What are the best places to eat? Who has the best margaritas? Where can I find an O-ring? What is the name of that place I should avoid? Is there an honest lawyer in town? Well, ask no more. The readers of tomzap.com have ganged up to stamp out mediocrity and announce the best (and sometimes the WORST) that Puerto Escondido has to offer. And if you find that I have got it wrong or left out something, feel free to send me your remarks and do explain WHY you think that particular place/business/activity is the best. And if you agree with something it would be good to hear about that as well. This is your resource, please keep it up to date. Email: tom@tomzap.com
For you foreign visitors, I should mention that Puerto Escondido has a substantial expatriate population. Naturally these folks develop a longing for the things they miss, like a hamburger, pizza, sushi, etc. When these are available locally, they are appreciated by the local population but if you are coming from a foreign country, such items found here may not match your experience. What you are more likely to enjoy is Mexican food prepared in Mexican restaurants. But if you do eat at an Italian or French restaurant, for example, it is generally better to go ahead and order the dishes they specialize in rather than their Mexican entrees.
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Best Margaritas:
It's a toss-up between these two: El Nene on the Rinconada. Restaurante Escondido at the Hotel Ben Zaa. (1/14)
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Best Mojito:
Mary's on Carrizalillo. (5/12)
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Best Liquados:
Juguería Vanessita, located in the Mercado 15°52.168'N 97°4.454'W, look for the green color. Operated by Esperanza. Point to the fruit in the containers you want in your liquado (there are other out-of-season fruits in their freezer), or order off the menu. You can add granola, miel(honey), yoghurt, and ice(hielo). The regular size is a meal in itself. Juguería Flor de Piña is also nominated.
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Best Hamburger:
All this great Mexican food, but sometimes all you want is a good hamburger. Where can you get one?
Turtle Bay on the Rinconada. Also the Espadin at the Villas Carrizalillo.
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Best Pizza:
This is a hot topic in Puerto and there are choices. Benditos seems to be a clear favorite. 15°51.715'N 97°3.750'W. Located at the east end of the adoquín right at the chain. Homemade Italian sausage, fire brick oven, good drink list. Best delivered pizza is W 582-0555, Av. Hidalgo and 2a Poniente by the highway. Also mentioned are Banana'a on Playa Zicatela, Luna Rosa on the Rinconada, Mana de Jardín on Playa Zicatela, and with mixed opinions Cipriano's where there are reports of customers getting sick. (1/14)
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Best Pozole:
Casa de Pozole on the adoquín. (5/12) Las Cazuelas, in El Centro next to the Gym and Rosy's on Oaxaca Ave are also good. Also Las Cazuelas.
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Best Seafood:
Sabor a Mar, at the Las Brisas end of Zicatela in front of Mexpipe. 15°51.059'N 97°3.278'W. Try the fish filet stuffed with shrimp. (1/14)
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Best Tacos al Pastor:
Taqueria Alahambres 15°51.792'N 97°4.205'W. next to the HSBC bank on Hidalgo. Also try Taqueria La Playita on Av. Raul Gonzalez, by the airport. And Tropicana, right off of Av. Oaxaca at 2nd. (1/14)
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Best Cinnamon Roll:
Mana Zicatela (5/12)
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Best Breakfast:
Dan's Deluxe Cafe Jacarandas #14, Colonia Santa María (Zicatela area), popular with tourists and locals. Tabachin Hotel, behind the Hotel Santa Fé. 15°51.461'N 97°3.493'W. Also Cafecito, two locations, one on Rinconada 15°51.705'N 97°4.697'W, and the other on Playa Zicatela 15°51.130'N 97°3.301'W. Liked for its French bakery, coffee, and fresh juices.
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Best Breakfast with a View of the Waves:
Tio's, right on the sand on Playa Zicatela. Maybe not the best food in Puerto but quite good and with a great view during a big swell event. (1/14)
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Best Restaurant:
Turtle Bay on the Rinconada gets the nod this time; also known for having the best hamburger and the seafood is good too. Also mentioned Pascal's on Playa Principal is well-liked for the food, service, ambiance, and cocktails. Right next door is Los Crotos, another good choice, 15°51.667'N 97°3.846'W.
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Best Mexican Restaurant:
Aren't they all Mexican? Not really. With the substantial gringo presence, many restaurants are catering to gringo tastes. That's great for foreign residents but I'm not spending half a grand for a plane ticket so I can eat imitation gringo food. These are the real deal.
