Establo Arenal Lodge

We stopped here on the way to La Fortuna and were glad we did. The smoked pork was so good that we kept ordering more. Everyone was welcoming and friendly, too. Hope to drop in again on our way back. Such a gem, highly recommend.

We nearly left when we found out there wasn't pizza for the kids, which was why we'd stopped after seeing the sign on our way out of Arenal. But we stayed, and everyone enjoyed lunch. The kids had chicken fingers made from the farm's chickens, while the adults shared rice, beans, and grilled or smoked chicken and pork from local farms. We ended up talking with the very friendly owner, Alexander, for almost two hours. He shared personal stories and gave my teenagers thoughtful advice. He held their attention, and my daughter even took notes. That conversation made the lunch worthwhile on its own, and we'll remember this stop from our CR vacation.

Paying was a mess. The man added 3,500 for fajitas and 2 x 1,200 for Cokes, which were already expensive, then came up with 8,000. When I questioned the math, he made excuses about tax, a tip, and a charge for a Coke bottle that supposedly hadn't been returned. It still didn't add up. He also gave me the wrong change, mixing colones coins with USD. It felt like he was trying to scam me. The food was just as bad: our fajitas were fatty meat with a little onion, with no tortilla, vegetables, paprika, or rice. Then he threatened that everything in La Fortuna would cost three times as much and that we'd regret missing his restaurant. The whole visit was embarrassing.

We only went to the restaurant, not the hotel, and wow, the food and service were amazing. Everything was super fresh and made right there, with Mexican-style cooking, fresh meats, and spices from their own soil. The family owners are humble, really kind, and made us feel at home. I'd recommend this place 110%.