My favorite restaurant for bocas.... The chifrijo is delicious, you will have to ask for the super chifrijo, the menu has lots of different choices for you, and I believe you will love it.

Definitely try the fried plantains. The bean dip is what makes the dish. We had such a nice lunch that we came back on our return through Alajuela.

Like others, was pointed to Chery's as a guest at La Rosa de America hotel. Just a few steps from the hotel, the service was attentive and friendly and the food delicious. You can tell it's a local hangout, but the staff went far to...make a guest feel welcome. The portions are generous, and the value superb. Excellent dinner.More

I was surprised when I didn't find this place on TA on a trip a couple of years ago. Now I know why - it is listed under a different city than what I thought it would be listed under. Maybe somebody locally can confirm...whether this is in El Roble, or Alajuela. It is a shame for people traveling to Alajuela not to know this place is here - especially those staying at the nearby hotels. As stated earlier - went here a couple of years ago (2010) and came by this place. I think we went 3 times in 2 days it was so good. A friendly staff, excellent and good value food and a smiling, easy-going server make for a great little place. Fast forward 3 years and we're back in Alajuela. Glad to see nothing has changed, and if anything has gotten better. Spent a nice leisurely lunch here on the outside patio. They have really excellent ceviche. The restaurant is now non-smoking (I think all restaurants in CR are now), and there is some parking in front of the rest. and along the street. A good mix of locals and tourists. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.More

Great food, friendly service, located near zoo ave. (small zoo located on hwy 3) I recommend for lunch if you are staying near by.

We stayed at the Hotel la Rosa and found this back street bar and restaurant 500 mts down the street. It is definitely a popular local establishment and for good reasons. A great chifrijo (rice and beans with chicharrones, which are fried pork skins, and...chimichurri) and tacos with bifteks. The two entrees with three beers for $24 cannot beat. It had a happy and festive atmosphere due to the head waiter. The portions are grande and service top notch. Bon appetite.More

We ate here whilst staying at the Rosa De America hotel and it is a cool quirky little place with good local food, we had a selection of Bocas. Beer was cold and also served Chilean wines which I suspect were on hand more for...the tourists.More

We ate here while staying at Hotel La Rosa De America. It was delicious. Hands down the best food we had on our trip - and we made a point to eat only local food. I grew up eating Costa Rican food, and Chery's had...all my childhood meals beat. The Arroz con Pollo was delicious.More

Chery's Bar & Grill is just off Hwy 3 in the western outskirts of Alajuela, a ten minute drive from the airport. When we were there, there was an interesting mix of locals and tourists. The restaurant features an outdoor seating area as well as...the usual indoor one. The menu (in both Spanish and English) offers a variety of local (i.e. cassado, etc.) and international dishes, although it specializes in grilled meat and fish (steaks and whole). It also has a long list of appetizers, especially ceviche...which was delicious. Prices are more than reasonable and the wine list, featuring mostly Chilean wines, was satisfactory. As it's on a side street, the surrounding traffic noise is kept to a minimum, thus allowing for a nice, quiet and peaceful meal and evening.More