BRUNCHING IN MANAGUA

If you follow me on IG, you know how much I love to brunch. And what’s not to love? You wake up late-ish, you make somewhat of an effort to look nice, and you go to your favorite brunch spot to have fantastic food, coffee, and cocktails with your mates.

11:00 AM is my new 10:30 PM. It’s when it goes down. Meeting my friend(s) at coffee shops to eat avo toasts and drink mimosas has become the highlight of my week. I’ve enjoyed doing this for the past couple of years, but I became a devout bruncher last August when eating out became the only social thing we could do. Now, even though bars are opened again, I prefer going out in the morning and returning home mid-afternoon full and mellow. And as simple as this may sound, it brings me so much joy.

Fortunately, in Nicaragua, you don’t have to break the bank to eat out. You just have to know where to go. This month, I went to my favorite brunch-friendly restaurants and coffee shops in the city to compile this list–such a bothersome task, I know.

These are my TOP 5 FAVORITE BRUNCH SPOTS IN MANAGUA

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Café Las Marías

Uniplaza Las Colinas, primera entrada a las Colinas, 3 C arriba.

This is my go-to place. I walk in, and the waiters greet me with, “your drink is on the way, señorita Tyra.”

If you’re looking for delicious and affordable food, this could be your go-to as well. Their Nica breakfast (gallo pinto, eggs, fried ripe plantains, cheese, and avocado) is $6. An americano is $1.50. And on the weekends, mimosas are 2X1, which means that you pay $1.50 for a mimosa made with fresh orange juice. Yes, you read that correctly, $1.50 for a mimosa.

This place is at the top of my list because of what they did on December 21st, 2020. Last year, when I needed a venue for the Women’s Christmas Dinner, Café Las Marías stepped up and allowed me to use their space to host the event. I was blown away by their generosity and their support of a ministry they didn’t even know existed before that day. Thanks to them, that evening, 30 at-risk women and girls had Christmas dinner in a beautiful (and safe) place.

Nica's Café Boutique

Plaza Once, KM 11.2 Carretera a Masaya.

Nica’s is my coffee place. I couldn’t tell you how many cups of coffee I’ve had in the two years I’ve been going there, but it’s A LOT–I’ve accumulated a couple of months’ worth of free coffee from their 2X1 promotions.

Although I have not yet brunched at Nica’s, I have tried almost everything on their menu. However, if I had to choose one of their meals, it would be the Caballo Bayo, another traditional Nicaraguan dish that consists of placing an array of foods on a platter.

At Nica’s, the Caballo Bayo includes corn tortillas, chicken, beef, chorizo, beans, coleslaw, fried ripe plantains, pico de gallo, sour cream, and shredded mozzarella cheese. You get to build your dream soft taco with those ingredients. It’s the mix of sweet and salty flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla that gets me and makes me do my good-food happy dance.

If you're ever craving something sweet and yummy, I highly recommend their Nutella Croissant. It does not disappoint.

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Barrio Café Kitchen & Bar

Del Club Terraza, 1 C al lago, 1/2 C arriba.

Barrio Café is a hidden gem you will want to visit. Aesthetically, the place is a dream–if you enjoy taking photos or being in photos, their courtyard is as Instagramable as their Huevos Benedictinos. If like me, you love good food and charming places, you should visit Barrio Café. Expeditiously.

I added this restaurant to this list after my first visit. It was that good. For months, my friend Maribel kept singing their praises, saying I would love the food and overall vibe. She was absolutely right.

I tried the Bowl de Gallo Pinto ($8), an elevated variation of the Nica Breakfast, and their mimosa de maracuyá ($4). It was AMAZING. Mari had their Huevos Divorciados ($7) and a bubbly strawberry rosé ($4). To say we were pleased would be an understatement. We're obsessed!

I'm now a big BC fan.

Barbell Cuisine

Del Club Terraza, 1 C al lago.

This one is a recent find. Barbell Cuisine has only been open for a few weeks, but it’s already a fave. They offer healthy foods and fresh detox juices at good prices. Most breakfast options are $6 with a free coffee. And their lunches are $8 and worth every penny.

The first time I ate there, I tried their Oats Waffles with strawberries–it was delicious and filling. The second time I went, I had the Margarita Omelet, and oh my goodness, the flavors were incredible. The last thing I tried was the Nica breakfast with brown rice, which was okay–it paled compared to the waffles and the omelet.

They also have healthy Nacatamales, but I haven’t tried it yet. If you beat me to it, let me know what you think.

Grill & Chill

El Predio

I love Grill & Chill for several reasons. First, it's within walking distance from my place. Second, the staff is friendly and nice. And lastly, their food is delicious!

I’ve been a fan of their Pulled Pork Nachos for a while. However, this year they started serving brunch options, which means that I now have several options to choose from. Their nachos are still my #1 choice for a cheat meal that’s worth every bite. But for brunch, I have to go with their Grilled Cheese Sandwich, served with crispy and perfectly salted fries.

Next to their Grilled Cheese Sandwich is their Chicken and Waffles, which admittedly I never tried when I lived in good ol’ Arkansas. Initially, I was nervous about pouring syrup on my chicken–I could see my mother frowning at this combination–but it wasn’t as strange as I thought it would be. It was actually pretty good!

The best part about the Grill & Chill brunch experience was Mario, bartender extraordinaire. His cocktails were so smooth they were dangerous. The first time we went, my friend, Nae claimed (multiple times) that she was lit after ONE drink; I was singing Beyonce's & Ri-Ri's songs out loud after TWO.

So, as Nae often says, this was the best day of my life. ​

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I didn't realize that I was a foodie until I started writing this blog. Truth be told, good food makes me happy. And being around dope people, enjoying scrumptious meals, is my idea of a good time.

I hope this list is helpful. If there are other places you think I should visit, let me know!

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Do more of what brings you peace and joy. Enjoy the monumental and the mundane.