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The Shack Restaurant
Tempate - Guanacaste

The Shack offers fresh seafood such as mahi mahi and fish casado, along with hearty breakfasts, burritos and cocktails, often accompanied by live music. The upstairs dining is relaxed with town views and attentive, friendly staff, though some diners note occasional overcooked fish or frozen-style breakfast sides.

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Live music
  • Accepts reservations
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
Bar Restaurante
Santa Cruz - Guanacaste
+506 2201 7330Directions

Bar Restaurante offers solid bar-and-grill fare in a friendly, local atmosphere, with staff who are personable and generally provide good service. The kitchen may close early and food can sometimes take a while, so patrons are advised to check their bill carefully.

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Delivery
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Outdoor seating
  • Live music
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
Hemingway's
Surfside - Guanacaste

Hemingway's serves fresh ceviche, hot honey pepperoni pizza and fruity hibiscus margaritas alongside a range of beach-friendly dishes, though prices skew tourist-level. The beachfront setting with sunset views, live music and pool amenities creates a relaxed vibe, but service can be slow or uneven during busy times.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Live music
  • Accepts reservations
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
Gritanga
Surfside - Guanacaste
+506 8583 0351Directions

Gritanga serves flavorful tacos—especially birria, shrimp and smoked tri-tip—along with loaded nachos, yuca fries and other homemade Mexican-style fare, often in generous portions that offer good value. The vibe is casual and lively beside a microbrewery in an open food-court courtyard, and service is friendly and fast from hands-on owners and staff.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Vegetarian options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair accessible
Restaurante Mi Chocita
Potrero - Guanacaste

Restaurante Mi Chocita presents a lively, local bar-and-grill atmosphere with colorful artwork on the walls and regular music and karaoke that take song requests. Staff are friendly and attentive, and the menu offers solid bar-style dishes, though the place can get quite energetic at peak times.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Accepts reservations
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair accessible
Mangue Beachfront Tapas Bar
Potrero - Guanacaste
+506 8508 7935Directions

Mangue sits right on the beach with scenic sunset views and serves tapas-style plates and seafood tacos that many enjoy. Service is often slow and inconsistent, and guests note a limited tapas selection and occasional confusion around happy-hour offers and billing.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Accepts reservations
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair accessible
Bar&Rist La Penca
Potrero - Guanacaste

Bar&Rist La Penca offers affordable, authentic Costa Rican dishes—seafood rice stands out—and delivers good quality near Potrero beach. The casual, convenient spot sits close to the sand and provides friendly, attentive service. Music can sometimes be loud, which may affect the relaxed vibe.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Parking
Soda María Teresa
Potrero - Guanacaste
+506 8658 3485Directions

Soda María Teresa serves fresh, home-style Costa Rican dishes—casados and fish are frequent favorites, with simple vegan and breakfast options available. The tiny, authentic soda feels like a local hub with warm, attentive owners and personal service, though some find prices a bit high for certain dishes.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Takeaway
  • Coffee
  • Parking
Reparito House
Potrero - Guanacaste

Reparito House serves fresh Mexican fare, with standout dishes like quesabirria, chicken al pastor bowls, steak tacos and a cubano sandwich, plus house hot sauce and well-made sides. The vibe is friendly and family-oriented with attentive service and outdoor seating, though some diners mention small portions and relatively high prices.

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Delivery
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Accepts reservations
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
Restaurants Arenas
Santa Cruz - Guanacaste
+506 8405 2960Directions

Restaurant Arenas serves authentic, home-style Costa Rican dishes, with frequent favorites including seafood sopa de mariscos, mahi mahi casado and a well-liked avocado-topped burger, alongside fresh cocktails. The spot feels local and family-friendly with welcoming, attentive service and good prices; occasional menu items may be unavailable or vary in taste.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Delivery
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
CanaTico - Pizzeria Bar & Grill
Santa Cruz - Guanacaste
+506 6150 0994Directions

