

And there you go!

I like to go here to mark during the day (I am an English teacher). I was part of a food tasting event for their upcoming menu, which let's me know they are progressive and want to have healthy, customer- approved options on their menu. Yes, you can have breakfast here too (or a casado at the place right beside it).

The only reason I am giving it a 4-star, and the manager knows this and is working on it, is because there are no available power outlets for charging your phone or laptop. So come with a full charge!

Wifi: latorre2017 (El...

I am always writing and reviewing many places here in Costa Rica. Many for Tostador franchises. I frequent almost all the different locations over my many trips into SJO, couple trips a month, every month all year. I say to gringos " this is the Starbucks of Costa Rica". By this it should be as popular and everywhere. Also with a 1000 times better product. From the super inexpensive Tamal n coffee 1800 colones to their super fantastic and one of my favorites tres Blanca café con higos n vanilla helado. Figs n vanilla ice cream n espresso. Not even the Starbucks in Costa Rica can touch...