Some old gringos are now performing classic folk, rock and blues songs in English, at some San Isidro restaurants sometimes during daytime hours. And since most of these musicians are swapping songs for dinners with the restaurant owners, you can be assured that the food, atmosphere and service are pretty darn likable to gringo palates. Here's a short list of regular venues:
Kapiblu Cafe: Every Monday and Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm. A coffee shop far more reminiscent of California than CR. Light, airy, with excellent coffee, home made pastries, as well as, breakfast and lunch. Yes, they have a very good espresso machine and concoct wicked doubles, triples, lattes or cappuccinos. Russ G.(guitar) or Paul (piano) perform many classic rock, folk and blues songs from the 60's and 70's. The cafe is located near the Cathedral Plaza and there is ample parking on street or within a block. Softer background music here that won't blast out your table talk.
Rock n Roll Restaurant and Bar (formally Kennedy's): Every 1st, 3rd, 5th Wednesday, 3-6 pm--Ambrosia Band AND Every 1st, 3rd, 5th Friday, 5-8 pm—Russ G. Sundown Blues.
AND Every 2nd n 4th Friday, 6–9 pm—Paul & Jose (piano, guitar). New, large airy restaurant, just re-opened with a broad range of meals as well as beer, wine and a good stock of liquors. This place has more of a roadhouse atmosphere--a bit bolder, but nowhere near Tico loud. Ambrosia, knocks out a number of classic rock and some original songs by Michael Baral. Russ G alternates Friday nights, cutting loose on 60's rock and blues. Paul and Jose make a fine pair with a number of light-hearted, upbeat old standards.
Pura Vida Restaurant: 1st Sunday every month, 3-6 pm--Sundown Serenade. New cozy restaurant just past Rivas on the paved road toward Chirripo National Park, about 25 minutes outside San Isidro. Donald, a Tico master chef from New York City, opened this wonderful 8 table restaurant with great tastes and beautiful presentations at reasonable prices. The music on Sunday is subdued, romantic songs of love lost and found from the 50's, 60's, 70's. Russ G on soft guitar, sometimes joined by Vyola and her exquisite viola.
Ricardos Restaurant: 3rd Sunday of every month, 3-6 pm--Sundown Serenade. (Same as above.) This relatively new restaurant has the Big Four: good food, good service, reasonable prices AND spectacular view. It's on the road to Dominical just 10 minutes outside San Isidro. Excellent offerings in fish, steaks, pasta and great salads, plus a well-stocked bar. The view overlooks the entire El General Valley. Safe parking area off the two lane highway.
Below is a summary schedule:
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LIVE MUSIC IN SAN ISIDRO
Kapiblu Cafe: Every Monday and Wednesday, 1-3:30 pm. (Classic folk n blues: soft)
Rock n Roll Restaurant and Bar (formally Kennedy's): (Roadhouse Rock n Blues) Every 1st, 3rd, 5th Wednesday, 3-6 pm (Ambrosia) Every 1st, 3rd, 5th Friday, 5-8 pm (Russ G) Every 2nd n 4th Friday, 6–9 pm (Paul & Jose)
Pura Vida Restaurant: 1st Sunday, 3-6 pm--Sundown Serenade. (Classic romance: soft)
Ricard2 Restaurant: 3rd Sunday, 3-6 pm--Sundown Serenade. (Classic romance: soft)