It was a treat to get to eat at Karen's. The food was excellent. The food at our resort (Iberostar) was subpar all week. I ordered the chicken verde enchiladas. The chicken inside my enchilada wasn't dry and overcooked. At first I was disappointed when I saw that it was in a red sauce inside the enchiladas. I had asked for green enchiladas so I expected the green sauce to be on the inside as well. I don't care for the red sauce so I never order red enchiladas. But...when I took a bite I immediately shut my mouth and just enjoyed the flavors that were dancing on my tongue. There were no complaints here. My strawberry margaritas were delish and refreshing as well. Our waitress was very nice but she was spread too thin trying to cover all the tables that were outside. It took her quite a bit of time to bring condiments and other items we asked for so we could eat. I asked one of the guys a couple of times who walked by opening umbrellas and collecting drinks. He was a really nice young guy who seemed to be in the right spot at the right time. Get ready to be bombarded by cute children trying to sell you trinkets and as cute as they are don't be fooled. They drive a hard bargain and will barter you into the sand. Oh! And, don't be surprised if a random dog walks past your table. The outside tables are on the sand and there are ropes that set up a boarder so dogs and anything else can just wander on in. Luckily the dog was laid back and not interested in socializing or oddly enough, food. He left as quickly as he came. If you are in Bucerías, Mexico or passing through to get to Puerto Vallarta or Playa Mita, or Punta Mita definitely go to Karen's. Even if you're not passing through make it a place to venture out and eat. We purposely caught an Uber to go eat there and do a little shopping. Oh and Uber's are cheaper in Mexico than the taxi. The taxi charges double. Enjoy!! read more

Karen's Place - It was a creamy shrimp inside of an avocado. Nice plump shrimp. My friend ordered it. Very flavorful. - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

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Came here during a taco tour and was able to try their delicious Mahi mahi taco. Generous portion of fish that was cooked perfectly! Thinly breaded, flaky and soft on the inside. The chipotle mayo and cabbage slaw were perfect compliments along with their salsa. The restaurant is open to the beach with perfect views of the ocean and awesome summer vibes. read more

Karen's Place - Mahi mahi taco - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

This place I remember from years ago we took a taco tour in buceria it had the best fish taco I ever had I not a big fan of fish taco but this I remember it was really good . I ordered one and the fresh catch of the day . The taco is just like I remembered great nice a crispy. There was 4 of us wife ordered two fish tacos . Bob ordered the same and Donna had a hamburger. She said it was one of the best burgers she ever had. This place has history been open a while lasted thru COVID and still doing good that tells you something. The presentation is top notch they ordered a beet salad it was layered with beets and cream cheese really tasty. Anyway I might try to make it back next week . Try it you won't be sorry read more

Karen's is a great spot. We stopped in for a quick bite. Ordered the coconut shrimp and a beer. The shrimp comes drizzled with a bbq sauce and a side of fruit chutney. They were very good. read more

Karen's Place - Coconut Shrimp - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

We didn't make our reservations on the first night arriving at the Flamingos Villa Del Palmar, due to airplane delays out of Phoenix. However, we made the 10 minute Uber ride to Karen's for a wonderful meal 3 nights later. Starting out with guacamole and chips, which were perfectly seasoned and delicious. My wife had the fish tacos, which she was happy to share one with me, as long as I gave her two of my coconut shrimp. Both the tacos and the coconut shrimp were some of the best we've ever had. The restaurant is located right on the beach, and you can sit on the beach, or inside, with a good view of the ocean. Service was attentive and friendly. We will be back!! read more

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Karen's is a nice local option for beach dining and seafood or surf and turf, eaten beachside in the cobblestone town of Bucerias. We had the fish of the day (2 pieces of mahi mahi) with a side of quinoa salad and a three ways order which is essentially a fillet of fresh caught fish, whatever is the daily special, a single coconut prawn (wish they offered a bit more here) and a small steak with mushroom sauce alongside mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. They offer a complimentary bread basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar left table-side. (We did note the olive oil was pretty unremarkable, almost tasted like cooking oil, but it may be to local tastes or a harder to get item.) The service is friendly and laid back, but also professional. Karen's has a full bar with drinks and a happy hour (3-5 pm) --a section of the bar faces directly onto the ocean. The setting of the restaurant is a highlight: it's right on the beach, with a partially covered patio --waves literally crashing down as you eat. read more

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Our friends live locally and this is one if their go- to restaurants. Can't get a better beach view! We all had fish and it was perfectly cooked. They serve what is fresh which is usually dorado. I had the fish with parmesean. It was two nice sized chunks of moist fish served with sautéed spinach and a sweet potato flan. All were tasty. The fish of the day had nice roasted side veggies. Nearby tables ordered fish tacos ( they are huge though in the appetizer section) and lots of fries Lots of English spoken if you need it. During high season make a reservation. read more

