Puerto Vallarta Scene

Puerto Vallarta Information & Events

Cafe Candela

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

I’m prejudiced in writing this review because I love Cafe Candela. There are many types of restaurants and bars and this one falls into the category of THE first place in Vallarta that I would take a date to, assuming she were of my socio-economic class. You figure that one out….

Candela is an extension of a Guadalajara cafe of the same name that was originally visioned as an artist’s hangout. It serves good, fresh food at and creative drinks, all at reasonable prices. Bohemian is a description that comes to mind in talking about Candela.

The setting is very open with no roof over much of the place so you probably won’t find it open in the summer here. The decor is rustic chic, simple in furnishings and elegant in setting. Timing is relative at this place so don’t go early. They seem to open when they are ready and not by schedule. The cuisine is Vegetarian, Pizza, Mediterranean, International. Appetizers in the 45 to 70 peso range, salads in the 60 to 80 peso range.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • ADDRESS: Guerrero 322, Colonia Centro
  • WEBSITE: None. There is a website for the Guadalajara cafe but it doesn’t apply. Ditto for the Facebook page.
  • EMAIL: None (see previous)
  • PHONE: 322 222 0743
  • HOURS/DAYS: Closed Sundays. Open from around 6 or 7 pm ’til late.
  • HAPPY HOUR: Stated tp be from 5 to 8 pm, but it didn’t open until 7 the day we reviewed it. 2 for 1 on almost everything. Good deal. Ask.
  • FOOD:
    • Vegetarian, Salads, Pizza, Mediterranean, International. All fresh and of excellent quality. Pizza prices 90 to 130 pesos.
  • EXTRAS:
    • Beautiful setting.
    • Brick Oven for pizzas

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OTHER VIEWS & REVIEWS

GOOGLE STREET VIEW & MAP

Updated April 21, 2010

Uncommon Grounds Chill Out Lounge

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Haven’t been inside yet to review the place but I’m putting up the listing pending a visit….

GENERAL INFORMATION

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COMMENTS ( from reviewers ):

“Part restaurant, part women’s social club, this welcoming cafe is an agreeable place to spend an evening. Beautifully presented dishes with amiable names (anyone for a “Planet Utopia Salad”) are trotted out from the kitchen with panache by hosts Lydia and Anne.

Vegetarians are well taken care of, as are those in need of a cocktail. You can also get a chair massage and shop in the small boutique.” – Lonely Planet, May 2009

“Run by a lesbian couple from New Jersey, Uncommon Grounds is definitely unusual for Puerto Vallarta. Part lounge, part restaurant, part aromatherapy bar, part gift shop, it’s a multi-sensory experience. Located a fair distance from the Zona Romantica, you may want to take a taxi there.” –Girlports

COMMENTS ( from the owners )

We are a “One People, One Planet” establishment. Open to receive others that appreciate great food, great drinks and great service at affordable prices. We are a multi-sensory experience. Indulge yourself.

OTHER VIEWS & REVIEWS

GOOGLE STREET VIEW & MAP

Updated March 27, 2010

Diva’s Bar

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Diva’s Bar has been through several incarnations beginning as a very incongruous gay cantina out in Colonia Buenos Aires before moving to its present location and series of owners in East Old Town. It’s a very comfortable bar painted in dark, sensual colors, with subdued lighting perfect for a casual or intimate meeting of hearts or minds. The customers are both resident and tourist, Mexican and gringo, gay and straight. The decor is dark and romantic with large photos of famous divas, from Ava Gardner to Marlon Brando, on each wall. Be sure to check the daily specials written on the white board outside of the door. The air conditioning is a definite plus in the warmer months. Because of its out-of-the-way location it has to be classified as a “neighborhood” bar, but it’s much more than that.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • ADDRESS: Francisco L. Madero 388 (half a block east from Insurgentes)
  • WEBSITE: www.divaspv.com (but not active at the time of writing)
  • EMAIL: None
  • PHONE: 044 322 152 1519
  • HOURS/DAYS: Daily 2 pm to 2 am
  • HAPPY HOUR: Before 9 pm, Margs 2 for 1, beer 14 pesos, or specials written on white board outside of the door
  • FOOD:
    • No food
  • EXTRAS:
    • Jukebox
    • Air Conditioning
    • TVs
    • Nice Baños

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GOOGLE STREET VIEW & MAP
(Google Street View made before Diva’s existed)

Updated March 26, 2010

Vallarta Old Town Farmers’ Market » Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm

Old Town Farmers’ Market open in Puerto Vallarta every Saturday, from November to the end of July.

