Nightlife Spotlight – Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant

Rachel Cherry White - JAN 03, 2019

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Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant: Lucy’s is why expats move to Costa Rica. I mean, not the bar itself, but everything the bar is. Lucy’s embodies that Costa Rican spirit that draws us all to this amazing place. The management and staff have mastered the quintessential beach bar vibe.

We went there on a recent Friday to check it out. Friday night is Ladies Night, and there is always a reason to celebrate. Ladies drink free from 10:00 p.m. to midnight, with a DJ spinning tunes to make you hit the dance floor.

As we all know,
sunsets are best
enjoyed with a cocktail.

“We’re staying open later to accommodate the younger crowd that comes out for our late-night scene,” says Dania Fallas, chef and manager.

lucys retired surfers bar restaurant costa rica

Yes, on Fridays, Lucy’s caters to the ladies, but for the most part, it’s for everyone. Families, friends, dogs, kids … it’s the perfect spot to hang out. Denise Lowmaster and her husband are regulars. “We just meet the nicest people,” she says. “It’s such a friendly atmosphere.”

lucys bar costa rica shark attack Fallas has worked hard to make that happen. The space lends itself to bringing the community together. “We’re able to host all kinds of events because of the size and parking,” she says.

The most popular regular event is a Taco Tuesday that you can’t miss. Live music and happy hour from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. with drink specials. Beef tacos cost $1 all day. Show up on a Tuesday and you’re liable to see Ticos chatting with some Canadians at one table, and some Americans dining with Argentinians at the next.

Lucy’s – Howler’s Dining Guide Overview

“I love how Lucy’s brings everyone in the community together,” Fallas notes. Lucy’s also hosts trivia nights that benefit a local non-profit, paint nights and special events like Barbara’s Dog Day Afternoon.

Some menu highlights include starters like calamari and fried avocado — fresh and unique. The Bacon Brie Chicken Sandwich is rich and creamy, and salads are fresh and in generous portions. The Pao Pao Shrimp Tacos are a treat as well.

The sunset at Lucy’s is incredible. And as we all know, sunsets are best enjoyed with a cocktail. The drinks menu is extensive, with something for everyone. You must try the Shark Attack, with vodka, rum, tequila and more, but the best part is the story that comes with it. Of course, being Howler staff, we had to try the Monkey Business. It’s basically a dessert — a coconut banana milkshake blended perfectly with rum, vodka and kahlua. But, you know what they say, “Life is short, eat dessert first!”.

With our meal, we sampled a Sangria Margarita, which is as beautiful as it is delicious. I thought I was done and was considering having a Cafecito after dinner, but then our dinner companion, Jay Lowmaster piped up. ”Lucy’s has the best Chiliguaro shots in Costa Rica,” he declared. How could I properly write about the restaurant without trying one? Well, when you try one you realize that Jay may be right, but you’d better try one more just to be sure.

Lucys surfers bar costa rica dj ladies night

But even Jay couldn’t get me to try the Scorpion Shot that night. Forget the worm, Lucy’s is known for real scorpions in their Scorpion Shots (aka tequila shots). Maybe next time…the free t-shirt you get when you drink it might just be worth it. I was also told there is a “Special” secret prize if you take a Scorpion Shot in all their locations in three different countries. Now there is a challenge to think about!

As our night at Lucy’s was winding down, I reflected on another fun night, doing what Costa Rica is all about for me: slowing down, laughing, dancing, spending time with family and friends, enjoying good food and drink, and watching the sunset. Because really, what else is there?