La Margaritas 15°52.190'N 97°4.360'W, a downtown oasis located in a courtyard in the same area, with clean restrooms, hand-made tortillas, best comida corrida, breakfasts. This restaurant was featured in the American TV series, Gringo in Mexico. Also Juquileña on the corner 10a Norte and 4a Poniente is massively popular with the locals. Both are only open only during the day. The Hotel Santa Fe, Puerto's oldest upscale hotel is cited for its chiles rellenos and tamales. I'll have one of their cocos frios too, please. Coming soon and likely to be a contender is Pepe's new place (formerly Los Vaqueros) next to the beer store at the east end of the Rinconada. (1/14)
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Best Romantic Restaurant:
Hotel Santa Fé 15°51.495'N 97°3.544'W, on Playa Zicatela. Beautiful, elegant setting and good food. Also mentioned is Los Crotos on Playa Principal.
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Best Sunset Restaurant:
Espadin at the Villas Carrizalillo. Good burgers, chili rellenos, shrimp brochette, tacos. (1/14)
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Best Value Restaurant:
El Sultan Blvd. Bennito Juarez #12, on the Rinconada. Middle eastern cuisine. (1/14)
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Best Vegetarian Food:
Hotel Santa Fé Calle de Moro at the north end of Playa Zicatela. (1/14)
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Best Street Food:
The guide books will often tell you to stay away from these places but if you do you are missing some of the best food. If it's drawing a crowd it's probably a good choice.
La Semilla de Los Arcos, Antojitos Yucatecos, near Parque Idillio near the vet with the stuffed animals on his desk. They have tacos pibil. Also mentioned is the stand on the NW corner of Parque Idilio, maybe the same place? (1/14)
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Best Street Ice Cream:
Vincenzo's coconut ice cream on Carizalillo in the little blue wagon. (1/14)
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Best Chinese Restaurant:
Pa Tang 1a Norte next to HSBC Bank. Okay, maybe it's the ONLY Chinese restaurant in Puerto Escondido. (1/14)
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Best French Restaurant:
Paris on the Rinconada. (1/14)
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Best Australian Food:
El Lugar in La Punta. (1/14)
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Best Thai Food:
Lychee in La Punta. (1/14)
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Best Sushi:
Samurai Sushi on Playa Zicatela directly in front of Hotel Acali.
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Best Fried Chicken:
Chamula Pollo a half-block west of Parque Idilio. (1/14)
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Best Beer Joint:
Brad's Split Coconut across from the Hotel Santa Fe on Playa Marinero. Good food, cold beer, music, view, service. A popular expat hangout. (1/14)
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Best Live Music:
Atemoztli upstairs next to Sativa on Calle del Morro. Live music nightly starting at 8:30 pm. Also mentioned is Brad's Split Coconut. (1/14)
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Best Live Jazz:
Atemoztli upstairs next to Sativa on Calle del Morro. Tuesday nights. (1/14)
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Best Live Salsa:
Congo on the Adoquín, Wednesday nights. Kabbalah on Playa Zicatela, Saturday nights. (1/14)
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Best Abarrotes (grocery):
Abarrotes Super 69, formerly the worst grocery because of its "surly" owner, has moved to the best for being the sole source for some sought-after items for the foreign community. On the Rinconada, 15°51.709'N 97°4.623'W. Also mentioned are Ruby's at the entrance to La Punta and Merlin's on Playa Zicatela.
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Best Wine Store:
Super Che On Av. Oaxaca at Hwy 200. (1/14)
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Best Health Food Store:
Señor Salud in Costa Chica. Nuts, cheese, coffee, homemade bread, homemade pasta, and more. (1/14)
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Best Source for Coffee (beans):
La Casita 3 Oriente. One block up from Benito Juárez market.
Super Cafe Andador Soledad. 15°51.662'N 97°3.935'W. The little place at the top of the stairway directly below the church.
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Best Place to buy Frozen Steaks:
Want to buy a good (raw) steak in Mexico. This can be a daunting task for the gringo shopper.
Tresele Food Service Av. Perez Gasga No. 303. (954) 104-2336. Located a few doors uphill from the Banamex.
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Best Place to buy Bacon:
La Portena at the Mercado on 8th Street. They will cut to order and it is awesome. (1/14)
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Best Furniture Store:
Vivero Leslie (also a plant nursery) Hwy 131 next to the Pemex. (1/14)
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Best Lighting Store:
Luminacion del Puerto (954) 582-1831. Blvd. Oaxaca. (1/14)
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Best Plant Nursery:
Vivero Leslie (954) 118-1508. Hwy 131 next to the Pemex, with another location on the Rinconada. Large selection of pots and plants, furniture. English-speaking. Free delivery. (1/14)
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Best Shop:
El Arte de mi Tierra (954) 582-0576. Blvd. Benito Juarez, on the Rinconada. Lots of quality items for home decor: pots, mirrors, wall art, sinks, light fixtures, etc. Has been described as pricey though. (1/14)
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Best Auto Parts House:
Up Oaxaca Avenue, almost to the end near the college, and look on the left for a big yellow building with a Bardol ad on it.
