3 Hot Breakfast Spots in Atenas, Costa Rica

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Breakfast, as they say, is the most important meal of the day, and in our small country town of Atenas, Costa Rica there are several great breakfast spots to enjoy.

Thanks to its convenient location mid-way between the Pacific Coast and capital of San Jose, and its renown as “The Best Climate in the World”, Atenas has attracted a large expat population of about 1,500 foreign residents who live here full-time. This influx of people from all over the world has influenced the restaurant scene such that you can have German pastries for breakfast, or a real American breakfast buffet, or traditional Costa Rican fare.

Start your day off right at these three top breakfast spots in Atenas.

Balcon del Café
The charming proprietress of Balcon del Café in Atenas is Melani Leaseur of Germany, whose magic touch with pastries, breads and everything else in the kitchen have made this wonderful café a very popular place. Open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon coffee, Balcon del Café also features pastries, desserts, quiches, breads and German delicatessen items (German sausages, pâté, sauerkraut, etc.) to take home. Décor in a beautifully renovated traditional wooden house is artsy and cozy, and there is indoor and outdoor seating.

For breakfast, you can choose the American (eggs, bacon or ham, fruit, and Ciabatta or wheat toast), the German (cold smoked ham, Swiss cheese, eggs, and potato nut bread), the Costa Rican (gallo pinto rice and beans, eggs, sour cream, farmer’s cheese, and corn tortillas), or the Sport (yogurt, fruit and granola). All come with Atenas’ own homegrown coffee, or tea, and orange juice. Prices range from 3,500 to 4,000 colones (about $6 to $7) plus tax and service. Or you can order a homemade mini-quiche or pastry for a dollar or two. The best part: breakfast is available all day!

Location: On Route 3, 350 meters east of the CoopeAtenas gas station. Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday; (506) 2446-8592.

Kay’s Gringo Postres
For over 12 years, Kay’s Gringo Postres has been one of the most popular expat hangouts in Atenas. It started as a small bakery – hence the name Postres, which means desserts – and has grown to be a breakfast and lunch café, community center, lending library, and meeting place for clubs and groups. Originally opened in 2004 by U.S. expats Kay and Tom Costello, the café carries on the tradition of American-style breakfasts, lunches, and desserts. New owners as of April 2017, Ania and Tom Dudek, are adding in a few European delicacies too.

Well-located in the center of Atenas next to the public health clinic and the Red Cross, Kay’s Gringo Postres is especially known for its Sunday brunch. For about $12, you can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet. On other days, you can get a classic American breakfast of eggs, bacon or sausage or ham, breakfast potatoes or gallo pinto, and wheat or white toast, for about $7.50; or an omelet with breakfast potatoes or gallo pinto and toast for the same price; plus other specialties and baked goods.

Location: On the west side of the public health clinic and Red Cross in Atenas. Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; closed on Mondays; (506) 2446-0664.

La Casita del Café
For a traditional Costa Rican breakfast and one of the most astounding views in town, you want to go to La Casita del Café. Here on Route 3 at the western edge of Atenas, the verdant mountains covered with green coffee bushes and dotted with white Brahman cows, drop away steeply to reveal the dramatic Pacific Coastline, blue ocean and distant Nicoya Peninsula. You definitely want to sit at the open-air bar counter lining the “back” of the restaurant to gaze at the view while you eat.

“The best place to go for breakfast. It has an incredible view of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The food is very good and they have great coffees,” wrote one fan on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon coffee, La Casita del Café serves all traditional Costa Rican cuisine. The restaurant is especially popular for breakfast on the weekends, so get there early!

Location: On Route 3 in Monte del Aguacate, Atenas, just past the neighborhood of Estanquillos. Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily; (506) 2446-7537.
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Written By Shannon Farley: Shannon Farley is a travel blog writer for Enchanting Costa Rica and Profimercadeo in Costa Rica. Originally from Southern California, Shannon has lived, worked and traveled all over the world for 20 years; she has been living and working in Costa Rica since 1999. She lives in Atenas, Costa Rica with her husband, 5 dogs and 2 cats.

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Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.