A Foodie’s Guide to Puerto Vallarta: Best Tacos, Bars, and Cocktails

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say Mexico? I know what it is for me—TACOS! (And cocktails, but we’ll get to that later.)

When I say my diet in Puerto Vallarta consisted entirely of tacos, beer, and tequila, I’m not exaggerating. For nine glorious days, those were my only food groups, and honestly? No regrets.

Every January, my girlfriend, Anna and I escape the Pacific Northwest gloom and head to Puerto Vallarta to celebrate her birthday. Since this was my third time staying in the Zona Romántica—and her fifth—we’ve got our routine down to a science: sleep in, brunch, lounge by the pool, get ready, feast on al pastor tacos, bar hop until 11 PM, head home, and repeat.

The highlight of every trip? The sheer abundance of al pastor tacos and amazing drinks. Fancy dinners? Reservations? Not our style. Our only mission is to hunt down the best tacos and the best drinks in town.

So, in this issue, I’m spilling the details on my top taco spots and where to find the best drinks in Puerto Vallarta!

Let’s Taco ‘Bout It!

1. Pancho’s Takos

Basilio Badillo 162, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

If you’re an al pastor lover, Pancho’s Takos should be at the top of your list. This small but wildly popular spot in Zona Romántica is easy to find—just look for the long line of people gathering well before they open at 4 PM. Depending on when you go, the wait can be up to 45 minutes to an hour, but we lucked out with waits of less than five minutes around 5:45 PM and 10:45 PM.

There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and while the entire menu gets rave reviews, we only ever order the al pastor tacos—because they’re literally the best. They pile on so much meat that you can easily make two tacos out of one, which means more tacos for your pesos. I’m usually stuffed after just two!

Beyond the incredible food, the energy here is top-notch. The servers and cooks are always friendly, quick to help, and genuinely look like they’re having a blast. Pancho’s Takos serves up great, authentic Mexican food with an equally great vibe.

The bill: For two people—two Coronas and two tacos—it came to around $258 pesos ($12.56 USD). We tipped at least 20% on top of that.

Hours: Monday – Saturday, 4 PM – 11:30 PM (Closed Sundays)

2. Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas

Pino Suárez 234, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

If waiting an hour for Pancho’s Takos isn’t your thing, head over to Tacos Sonorita Olas Altas. We never had to wait—even after coming here five or six times—though we usually arrived around 5-6 PM.

The portions here are slightly smaller than Pancho’s, but just as delicious! As always, we went for the al pastor tacos, which come in an order of three. At the server’s recommendation, Anna also tried a huera with al pastor—and let me tell you, it was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. A huera is a handmade flour tortilla loaded with melted cheese and packed with the meat of your choice. Absolute perfection.

We also ordered the grilled baby onions, which pairs perfectly with the tacos. There’s only indoor seating, but the servers deliver that warm, authentic Mexican hospitality with fast service.

The damage: For two people—two beers, an order of tacos (3), and one huera—it was around $380 pesos (about $18.50 USD). We tipped at least 20% on top of that, too.

Hours: Daily, 3 PM – 11 PM

3. Don Chava Taqueria Cantina

Lázaro Cárdenas 288, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Whether you’re grabbing lunch or a late-night bite, Don Chava is a solid go-to. Located near many of the clubs in Zona Romántica, it always has an upbeat energy, and the service is consistently fast. Anna and I never had to wait for a table, making it the perfect place for a quick and satisfying meal.

While the al pastor tacos are, of course, a must, my personal favorite? Their baked potato with al pastor. This cheesy, buttery masterpiece comes served in a clay plate, topped with onions, cilantro, and your choice of meat. Absolute perfection!

There’s both indoor and outdoor seating, and it’s also a great spot to enjoy a margarita.

Prices:

Baked potato with al pastor – $155 pesos (~$7.50 USD)

4 al pastor tacos – $100 pesos (~$4.84 USD)

2 Modelo Especials – $110 pesos (~$5.32 USD)

Total for two (including a 20% tip): Never more than $16 USD!

Hours: Wednesday – Monday, 12 PM – 12 AM

4. Los Molcajetes

Basilio Badillo 250, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Last but not least—Los Molcajetes! Located on the corner of Basilio Badillo and Ignacio L. Vallarta, this lively, bustling spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Some nights, they even have live music inside, but we prefer the outdoor seating—it’s a bit quieter and perfect for people-watching.

Now, let’s talk tacos. The al pastor here is hands-down better than Don Chava’s, but fair warning—the service is the slowest we experienced in all of Puerto Vallarta. Expect to wait 30-45 minutes for your food. But if you’re willing to be patient, you won’t be disappointed.

