Puerto Vallarta Guide Part II

Restaurants and Bars

Introduction

Puerto Vallarta Guide

Puerto Vallarta is one of the top foodie destinations in Mexico. It has restaurants for patrons of all tastes. From Asian cuisine to American classics, it has an impressive selection of foreign foods. However, you can also find all the great Mexican food that you’ve come to love from this impressive country.

In this guide, you will learn about where to go to eat, drink, and mingle with locals in Puerto Vallarta. We’ll try and give a selection of different restaurants—sure to have one that will appeal to everyone.

We’ll also add some bars with excellent atmospheres. Dive bars and chic bars, bars with live music, and quiet bars where you can have a conversation—it’s a great way to get to know the people of Puerto Vallarta.

Food in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Guide

Food in Puerto Vallarta is on average a little more expensive than in the rest of Mexico. They pride themselves on raising the bar for Mexican restaurants, and it boasts one of the best food scenes anywhere. Below is a selection of humble restaurants where locals and tourists eat together.

*Some of the selections in the bar section also have excellent food, such as Andales which serves a surprisingly good breakfast, and perhaps the best green juice in town.

*For the sake of brevity, we have omitted the fanciest, fine-dining restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. For a wider selection, click here.

Classic Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Guide

– Si Señor Garden

This Mexican restaurant is a classic serving typical classics from the state of Jalisco. Located in Downtown Puerto Vallarta, this restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, set among the lovely, colonial décor.

*To read reviews about Si Señor Garden, click here. *To find Si Señor Garden on Google Maps, click here.

– El Barracuda

Serving modern twists on beach classics, El Barracuda has become a staple in Puerto Vallarta. So much so that many copycat restaurants of the same name have popped up around beach towns in the area. However, this is the original.

*To read reviews about El Barracuda, click here. *To find El Barracuda on Google Maps, click here.

– Salud Super Food

In the heart of the Zona Romantica, Salud Super Food is a restaurant that serves healthy options in Puerto Vallarta. It has become very popular among customers that want to keep their beach figures. Don’t worry, the dishes are delicious!

*To read reviews about Salud Super Food, click here. *To find Salud Super Food on Google Maps, click here.

– El Coleguita Mariscos

This cevichería serves fresh seafood to locals in Puerto Vallarta. This beach classic sets down a bottle of tequila at your table, where you are offered a few free shots. (If you take too much, they may charge you so you know). Then they offer a complementary Kahlua drink afterward.

*To read reviews about El Coleguita Mariscos, click here. *To find El Coleguita Mariscos on Google Maps, click here.

Foreign Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Guide

Puerto Vallarta boasts one of the most international food scenes in Mexico. You can benefit from authentic foreign cuisine while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Riviera Nayarit.

– Siam Cocina Thai

Years ago, a Mexican restauranteur traveling Thailand became enamored with the local cuisine. He brought back a Thai chef and opened this restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. It serves authentic Thai classics—among the best found in Mexico.

*To read reviews about Siam Cocina Thai, click here. *To find Siam Cocina Thai on Google Maps, click here.

– Barcelona Tapas

The Spanish small plates “tapas” have become one of the most popular cuisines in the world. Barcelona Tapas offer Latin twists on these classic dishes. Plus, it has a terrific view.

*To read reviews about Barcelona Tapas, click here. *To find Barcelona Tapas on Google Maps, click here.

American Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Guide

– Hot Mama’s Whiskey Kitchen

The owner of a successful Southern restaurant Hot Mamma's Restaurant in Mexico City has opened up a sister restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. A southerner herself from South Carolina, Hot Mamma’s Whiskey Kitchen offers amazing southern classics. Try the mac and cheese! Or the fried chicken and waffles! They also have a top-shelf selection of bourbons rarely found in Mexico.

*To read reviews about Hot Mamma’s Whiskey Kitchen, click here. *To find Hot Mama’s Whiskey Kitchen on Google Maps, click here.

– Outback Steakhouse

This American restaurant chain has only two locations in all of Mexico—one in Guadalajara and this location. For this reason, I felt it ought to be included in this guide in case any American expats feel homesick for a good burger. Try the blooming onion!

*To read reviews about Outback Steakhouse, click here. *To find Outback Steakhouse on Google Maps, click here.

Tacos in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Guide

– Pancho’s Takos

Pancho’s Takos is one of the most popular taquerias in Puerto Vallarta. It’s known for its famous tacos al pastor. Located in the heart of the Zona Romantica, you can see tourists, expats, and locals all enjoying these terrific tacos.

*To read reviews about Pancho’s Takos, click here. *To find Pancho’s Takos on Google Maps, click here.

– Pepe’s Tacos

Pepe’s Tacos is a staple for the locals. It has decent tacos al pastor, but their volcanes de arrachera are the best in town. This is a northern classic: a grilled tortilla in the shape of a bowl filled with steak and cheese.

*To read reviews about Pepe’s Tacos, click here. *To find Pepe’s Tacos on Google Maps, click here.

