CDM Favorites is our list of personal favorites. We don't pay attention to the hype. We just know what we like and think you'll like them too. You'll notice our bias toward the slightly off-beat and the winding, cobbled streets of Viejo Vallarta.
Food and Drink
Breakfast-
Mama Delores. Olas Altas #534B. Very good food at very reasonable prices
and owners Luc and Louise are the best. Charlie says, “I don’t
usually eat breakfast but Ooh la-la! Crepes!”
Coffee–
El Sofa Cafe on Venustiano Carranza. Great Food, Wonderful Coffee, and Super-Friendly Service! A hidden Vallarta gem, where they don't treat you like a customer, they treat you like Family. Jimmy says: “Tell 'em Jaimito sent ya!”
Pizza–
Café Roma.
Encino #287. An afternoon kind of place with a “neighborhoody”
feel. The owner, Señor Fox “gets it”. Offering THE
best thin-thin crust pizza in Vallarta, ice cold beer, free internet,
and free 5 minute calls to US and Canada. All in a breezy 2nd floor
location overlooking the Rio Cuale. The prices are right, and you’re
always welcome. What’s not to love? Jimmy says: “It’s
the kind of place where everybody knows your name…except they’re
terrible with names”.
Happy Hour/Sunset Watching-
Coco Tropical. Basilio Badillo
#246 At the beach. The bar in this upscale restaurant is right beside
the beach instead of being tucked away in the back somewhere. Perfect
for watching the sunset and the people strolling by. Stay for dinner.
You’ll be glad you did. Chef Heinz is the “King of Risotto”.
This is Casas del Mar's favorite spot from which to enjoy Vallarta's world-famous sunsets!
Cuates y Cuates.
On Los Muertos Beach at the pier. Casual and lively. Typically the largest
gathering at any bar on Los Muertos at sunset. Live music many nights.
A popular spot among ex-pats.
Le Kliff. Unforgettable views
both day and night. You’ll see why this is such a popular spot
for weddings.
The Cheeky Monkey. On the Malecon across from the ladder scupture. Great
view from 3 stories above the Malecon in this casual bar. $1 beers and
Margaritas all day. We suggest sticking to the beer. $1 Margaritas simply
can’t be good for you!
The Vista Grill. Pulpito-
on the high side of Hwy 200. Take a cab. Fantastic view of Vallarta
and the bay from this romantic restaurant.
Fish and Seafood-
Mariscos Polo. Outstanding food. Great service. Reasonable prices. Charlie
says “The best seafood I’ve had in Vallarta at any price.”
Romantic Dinner-
The Vista Grill.
Pulpito- on the high side of Hwy 200. Make a reservation.Take a cab.
They’ve got the total package. Romantic ambiance, first class
service, great food, and a killer view of the city and bay. Pricey but
worth it. Charlie says “When the night absolutely, positively
has to be wonderful, I’m taking her there.”
Tacos –
Takos Pancho. Basilio Badio # 162. A cross between a restaurant and a taco stand. It's sit-down, simple, economic, good food. Watch the people go by and the al pastor cook work his magic. Charlie says "Tacos al Pastor. I'm addicted. I admit it."
Entertainment
Sporting events on TV
Que Pasa? Achilles Serdan. A favorite
of local expats. Live music and dancing most nights.
Music/Dancing-
Andales. Olas
Altas #425. A Vallarta institution. Unsurpassed people watching. Ride
the burro through the bar!
- La Bodeguita Medio. Near the north end of the Malecon. It’s
Cubana Babalu Baby! Great Mohitos and real Cuban cigars. Live music
and dancing nightly, starting at 9:00. Ricky R. says “Luceee,
you got some 'splainin' to do!”
Mahahuita’s Basilio Badillo #331. Live local music and free spicy
peanuts. Jimmy says: “That’s right. We said free spicy
peanuts and live music.”
Wandering Musicians-
The Harp Guy. Paco is a great singer and musician from Veracruz. You
won’t believe the songs he can play on that harp. Give him a listen.
He’s worth the pesos and you can’t miss him. How many hombres
do you see carrying a harp around?
Jorge. Jorge wears the biggest smile of any musician in town. And this
guy can sing! He’s the best we’ve heard and we’re
not sure why he’s not on stage somewhere. He’s a good guitar
player too and offers a CD for sale.
Recreation
Beaches-
Bucerias
Los Muertos
Stroll-
Saturday and especially Sunday nights on the Malecon. Starting about
1 hour before sunset. People watching, live performances, food, and
who knows what else you might see.
Websites
www.allvallarta.com - a wealth of
information regarding all things Vallarta
www.vallarta-info.com
- JR knows everything about our little Paradise
www.vallartatribune.com - the
largest English language newspaper in town.
www.BanderasNews.com - local and
national news
Other:
Real Estate Sales-
Donna Davies will help you find your Puerto Vallarta home. She's professional, knowledgeable, and FUN to work with.
Charity-
Refugio Infantil de Santa
Esperanza. Check their website for appropriate visiting hours. Go
and see what these amazing volunteers do for the kids there.
Web Design-
Vallarta Web Design. What
more do we need to say? They developed this one!
Vacation Rentals-
Casas del Mar. Of course! Jimmy says: “Book your vacation rental through these guys or wish you had!”
