Father Rooster's — Restaurant in Sardinal

We live close to Father Rooster's and have been going there for years. This review is not from a single visit, but cumulatively. The atmosphere is very nice and the location is great. The food is usually better than average for the area. My favourite is the burger, I'd say the best in town. The prices are also the highest in the area. The ongoing problem is the lack of service, this is a constant problem. The staff are not trained in customer service at all. Generally it takes 15-30 minutes to get your first drink and then most of the time you have to waive someone down to get a refill. It's not unusual to wait 45 minutes or longer before someone comes for your food order. The staff rarely checks on tables once the food arrives, so again, if something is wrong or you need another drink, it involves waiving someone down. Staff appears to purposely look away or look down at the ground so you can't make eye contact as though you are inconveniencing them. Sometimes I've seen staff argue as to who is going to serve a table and eye rolls are a regular thing as you see staff leave a table. Trying to get your bill takes an effort as it is never offered because nobody checks on the tables. Sometimes good food is not enough to keep going back to a restaurant. I think I'll find better choices...

We’ve been coming to this restaurant since the day we arrived in Ocotal, and it has quickly become our favorite spot. The food is simply outstanding — every dish we’ve tried has been fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. Their ribs are out of this world — tender, juicy, and packed with flavor — and the taco pescado is straight from heaven, with perfectly cooked fish and fresh toppings that make every bite unforgettable. From colorful, vibrant tacos and hearty wraps to perfectly grilled corn and crispy fries, everything bursts with flavor. And let’s not forget the drinks — their fresh juices and cocktails are works of art, as refreshing as they are gorgeous.

The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, surrounded by lush greenery during the day and twinkling lights in the evening. It’s the perfect mix of beachy charm and welcoming comfort.

But what truly makes this place special is the staff. They greet you with genuine warmth and treat you as if you’ve been friends for years. Every visit feels personal, and you can tell they take real pride in making sure you enjoy your time there.

If you’re in Ocotal, don’t miss this gem. Come hungry, bring your camera (you’ll want to take photos of the food!), and prepare to leave with a happy heart and...

Father Rooster is the perfect beach restaurant. Overlooking Playa Ocotal and Ocotal Bay, the setting is gorgeous, the food is great and the service is always outstanding. The vibe is mellow, friendly and accommodating and we make sure it's our first stop whenever family and friends visit. Father Rooster is just down the hill from Villa Amor Azul and we probably find ourselves here 3 or 4 times a week for lunch and dinner.

I just want to share a little story about the staff here - - a couple of weeks ago a storm came in off the water a little more quickly and seriously than expected - dumping about 3" of rain in an hour. Luis, Bernal, Fernando and everyone else jumped into action and relocated 20-30 people from beachside seating into the coverage of the restaurant. They carried tables and chairs and food and plates and people's personal belongings and rearranged everyone comfortably into a communal, cramped and festive setting, sheltered from the rain. It was a lot of work and probably should have been stressful. But the staff (soaked) never missed a beat with food or drinks, they smiled the whole way and turned a prolonged and stormy lunch into a great and memorable experience. I left with a new admiration and respect for...