– Tacón de Marlin

A must-try in Puerto Vallarta, Tacón de Marlin has a rustic location in the trendy neighborhood of 5 de Diciembre. It has the best marlin burritos you’ll ever have. If you’re looking for some fresh seafood tacos in Puerto Vallarta, try Tacón de Marlin.

*NOTE: Tacón de Marlin has a <u>second location</u> in the Puerto Vallarta Airport, in case you didn’t get a chance to visit the main restaurant and you want a bite to eat.

*To read reviews about Tacón de Marlin, click here. *To find Tacón de Marlin in 5 de Diciembre on Google Maps, click here.

Bars in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Guide

There are lots of great ways to have a drink and get to know Puerto Vallarta. For example, there’s an Art Walk held on Wednesdays on Calle Guadalupe Sanchez where over 16 galleries serve free drinks and welcome guests to discuss the art with their creators.

However, below is a set of bars that is sure to have something to appeal to anyone. For those interested in the bars that cater to the gay community in Puerto Vallarta, I have included a small section at the bottom, but all bars in Puerto Vallarta welcome all customers of all walks of life.

Bars with Great Atmosphere in Puerto Vallarta

– El Colibrí

This speakeasy is both trendy and expensive. (For example, the only beers they serve are from artisan microbreweries.) It’s hidden behind a small shop. Just wait for an attendant to step outside and notice you. This bar is chic and quiet—great for having a drink and a conversation on a date.

*To read reviews of El Colibrí, click here. *To find El Colibrí on Google Maps, click here.

– El Solar

This beach bar is a classic for locals in Puerto Vallarta. Located next to El Barracuda, it’s owned by the same patrons. It has decent prices and it plays great music. It’s a perfect place to catch a sunset on the water.

*To read reviews of El Solar, click here. *To find El Solar on Google Maps, click here.

– Margarita Grill

Margarita Grill is a fun bar that specializes in giant, flavored margaritas. It’s a really fun bar with live music that attracts locals and tourists alike. If you’re looking for a lighthearted drink after a day at the beach, this is the place.

*To read reviews of Margarita Grill, click here. *To find Margarita Grill on Google Maps, click here.

– Piano Bar & Jazz Garbo

Piano Bar & Jazz Garbo is an upscale jazz bar that isn’t pretentious. With incredible live music and an incredible view, this is the perfect place to have a nice cocktail and listen to some great jazz improvisation.

*To read reviews of Piano Bar & Jazz Garbo, click here. *To find Piano Bar & Jazz Garbo on Google Maps, click here.

– La Bodeguita del Medio

La Bodeguita del Medio is a Cuban bar located in the heart of the trendy Malecón beachwalk. There are a few locations around the world, but this is the most traditional outside of the original in Havana. It features salsa lessons in the afternoon and then breaks into a live salsa bar at night.

*To read reviews of La Bodeguita del Medio, click here. *To find La Bodeguita del Medio on Google Maps, click here.

– Devil’s Bar Devil’s Bar is a dive bar that is located right on the water. It attracts all walks of life, and you’re sure to meet some characters. It stays open late for those who want a nightcap on the way home.

*To read reviews of Devil’s Bar, click here. *To find Devil’s Bar on Google Maps, click here.

– Andale's Andale's is a really cool bar in Puerto Vallarta. In the heart of the Zona Romantica, Andale's attracts a lively, varied clientele that ensures you’ll have a great time. It also has great breakfasts!

*To read reviews of Andale's, click here. *To find Andale's on Google Maps, click here.

Breweries in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Guide

– Los Muertos Brewing

Los Muertos Brewing is a staple in Puerto Vallarta. This microbrewery not only has a terrific selection of artisan beers, but it also attracts a down-to-earth crowd. It’s a great place to have a pint with friends.

*To read reviews of Los Muertos Brewing, click here. *To find Los Muertos Brewing on Google Maps, click here.

– Monzón Brewing Co.

This brewery serves microbrews in all different styles. This lively bar has great service and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s definitely worth a visit!

*To read reviews of Monzón Brewing Co., click here. *To find Monzón Brewing Co. on Google Maps, click here.

Gay Bars in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta Guide

– Reinas Bar

Reinas Bar is a staple for the gay community in Puerto Vallarta. This dive bar is decorated with queens of all ages, thus giving the bar its name. It’s known for having a fun and welcoming vibe.

*To read reviews of Reinas Bar, click here. *To find Reinas Bar on Google Maps, click here.

– Anonimo Video Bar PV

Anonimo Video Bar PV is a well-known gay bar in Puerto Vallarta that attracts a variety of customers. Located right near the beach, it’s a great place to have a cocktail after a dip in the water.

*To read reviews of Anonimo Video Bar PV, click here. *To find Anonimo Video Bar PV on Google Maps, click here.

Conclusion

Puerto Vallarta Guide

Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to meet locals and expats alike from all walks of life. This guide is not extensive, but we hope it offers a small but varied selection of bars and restaurants so that you can have a great visit to Puerto Vallarta—or if you’re planning to move there as an expat.