GREAT DEALS ON MEALS

Part of the fun of going to Mexico is experiencing the excellent food. Water is no longer a problem (Manzanillo has modern water filtration plants), and food is prepared under sanitary conditions. 

Usually the only sicknesses we see here are alcohol poisoning (too many tequila shooters), dehydration (drink lots of water, folks), and overdoing the hot salsas (chiles in all forms are natural laxatives). We've heard it all before: "But at home I can eat hot salsa all the time!"  (Ours is NOT the same!)

Remember that Manzanillo's climate is different than what you're used to. Do everything in moderation, from food, to alcohol, to sun. Food is safe to eat and water is safe to drink.  Manzanillo (and Mexico) is a lot more civilized than you think..  Act civilized when you get here and don't  O.D. on sun, margaritas, and highly spiced food! 

For the past 12 years the authors have chowed-down regularly at the following eateries. There are so many others that are equally tasty, but aren't on the list. When you eventually fall in love with Manzanillo, and decide to live here, as we did, you can try them all out. Today, even corner taco stands cover the plates with a sanitary plastic bag, and take money the same way. Locals are much more aware of sanitation than you think. It is taught in the schools, and in the public hospitals. No one wants to get sick, nor do they want tourists to get ill. 

There are also many fine, higher-priced restaurants that aren't mentioned here. You can find them in the "Restaurants" section of the website. Even if you are on a tight budget, you may want to splurge on a special meal on your last night. (The prices are really no higher than the U.S. or Canada.)

A word on seafood: Due to the depletion of the ocean's resources, seafood is not as plentiful as it used to be. It will not be inexpensive in Manzanillo. Whenever seafood is mentioned below, it is the least expensive seafood that we have been able to find. Of course, if you rent a suite, you can buy your "mariscos" at any local market and cook your own. You will save about 40%. 

Also remember that alcoholic drinks in Mexico can be as expensive as your meal, and can double your restaurant bill. Don't expect all tequilas to be cheap, just because they're made here. Some tequila shots can run you $10 or more. Don't ever ask for the best tequila in the house without knowing the price.

In most of the restaurants mentioned below, you can bring in your own water or juice if you have a personal preference. When you ask for water, if it is served in a sealed bottle, it is not free. If you request water from a "garafon," (a 5-gallon water bottle containing purified water), it is free. Ice in all restaurants is purified. Many people drink water right from the tap. Manzanillo's water comes from wells, is processed through treatment plants, and is potable. It just doesn't taste good because it is  chlorinated. That's why most people (even Mexicans) prefer bottled water.

DOWNTOWN MANZANILLO FOOD SPOTS:

BAR SOCIAL: One of the oldest bars in Manzanillo, frequented by local businessmen and politicians. Offering live music and free snacks (botanas) from 2-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Pay for your drinks only. Located on the corner next to Roca del Mar Restaurant, and across the street (kitty-corner) from the  municipal building (Presidencia Municipal) on B. Davalos.

RESTAURANT ROCA DEL MAR: Popular, reasonably priced restaurant with sidewalk tables where you can watch the action.  Varied menu with prices from $2.50-6. 

CHANTILLY: One of the most popular restaurants in town, probably because of its varied, inexpensive menu, with great Mexican food dishes and breakfasts from $1.50 to $3. Try a fresh fruit liquado (fruit of your choice blended with milk and ice).

HOTEL EMPERADOR: Tiny little restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel, with menu and prices posted on the wall. Usually crowded because the food is cheap and tasty. On B. Davalos 2-1/2 blocks west of the municipal building.

FOOD STALLS:  More than half a city block of breakfast and lunch counters offering tacos, tortas, fish soup, fish dishes, menudo, posole, chicken in mole sauce, and other typical Mexican dishes. Prices from $1.50-3 for lunches;  shrimp from $4. Go early. By about 11 a.m. the heat from all the grills get the place pretty hot. Corner of  Cuauhtemoc and Fco. I Madero.

MERCADO: The downtown mercado, called "Cinco de Mayo," is located on Cuauhtemoc and Cinco de Mayo. Fresh fruit and vegetables,  seafood, and other items are available. The market opens at 8 a.m. Early morning is the time to get the best selection, and it's cooler, too. The market goes on for a city block, and also offers items such as pottery and piņatas. To get there, get on any bus that says "Mercado" on the windshield.

EL MARINO: This restaurant is actually in the San Pedrito area near the Hotel San Pedrito. It is on the beach, clean, and has excellent seafood.  They have a lunch special daily called the "comida corrida," for $2.50. A fish filet, prepared any way you like it, is $3. Shrimp dishes are $6. "Carnitas,"  (chopped roast pork served with tortillas and salsas) are $2.50/order. Beer is $1-1.20. Owner  Sergio  Montiel Zavaleta offers a 15% discount on his already low prices with coupons along with this article. For parties call in advance, 353-9330.