Pro tip: Unlike most places that bring salsas to your table, Los Molcajetes has a full salsa bar inside. So, if you love your tacos sauced up, you’ll need to make a quick trip to grab your favorites. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!

Average cost for two: $200-$300 pesos (~$9.67-$14.51 USD), including a couple of tacos and beers.

Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 11:30 PM

Drink to That!

1. La Chachalaca

Francisca Rodríguez 136, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

My absolute favorite bar in all of Puerto Vallarta? La Chachalaca. The bartenders here aren’t just friendly—they’re next-level accommodating, the kind of people you become Instagram friends with after just a couple of visits.

Anna and I accidentally stumbled upon the greatness of their Berry Spritzer—a refreshing mix of raspberry vodka, fresh lime juice, soda water, and muddled berries. It’s tart, sweet, and basically tastes like summer in a glass—all for just $180 pesos.

But the real magic? The 9 PM drag show. Every night, two queens take the stage, working the crowd like pros and somehow always getting us involved in the performances.

La Chachalaca is more than just a bar—it’s a celebration of inclusivity, good vibes, and killer drinks. The happy hour is solid, the drink menu has plenty of options, but honestly? The staff is the reason we keep coming back. I couldn’t recommend this place more!

Hours: Daily, 4 PM – 2 AM

2. Mar y Vino

Manuel M. Dieguez 106, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

I stumbled upon this gem on TikTok and instantly pinned it on Google Maps. Mar y Vino is a stylish, oceanfront rooftop seafood restaurant with a unique twist—a shallow pool (about six inches deep) where tables are set inside so you can sip and dine with your feet in the water. Prefer to stay dry? No worries, they have regular seating, too.

I ordered the Koi Aperol, a passion fruit Aperol spritz served in the most adorable fish-shaped glass, topped with a scoop of shaved ice and a mini popsicle. Just when I thought it couldn’t get better, the bartender arrived with a pitcher of liquid nitrogen, poured it into the drink, and suddenly—smoke everywhere!

Between the creative cocktails, the ocean views, and the dreamy sunset backdrop, Mar y Vino is a spot with immaculate vibes.

Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 11 AM

3. Elixir Mixology Bar

Basilio Badillo 419, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Elixir is more than just a cocktail bar—it’s an intimate, immersive experience crafted by queer women, where every drink engages your senses in the best way possible.

The owner, Elena, immediately recognized us from our last visit and welcomed us in like old friends. That warmth and attention to detail extend to the cocktails, too—each one is meticulously crafted with a precise, well-balanced flavor profile that makes every sip unforgettable.

I ordered the Black Magic, a stunning blend of vodka, elderflower, citrus, and coconut. Every element was thoughtfully combined, creating a drink that was as visually striking as it was delicious.

For the quality and artistry behind each cocktail, the prices are more than reasonable—and absolutely worth it.

Hours:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday: 6 PM – 11 PM

Thursday – Saturday: 6 PM – 12 AM

4.Kevin’s Hideaway

Olas Altas 443- A, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico

Kevin’s Hideaway is literally tucked away in a hidden stairwell, marked by a glowing spotlight of its logo, leading you up to a cozy balcony bar with a perfect bird’s-eye view of the bustling street below.

By day, it’s a chill, laid-back spot to grab a drink. By night, the vibe turns up with a DJ spinning great music and an atmosphere that’s always buzzing.

The man behind it all, Kevin, is as charismatic as they come—welcoming every guest like an old friend and going above and beyond to ensure everyone is having a great time. His amazing (and ridiculously handsome) staff keeps the drinks flowing and the energy high.

The whole place has a casual, easygoing feel, making it our go-to for a fun nightcap before calling it a night. Always lively, always a good time!

Hours: Daily, 4 PM – 12 AM

Final Musings

Puerto Vallarta truly has it all—mouthwatering al pastor tacos, incredible cocktails, and unforgettable nightlife. Whether you’re splashing your feet in a rooftop pool while sipping a Koi Aperol, grabbing a quick taco fix at a lively street-side stand, or enjoying a perfectly crafted cocktail in an intimate, welcoming space, there’s something special around every corner.

Every spot we visited had its own unique charm, from the friendly bartenders who make you feel like a regular to the chefs who turn simple tacos into works of art. And let’s be real—when the biggest decisions of the day are where to find the best al pastor and which cocktail to try next, you know you’re in the right place.

If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, come hungry, stay thirsty, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Trust me—you’ll be counting down the days until your next visit!

We’d love to hear from you! Have you tried any of these spots, or do you have your own favorite hidden gems in Puerto Vallarta? Drop your recommendations in the comments!

Also, check out our first blog post about Puerto Vallarta by clicking here!