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All Things Malecón
 The Malecón is synonymous with Puerto Vallarta. Though there is an abundance of restaurants, bars and shops along the Malecón it is often a destination in itself. You will see families and groups of friends walking the Malcón, eating ice cream or elotes, watching the street performers or the extraordinary sunsets. Benches along the sides are perfect for people watching during any time of day. The action on the Malcón does not stop after the sun goes down. It is the home of many bars and dance clubs, where 2x1 specials are found almost everywhere.Pravda is a tiny café located on the side of Hotel Rosita. Watch the waves crash while you sit in the shade and sip a cool caffeinated beverage.  Are you looking of hot Havana nights? At La Bodeguita del Medio you will find all things Cuban: food, cigars, mojitos and salsa music. You can't sit still for long at La Bodeguita.Order a drink in the famous yard glass at Carlos O' Brians Bar Restaruant and Clothsline. At this Vallarta institution you can eat drink and shop in one place. After a few yards of margaritas you will be dancing to the latest rap, hip-hop, rock, and Latin rhythms in no time. Have you ever wanted a portrait of yourself? There are artists on the Malecón who will create your likeness in a matter of minutes. Be sure to smile.  White linen clothing is the specialty of No Name Boutique. You can also find an assortment of swimwear, bags and shoes.Don't let the sign outside fool you. Popo's Cigar Shop really has bathing suits and beachwear inside. If you find yourself in need of a bathing suit or wrap Popo's has a wide variety of everything you need for the beach. Silver shop Arte en Plata Óle has a large selection of jewelry and art for you home. Each piece is handcrafted using the finest silver and craftsmanship. There is another location near the seahorse sculpture. Keep your eye toward the beach and you will see giant sand sculptures. These transitional works of art are painstakingly created by local artists. Subjects include Jesus on the cross, the Virgin Mary, and other non-secular creations. Above Arte en Plata Óle you will find Paradise Burger serving burgers and mai tais along with live rock music nightly. American rock legends live at the Hard Rock Cafe. The house band plays Tuesday through Sunday nights, with Beatles covers on Thursday.  Club 69, 2x1, no cover. If that is not enough, there is plenty of seating in the front of the bar overlooking the Malecón. It is not uncommon for the place to have a crowd in the afternoon for drinks and people watching.Want to escape Mexicó for a few hours? Try Mogambo, an African themed lounge nestled between Club 69 and Zoo Bar serving 2x1 drinks all night long. For some people a night out on the Malecón is not complete without a trip to the zoo, but the only animals you will find at Zoo Bar and Dance are the people inside. And the guy dressed up like a gorilla. The Zoo features, you guessed it, 2x1 drinks all day long. Cover most nights, young and old come to dance until 6:00 a.m. While walking on the Malecón you may see a variety of street performers, including fire dancers, mimes, clowns, the girl with her electric violin, a "robot", native dancers, and more clowns. Children can be seen running around, climbing on the bronze sculptures, and waiting anxiously for a balloon animal from their favorite clown.  The Italian Gastornomic Consulate is housed at La Dolce Vita. Delight in authentic Northern Italian cuisine and wine. Enjoy unlimited people watching from the second level.Las Palomas serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with live mariachi music in the evenings. Go for dinner and enjoy a spectacular Vallarta sunset while you dine. LOB Clothing Boutique has two locations on the Malecón. Their private label clothing for women and men is high quality and new merchandise is constantly being offered including stylish accessories.  Momentous monuments can be found at Hilo bar. This bar features two levels; dancing on the main floor and a lounge upstairs. The comfortable tables in the front of the bar are a good spot for people watching at all hours of the day. Hilo has 2x1 cervezas until 11:00 p.m.Enjoy a dinner while listening to Mariachi music at Tequilas Café, and again, enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Breakfast and lunch are also served. Just opened in December 2004 is Bebo Tero. This Mexican bar has its origins in Guadalajara and features live music and an excellent view of the Malecón. Bring home a unique handcrafted souvenir from the Huichol Collection Gallery and Museum; this is one of two locations on the Malecón. The location at Morelos 490 not only offers Huichol art for sale, but also displays information explaining more about the mysterious Huichol way of life. Often you will encounter a Huichol artist in the store working on his beaded pieces.  Viejo Vallarta Restaurant and Bar, on the second floor above the Huchicol Collection, boasts a great view, nice breezes and a pool table. You can people watch for hours; if you watch long enough you will see the sun set over the Bay of Banderas. Great prices on buckets of beers and also a 2x1 special.Cervezas are two for one all day long at the No Name Café sports bar and restaurant. If you can't miss the big game this is the place to watch it. There are many big screen TVs and several small screens throughout the restaurant and bar. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. The ribs have been voted the best in Mexicó by several publications. Are you looking for superstar sunglasses? One of the last stores you will find on the Malecón is Soleil, a designer eyewear boutique featuring Versace, Dolce&Gabana and bolle. You cannot go wrong with a taco buffet and 2x1 drinks. You can have both at La Cantina de los Remedios. At the end of the Malecón, near Los Arcos Amphitheatre, you will find an abundance of foods including corn on the cob, elotes, fried bananas, homemade potato chips, fruit flavored waters, and cotton candy. Grab a snack and then take a seat in the amphitheatre for a free performance most nights of the week. The most popular show, at least for the children, is the clowns.  In the main plaza, across from Los Arcos you can hear the Municipal Band play on Thursday and Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. Traditional Latin dance music is played from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays. Grab your sweetheart and take a spin around the plaza.Families, young people, tourists, locals, shopping, eating, drinking, people watching. No matter who you are or what you want to do there is something for everyone on the Malecón. Enjoy! |
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