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Best Car Dealership:
Nissan because it's the only one with a complete garage, parts, mechanics. (1/14)
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Best Bank:
HSBC Mexico (954) 582-1825. 15°51.785'N 97°4.246'W. Note that "Best" is misleading here, perhaps "Least of the Worse" is more accurate. (1/14)
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Best Tile Store:
Millie, on Zicatela, across from the orange apartments. Best prices. Also Zetuna on Camino Carrizalillo by Hwy 200 (ask for Lorena).
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Best Hardware Store:
Several have been mentioned. Materiales del Puerto is convenient (near the Ahorrara) with good service and ample selection. Ferretodo, near the Post Office, has everything hanging up so you can point if you don't speak Spanish, and good service as well. Zimat is favored by contractors with larger orders and is oriented more toward construction materials. The House of Screws (Casa de Tornillos, 15°51.903'N 97°4.251'W) is just the best little screw house in Puerto with a staggering assortment of nuts, bolts, washers, etc. It is in the same neighborhood as Ahorrara and Materiales del Puerto. If you are in the Zicatela area, Materiales Brisas is worth a try, located on the highway next to where the street to the Point intersects. Don Felix on the corner of Av. Oaxaca and 4th Norte, is also mentioned.-
Best Place to Shop for a Hammock:
Angela Go to Zicatela Beach and Angela will find you.
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Best Lawyer:
Send in your recommendation, please.
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Best Notario:
There are two notarios in Puerto Escondido. A notario publico is an attorney representing the government, much different than the notary public we might be familiar with in the U.S. And like other lawyers, they can easily be disliked. Both of the Puerto Escondido notarios have been nominated for Worst Notario but on further investigation, they both have strong supporters as well. Notario 14 has provided a statement explaining what a notario does and how his services can sometimes invoke a negative reaction. The notarios are:
Lic. Hugo Manuel Felix Garcia Notario 14 in Bacocho. Speaks excellent English, helpful staff.
Lic. Antonio Severino Ramirez Lopez Notario 57, located on the second floor at 3 Poniente and 3 Norte. Has English-speaking staff, consistently professional.
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Best Realtor:
Zicatela Properties is nominated for best source to buy or lease property.
Aaron Lachman of Coco Realty is nominated for being honest, knowledgeable, efficient, effective and just an all around nice guy.
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Best Accountant:
Francisco Javier Patino, now with Daleth Business Executives, SC. (954) 582-0831, 954 582 3726, 954 582 2943. info@db-executives.com, dalethbusiness@gmail.co
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Best Tattoos:
Funky Ink on the Rinconada.
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Best Travel Agency:
Dimar has been mentioned. (954) 582-0259 at Av. Perez Gasga 905B. And (954) 582-2305 at Calle del Morro.
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Best Taxi:
Need your input.
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Best Hair Salon:
Patty's Located on dirt path next to Olas Altas on Playa Zicatela. You must walk up the
steep hill and she is in the palapa on the bluff overlooking the ocean. Tell the taxi driver it is across from Dr. Pepe's house. English spoken.
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Best Laundry:
Lavanderia Rosy A. Hidalgo, next to the pozole place and Blue Gym. Friendly quality service, ready in 24 hours. (1/14)
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Best Gym:
Seth Fitness Gym next to Oxxo on Hwy 200 in the colonia Lazaro Cardenas. Hours are from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm Monday through Saturdays. 7:00 am until 2:00 pm on Sundays. And the owners are very nice and helpful. (1/14)
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Best Bicycle Repair:
A small shop above Las Brisas Hotel (Calle Mariano Matamoros) The same street that the BIG Central Surf Shop Building is on.
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Best Auto Mechanic:
Turn left off Oaxaca at oil/lube joint and then 1st right at Tinos auto transmission shop. About 50m along is Ricardo Galvan's mechanic shop painted in Bardhal yellow and black. Locals call him Richard. Also has some used cars to rent. Also Steve Hasenbank 113 Jupiter, Fracc. El Olivo. (954) 118-5339. Bilingual. Perhaps the best equipped auto mechanic is Fuel Injection Service, one block west of the Agencia (City Hall) and one block off the highway. However this place is also listed as the worst mechanic. Owner, Francisco Mendoza, has garnered some compaints and may take advantage of clients if given the chance. But if you question the charges and the work, you may have a good experience here. He has capabilities that other shops don't have and does take pride in his work. (1/14)
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Best Muffler Shop:
Pepe Hwy 200 near east end of Adoquín. Stands behind his work. (1/14)
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Best Car Rental:
Hertz is nominated.
