For low cost and finger-lickin’ goodness, the many fritangas and pizza trucks in the park and scattered around are hard to beat. For excellent empanadas step across the street from La Galería de Héroes y Mártires at night. Also easy on the wallet is Don Pollo’s fried chicken, one block north and half a block east of the cathedral.

Cafe Luz, one block east and one block north of the church, serves a variety of international and comida típica fare that is particularly appealing to the gallo pinto–weary traveler.

Leche Agria (2.5 blocks south of la esquina de los bancos) serves excellent quesillos (cheese and tortilla snack), juices, and cheeses. Pupusas are traditionally from El Salvador but have been adopted to the Nicaraguan culture as well.

If you are in the mood for some great local food at an amazingly cheap price, try the little grill located behind the Hotel Estelí named Pupusas Nicaragua, by far the best in the country. There is no official sign, just look for the garage door painted with a Pepsi sign. At $0.50 per pupusa it makes a great way to fill up on local flavor at hardly any expense.

Comedor Popular La Soya (Ave. Principal, 2.5 blocks south of the park), true to its name, serves soy-based meals and soy milk drinks. For an excellent local breakfast or quick lunch for under $4, try Cafetín El Recanto two blocks south of the park. For quick and tasty lunch at the park, try Delicias Loco which offers a plate at lunchtime for about $2.50 including a drink or hamburgers and tacos at night.

For some of the best pizza in the country visit Dough Pizza, located on the highway just north of Tip Top. If you prefer quick good quality pizza by the slice, try Fresh Pizza La Segovia (2.5 blocks south, tel. 505/8853-8023).

For a bit of a splurge, try El Pullazo Olé (open 5–10 p.m. daily, $4–9) and join the fierce Nicaraguan competition for the best beef in the nation; they also serve fantastic sausages and desserts.