Las Mañanitas — Restaurant in Merced

I made my way Las Maninitas for dinner, a Mexican joint just a 5 minute walk from my hostel the host had recommended. I sat in the outdoor courtyard with high walls enclosing the muy tranquilo space. Replays from a previous futball match played on the flat screen. I was indecisive. Did I want al pastor tacos with delicious Costa Rican pineapple grilled in there? Or did I want some birria tacos with their “secret recipe” consommé? I asked my very kind server gentleman who flashed many smiles my way in his sweet hospitality what his favorite tacos were. Without hesitation, the birria. Birria it is then. With a spicy michelada with Imperial of course.

The tacos were really good. They were served on a plate of four, tortillas with melted cheese and the carne on top. I tray of pinchos were served – the pickled onions, jalapeños and carrots with another tray of green cilantro sauce. A cup of refried black beans with a couple fried tortillas came as a side. It was very fresh and decadent at the same time. The oily cheese and meat with the fresh cilantro, onions and pickled toppings. It was a refreshing switch up of cuisines. The consommé was delicious. The little cup was just enough, but I could have drinken the rest if there had been any leftover, but there was certainly none left over. Dunking my four tacos generously in that delicious jus.

The meal felt a little spendy, a little over $20 for my drink and 4 tacos. But it was delicious, so that’s all...

My significant other and I came here because I saw it had strong reviews and it was near our hotel. I saw the reviews were good, but I was still not too sure what to expect for my first meal in Costa Rica (ironic it was Mexican food, I know).

Everything was amazing. The service was fast and friendly, and we loved sitting in the back patio. The combination plate I ordered had 2 tacos al pastor, a small bean quesadilla, and a sope pollo, which I accompanied with a refreshing Coke Zero and some chips, guac and salsa. The tacos were the standout, with the quality of the pork fantastic and all the toppings fresh. I also really enjoyed the sope, a usual hit or miss dish for me. The salsas were also tasty with good levels of spice if I remember correctly.

As others have mentioned, the prices are a phenomenal value! Costa Rica is not a cheap country, so for a nice lunch this is going to be very hard to beat. Definitely come here if you are in the area and want some great...

Came to San Jose with a tour group and got in a day early. We wanted to try a local spot out for dinner before the tour started. We found this restaurant on Google and saw it and really good reviews. They were spot on!

Hole in the wall place with great food and atmosphere was one of the reviews that best describes La Mananitas. The minute we walked in, we were treated like family. The staff were fantastic to work with and the drinks/food were on point all night. They had two huge groups of people and handled the entire restaurant with ease.

Prices are really good, food is excellent and the experience was exactly what we were looking for in a local restaurant. Would highly recommend this place for anyone looking to get some local flare and good food.

Thank you to the staff for...