Soda Tapia

San José


An unpretentious ’50s-style diner with garish red-and-white decor, this place is perpetually filled with couples and families noshing on grilled sandwiches and generous casados. If you have the nerve, try the monstrous ‘El Gordo,’ a pile of steak or chicken, onions, cheese, lettuce, bacon and tomato served on Spanish bread. Save room: ice cream and fruit sundaes are the specialty.