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Incredible food served on the beach in Bucerias, and five star attentive service to match. Highly recommend! read more

Karen's Place - Views are amazing! - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

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Everything was so enjoyable from the location on the beach, to the very friendly staff and last but not least a fantastic very reasonably priced meal. We had the appetizer trio with bruschetta, coconut shrimp and ceviche. Pure heaven. Our entree was a filet, sea bass and another coconut shrimp accompanied by delish mashed potatoes and asparagus. Lastly we ended our meal with a wonderful key lime tart. Highly recommend this gem! read more

Food was excellent , atmosphere was great , we were celebrating a birthday and they brought us a comp flan read more

Karen's Place - Beet salad - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

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Very nice place right on the beach. Great for breakfast and dinner. We will be back. Just know that they only take cash. read more

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This was the best dinner that we have had so far. My husband had Parmesan crusted mahi and I had the shrimp scampi. Delicious. Karen is so friendly and I love that she is up front greeting everyone! They have a happy hour from 3-5 that our friends enjoyed too. Must make reservations for dinner. Call or email. read more

Karens location is great. Right on the beach and you can actually sit in the sand. The Pina Colada i started with was great but my wifes apple martini was not. The food took quite a while to show up and when it did I wasnt impressed. The ribs were supposed to come with smashed potatoes and showed up with boring steak fries instead. The ribs themselves were soft but mushy in texture. My wife ordered the cheeseburger and it was just OK. No seasoning to note and pretty plain. Hate to say bad things about the place but we probably wont go again. read more

Karen's Place - Pina colada on the beach - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

Great fish tacos and delicious margaritas for happy hour every day!! Yum We got two rounds of margaritas each (cucumber, very refreshing) The fish tacos were out of this world!! read more

Karen's Place - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

I have been here three times. It is such a wonderful restaurant. The food is the best part of Karen's Place. You might think it's the location, but it's the food. The ingredients are fresh, and the preparation is excellent, with no discerable greasy or heavy taste. It's light and feels healthy. i just love love love their menu and I wish there was a Karen's Cookbook because I'd buy it. The restaurant is situated right on the beach. It is just dreamy. The service was excellent and non-intrusive. Lastly, it's consistent - we were here in 2021 and again in 2025. I had the same positive experiences both times. Thank you Karen's Place!! read more

Well ... I gotta say having a dog shit and then puke feet from my table left a pretty nasty taste in my mouth. Probably won't be back. read more

Karen's Place - Shrimp scampi. O my. - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

We were two couples who ventured out to Bucerias for an amazing dinner on the beach at Karen's. The taxi cab drove through the streets that seemed very seedy, but once you get to this place, and you go in and take a table overlooking the beach and ocean, you are transported into another world. You cannot get more relaxed. We are avid restauranteurs and anything you've read before, disregard. This is the best in casual dining. The drink menu offers martinis, cocktails and wine by the glass and bottle. Two of us had the fresh catch of the day which was grilled mahi-mahi. It came with vegetables and quinoa prior to that we had a bowl of ceviche. Our friends had the ribs which fell off the bone. We ordered a banana split and cranberry dapple crumble Yum to everything including the service. Perfect place to watch a perfect sunset and see the horses ride by on the sand. Also the prices are very fair. You will love this! read more

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Highly recommend for any time of day. Great atmosphere,food.drinks and wait staff. Best on the beach. read more

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Had a sunset dinner here the other night. The one thing that surprised us is that they only accept CASH. I was taken aback as I was not expecting that for a restaurant of this caliber. Once we were served (it was a bit of a wait) we order drinks and a few ordered a beer. The beer was not very cold which was disappointing. We were hot and a cold beer is just what we were looking for. The food was good, it not exceptional. read more

Excellent service, very knowledgeable, owner is hands on, food is always prepared perfectly

We had a beautiful brunch here. The food was amazing. The setting was on the beach and the service was top-notch. Will definitely return.

Karen's place was great and very welcoming. We had a large group and the food was great, specifically the nachos. The view is great and right on the beach. read more

Karen's Place - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

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September 24/2022: First dinner with the travel crew. A modest meal...just a Enchilada meal. I find it strange that I can't seem to get a tasty Mexican meal in MEXICO! How's that possible. This place didn't impress. I felt like it was a tourist destination & they didn't need to try during the off season. I would go out of my way to go here again. read more

Karen's Place - View from the table. - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

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Fresh and yummy eats right on the beach. This was one of our first meals upon arriving to Mexico. I think it was the perfect place to start off our vacation, everything we ordered tasted beyond fresh and made with love. The happy hour menu is unbeatable, the portions of food were generous. Service was great, everyone was so friendly. The view was unbeatable. Would certainly recommend this place if in the area. read more

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The mojitos weren't great but the food made up for them. We ordered fish tacos, the cheeseburger, and tortilla soup. All were exceptional. Service was good and friendly Ambiance? It's right on the beach!! read more

