Restaurant Prices

Just as in the states, the prices run the gamut. AT papa loca you can get 5 tacos al pastor for 18 pesos and a beer for 12 pesos, so a very filling dinner for about $2.50.

The mid price restaurants--and there are a lot of them--probably run in the range of $10-15 for entrees. Think spots like Chendo's, Rufo's, Let's. Il Mediterraneo.

The fancier ones, that lean toward continental cooking and presentation are probably in the range of $20-$30 for entrees. (Mind you this is a guess-we don't go to them---I've got plenty of restaurants up here that do what they do--and I really enjoy the more basic food when in Mexico.

Think very carefully before you make your first trip. If you are like almost everyone else, after your first trip, you won't want to go anywhere else.

If I remember correctly, you can eat at Ricomar in Pozole Alley for about US$2.50 to 3.00. We ate at La Casa Que Canta for US$150.00 for the 2 of us - and will never go there again. A really nice place for a once-a-year splurge is Amuleto, high above La Ropa. Great food and the best margaritas - IMHO - but pricey. Sorry, I don't recall what we paid, but you can contact them at: www.amuleto.net/ or on the phone: 544-6122. If you go, go early for the view; it'll blow you away.

I'd say I've generally paid about 40-70% of what I do in Boston for comparable food. You're looking at the higher end of the range if you eat at a gringo joint or on the beach. Prices might be higher in Ixtapa, but I rarely eat there.

Here are some current prices.

Dona Licha, an inexpensive but good sit down place near the market, serves good breakfast and lunch for 35 pesos a head and (not very far) up. Add a beer or other drink, tack on 10-15 pesos. So you're looking at $3.50. What's a combo meal at McDonald's nowadays? $7?

Almost every dish at the Papa Loca (also on the "Mexican" side of town) is 50 pesos and you will *not* go away hungry. It's not Applebee's, but why would you want an Applebee's? You can get out for less by ordering tacos -- five are 20 pesos. They're not very big tacos.

A hamburguesa from the man across from the zocalo is 35 pesos, and it's huge.

A very nice and filling breakfast at La Bocana (a nice place on the road near La Ropa), plus coffee, is about 60-90 pesos per person, with the high end being a feast with a piece of steak. Yum. When I go to breakfast at Friendly's in Boston, an omelet and a cup of coffee runs me $9.50 plus tip.

I'd be surprised if you and your teenagers wouldn't love these places. You'll have to be the judge of what your wife would think .

As others have noted, dinner for four at a "nicer" (read: catering to gringos) sit down place will probably set you back $60 or so with a couple of drinks per person. Maybe a bit more at La Perla or other beach joints.

We splurged one night for the tasting menu at Espuma and added some margaritas and a bottle of French wine. This was close to $100 per person. I personally wouldn't go back, simply because the cheaper places have such tasty food.

In general, I think the best value is to be had at El Pueblito, La Papa Loca, Carmelita's, and Dona Licha, all of which are located on or near Heroico Colegio Militar, a few blocks behind the market.

Not sure there is a generic price guide to restaurants but here goes my attempt. There are restaurants for all budgets, and regardless of where you eat the food is almost always good, often very good and occasionally outstanding. The price differences are primarily due to location, service, decor/ambiance and view.

Appetizer/salad, fresh fish/chicken and dessert will run 200-250 pesos/person at most 'everyday' restaurants in town, think Fisherman's Walk area for example. Lobster and steak is more expensive. A nicer restauarant with a view- Il Mare for example- may be 100 pesos more. The 'Best in Class' Amuleto is 450 pesos for 3 courses, 550 pesos for 4 and 650 pesos for 5. Espuma and Tentaciones are in the same class. Beer in a restaurant is usually 20-25 pesos, standard maragitas around 50 pesos. Wine varies greatly but you can generally find a decent Mexican or Chilean wine for 250-300 pesos/bottle. American and French wines are more expensive.

As I have mentioned previously, I tend to get my 'Mexican' food fix- tacos, enchiladas, rellenos, etc.- at lunch and savor the fresh fish and meats at dinner. Also, over the years I have gravitated towards the hills for dinner; I enjoy the views and relative quiet and think the slight premium in price is well worth it. One thing is for sure, you will eat well on your trip. Enjoy!

Great suggestions already,

But also like Los Braseros in town for Tacos Al Pastor and Catalina Sunset Bar (at sunset of course) for a romantic dinner.

Yes Dont miss Dona Lechas and paps locas

You will find the prices very reasonable at the majority of the listed places.

And if you have a car at any point and "hit the road", stop at who we call "The Chicken Lady" cooking on the right side of the road in Coaquyil on the highway to Petatlan. BEST bar-b-q chicken you'll ever eat!!!
Pete & Wendy