Before we get going on the topic of fast food and chain restaurants, I would never suggest fast food over real, authentic Costa Rican cuisine. That’s why I always recommend “mom and pop” sodas and the marketplace for finding the best (and cheapest) eats. When you travel, eat the local food. Please.
However, I’ll make a small exception here.
We all know fast food is a reality. McDonald’s specifically is found in almost every country on the planet. And since McDonald’s is so good at adding regional foods to their menu in different countries, it might be fun for you to check out.
In particular, I have one very special reason for making a trip to McDonald’s in Costa Rica. More on that in a bit.
McDonald’s in Costa Rica
In 1984, I fondly remember Costa Rica’s first (and one and only) McDonald’s. Seriously. It was the only one in the country.
The one I used to skip school to go to. Shhhh…don’t tell.
It was located in San José, right near the Banco Nacional which used to be the tallest building in San José at the time. (That title now belongs to Torres del Paseo Colón).
This McDonald’s was a double-decker, something I’d never seen at home. There was a first floor for ordering and a dining area, and you could go upstairs to a second dining room! Something very common in big cities, unbeknownst to me at the time, coming from a small town.
This McDonald’s was always packed. People from all over the country who were in San José would take advantage of eating there while in town. Even the line to get to the counter had a roped-off queue just like a bank.
And McDonald’s was expensive! It was a treat and a once-in-a-while thing.
Imagine that.
Fast forward to the present day, and McDonald’s in Costa Rica is EVERYWHERE! I remember when the first McDonald’s came to Cartago. Now, there are four near Cartago’s center. The original one that stands at the corner of Avenida 1 and Calle 2. A second one on the south side of the park, near the Ruins, one in Metro Centro (a free-standing store with a drive-thru) and yet another on the highway near Caballo Blanco. I should also note there’s a small one at Cartago’s newest mall, Paseo Metrópoli.
Many McDonald’s locations are also encouraging electronic ordering at the kiosks instead of up at the counter. You’ll find this in a lot of other countries, too, as well as the USA. It’s not difficult, and many times they have someone there to help. After you place your order, you’ll either pick it up, or they’ll give you a number and bring it to your table. Easy peasy.
Costa Rica’s McDonald’s Menu
One thing I love about McDonald’s (I’m lovin’ it?) is how they adapt special dishes to the location where they’re placed.
For example, if you’ve ever been to McDonald’s in Maine, you’ll know they have the McLobster sandwich. McDonald’s in Montréal sells poutine. And the list goes on. Well, in Costa Rica, they serve McPinto for breakfast! Yep, you can get gallo pinto at McDonald’s for breakfast. Total yum!
The last time I was there, I noticed they were serving the Onion BBQ burger. A cheeseburger slathered with barbecue sauce and topped with onion rings. And of course, they have all the regular stuff, too, Big Macs, Happy Meals and so on.
However, my one very special reason for stopping at McDonald’s after preaching the joys of local cuisine? The pineapple pie!! That’s right, McDonald’s in Costa Rica has the pineapple pie and guess what? It’s still deep-fried like they used to make them in the USA. Bliss!
I don’t know who had the brilliant idea back in the States to start baking the pies (if I wanted healthy food, I’d hit up a health-food store) but damn, I miss those golden, crispy, deep-fried pies, so I have to make at least one stop at McDonald’s in Costa Rica. It’s a guilty pleasure.
McDonald’s Ice Cream Kiosks
In Cartago, two McDonald’s have completely separate ice cream kiosks. I absolutely love this idea.
If you’re in the mood for an ice cream sundae, or a cone, you can go to this separate little ice cream spot and not go through the line inside the restaurant. It’s also set up with a window for passing foot traffic. Just order your ice cream and you’re on your way. So convenient!
I highly recommend the caramel sundae. They add even more caramel than back home!
McDonald’s Was Just the Start
While McDonald’s was busy peppering the Costa Rican countryside with more and more stores, other “North-Americanized” fast-food places have sprung up as well. This includes Pizza Hut (one of the oldest franchises in Costa Rica with several locations in 1984), KFC, Taco Bell, Subway and Burger King. In places like Escazú, you can also find Applebees, Outback Steakhouse, Chili’s and Olive Garden. I think I’ll stick to my Costa Rican fare, however
So, if you get a chance to stop by a McDonald’s during your travels, and you miss the whole deep-fried pie experience, I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Is McDonald’s viewed as inexpensive fast food, or more of an upper tier treat? Nice article, very thorough.
Hi Rob, thanks for your comment. You know, it used to be known as an “upper tier” treat. Now it’s so readily available it’s become commonplace. People are eating out more than ever, and McDonald’s is no exception. They’re always busy. And since McDonald’s also delivers, via motorcycle, a Big Mac is only a phone call away!
That exact McDonald’s location you went in 1984 is kinda special. It was the first location that was opened in Latin America.
I wouldn’t consider McDonald’s to be top tier in Costa Rica but it’s certainly a lot better than most locations within the US. The same happens with Denny’s. Try to go to the Denny’s that is near the SJO airport, you’ll have a unique experience, guaranteed.
Hi Marco, I miss Costa Rica back when it had just one McDonald’s. It was a special occasion to go. Now there’s a McDonald’s (and POPs) in every available space. I try to get to McDonald’s at least once on every trip to get a pineapple pie. They still serve the “deep-fried” pies that I remember so well from my youth. I actually ended up a Denny’s near the airport when one of my flights got canceled. It was the one by the Best Western Irazu, I don’t know if that’s the one you’re talking about. We received free vouchers to eat there, but I’ll take a Costa Rican “soda” over Denny’s any day!