CanaTico serves large-portioned, casual fare — pizzas, ribs and fresh fish (they'll even cook your catch) — plus cocktails and smoothies. The atmosphere is spacious, lively and family-friendly with karaoke and a U.S.-style beach/sports-bar vibe, and staff are generally friendly and attentive, though guests sometimes note occasional requests for extra tipping.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Delivery
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Live music
  • Accepts reservations
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
Toro's Chipotle's Restaurante
Potrero - Guanacaste

Toro's Chipotle's serves generous, fresh burritos, bowls and breakfast dishes—steak and breakfast burritos and nachos are often ordered—and portions are large enough for leftovers. The restaurant is clean and conveniently located with parking, and staff are generally friendly, though indoor seating is limited and occasional slow service or uneven seasoning is mentioned.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Parking
  • Pet friendly
Carpe Diem 2.0 Coffee & more
Potrero - Guanacaste

Carpe Diem 2.0 serves fresh, thoughtfully presented breakfast and coffee — popular items include avocado toast, a flat-style omelette, chai, and fresh fruit. The shop offers a friendly, courtyard-style atmosphere next to a microbrewery with attentive staff, though food can sometimes take a while to arrive.

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Takeaway
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Parking
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
Olas Verdes Hotel
Guiones - Guanacaste

Colorful suites in an ecolodge near the beach offering free breakfast & an outdoor pool.

  • Breakfast
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
Potrero Pizza Express
Potrero - Guanacaste
+506 8871 7463Directions
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Parking
El Garden
Potrero - Guanacaste
+506 6039 9521Directions

El Garden features a small food-court setup with several stalls and a microbrewery, serving popular items like pizza, ceviche, vegan sliders, burritos and notably crispy fries, plus beer and cocktails. The outdoor, relaxed, beach-adjacent atmosphere attracts locals and expats and staff are generally friendly, though a few patrons report occasional billing hiccups.

  • Takeaway
  • Parking
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
Marisqueria Restauranticos
Garabito - Puntarenas
+506 2637 1515Directions

Marisqueria Restauranticos is known for its patacones and fresh seafood like shrimp with rice and ceviche, plus refreshing naturales. The atmosphere feels clean and comfortable, and the staff provide friendly, attentive service. Prices are described as reasonable.

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Outdoor seating
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
Potrero Brewing Company
Playa Potrero - Guanacaste

Potrero Brewing offers a wide, well-priced beer selection—hazy IPAs and sours served cold—and staff are friendly, often providing tasters. The open, beachy industrial space flows into a courtyard with food stalls and nearby pizza/burger vans, live music and sports on TV, and a pet- and family-friendly, lively atmosphere that can be noisy.

  • Bar
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair accessible
Sunset Playa Potrero Social
Santa Cruz - Guanacaste
+506 6465 8899Directions

Sunset Playa Potrero Social serves consistently tasty, well-prepared food, with traditional casados often mentioned by diners. It offers a relaxed, rural beachfront atmosphere near Playa Potrero and generally attentive service, though guests are advised to confirm menu prices and orders since occasional billing or order mix-ups occur.

  • Dinner
  • Parking
Italian Ice Cream/ Gelato Shop
Potrero - Guanacaste
+506 8897 4387Directions

The gelateria serves thick, creamy gelato with standout flavors like pistachio, coco, stracciatella, dark chocolate, amarena and mint, and also offers cups, cones and milkshakes. Staff are friendly and attentive, creating a pura vida atmosphere, though tasting samples may not always be offered.

  • Takeaway
  • Delivery
  • Coffee
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wheelchair accessible
Woodstock Food Truck
Playa Potrero - Guanacaste
+506 8476 0418Directions

Woodstock Food Truck serves fresh smash burgers on soft brioche, crispy battered fries with house sauces, and balanced sandwiches, paninis and salads, plus fruit smoothies and frozen mint lemonade. The vibe is relaxed and shaded near the beach, with outdoor seating and easy takeout for pairing with a nearby brewery. Service is friendly and attentive, with careful packaging for travel.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Live music
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
Hazel's Steak & Seafood
Flamingo - Guanacaste

Hazel's serves well-prepared steak and seafood — notably tenderloin and sea bass — with premium cocktails and a large wine list. The atmosphere is classy and relaxing, and service is attentive and welcoming, with owners often greeting guests; prices lean toward higher-end, so many reserve it for special occasions.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Outdoor seating
  • Accepts reservations
  • Parking
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
La Cantina
Nosara - Guanacaste

La Cantina serves casual comfort fare, with the spicy chicken sandwich standing out as a favorite. Located in the Beach Breaker hotel, it features live music on Thursdays and Fridays and karaoke on Mondays, creating a lively atmosphere while attentive, knowledgeable staff ensure a smooth experience.

  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Delivery
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Live music
  • Accepts reservations
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
Sentido Norte
Las Catalinas - Guanacaste

Sentido Norte offers elevated, sunset-facing dining with well-regarded seafood and other dishes—salmon, seabass, tuna, lamb—and notable items like creamy pappardelle with pistachio pesto, plantain chips with guacamole, plus inventive cocktails and mocktails. The atmosphere focuses on spectacular, romantic views, while attentive, personable staff and skilled bartenders enhance the experience; seating can be tight at times.

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Live music
  • Accepts reservations
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
El Tony fast food
Potrero - Guanacaste
+506 6421 1695Directions

El Tony Fast Food offers a wide variety of affordable, quick dishes—quesadillas, fries and coffee are common choices—served with friendly, attentive service from the owner. While many find the food fresh and the atmosphere casual and welcoming, others occasionally report uneven temperature or reheated items, so quality can vary.

  • Lunch
  • Takeaway
  • Parking
Burrito Amor
Nosara - Guanacaste

Burrito Amor serves fresh, flavorful Mexican fare—burritos (chicken, shrimp in a banana shell), bowls and breakfast or vegetarian options—with housemade red, green and white sauces and health-conscious drinks like hibiscus‑coconut mocktails, fresh juices and well-made coffee. The casual outdoor patio with fans creates a relaxed vibe, and staff are friendly, attentive and quick.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Parking
  • Kid friendly
  • Pet friendly
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
Elio's Tiki Room
Guiones - Guanacaste
+506 8695 5780Directions

Elio's Tiki Room serves a concise menu of well-executed dishes—standouts include red snapper carpaccio (notably citrus-heavy), jalapeño poppers, ribs, burgers and seasonal fish—plus homemade desserts. The tiki-style bar pours strong, creative cocktails and the laid-back, beach-adjacent atmosphere pairs with friendly, attentive service; the spot also stays open late.

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
Tacos y Tacos
Nosara - Guanacaste

Tacos y Tacos serves flavorful, well-seasoned tacos; steak and the Landing Strip receive frequent praise, and margaritas are also noted. The setup is a casual food-truck vibe steps from the beach with crate seating and occasional events. Prices lean toward the higher side and portions can feel small.

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Takeaway
  • Delivery
  • Bar
  • Vegetarian options
  • Vegan options
  • Parking
Yaya's Café and Bar
Nosara - Guanacaste
+506 7249 0317Directions

Yaya's Café and Bar serves a wide array of breakfasts, homemade empanadas, fresh lattes and smoothies, plus casual lunch plates like fish and chicken casado and craft beers. The spot maintains a friendly, family-oriented, post-surf atmosphere and attentive, accommodating service with staff who often stay late to help guests.

  • Breakfast
  • Takeaway
  • Delivery
  • Bar
  • Coffee
  • Outdoor seating
  • Parking
  • Pet friendly
Hotel Guiones
Nosara - Guanacaste

Rustic-chic rooms & suites in a hotel with a saltwater pool, an organic restaurant & loaner bikes.

  • Breakfast
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
LA ISLA juice club
Nosara - Guanacaste
+506 6098 0589Directions

La Isla Juice Club serves fresh, healthy smoothies, cold-pressed juices, sandwiches and bowls with premium add-ins like protein or collagen. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the staff provide attentive, charming service.

    Zest by the Sea
    Nosara - Guanacaste
    +506 6449 3751Directions

    Zest by the Sea serves fresh, flavorful coffee, sandwiches, wraps and sweet treats — notably its popular OG cookie, plus juices, salads and a standout bacon burrito. The takeout‑friendly, casual spot is convenient for post‑surf or pre‑sunset snacks in Guiones and caters to beachgoers seeking quick, fresh options.

