During our week in Playa Hermosa, we had two dinners and two lunches at Pescado Loco. Most people would just pass by this open-air restaurant that looks like a typical dive, but Mario -- host, waiter, and bartender -- is great and became a family friend, greeting us by name even when we were just driving by. Great, simple food that is CHEAP!!! Try the ceviche, arroz con pollo, or anything with shrimp. Dinner for four, including tax and tip, never exceeded $30.
Don't mind the lizards on the walls - they add to the character of the place and keep the insects down. Don't count on everything being available on the menu if it includes seafood since the daily catch determines what the kitchen can prepare. Some days they have shrimp, others they don't.
Pescado Loco became our own 'Cheers' as we were greeted like family every time we drove by. On our first night the bill came to 12000 colons, but all that I had in my pocket was a 10000-colon note. Mario simply told me to give him the balance on our next visit. We decided to stop by for lunch the next day and when I left an extra 2500 colon Mario couldn't understand why I left such a generous tip and I had to remind him about the previous night.
Great simple food and great atmosphere captures the essence of Playa Hermosa.