Taco Star
A beloved open-air taco stand right on Playa Grande, offering fresh flavors, a laid-back vibe, and stunning sunset views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Taco Star
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved open-air taco stand right on Playa Grande, offering fresh flavors, a laid-back vibe, and stunning sunset views.
Post-Surf Refuel
Visit Taco Star before or after a surf session at Playa Grande for the perfect beachside meal.
Beachside Seating
Arrive early for limited stools or enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Address
85M2+QMX, Guanacaste Province, Santa Cruz, Refundores, Costa Rica
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Beachfront Taco Bliss
Enjoy fresh, delicious tacos right on the beach with your toes in the sand. The ultimate Pura Vida experience!
Value-Packed Banana Bread
Don't miss the highly recommended banana bread, a standout item offering incredible value and delicious flavor.
Flavorful Salsas and Combos
Savor outstanding salsa and flavorful combinations in their dishes, often enjoyed as a combo with fresh fruit bowls.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Post-Surf Refuel
Visit Taco Star before or after a surf session at Playa Grande for the perfect beachside meal.
Beachside Seating
Arrive early for limited stools or enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand.
Combo Meal Suggestion
Try the combo of tacos and fresh fruit bowl for a satisfying and well-valued meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Post-Surf Refuel
Visit Taco Star before or after a surf session at Playa Grande for the perfect beachside meal.
Beachside Seating
Arrive early for limited stools or enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand.
Combo Meal Suggestion
Try the combo of tacos and fresh fruit bowl for a satisfying and well-valued meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Taco Star is celebrated for its incredible beachside location, friendly service, and delicious, fresh tacos. Diners rave about the outstanding salsa and the value, especially the banana bread. While the tacos are generally praised, some find the portion size for the price a bit small for a full meal.
"I can not recommend this place enough the ULTIMATE PURA VIDA experience. The tacos were fresh and delicious and the atmosphere is a genuine beach shack by the beach amazing. If I get a second life I want to come back as a seat at this bar."
Dominick Costa
"Low key little bar just before you enter the beach. Coupled with the surf school from Jay and Diego. Highly recommend to stop here for a tasty taco !"
Mathieu Meisser
"Hard to fault this place. It’s an institution, great beach vibe, friendly service, great location. The banana bread was the highlight at great value. The 1 deducted star is for the amount of food you get for 2500c. The beef taco was quite small, so not cheap for a quick snack. Could have been filled more with “stuff”."
Ben Littlechilds
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
For the best experience and to enjoy the sunset, consider visiting in the late afternoon or early evening.
Yes, Taco Star is known for being family and pet-friendly, offering a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.
The fresh tacos, outstanding salsa, and the highly recommended banana bread are popular choices.
There are limited stools available, but many guests prefer to eat with their toes in the sand.
Yes, they offer cold beer (like Imperial) and sodas, perfect for a hot day on the beach.
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Restaurants in Playa Grande
This taco shack serves surfer-approved tacos, fresh fruit smoothies, cold beers, and banana bread with a view of the waves—what more do you need at the beach?. There are only a couple of stools so you can eat here belly up to the bar or with your toes in the sand. When you've eaten your fill, there are hammocks for relaxing with your beverage.
Casa Suenos Grandes, Playa Grande, Costa Rica
The next main hangout spot is near Taco Star and the lookout wood tower, and the spot after that is at the end of the path from RipJack Inn. Between these two locations is the main “hangout” area where locals and visitors mingle nightly to watch the amazing sunsets. The beach continues south from there for a couple of kilometers along Palm Beach Estates to the end of the beach where the estuary meets the ocean and where you can take a quick boat shuttle across to Tamarindo.
Restaurants in Playa Grande
You might also try El Huerto (http://elhuertodeplayagrande.com; tel. 2653-1259), for its reliable continental menu, and Taco Star (no phone), a simple open-air beachfront joint serving up fresh fish tacos and other Mexican favorites. For a drink and a bite, head to The Beer Garden at ONDA (tel.4002-2779), which offers a varied selection of international comfort foods alongside craft beer and cocktails.
Casa Amistad - Costa Rica - Casa Amistad - Costa Rica
Some of our favorites include: Upstairs at The Rip Jack Inn, El Huerto, Cafe Del Pueblo, Kike's Place, Taco Star, and The Mar Bar at La Marejada Hotel. Tamarindo, just a short drive away also features a wide variety of restaurants sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Playa Grande Restaurants
A locally loved staple of Playa Grande since opening in May 2011, Taco Star is an open air taco stand within eyesight of the surf. With a laid back, family and pet friendly atmosphere, you will feel right at home the moment you walk up to Taco Star.
Playa Grande Costa Rica Surf Guide || Samba to the Sea - The Sunset Shop
Besides grabbing a pipa (fresh coconut water) for about 500-1,000 Colones after surf, a couple of my favorite places for post surf food in Playa Grande are: Rip Jack Inn, Taco Star, and El Huerto.
Eating out in Playa Grande!
Taco Star is ON the beach and the name says it all – this is a defacto gathering spot where smiles abound!!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit