Charcoal fired al pastor tacos are my new obsession, and Pancho's delivers the most overstuffed…read morestreet sized tacos I have ever seen. These things are too big to eat straight. You have to pluck a third of the meat with your fingers just to get the tortilla to structurally hold. There is always a line. On a random Tuesday it stretched down the street long before the door opened. I waited twenty five minutes at four in the afternoon for a seat inside. No to go orders, no doggy bags. You eat what you order and leave behind your self respect. The dining room is packed tighter than a turtle's pecker. A dozen staff members move around each other like bees tending the hive, the rhythm wild and relentless. The tacos themselves are intimidatingly large, the vibe unlike anything I have ever seen. Come for the al pastor, and come hungry. If you cannot finish, no option exists but to weep over the abandoned morsels.

Tried Pancho's Tacos in Puerto Vallarta and really enjoyed it. The tacos were good and the salsas…read morewere delicious. The vibe was fun and lively, which made the experience even better. Ordering was a bit confusing since they give you paper forms to fill out. It's tricky to order for different people in your party, and they tend to rush you, which can be stressful. Despite that, the food is so good that I'll definitely be back.

There are places that simply serve food--and then there are places that become part of your story…read more Pepe's Tacos is exactly that for me. Having come here since I was 10 years old, this iconic taquería isn't just a local favorite--it's a timeless institution that continues to define what truly exceptional tacos should be. Since 1987, Pepe's has built a reputation that extends far beyond Puerto Vallarta, and one visit is all it takes to understand why. The star of the show--their legendary tacos al pastor--is nothing short of extraordinary. The pork is expertly marinated and cooked to perfection, resulting in meat that is incredibly juicy, tender, and bursting with deep, savory flavor. Each slice is carved with precision and layered onto warm tortillas, creating a perfect foundation for what comes next. What truly elevates these tacos is the balance of toppings. The sweetness of the pineapple and the sharpness of the fresh onions cut through the richness of the meat beautifully, enhancing every bite with contrast and complexity. It's a masterclass in simplicity done right--every ingredient playing its role to perfection. Beyond the food, the experience itself is just as memorable. The service is impressively fast and efficient, especially considering how popular this spot is, and there's an undeniable energy in the air that makes it feel alive at all hours. It's the kind of place you can count on for a late-night bite, where the atmosphere is casual, vibrant, and always welcoming. Pepe's Tacos isn't about reinvention or trend--it's about consistency, tradition, and delivering excellence time and time again. Decades later, it still holds its place as one of the best taco spots in Puerto Vallarta, and for good reason. Some things never change--and when they're this good, they absolutely shouldn't.

Thirty five years in the game and Pepe's runs like a well oiled machine. The dining room is its own…read moreecosystem, a natural choreography of service where everything flows without friction. Out front, the trompo spins over charcoal fire, hand turned, on display to the street. The man at the blade is a performer, part craftsman, part showman. He hones his knife between razor thin shavings of al pastor, then in a reflexive flourish nips the pineapple crowning the meat, sending a sliver flying only to catch it with a tortilla. It is theater, but it is also instinct. Inside, the crowd looks like the United Nations. A tour group from India next to a Dutch family with half a dozen kids in tow, the Canadians eye the Americans with deserved suspicion, and a few locals whose plates are piled high while tourists settle for modest portions. It is the natural order of things, and nobody complains. The charcoal scent in the meat makes clear this is al pastor's intended preparation. I have never had the pleasure of eating from a coal fired trompo before, and it is instantly apparent that this is the way it was meant to be. Someday, somehow, I will rig one of these up, because I need this in my life. Pepe's is not just a taco shop. It is a master class in tradition, theater, and flavor, with a dining room that feels like the world gathered around one spit.

Our new favorite taco joint. We went there, were seated right away. Service was good and fast…read more We ordered the casa fundido with Al Pastor on top. It's thicker, more cheesy than what I've ever had before and very delicious. We paired that with the prime rib tacos, it was a plate stacked with meat and 4 tortillas under it, more than we could eat. The seasoning was great, it was diced so small that it was easy to eat. I got a virgin strawberry margarita, the wife got a coke. It was very affordable.

Having researched a few traditional spots that serve authentic tacos in Zona Romantica, this place…read moreconsistently came up with good reviews and this place did not disappoint. Vegans are easy please. Give them clear marked options, even if there is one option, we are pleased. This place had a few clearly marked options plus the staff was fully aware and can provide suggestions. The only downside it is a cash only place. Guacamole and chips - fantastic. The guacamole freshly prepared and chips fresh fried. Amazing. The 3 types of vegan tacos we got were vegan chorizo, mushrooms and cactus (trying for the fist time). The vegan chorizo was the best, slightly spicy but not overly. The poblano peppers were predictable but very good. The onions with it were a good addition. Nicely seasoned and prepared. The cactus was good, we found that it was less seasoned. Just stir fried cactus. The star of all the three types tacos was the fresh blue corn tacos. We could have those everyday. The other superb tasting was the salsas and fresh toppings. 4 types of salsas, white onions and cilantro. The salsa were of varying different levels of heat and even the mildest salsa was the best. The virgin margarita and virgin mojito were great. Margarita being slightly better even though we love mint. Good atmosphere, clean surrounding and great service and vegan food - what more can one ask?