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Best Refrigerator Repair:
Lalo Refrigeración, 1st Oriente #161. First block down from the post office.
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Best Computer Repair:
Net Pacific (954) 582-2472. 7 Norte #308. Great service and the best selection of computer supplies.
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Best Room with a View:
Hotel Buena Vista gets a vote for its view of Zicatela and people-watching. On Zicatela beach, Calle de Morro, between Mexpipe and the Merlin store.
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Best Beach for Small Children:
Western end of Carrizalillo Calm waves, a shade tree, and small tidal pools among the rocks provide a comfortable and safe play area. Cold beer nearby for the adults.
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Best Fishing Guide:
Roberto, who can be found on Carrizalillo. Also mentioned are Omar because of experience, professional equipment, and enthusiasm (not because he is an advertiser here), Rudolpho a respected pescador with the eyes of an eagle, he can spot fish activity from miles away, and at a fair price, Stephan, and Francisco at Playa Manzanillo.
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Best Ocean Sightseeing:
Omar, has been suggested for his dolphin-watching excursions.
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Best Storage Facility:
Mini Bodegas Del Puerto 582-1451. Located on Infragnati. Concrete roofs, owner on site 24/7, dry conditions, secure. (1/14) Also mentioned, U-Store-All, 954-588-5850, south on Hwy 200 just before the entrance to the Point, for its cool storage--no hot tin roof like others.
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Best Tourist Resource:
Gina, the Information Goddess 15°51.412'N 97°04.158'W, at the tourist information booth on the west end of the Adoquín.
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Best Tourist Newspaper:
El Sol de la Costa Published monthly.
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Best Surf Photographer:
Ruben Piña Quality photographs that can be blown up and retain detail. Find him at Central Surf.
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Best Surfboard Repair:
Miguel Located on one of the streets next to the Agencia Municipal. Also Carmelo, who is located at the Point.
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Best Surfboard Builder:
Roger Located at Oasis Surf Factory, on Calle Bugambilias, Playa Zicatela next to the Hotel Oasis. Also mentioned is Roberto Salinas at Central Surf and Ody at La Punta. (1/14)
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Best Acupuncturist:
Juan Ashbury (954) 131-6585. Corner of Calle Pirules and Tamarindos. (9/17)
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Best Dentist (general):
There are 2 candidates.
Jesus Abdul Issias Navarez 3A Poniente, north of the market. "Doctor Painless" is meticulous, explains what he is about to do, has own lab and makes crown there, inexpensive (954) 104-2193, (954) 108-2996 (cel). Dra. Olga Livia Cortez Av. Oaxaca #105 on the second floor. (954) 582-1666.
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Best Dentist (oral surgery):
Mario Cruz, Jr. 3a Poniente. Also mentioned is Ailed Arias (954) 582 0591. 3a Poniente #604. (1/14)
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Best Doctor:
Dr. Cross and his staff at the Cruz Roja on 7a Norte near Av. Oaxaca for dedication, getting results, and reasonable cost. Several others have also been mentioned: Dr. Francisco Serrano (954) 582-0548. Located on Blvd. del Pacifico 508, speaks English. Dra. Guillermina Zarate and her well-equipped, clean hospital facility, Clinic del Sur, offering family care, surgery, emergency services, ultrasound, X-ray, heart specialist, pharmacy. Dr. Max (954) 582-0440. Located on Oaxaca Av. 603, but doesn't speak English. Dr. Max's son, Omar Lopez Perez, same location, (954) 582-3634, fluent English. Mario Francisco de Alba (954) 100-3660 (cell), temporarily operating from his drug store "Ollin" outside the Hotel Ines on Playa Zicatella (11/2012). Speaks English.
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Best Farmacia:
Farmacia Similares 15°51.795'N 97°04.215'W, at 1st street and 2nd street East, but there are also 3 other locations in town. The chain specializes in generic drugs at a small fraction of the cost of name brand drugs.
Also mentioned: Superfarmas Oaxaca Av. #102B, next to the Ahorrara annex. (954) 582-0379. When they don't have something, they will call one of their other stores and see if they have it. If the other store has it, they deliver it to the store at no extra charge. La Moderna Just up the road from the Banamex around the curve in the street, one block down from the Hotel San Juan. Open 24 hours, but you may have to wake the guy up. Minor medical services.
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Best Lab Work:
Clinica Sol next to the midtown Pemex across the street from Zimat's back entrance. (1/14)
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Best Massage:
Nora (954) 582-3573, 044 (954) 588-2883 (cell). Located at the top of the alley behind Mangos, 3 houses back, on Playa Zicatela. Must have an appointment. English spoken. Also the Themascalli, with Riki, hot rocks, water massage and saunas.
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