Bar Rio, located on Avenida Central in Los Yoses, just west of Mall San Pedro, is one of the cities longest running bars. With a simple layout, fair prices, and some decent food, Rio has managed to outlast dozens of other bars that simply try too hard to do whatever they’re trying to do.
Located right on Avenida Central, Rio has become a regular stop for a lot of Chepenos trying to avoid the horrendous rush our traffic. Many will pull over, find a parking spot on the frontage road and have a couple of beers, while watching a football match and waiting for traffic to die down. The bar is also the preffered watering hole for guests from two of the areas hostels, Casa Yoses and Hostel Bekuo. For University of Costa Rica, Rio offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the craziness that is constant at La Calle de Amargura.
If you frequent Bar Rio, it won’t take long for the staff to remember you. Elvis and Manuel seem to be constantly on duty, and while elvis looks pissed off most of the time, and is constantly distracted by the beautiful women that frequent Rio, he still manages to keep a full beer on your table. Manuel is the kid of server that everyone in Costa Rica wishes they had working for them.
Last fall, Rio started a major remodeling operation, and even expanded the size of the bar by taking over the old Domino’s Pizza location next door. The front of the building and inside look brand new. There are new flat screens for enjoying sporting events, and the men’s room even has actual urinals, as opposed to a trough with water dripping in it like so many other bars in Costa Rica. they even picked up a new waiter, he’s the tall guy, but we haven’t gotten his name yet.
If you’re looking for good bar food, Rio has it. Don’t miss the chifrijo, a splendid mix of pork, beans and rice, with tostados on the side. For the bottomless stomach, there are many other great tapas or main dishes like filet mignon or enchiladas. Hours vary from dry season to rainy season, you can call to see if their open at 2225-8371.