    • Lunch
    • Takeaway
    • Parking
    Luv Pizza
    Nosara - Guanacaste
      The Juice Bar @ The Harmony Hotel
      Guiones - Guanacaste

      The Juice Bar serves fresh juices and smoothies, poke bowls, and baked goods such as passion-fruit crostata and chocolate-almond cookies, with many items praised for flavor. The setting is relaxed on the hotel grounds with a pura vida, wildlife-friendly vibe, and staff are generally friendly and helpful, though service can be slow or occasionally error-prone.

      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Takeaway
      • Bar
      • Coffee
      • Vegetarian options
      • Vegan options
      • Outdoor seating
      • Parking
      • Wheelchair accessible
      Raíz Restaurant
      Nosara - Guanacaste
      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Parking
      Copal cocktails & bites
      Nosara - Guanacaste
      +506 7244 8499Directions

      Copal Cocktails & Bites serves fresh, homemade breakfasts and brunches—notably generous açaí bowls, smoothies and cold-pressed juices—then shifts into an evening cocktail bar with creative, well-balanced drinks. The atmosphere is laid-back and musical, and the staff are friendly, flexible and attentive, fostering a community vibe with occasional events and yoga.

      • Takeaway
      • Bar
      • Parking
      Olo Alaia Coffee Roasters
      Nicoya - Guanacaste

      Olo Alaia Coffee Roasters serves consistently strong coffee—cappuccinos and matcha lattes are popular—and staff are knowledgeable about the beans. The cafe offers a relaxed, friendly vibe with an engaging owner, though it leans a bit pricey and opens at 8 a.m.

      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Takeaway
      • Bar
      • Coffee
      • Parking
      Seekret Spot Gelateria Guiones
      Nosara - Guanacaste

      Seekret Spot Gelateria in Guiones serves fresh, creamy gelato with about 14 rotating flavors—popular picks include vegan chocolate, lemon, strawberry and mint chocolate chip, often served in waffle cones. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the shop has a casual neighborhood vibe, though some visitors find certain flavors merely average compared with other options.

      • Takeaway
      • Delivery
      Sendero Coffee Truck
      Guiones - Guanacaste

      Sendero Coffee Truck offers strong espresso, smoothies and light bites by the beach; the atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are usually efficient and friendly. Some note inconsistent pricing and occasional service or payment hiccups.

      • Breakfast
      • Takeaway
      • Coffee
      • Accepts reservations
      • Parking
      Señorita Smoothies
      Puerto Carrillo - Guanacaste
      +506 8633 1812Directions

      Señorita Smoothies serves fresh tropical smoothies, açaí and coco bowls, and protein shakes made from high-quality ingredients with customizable options for post-workout or refreshing treats. The small, laid-back food-truck atmosphere offers quick, friendly service from the owner and staff and makes for a pleasant people-watching stop in Puerto Carrillo.

      • Takeaway
      • Outdoor seating
      • Parking
      • Kid friendly
      • LGBTQ+ friendly
      Norte Nosara
      Nosara - Guanacaste

      Norte Nosara offers a tropical, boutique retreat with lush jungle surroundings, a cozy pool and yoga shala, and easy walking access to the beach. The on-site food and drink offerings — fresh juices at Copal and cocktails at the bar — complement the relaxed atmosphere, and staff are generally friendly and organized, though a few guests note occasional maintenance or reception lapses.

      • Wi-Fi
      • Parking
      • LGBTQ+ friendly
      La Puesta del Sol Bar | Restaurant
      Puerto Carrillo - Guanacaste

      La Puesta del Sol serves seafood-forward, Italian- and Peruvian-influenced dishes, with highlights like ribeye, tuna tartare, ceviche, seafood fettuccini and shrimp risotto. The small restaurant offers a sunset platform and relaxed, family-run atmosphere, with friendly attentive service and cocktails; reservations are advised and there are occasional minor hiccups (e.g., freezer‑burned ice cream).

