Abandoned Building
Close to “Chica Tripa” in the Barrio
Whenever possible we like eating with the locals—better food, cheaper prices. So, after asking about local eateries we were turned onto Chica Tripa, literally translated to Gut Girl. Don’t ask me, I have absolutely no idea why you would name a restaurant Gut Girl.
Leaving our hotel we proceeded to Mombacho Cigars of Nicaragua (right around the corner from the hotel), and from there we proceed to a nearby parque.
Mombacho Cigars of Nicaragua
Once we got to the parque we made a righthand turn, and proceeded down the street for 2-blocks to the large, yellow church.
Parque
(name unknown)
From the church we turned left, and continued into the barrio for another 3-blocks. Not a gringo in sight; not a tourist, not a traveler and not even an expat.
Large Yellow Church
As the street gently curved to the right, our destination came into sight—however we had to ask for confirmation, because as famous as Chica Tripa is there is absolutely no signage on the building—it’s all word of mouth.
Granada’s Famoso Chica Tripa Restaurante
Lots of guys sitting outside drinking beer, mostly Toña and Victoria. This is a working man’s eatery, and there’s nothing fancy about it. Good beer, good food, cheap prices and fast service. Our kind of place for sure. And did I say no gringos? And no English. Perfect.
Chica Tripa’s Interior
Our Friendly Food Server
(we forgot to ask her name)
Toña Cerveza
Muy importante
Cost: 25 cordobas, or 95 cents in gringo money
Pollo Asada
1/2 chicken, coleslaw with a bite, potatoes, rice and plantains
Cost: 140 cordobas, or $5.35 in gringo money
The beer was ice cold (they know how to serve it down here), the food was some of the best we’ve had during our adventure, the atmosphere was really cool and the service was great. We always try to find authentic experiences where we can, and this surely qualified as an authentic experience. We will definitely be going back for more of this. The restaurants in the tourist area are good, but this is so much more fun (and cost-effective). Buen provecho.
Stephen F. Dennstedt
Reporting from Granada, Nicaragua . . .
Great photos, great story and great food by the look of it…