Lake Atitlan Dining:
Flor del Cafe in San Pedro

The long snout of a crocodile faced me as my lunch arrived. It was the tapered end of a big roll that made up a bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich at Flor del Cafe, which celebrated its fourth birthday in April in San Pedro. Besides the BLT, other big sandwiches like the ham and cheese come with fries.

Even though Flor del Cafe is well-known for low prices and fast service, you don’t have to be on a budget to enjoy eating here. The hamburgers, sandwiches and Tex-Mex - in addition to being tasty and filling - are also some of the town’s most economical meals.

Burgers on a Budget

Manuel’s quarter-pound hamburger, for example, currently costs only Q18 and is served with fries. For a little more, you can get a third- or half-pounder.

Tex-Mex Too

Quesadillas are another big meal, often enough to feed two. You get four quesadillas filled with chicken, veggies, ham or just cheese, plus salad, rice, and beans or guacamole.

Eggs are mixed into the tacos and burritos, but I omit them I’m unless having the juicy bacon tacos for breakfast. Fries accompany these meals, while you also get beans and ranchera sauce with the burritos.

Chicken Milanese, grilled chicken and other complete dinners can be ordered to go, as with other meals. It’s also a good breakfast spot, with omelets, pancakes and eggs. Fruit juices, licuados and tea.

Beer drinkers will be glad to know that this place has some of the coldest beer at the best prices you will find in the entire country. Last month’s special was two liters of Sol for Q35, and when they ran out of Sol, they substituted Gallo. Cuba Libres are also served.

Goaaaaaal!

Flor del Cafe is the de facto main sports bar on this side of town, showing soccer and baseball games that attract enthusiastic crowds of locals and tourists. When there’s no game, it is a relaxing place to dine, chat with friends and watch the endless parade on the cobblestone street.

An easy-going place with a laid back atmosphere and quality food at budget prices, Flor del Cafe is open Monday-Saturday from 10 AM to 10 PM. It is on 7th Avenue in San Pedro, near el Barrio and La Niez.