Tacos Revolución was around the corner from my hotel, so I popped in for my last dinner in town…read more Outdoor seating was filled, but I had a table by the door which ended up being perfect because it essentially gave me a first row seat to a street performer playing classic rock tunes on guitar outside and then later a 3 piece band playing more traditional music across the street. Chips and three salsas come gratis. The pineapple habanero was a little hot for my tastebuds, but it had good flavor. The chipotle salsa was appropriately smoky and might've been my favorite. The green was more mild and fresh and also very good. I ordered three tacos: grilled shrimp, grilled fish, and the hibiscus flower and panela cheese. The waitress let me try a piece of the cheese before ordering since I'd never had panela before which I appreciated. That taco was probably my least favorite of the three- texture, not taste, but I like to try new things, so I'm glad I got it. There was a toppings bar for taco add-ons: limes, cucumbers, cabbage, onions, and cilantro. Nice to be able to customize. Very reasonable cost, good flavor, good service, good atmosphere.

First place we ate dinner in Puerto Vallarta and everything was fine…read more First off important to note it's cash (pesos) only which was slightly annoying. Had to walk for a while to find a working ATM. Started with the guacamole which was good (although we'd had way better in the afternoon from a little cafe near our hotel). Three salsas came with the chips and were ok. The yellow pineapple one sneaks up on you and is very spicy. Ordered two tacos. Wasn't really wowed. Margarita ok. They have outdoor seating, so it's fun to people watch. Service was unmemorable.

I went on a little self-led tour de tacos in Puerto Vallarta last night and made a few stops with…read moreEl Carboncito being one of them. Upon walking in, I immediately had a sense of Deja vu and knew I had been there before, which should have been my first warning since I usually have a good memory for places I've been and enjoyed. It's open (only) late and has both indoor and outdoor seating. The woman working was reasonably nice but nothing to write home about. Unfortunately they didn't have any Al pastor when I went but I ordered a chorizo and an arrechera, both $25 pesos a pop. The chorizo was more like a chopped up hot dog and I found the arrechera to be very dry. Neither taco had a lot of meat. The tortilla was unexciting and under-grilled. The salsa was excellent however. I wouldn't go back - there are so many excellent tacos in the area at or around the same price.

The best al pastor tacos, so yummy! Seating is limited, so go early. I would order a few, there…read morewill be a line. What are al pastor tacos? Al pastor are a beloved Mexican street food featuring thinly sliced, marinated pork. The pork is carved off the spit directly into corn tortillas and topped with fresh pineapple, onions, and cilantro. Definitely going back for more! @norivedanaturals

We freaking LOVE Don Chava. We discovered them over a year ago and have been hooked ever since…read more They recently moved to a bigger location, and somehow it's still just as welcoming and cozy as the original spot. **remember they are cash only. dollars or pesos!** Everything here is seriously delicioso.. They have the best Cadillac margarita I've had in PV... perfectly balanced, smooth, and strong without being overpowering (but can be if you have too many lolll) . And the al pastor tacos? FAV. So flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and always fresh. It's one of those places you think about even after you leave. We return every single time we're in town... it's pretty much a tradition at this point. The staff keeps us coming too! They are the best. So warm, so kind, and we always have fun chatting with them in our little Spanglish mix which just makes the whole experience feel even more personal. If you're in PV, you should go

Well established Don Chava has moved to a new location one street away on Calle V. Carranza. Same…read moregreat food & inexpensive prices. A must try for anyone searching for yummy tacos. The volcano is amazing. Full bar. Indoor seating.

The fish was fresh and served hot. The quacamole is made to order and you get a lot in an order…read more The server has a great sense of humor and was always there to refill water and get us other condiments. The house made hot sauce is amazing, either straight from the bottle or mixed 5 parts katchup to one part hot sauce for the more genteel folks. The prices seen like the food truck pricing with indoor seating and take service. Highly recommend. (Cash only)

Cheap, good eats. Indoor seating with an open-air feel. I got there shortly before a mariachi band…read moreplaying right outside, but to the diners, was finishing up. I got the fish ceviche tostada, a grilled fish and a shrimp taco and flan. There were different hot sauces on the table. It was all fresh and delicious. The server was attentive.

5/5 Our favorite…read moreplace to eat in Puerto Vallarta. The food is delicious, the service is perfect, and you're right on the ocean. Come for the dinner and stay for that gorgeous sunset view.

So we walked along the beach from our hotel and arrived at La Palapa, and right away it sets the…read moretone. The entire front portion of the restaurant sits directly in the sand, so that's where we chose to have breakfast--under the iconic palapa roof, feet in the sand, overlooking the ocean. From our table you can watch the fishing boats and excursion boats heading out for the day, which gives the whole experience a relaxed, resort-like rhythm without feeling touristy or rushed. Service was excellent from the start--attentive, warm, and genuinely welcoming. They brought out a selection of pastries you can add if you want, like banana bread and cinnamon rolls, which felt like a thoughtful touch rather than an upsell. The coffee was very good, with plenty of options ranging from cappuccinos and café lattes to classic American coffee, all well prepared. For food, I ordered the scrambled eggs with Mexican chorizo, refried beans, and hash browns. It came with a basket of warm corn tortillas and several house salsas, letting you customize each bite. Everything was flavorful, comforting, and clearly made with care. We also ordered the shrimp eggs Benedict with spinach, which was beautifully done--rich, balanced, and fresh, with the shrimp cooked just right. One thing that really stands out is the ambiance. Being right on the beach, hearing the waves, feeling the breeze, and being encouraged (without being told) to slow down and take your time makes the meal feel like part of the vacation itself, not just fuel for the day. They also offer freshly squeezed juices, which pair perfectly with breakfast by the ocean. The menu is extensive, almost overwhelming in a good way--there are so many appealing options that it's genuinely hard to decide. That said, what we ordered was absolutely delicious and satisfying, and it left us wanting to come back and try more. Overall, La Palapa delivers on every level: location, atmosphere, food, and service. It's the kind of place where breakfast turns into a memory, not just a meal.

Tuna Azul is a casual but super friendly second floor spot in Zona Romantica for fresh Mexican…read moreseafood dishes. My favorite was the Classic Tuna Montadito, lightly marinated chunks of fresh tuna served over a bed of avocado--so fresh and flavorful! The Green Aguachile was made of raw shrimp marinated in a mildly spicy green sauce; and the Crab Enchiladas were four rolled tortillas stuffed with shredded crab meat and topped with a rich, creamy chipotle cream sauce and avocado slices. For our entrees, the Romantica Fillet was a rare seared tuna filet served over avocado salad and sweet potato puree; the Los Muertos Fillet was mahi mahi topped with shrimp in a creamy red sauce, served with rice and sautéed vegetables; and the Olas Altas Fillet was mahi mahi topped with a mushroom sautee. Each of these entrees was fresh, delicious, and came at reasonable prices. On top of the good food, the service was super friendly and attentive as well!

Food was fresh and tasty, I got Alfredo pasta with shrimp and the size of the shrimps were really…read moregood and juicy, service was really good as our drinks and food arrived in a timely manner. However, as me and my friends (it was 4 of us) were leaving the restaurant, our waiter chased us down claiming we did not tip enough. Here's a note from my friend detailing more of what happened: "It was 150 pesos which is a little more than 10% of the total. In Mexico, 10% is completely customary, especially for tourist. Locals will give even less and typically leave only about 50 pesos. I don't know if he was expecting for us to give him more just because we're used to giving 15 or even 20% at a time but I always do at least 10. If it's one of the really nice restaurants where they take care of absolutely everything then I do get more than that but this was just a normal place And I did fold the bills because I clipped it into the checkbook, so there is a chance he thought it was just 50. But to flip out and say it's not enough that he deserves more or just to take it away is crazy in my opinion." We may return, but this really turned a perfect visit into a not so great one in the end. The 3/5 is for food and service, would've been 5/5 had we not been stopped as we were leaving for not "tipping enough".

We stopped here right after the airport, ive been dying to try Marlin tacos for awhile. The space…read moreitself is small for larger groups (we had 12) but actually the staff accomidated us SO well! The menu is pretty small, but each thing we had was delicious. It was a great way to start off our trip!

CASH ONLY! As you exit the Puerta Vallarta airport, go…read moreoutside and turn left and proceed to walk over the pedestrian bridge to the other side of the highway. From there the taxis and Ubers are much cheaper and Tacon de Marlin is waiting there to feed you. This "famous" hole in the wall type restaurant is at the foot of the pedestrian bridge and has two smallish indoor dining rooms. CASH ONLY! I ordered the marlin burrito for $155 mxn. First to arrive was a small bowl of salad without the lettuce. It was cut veggies slathered in a sauce and was quite good. About 10 minutes later the burrito appeared. It was halved and large in size. Taste wise it was very good made with fresh Marlin (a PV specialty). Along with a generous amount of fish it also had lettuce and tomato and I enjoyed it. If you are arriving or departing near a meal time, this is a very good choice to grab a bite and is far better than you will find inside the airport. CASH ONLY! P.S. Tacon de Marlin has a second location located in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood too.