      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Takeaway
      • Bar
      • Coffee
      • Outdoor seating
      • Accepts reservations
      • Parking
      • Pet friendly
      • Wheelchair accessible
      Hula Jungla
      Playa Carrillo - Guanacaste

      Hula Jungla serves a broad menu of generous portions, from burgers and nachos to seafood like grilled red snapper, enchiladas and pizza, plus cocktails and a mango colada fishbowl. The setting offers a relaxed beachfront vibe with attentive, friendly staff, though some patrons report inconsistent drink strength and occasional issues with meat doneness.

      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Takeaway
      • Delivery
      • Bar
      • Coffee
      • Vegetarian options
      • Vegan options
      • Outdoor seating
      • Live music
      • Accepts reservations
      • Parking
      • Kid friendly
      • Pet friendly
      • Wheelchair accessible
      Chez Nous
      Puerto Carrillo - Guanacaste

      Chez Nous serves fresh, French-influenced seafood—notably seared tuna, tuna tartare and shrimp dishes with passion fruit or white-wine sauces—plus generous portions and reasonable prices. The restaurant offers a romantic jungle-like setting with pool and pets, and service is personal and attentive from the owner. The approach can be dark and nondescript, so expect a tucked-away entrance.

      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Takeaway
      • Bar
      • Coffee
      • Vegetarian options
      • Outdoor seating
      • Accepts reservations
      • Parking
      • Kid friendly
      • Pet friendly
      • Wheelchair accessible
      • LGBTQ+ friendly
      La Puesta del Sol Bed & Breakfast
      Puerto Carrillo - Guanacaste

      The B&B serves Italian-inspired cuisine—carpaccio, risotto and an Italian-style ceviche—along with hearty breakfasts. Guests enjoy a peaceful, ocean-view setting near a pristine beach, and host Roberto is warm, attentive and helpful with clean, comfortable rooms.

      • Breakfast
      • Wi-Fi
      • Parking
      El Colibri Hotel & Steak House
      Puerto Carrillo - Guanacaste

      Unfussy rooms with terraces in a casual guesthouse offering an open-air restaurant & a pool.

      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Bar
      • Coffee
      • Outdoor seating
      • Accepts reservations
      • Wi-Fi
      • Parking
      • Kid friendly
      • Pet friendly
      • Wheelchair accessible
      Soda La Plaza
      Puerto Carrillo - Guanacaste
      +506 2656 0675Directions

      Soda La Plaza serves traditional, well-priced Costa Rican fare with generous portions, especially casados (fish), fish fingers, empanadas, huevos rancheros and large shrimp salads with sweet fried plantains. The casual, central spot beside the town soccer field features friendly, helpful staff, though some dishes can occasionally come overly salty or dry.

      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Takeaway
      • Bar
      • Coffee
      • Vegetarian options
      • Outdoor seating
      • Parking
      • Kid friendly
      • Pet friendly
      • Wheelchair accessible
      El Silbido de Poseidon
      Guiones - Guanacaste
      • Parking
      Restaurante Bahía
      Sámara - Guanacaste

      It serves fresh seafood — tuna tartare, seared tuna, red snapper, lobster appetizers, ceviche and seafood pasta stand out — with beachside seating and Pacific Ocean views. Service is generally friendly and helpful, though guests report occasional reservation and seating hiccups, slow or forgetful service and uneven cocktails.

      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Takeaway
      • Bar
      • Coffee
      • Vegetarian options
      • Vegan options
      • Outdoor seating
      • Accepts reservations
      • Parking
      • Kid friendly
      • Pet friendly
      • Wheelchair accessible
      Los Delfines
      Puerto Carrillo - Guanacaste
      +506 6267 8798Directions

      Los Delfines serves classic Costa Rican plates (casado, grilled and whole fish), a notable seafood soup, and crowd-pleasing options like tenderloin and a house burger; natural fruit drinks are popular. The family-run, casual spot has friendly, English-speaking staff and reasonable prices, though some find certain dishes understated and the main-road location can be noisy.

      • Breakfast
      • Brunch
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Takeaway
      • Bar
      • Coffee
      • Outdoor seating
      • Accepts reservations
      • Parking
      • Kid friendly
      • Pet friendly
      • Wheelchair accessible