What should I order at El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market?
El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market
Ceviche
Ceviche is highlighted multiple times for its freshness and quality, being described as the best experienced in Costa Rica with big chunks and an excellent taste.
Tacos
Tacos are frequently mentioned as delicious and full of flavor, making them a popular choice among patrons who enjoyed them with beer and margaritas.
Argentinian Steak
The Argentinian steak, specifically ribeye and skirt steak, is praised for being cooked to a proper medium rare and having excellent taste, making it a favorite at the steak location.
Ice Cream and Milkshakes
Ice cream and milkshakes are recommended as a delightful dessert option, particularly loved by children, providing a perfect ending to the meal.
Arepas
Arepas, including vegetarian and beef options, are described as delicious and are highlighted for their flavorful preparation.
Pizza
Pizza is mentioned for its tastiness and is considered a highly recommended choice, particularly noted for its Italian flavors.
Poke Bowls
Poke bowls are noted for their freshness and fantastic taste, offered with options like tofu for a vegan-friendly choice.
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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