Where to Eat in Juaya

Among the better places to eat in Juayúa is Restaurante R&R (2 blocks off the main square at Calle Merceditas Cáceres No. 1-2; tel. 503/2452-2083). English-speaking El Salvadoran chef Carlos Cáceres has created a little Louisiana-style steak house in the midst of the El Salvadoran mountains, and the menu features spicy takes on Tequila-, Texas-, and New Orleans-style steaks. The Texas steak is amazing. A veggie plate is also available, and most items are $3.50 to $10. Parque Restaurante La Colina (Km 82 Carretera a Juayúa; tel. 503/2452-2916) is outside the town but worth the visit, as it offers excellent -- and hard to find -- fajitas, along with other Mexican dishes and a host of grilled fish and meat dishes. Most entrees are $4.50 to $9.50. A lovely little find is Tienda San José (2a Calle Pte.; tel. 503/2479-2349) on the northeastern corner of the main plaza. It looks like a normal shop piled high with toiletries, until you turn left as you enter and find an old world salon with pre-revolution decoration (pick which revolution) and sunflower-themed knickknacks. It's dark, but it has a cluttered charm and, more importantly, an excellent window table overlooking the color and chaos of the plaza outside. Popular with locals, the menu offers ribs, ribs, and more ribs, with some rice and salad added for variety. Main courses range from $3 to $5. El Cadejo (Av. Daniel Cordon Norte and 1a Calle Ote.; tel. 503/73527470) is a funky, garage style bar and restaurant that spills out onto the street Thursday to Sunday from 3pm to late. Live music, theater, and poetry make this colorful little venue the bohemian center of Juayúa. The bar is decorated with local art, but don't criticize too loudly, as the barman is probably one of the painters. He'll serve you snacks and occasionally hard-to-get sushi. If you're here to drink, try the raspberry mojitos.

Where to Eat in Ataco

One big reason Ataco is my top Ruta de las Flores pick is its unique restaurants. However, like the hotels here, many restaurants and bars are open only on weekends. Those listed below are open all week.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.