Mazatlan, Mexico

Eating out in Mazatlan, Mexico

Mazatlan has one of the largest shrimp fleets in the world, so seafood, especially shrimp, are staples. Regional Mexican cuisine is widely available, of course, as are favorites from Italy, France, and the Americas. Dining atmospheres cover a wide range of styles, from white-tablecloth restaurants to hacienda restaurants to taco stands.

Gourmet

Angelo's has the reputation for the best food and ambiance in town. The cream-and-beige dining room is decorated with fresh flowers, polished wood, and crystal chandeliers, and live piano music accompanies your meal. The Italian and Continental menu includes veal scallopini with mushrooms, homemade pastas, and many shrimp dishes. There is an excellent list of imported wines as well. Camaron Sabalo.

Highly Recommended

Doney has been a hacienda-style favorite since it opened in 1959. The homey dining room has classic pictures of Mazatlan and a high brick ceiling. The bilingual menu includes fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes, including chilaquiles (tortillas and chili sauce casserole), chicken mole, and fried chicken. Don't pass up a taste of the fruit and lemon meringue pies! Camaron Sabala.

Local Flair

Copa de Leche has a superb waterfront view at Playa Olas Atlas. The décor is traditional Mexican and the bar is made of an old wooden boat. The menu features local specialties, including pechugas en nogada (chicken breast with pecan and pomegranate sauce), shrimp with tamarind sauce and alambre barbecue (beef with onions, peppers, mushrooms, ham and bacon). Don't miss the delicious seafood soup! Olas Atlas.

Romantic

Señor Pepper's is comfortably elegant, a candlelit dining room with lush plants, polished crystal, and silver accents. The menu includes Sonoran beef steaks grilled over mesquite, and fresh lobster and shrimp dishes. Live music gets diners out on the dance floor. Camaron Sabalo.

Going party in Mazatlan, Mexico

The nightlife in Mazatlan offers plenty of dancing, live music, and festive bars. For a real Mexican experience, go to at least one fiesta night at a hotel.

Fireworks

A free show on the beach is held at the Hotel Playa Mazatlan every Sunday night.

Fiestas

The Hotel Playa Mazatlan also hosts a terrific fiesta on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with an open bar, buffet, music and dancing.

Fiesta Land

This popular complex includes Valentino's, which draws a glitzy crowd with romantic music, karaoke and dancing; Bora Bora, is a laid-back palapa bar on the beach with music and dancing until the wee hours; Pepe and Joe's, a microbrewery; and Shiek, a showcase nightspot with waterfalls and ocean views.

Joe's Oyster Bar

Dance all afternoon and through the night at this popular beachfront spot.

Common events in Mazatlan, Mexico

Carnival

Lively festivities go on the week before Lent, with parades and floats, outdoor music and dancing, and fireworks. February - March.

Navy Day

This holiday is commemorated in all Mexican seaports, but it's especially festive in Mazatlan. June 1.

Saint John the Baptist Day

Mexicans observe this traditional Mexican holiday by tossing a "blessing" of water on everyone within reach! June 24.

The Feast of Santiago

This national holiday brings charreadas - Mexican-style rodeos. July.

Independence Day

Fireworks and parties help Mexicans celebrate in grand style. September.