Where to Find the Best Coffee in Tamarindo - My Top Picks!
3 Best Coffee Spots in Tamarindo, Costa Rica – My Top Picks!
If there’s one thing I never compromise on while traveling, it’s coffee. And in Tamarindo, Costa Rica a place known for its golden beaches and wild nightlife you need a good caffeine fix to either kickstart your day or recover from the previous night's adventures. Lucky for us coffee lovers, this town has some amazing spots to grab a cup (or two).
So, if you find yourself wandering Tamarindo in search of the perfect brew, let me introduce you to three of my absolute favorite coffee spots. First up: Café Tico.
1. Café Tico - The Hidden Gem with the Best Brew
You know that feeling when you discover a place so good that you almost don’t want to share it? That’s Café Tico for me. Tucked away just past the Super 2001 grocery store on the way to Langosta, this little café might not scream for attention, but trust me, once you find it, you’ll keep coming back.
The atmosphere? Cozy, laid-back, and welcoming. Whether you want to sip your coffee on their shaded patio, grab a quick cup to go, or settle in for a slow morning with a pastry in hand, Café Tico has you covered. It’s one of those places that just makes you feel at home.
And the coffee? Absolutely divine. Costa Rica is famous for its coffee, but Café Tico takes it to another level. Their beans are sourced from small local farmers, ensuring every cup is rich, smooth, and full of flavor. Even after trying out multiple coffee spots around town, I kept finding my way back here. There’s just something special about their brew that’s hard to beat.
Oh, and if you’re a foodie like me, you’ll love their selection of homemade treats. From freshly baked bread and pastries to locally made yogurt, cheese, and butter it’s all top-notch. But the real surprise? They sell natural nut butter! If you’ve ever tried to find a good, all-natural peanut or almond butter in Costa Rica, you know it’s like searching for a unicorn. But Café Tico has a variety - including peanut, almond, walnut, and cashew butter. I was beyond excited!
Beyond the great coffee and food, the staff here are incredibly friendly. You know those places where the people just genuinely love what they do? This is one of them. Whether you're a local or just passing through, they make you feel like part of the family.
So, if you’re in Tamarindo and need your coffee fix (which, let’s be honest, you definitely will), do yourself a favor and stop by Café Tico. Just be warned: you might never want to leave!
2. Santa Rita Café – Where Great Coffee Meets Great Vibes
Next up is Santa Rita Café, a charming, family-owned spot in the heart of Tamarindo. If you’re looking for a place that’s not just about coffee but about creating experiences, this is it. Founded by a couple an architect and a chef Santa Rita blends creativity with gastronomy to offer a warm, welcoming space where locals and travelers mingle over amazing coffee and food.
One of the things I love about this café is its all-day breakfast and lunch menu. Whether you’re an early riser ready to fuel up before a surf session or someone who just loves a slow brunch, Santa Rita delivers. And the coffee? Absolutely top-notch. If you need to cool down, try their signature Santa Rita coffee it’s a game-changer.
As for the food, let’s talk about the Margarito Burrito—a heavenly combination of pinto gallo wrapped in a tortilla where every bite gives you a little bit of everything. My wife swears by the El Mae, and my daughter is all about their avocado toast. Basically, whatever you pick, you can’t go wrong.
The atmosphere here is what truly makes Santa Rita special. It’s family-friendly, pet-friendly, and just has that effortless cool vibe that makes you want to stay for hours. The staff are incredibly kind, and the owner, Juan, is one of the friendliest people you’ll meet. He’s always around, giving recommendations, chatting with guests, and just making everyone feel welcome. Fun fact: my daughter actually played with his last year when we were in town, and it was such a wholesome moment.
Oh, and did I mention they serve beer too? So whether you’re craving a coffee or a cold one, Santa Rita Café has got you covered.
Long story short, if you’re looking for the best café and brunch spot in Tamarindo, this is it. It’s the kind of place that keeps you coming back—whether it’s for the food, the coffee, or just the good vibes.
3. Tamarindo Coffee Roasters – The Ultimate Coffee Experience
Last but definitely not least, let me introduce you to Tamarindo Coffee Roasters (TCR) a paradise for true coffee lovers. Established in 2017, this place takes coffee seriously. Their mission? To bring freshly roasted, high-quality Costa Rican coffee straight from the country’s best growing regions, including Tarrazú, Central Valley, West Valley, and the Blue Zone of Guanacaste.
Walking into TCR, you immediately feel like you’re in a true specialty coffee shop. No frills, just an authentic coffee experience. The decor is calming, the staff is knowledgeable and passionate, and the coffee? Absolutely next level. If you’re a coffee purist, you’ll love how they roast their beans on-site, ensuring freshness in every cup.
One of my favorite things about TCR is their variety. They currently offer six different types of specialty coffee, each grown in distinct regions of Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a recommendation, grab a bag of their Blue Zone Honey it’s smooth, rich, and perfect for recreating that Tamarindo coffee experience at home.
Whether you want to sit and enjoy a fresh brew on-site or grab a bag to take home, Tamarindo Coffee Roasters is an absolute must-visit. If you love coffee as much as I do, this place will be your new happy place!