Select from agricultural, horticultural, artisanal foods and crafts.

by Charlotte Semple

All of the great cities of the world have a celebrated Farmers’ Market where locals and tourists can find the freshest of vegetables, hand-crafted artisanal foods and handicrafts: London has Covent Garden, Seattle has Pike Place Market, Vancouver has Granville Island, New Orleans has the French Market and now, Puerto Vallarta, has the Old Town Farmers’ Market.

From the first Saturday in November to the last Saturday of July, from 10 am to 1 pm, the new Paradise Community Center located at Pulpito #127 (across from Coco’s Restaurant) comes alive with the sites and smells of a good old-fashioned Farmers’ Market.

Only the freshest and finest fruits and vegetables, herbs and plants, preserves, coffee, organic products, baked goods (including diabetic and gluten free) and crafts will be available for sale.

Come browse the colorful tables showcasing unique homemade products all fresh from the oven or field. Just imagine the rich aromas from the lavish displays: warm baked goods, tangy fruit, freshly roasted coffees and fragrant herbs. Now you can experience this blend of fresh shopping and entertainment every Saturday in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.

If you have a product that you would like to sell and are interested in becoming a vendor, please e-mail oldtownfm@hotmail.com. Please include your contact information and details about your product.

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No Borders Cantina

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

No Borders Cantina is a cowboy themed gay bar with botanas, a jukebox and a roof-top patio. It features Happy Hour daily from 5 pm until 9 pm. This club opens earlier than most which is great if you want to go somewhere fun in the late afternoon that isn’t a straight place on the Malecon or somewhere on the beach. It has great drink prices. The main level of No Borders is on the second floor above one of the busiest streets in Vallarta.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • ADDRESS: Libertad 221 altos, Colonia Centro.
  • WEBSITE: www.noborderspv.com/
  • EMAIL: noborderspv @ hotmail.com
  • PHONE: 322 136 8775 & 322 139 5503 (both Cel.)
  • HOURS/DAYS:
    • Sunday to Thursday 5 pm to 2 am
    • Friday & Saturday 5 pm to 4 am
  • HAPPY HOUR: 5 to 9 pm
  • FOOD:
    • Light bar food, botanas
  • EXTRAS:
    • Jukebox
    • Rooftop patio and Inside Bar
    • Gay Bingo (See Website for details)

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COMMENTS ( from the owners )

No Borders was created for people who look for a place catering to a different lyfe style in Puerto Vallarta. Come and enjoy a traditional mexican “cantina”!… A new concept of gay night life, open for every person open to this atmosphere.

GOOGLE STREET VIEW & MAP

Updated March 14, 2010

Captain Don’s

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Captain Don’s is a neighborhood bar on the north side of Centro, about half a block from the beach and two blocks from Leys mercado. It is readily accessible by bus or taxi and there is easy parking. The bar is large and airy, set up much like a beer hall with long wooden tables. The clientele are mostly straight expats and tourists. The prices are good and the service is friendly. A hand-written menu by the door tells what is available in the way of food (hot dogs and hamburgers…).

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • ADDRESS: Honduras #126, Colonia 5 de diciembre, north of Centro.
  • WEBSITE: None
  • EMAIL: None
  • PHONE: 322 109 3277 (Cel)
  • HOURS/DAYS: Daily 10 am to 2 am
  • HAPPY HOUR:
    • 10 am to 5 pm, 25 peso national drinks
    • 17 peso Corona and Pacifico All Day
  • FOOD:
    • Inexpensive bar food
  • EXTRAS:
    • Free WiFi and US/Canada Phone
    • Pool Table
    • TVs
    • JukeBox

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GOOGLE STREET VIEW & MAP
(Street View photos taken before this was Captain Don’s)