Note: Due to the major construction in central Manzanillo, traffic is constantly being rerouted. The  soon-to-be-renovated  downtown Manzanillo has missed a number of completion dates, but it is hopeful that the new central park  (Jardin) will be completed by November.  The new boardwalk is now completed, so make sure you go downtown and view the new, giant blue sailfish sculpture.

HOTEL ZONE "ZONA HOTELERA" RESTAURANTS: 

VIKINGO'S: For hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries, this place has the BIG one!  $3.30 buys you a cheeseburger the size of a small pizza, with all the trimmings.  The medium burger with cheese is only $3 and the small (the size of a Whopper) is only $2. Without choice of American (yellow) or white cheese, you'll pay $3, $2.60, and $1.70, respectively. French fries are $1.20 and a giant hot dog is $1.50.  Sodas are 
70 cents. At the order window, they have cut-outs of the hamburger sizes. In front of Pacifico Azul, one block south of Soriana (in Plaza Salagua) on the beach side (west).

EL CAPORAL: This is a very popular "botanero,"  which means that it's a great place to come to get free "botanas,"  or snacks. It opens at 2 p.m., and different types of Mexican food is brought to your table--free. You only pay for drinks., soft drinks being $1, and beer running $1.80. The first show starts at about 4:30, and features live music, dancers,  comedians, a live band, and Mariachis during intermissions. Each week there's a new show.  Ladies circulate around the  tables selling raffle tickets. A dart is thrown at a spinning wheel with 18 numbers on it. At the beginning, raffle ticket prices are higher.  A $5 ticket wins you $60. Later in the day, the raffle ticket price drops to $2, winning $26, or $1, winning you $13. Odds are 1-in-18. This place is hard to find, but worth at least one trip for an afternoon. There is a second show at 7:30, but by then, most of the free snacks are gone. Located on the east side of the highway down an alley between the Sol  deposito and the SIX convenience store. about a kilometer north of the Las  Brisas traffic circle. A place where the locals go, which means it's reasonably priced (depending on how much you drink), and lots of fun. The shows are suitable for the family, and though it looks a little seedy, it is really a very special part of  Colima's culture. You won't find botaneros in other parts of Mexico.

LA CASITA: A torta and hamburger place. What's a torta? For example, a torta cubana gives you your choice of milanesa (breaded pork, in this case),  dorado (meat grilled), or adobado (meat grilled with a brushed-on spicy sauce) with ham, cheese, onion, bacon, green pepper, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and dressing inside a home-made bread roll. Sort of a Mexican-style sub. All that for $2.45. There are other types available, as well as  hamburgers and hot dogs. Try the "Taco Loco" for $2.15. Very good. They deliver for an extra 30 cents, phone 334-1100 (to hotel zone or Santiago); 332-2223 (downtown Manzanillo).

RANCHO ALEGRE: You would never know about this little gem, one block off the main highway on the south side of the Soriana store in Plaza Gaviotas. Each taco is 50 cents, and you can order as many as you want, so there's no waste, and you can mix and match ingredients: asada is grilled beef, adobada is grilled beef brushed with a spicy sauce, chorizo is a type of Mexican sausage, and frijoles are refried beans. You can choose corn (maiz) or flour (harina) tortillas. An excellent dish for only $1.50 is the Tostada Rancho Alegre  which a a grilled open-face tortilla topped with melted cheese and beef. Try it with  chorizo for a change. A serving of carne en su jugo (tasty beef and bean soup is only $3.50, and is very filling. Chicken in mole sauce is $3.60., and chicken enchiladas are $3.70. The managers and owners are friendly, and the place is breezy and clean. Check out their coupon for 10% off.

CANTINA DEL VAQUERO: Ready for some Mexican atmosphere with air conditioning? Designed like an old-fashioned Mexican bar out of  a spaghetti Western, the Cantina's owner Miguel "Mike"  Ordoņez Gallardo will do his best to make you feel welcome. 

Free snacks, such as fruit, guacamole and peanuts are automatically placed on your table for you to munch on while you enjoy your favorite sports game on satellite TV. Ladies are also very welcome here. Live music nightly, closed Sundays (unless there's a special game on). The specialty of the house is tender, grilled  arrachera, an excellent cut of beef that you can eat like steak, or make tacos. 250 grams (about 1/2 lb. of meat) is $8.50, and with side dishes (including bean soup), usually feeds 2 people. Mike also has excellent cheese fondue  (queso fundido) with chorizo for $5.50 (enough for 2 people) and a bowl of tasty bean soup (frijoles charros) for only $1.50. He offers a 15% discount, if you bring in his coupon from our attached coupon page. Located  about 2 blocks south of the Comerical Mexicana (in Plaza Manzanillo) at the next signal light. Phone 334-1769. Open from 6 p.m. until the last person leaves.

