What should I order at Franco Escalante?
Franco Escalante
Basque cheesecake
Mentioned multiple times for its creamy, rich texture and smooth flavor, often highlighted as a standout dessert.
Banana bread
Described as dense and chocolatey perfection, praised for its quality and flavor.
Fries (Jazz fries / crispy fries / hand made fries)
Frequently recommended as a must-order side, noted for being crispy and delicious, complementing sandwiches and meals well.
Coffee (cortado, cappuccino, flat white, iced latte honey cherry, black coffee)
Highly praised for expert preparation, smooth mouthfeel, perfect extraction, and overall exceptional quality, making it a highlight of the experience.
Desayuno típico (typical breakfast)
Recommended for its deliciousness and authentic flavors, with only minor seasoning critiques.
Mushroom tacos
Mentioned as delicious with a wonderful combination of flavors, recommended as a savory option.
Goat cheese and pecan salad
Recommended for its delicious taste and well-balanced flavors.
Chicken and biscuits
Praised for succulent chicken and incredible dressing, though the biscuit was noted as slightly dry, still tasty overall.
French toast
Described as beautiful and tasty, served with sweetened condensed milk, dulce de leche, and blackberry compote, noted as a Southern U.S. style dish.
Grilled cheese sandwich with bacon jam
Highly recommended and described as perfect and a standout dish.
Chia pudding with fruit and coconut bacon
Mentioned for being delicious and fresh, recommended for a healthy and flavorful option.
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM to 8 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM to 7 PM |
About Franco Escalante
Franco Escalante is a restaurant, cafe, cafeteria, and coffee shop in Carmen, San José Province. It is known for specialty coffee, patio seating, and a menu that includes breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Reviewers consistently praise the coffee, croissants, chia pudding, grilled cheese sandwich, and huevos rancheros, along with the quiet patio atmosphere and friendly service. It offers indoor and outdoor seating, rooftop seating, and a mix of coffee, cocktails, and dessert options.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Rooftop seating
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Franco Escalante known for?
It is especially known for specialty coffee and its patio seating, with reviewers also calling out the croissants, chia pudding, and grilled cheese sandwich. The breakfast and brunch dishes get strong praise too, especially the French toast, chicken and biscuits, and huevos rancheros-style meals.
What dishes are most recommended at Franco Escalante?
Reviewers repeatedly recommend the grilled cheese sandwich with fries, chia pudding with fruit and coconut bacon, mushroom tacos, goat cheese and pecan salad, and the Bowl de Mediodia. Sweet items like cheesecake, chocolate cake, and the bakery counter desserts also get specific praise for flavor and texture.
What is the atmosphere like at Franco Escalante?
The vibe is casual, cozy, quiet, and a little trendy, with a garden-style patio and rooftop seating that many guests mention. It suits solo diners, couples, and groups, especially people who want a relaxed meal or coffee in Barrio Escalante/Carmen with room to sit outside.
Is Franco Escalante good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is ₡5,000–10,000, and reviewers describe it as somewhat expensive but in line with other stylish cafes. Even so, they often say the portions, coffee, and desserts feel worth it, especially for the quality of the ingredients and attentive service.
When is the best time to visit Franco Escalante?
Weekday mid-morning or mid-week lunch can be a good time if you want a calmer visit, while the patio can be close to full by 3 p.m. on a Saturday. Reviewers also mention a long queue to pay at the counter at times, so planning ahead helps.
Is parking available at Franco Escalante?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid street parking is available.
Does Franco Escalante have vegetarian options?
Yes, Franco Escalante offers vegan options.
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