What should I order at El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market?
El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market
Pizza
Mentioned multiple times as delicious and very good, with reviewers specifically praising the wood-fired pizza and pizza from another stall.
Arepas
Frequently recommended across reviews, especially the beef arepas and the arepa stand, described as a standout and one of the best choices in the market.
Fish Tacos
Called the best meal by one reviewer and also praised alongside shrimp tacos for being fantastic.
Cocktails
Repeatedly praised as excellent, fantastic, and a strong reason to stay for drinks; several reviews mention the bar and cocktails as a highlight.
Pasta
Described as delicious and very good, including handmade/artisanal pasta with great flavor.
Hamburgers
Mentioned as looking very good and also ordered and enjoyed by one group, with one review calling the burgers very tasty.
Mango Ice Cream
Specifically praised for having fresh mango chunks and being memorable enough that the kids were still talking about it.
Cookies
The bakery cookies were described as delicious, especially when warmed up, with a nostalgic homemade feel.
Choripanes
Highlighted as one of the best items in the market, praised together with fries for being excellent.
Location details
Next To Patagonia Restaurant, Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province, 50309, CR
Open in Google MapsHours
| Monday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 11 PM |
About El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market
El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market is in Tamarindo, Guanacaste Province, and it brings together a wide mix of cuisines in one open-air food court setting. Its categories include restaurant, Argentinian restaurant, Asian restaurant, brewpub, cocktail bar, hamburger restaurant, Hawaiian restaurant, ice cream shop, Italian restaurant, and taco restaurant. Reviewers consistently praise the variety of food, including sushi, poke, arepas, tacos, burgers, and other stalls, along with the lively atmosphere. They also frequently mention live music, cocktails, and the casual, social setting.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Live music
- Rooftop seating
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Salad bar
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Frequently asked questions
What is El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market known for?
It is best known for its wide variety of food stalls, especially sushi, poke, arepas, tacos, and Argentinian grilled dishes. Reviewers repeatedly mention that it feels like a lively open-air market where people can find something different at each stand, with cocktails and live music adding to the experience.
What dishes are most recommended at El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market?
Reviewers most often highlight arepas, sushi, poke bowls, fresh ceviche, Argentinian steak or ribeye, and fish or shrimp tacos. Other specific favorites mentioned include chicken and rice at the Costa Rican stand, pesto pasta and pizza, and ice cream or shakes for dessert.
What is the atmosphere like at El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and trendy, with an open-air food court layout, string lights, music, and a central bar. It is described as a good fit for groups and tourists, and also works well for solo diners because people can order counter-service meals from different vendors.
Is El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market good value?
Yes, reviewers say the food is reasonably priced and often better value than nearby restaurant dining, with the listed price range at ₡5,000–10,000. Some note that alcohol can be expensive, but cocktails are praised as excellent and the overall variety makes it feel worth the spend.
When is the best time to visit El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market?
It tends to come alive after sunset, and reviewers say the dinner hours are when the music, bar, and atmosphere feel strongest. Several mention going back multiple times during a trip, which suggests it is a good repeat stop for evening meals and drinks.
Is parking available at El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market?
Yes. Free street parking is available.
Does El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market have vegetarian options?
Yes, El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market offers vegan options.
Is El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market kid-friendly?
Yes, El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market is good for kids.
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