Soda La Parada is one of La Fortuna's most reliable sodas — the traditional Costa Rican lunch counters that serve casados (rice, beans, salad, and a choice of protein), fruit smoothies, and coffee at prices aimed at locals rather than tourists. It sits near the bus terminal in the center of town and is typically busy with a mix of travellers and Ticos.
A casado here costs a fraction of what the tourist restaurants charge, and the food is honest and filling: black beans slow-cooked, plantains fried, chicken or fish cooked simply. The juices are made fresh with local fruits — guanábana, cas, and tamarind are reliable choices. If you are watching your budget, making Soda La Parada your main meal of the day and spending your activity budget on the volcano and waterfall is a sensible strategy.