By Kelvin Marshall – Nica Biz
(Which is your favorite? Comment below)
Café Mediterráneo
Tucked between the two story retail and apartment building and Universal Cyber, in front of the north market entrance, Café Mediterráneo serves coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Italian coffee machine is kept supplied with Nicaragua coffee (when in Rome…) so you can enjoy an expresso, Americano or cappuccino. Plus is that they serve some of the best Italian food in San Juan del Sur (some say all of Nicaragua).
Dale Pues
Named after a popular Nica saying which has several meanings which are mostly variations of “OK then, let’s do it”. This Dale Pues is a busy little coffee/sandwich/bar etc. As for the plus for this one, they do a great burger and fries, an all-day breakfast, fresh juices, pasta, burgers, bagels & pub fare along with cold beer and cocktails.
Ding Repair Cafe
Healthy foods, colorful foods, wholesome foods and stuff that surely can’t be good for you because it tastes so “ding good” (but it is). Their menu is full of healthy choices made from local ingredients. The lovely ladies that run the Ding Repair Cafe believe that “happiness lies in the way you treat your body, your environment and the community that surrounds you”. Who can argue with that?
Indio Del Sur Coffee Shop
Originally started inside Josseline’s Bar and Restaurant on the Beach Road, Cesar Alberto Morales Rivera moved the business to its current location on the south side of the Catholic Church. With a large variety of delicious coffees, teas and iced drinks, as well as breakfasts, Paninis, pastries & more, it’s no wonder that Indio Del Sur Coffee Shop is a hit with nationals and foreigners.
La Tostadería
Owner Dimitri Slukin (with a passion for coffee) has put the underutilized ground floor of the old Hotel Estrella to good use, converting it into a coffee roaster, café and restaurant. The business opened in the fall of 2018. They serve fresh roasted specialty coffee as well as breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. The bonus is that right door is their “RÚSTICO Bakery and Deli” with bread, cakes and pastries all made on the premises.
Machete Market Café
This one is north of San Juan del Sur in “Downtown Marsella”, off La Chocolata on the road to the family beach of Playa Marsella and the surf beach of Playa Maderas. As well as being a coffee shop, they have a local market/grocery store and hold pizza nights, pop up dinners and brunches. As a result, they have become a hub and a great location for the growing community to gather.
Peace and Cake
Named after a greeting used by the owner’s family, you will find this place about half way up “La Cuesta” (the slope) or the hill coming into town and at the entrance to Finca Las Nubes organic farm. Good coffee, food, pastries and desserts in the charming and comfortable surroundings. They also sell their farm produce and are an easy stop on the way out or into town.
Simon Says
Built around its whimsical garden theme, Simon Says is an eclectic indoor/outdoor eatery offering a good variety of coffee, drinks and food (salads, sandwiches, vegan options and desserts) as well as a smoothie bar. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have various event nights such as their famous Full Moon Parties.
The Art Warehouse
The Art Warehouse is either “a coffee shop with an art problem or an art studio with a coffee problem”. Either way, they really are a place where the community can gather, be themselves, create, enjoy art, eat, drink and meet new people. You will never be too far away from an art event, class or workshop. Great coffee, healthy food and good people. Definitely a “Coffee Shop Plus”.
Vibe Restaurant
Vibe is one of the newest additions to the coffee shop plus scene and is open for breakfast and lunch. Whenever possible, they try to use locally sourced produce in their home made recipes. Coffee is served in an individual French press. Summer is the “vivacious” host of this bright and airy location (next to Zen Yoga) and has given it a vibe of its own.
S.O.S. DELI (Breakfast Place and Sandwich Shop)
At “Simpleton’s Lil’ Brother”, S.O.S. Deli, the coffee is always on and the plus is there’s a good variety to the menu board. Some classic sandwiches like a Philly Cheese Steak or a Cuban or a traditional Grilled Cheese. Salads for the weight watchers and Banana Splits for those that don’t want to watch! “I’m Just Sayin”