The fish was excellent, and the sunset was free! Our service was good, in spite of the restaurant being fully booked. read more

Karen's Place - Sunset on the beach - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

Great location on the beach. There is an upper covered sitting area and tables on the beach with umbrellas. They ONLY accept CASH. Food is well priced, portions are good, they offer a Sunday brunch combo with nonalcoholic and alcohol drinks. The server was friendly but the wait for the food took some time. read more

Karen's Place - The Full Monty - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

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One of my fave places to be so far. We loved Karen's and spent several hours just eating, drinking and socializing. . We had nachos with chicken and guacamole. Then mostly corona, Pacifico and modelo beers, and margaritas. . Happy hour is from 3-5pm and perfect for drinks and sunset/beach views. I personally like sitting at the bar Here or table in the sand. . The service was good but relaxed, so don't come if you're in a rush. Food was good. Chicken was grilled and tasty. Can't go wrong with drinks either. Lots of options and good quality. 10/10 will be back and recommend. read more

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First off Karen is very nice and friendly. We have visited numerous times through the years and I would recommend this place with 4 stars for breakfast and lunch. The drinks, food, location and daytime atmosphere are fun and typical of the area. The dinners can be a bit disappointing, though, from a taste perspective. I recommend this place as a nice casual breakfast/lunch option, and you won't be disappointed. Changing up the dinner and non-seafood options across the board might be something to consider. I just haven't come home from dinner saying that was really good. Just my opinion. read more

I really wanted to like this restaurant. The food was okay at best, the service was strangely poor. There was hardly anyone there, and the staff simply avoided customers. The menu was extremely limited. There were hardly any vegetarian friendly options. It was just an odd experience. I had a mocktail that was okay. I should've listened to the previous reviews. The sala and guacamole was actually chopped avocado and pico de gallo. read more

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great food, great service, great view, yes my family was the only Mexicans in the restaurant other the staff, but food was great. pricey but good read more

10 out of 10! Service, views, and food all phenomenal! Will come back multiple times every time I'm here.

Great location, menu and service. We went for lunch and returned a couple of days later for dinner.

We had a wonderful evening. Service was great. Food was delicious. Can't imagine a prettier view. And I make a mistake with the reservation and Karen was so kind to figure out how to squeeze us in. Thank you! read more

We had two recent visits to Karen's. Food was great - but service was just awful. The first time there it took 1.5 hours to get our food. During our second visit (we had a reservation) we were seated in a different area than we had requested but finally we were able to get the area we wanted. Our food came out very quickly and was very good. However, after giving our server our pesos (we did not have the correct change), we waited over an hour for our change and finally left. Our wait staff's response when we inquired as to what was taking so long was "the cashier is very busy."' We finally left which meant our server received an almost 40% tip. read more

Great atmosphere and gorgeous sunsets. Attentive staff, but I would only rate the food average, or a notch above. Drinks are good. Karen is a great host. A bit expensive for Mexico. Cash only. read more

Well...first time here tonight for dinner. Heard about this restaurant for years. On the beach at Bucerias...we were disappointed at the level of dining. The service was okay. The food was ok. I could tell my husband was disappointed with his filet Mignon...my shrimp and pasta was ok. For the entire experience I was pretty un-wowed. read more

Karen's Place - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

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Anytime...every time...always when in Bucerias, which is few times a year, I eat at Karen's. I cannot lie, it's typically for a late-ish relaxed breakfast, the best eggs Benedict in town, or some Chilaquiles - always perfect and delicious. The have an awesome bottomless mimosa brunch every day...enough said. I have been for dinner many times as well, and while not the total and ultimate traditional Mexican menu, they offer a mix of both more contemporary and classic dishes. It can fill up fast during the high season, especially for breakfast and brunch. But I've never had to wait very long for a table, and then again, the view isn't half bad if you do. Karen and the the staff are all amazing, many have been there for years and it feels nice to recognize faces and people when we're there. It's all worth a trip (or one-a-day) to Karen's for great food or just a really good cocktail or cold Pacifico. See you soon! read more

Karen's Place - View from the deck... not bad at all! - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

Amazing ambience and the food was absolutely delicious Service was also very good Beautiful views from the beach as the sun sets Definitely worth the trip read more

We saw Karen's Place recommended on a few FB posts. Decided to check it out last night and glad we did! The location was terrific, there's an option to sit at the tables inside with spectacular views overlooking the bay or at the tables on the sand. The staff was extremely friendly and the food was delicious! We were even offered bug spray as the sun was starting to set, which I absolutely needed (told my husband earlier that I was sad that I forgot mine at the resort). My husband ordered the parmesan crusted catch of the day, which was mahi-mahi. This could have been a meal we shared since the portion was so generous. I had the Scampi Al Vino Blanco and loved it! We will definitely be back to try other menu items next time we are in town. read more

Karen's Place - Mexican Near Me - Bucerias, NAY

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