LA COCHINITA: Also known as the Japanese Food Factory, this restaurant has a varied menu with choice of beef, chicken, pork, or  vegetarian dishes. Prices begin at $1.40 spicy Emy soup, with most plates running from $2.80 to $.4.50. They also have tortas for $1.80 and tacos for only 40 cents. Pictures of each dish are on the wall, so you can figure out what you want. Order at the counter, and your food will be cooked fresh for you. Go up to the counter and pay after you finish.

RESTAURANTS IN SANTIAGO & SALAGUA:

MANOLO'S CAMPESTRE: Manolo's has been around for over 20 years, and is owned by Manuel and Juanita (Juanita is actually American) Lopez. A family-run business where everyone speaks English, and where care is taken with every dish prepared.  Though there are more expensive dishes on the menu, including steak, roast pork and coconut shrimp, we're just going to mention their "great deal meals." A huge  tostada is only $2.50. An order of two thick sopes is only $3. Three chicken enchiladas with rice and beans is $4.50. A thick, pure beef hamburger is $3.50. Breezy palapa dining and a swimming pool for all diners and their children. Guaranteed "safe" salads. Located in front of the Las Hadas golf course on the other side of the street.

MARISCOS EL CAMARON: A very popular place with locals and Mexican tourists, so you know the seafood is good and very reasonably priced.. Here's some samples:  Shrimp, octopus, snail or scallop cocktails $2.50, $4.50 and $6. Note: shrimp cocktail is served differently in Mexico. The shrimp is cooked in its natural juice, and is served that way in a glass. Avocado, tomato, onion and cilantro are added (or sometimes served on the side so you can add to taste). Tostadas  with fish (ceviche), octopus or scallops are 50 cents each; with shrimp 70 cents. A tostada is a crisp corn tortilla. Tacos (soft corn tortillas) come filled with beans for 30 cents, fish for 50 cents, or shrimp for 60 cents. Located north of the Salagua stoplight about 3 blocks on the east side of Blvd. de la Madrid.

HORTENCIA'S: Specializing in "comida corridas" which is a luncheon special of the day for only $3. Includes some kind of meat dish served with rice and beans,  fresh fruit water (delicious!), and dessert. Turn on Lazaro Cardenas (the Salagua Jardin street, go west 4 blocks, and its the cute little palapa-roofed restaurant shaded by a ficus hedge on the corner. Every day a different  comida.

ROSALBA'S: The owner, Rosalba, also has 2 different comidas  every day for $3.80. It includes soup, the main course served with a salad and rice, and dessert. It is usually not ready until 1:30. Every Friday, one of the comidas is fish. Excellent! Other great dishes are 4 chicken tacos with rice and beans for $2.50, or 4 chicken enchiladas for $3.80. The Mexican plate, with a chile relleno, quesadilla, guacamole, steak ranchero, rice and beans is $6, but will probably feed two. Fish tacos (tostadas de ceviche) are only 70 cents each. Located on the east side of Miguel de la Madrid Blvd. in Santiago just two doors north of the Pemex gas station. Phone 333-0488. Closed Sunday.

JUANITO'S: Manzanillo's most popular locals gathering place. John and Esperanza Corey and family have owned this great little restaurant for many years. Not only do they have an excellent varied menu, but they have very reasonable prices. Big screen TV for all sporting events, Internet cafe, telephone and fax service. 

Every day they have a delicious comida corrida for $5. All breakfasts are from $2.30 to $3.50. The only place in town with cottage fries and home-made sausage patties. Cheeseburgers are only $1.70, and other excellent lunches are from $2.50 to $3.50.  A great spot you don't want to miss! Located in Santiago, about 5 blocks north of the stoplight (where the Jardin is).

LA REYNA DE TAPATITLAN: This restaurant specializes in carnitas, which is roast pork, sold by the kilo (2.2 lbs./kilo). For example, if you order a half kilo (1.1 lbs.) "pura carne" to go, it is only $5.50. It comes with tortillas, beans, salsa, and marinated carrots and onions. Two people would be hard-pressed to eat it all. If you decide to eat in the restaurant, it will cost a little more. They also have an order of 3 delicious  chile rellenos for only $3.80; carne en su jugo for $4.50; a mixed platter for $4.20, and chamorro al horno for $5.50. Chamorro is a roasted pork shank in a spicy red gravy, usually served here with potatoes and onions, and a side of beans. Breakfast is also served for $2.80 to $3.50. Located directly across the street from  Juanito's.

TACO STANDS: Both the Salagua and Santiago jardins have an array of stands serving everything Mexican--from tacos to tortas. The food is excellent and prices start at 40 cents for a taco, and 80 cents for a torta. Order one at a time; eat as many as you want. You get to see the food before you order, so if it looks good, try it. On Saturday, there is a tianguis (open air market) on the highway in Santiago. Inside the tianguis, there's a stand that sells excellent pork tacos  (carnitas). The market moves to Salagua on Sunday just behind the jardin.

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