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Buena Esperanza (Martina's Bar)

between Ojo del Mar and Cabo Matapalo, Costa Rica
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Cuisines: Costa Rican
Most recent review
- 13 May 2013
Restaurant details
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19 reviews from our community

94% Recommend
    14
    4
    0
    1
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Rhode Island
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

great atmosphere, good food, pleasant bartenders, and it's the only bar out in the Matapalo area! Loved the open air concept and the Friday night market.

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New York, USA
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

for a good local dinner we walked here in the evening (remember to bring your flashlights!!) from our house casa pina (near casa bambu) there were a few offers for dinner (one chicken dish one fish dish and one beef dish) and full bar the food was fabulous and the open air setting, lovely (and still warm, this being dry... More

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Medford, Oregon, United States
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2013

The atmosphere was fantastic! The food was quite spendy and the drinks were flat out highway robbery. The people were so friendly.

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Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2013

While the staff and the location are good, the atmophere here is seriosly lacking and the beer and food is just too pricey for what you get. The Bar itself is full of Ex-Pats trying to act like Costa Ricans - few of which you will find drinking here. Better to pack your own beer and lunch and head to... More

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Brooklyn, New York
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 March 2013

When coming to the jungle you don't really know what to expect. What you can expect at Martina's Bar day or night is to be met with exceptional service and extremely fresh food made to order. I have had everything on the menu thus far and not once been disappointed, well only when my plate is empty! it is always... More

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New England
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 February 2013

This place was such a treat after a week of relative isolation on the Osa. We went on a Friday night when the bar was hopping and full of local artisans, kids, and dogs. The homemade ice cream was to die for and the local crafts were fun to browse. Ample seating and even some dancing made for a special... More

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Oregon
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 February 2013

Combination jungle and beach bar feel with delightful staff, great energy and service. Food was great and place was packed when we ate there with large group of friends late August, 2012 shortly before they closed for a month or so for the slow season. Drinks were good and locals had running tabs... Not to be missed if you are... More

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Key West, Florida, United States
2 reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 February 2013

We only had time for one afternoon at Martina's on 12/21/12 (yep, that's where we wanted to be if the world ended) on our last trip to Costa Rica but we'll make sure to get there more often next time. We made friends and acquaintances and got to interact with several of the local artisans who were showcasing their work.... More

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Calgary
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 January 2013

This is a lovely little spot in the jungle - we went there twice during our stay at Casa Bambu. There were howlers and capuchins hanging about, the food was great, the drinks nice and strong, and the staff was friendly and attentive. Good times!

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Costa Rica
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 January 2013

Super comfy bar/restaurant on the side of the road in the middle of the jungle. Friendly service and fair prices for this area. Martina is fantastic, often acting as the house DJ. Good place to meet locals and travelers. My meal was good/average. Other people were raving about the food, so maybe it was just an off-night or or something.

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