The Local Hangouts

Many popular hangouts do feature food or drink, but these are not usually what make the hangouts unique. In other words, if blending with the locals is not high on your list of priorities but sampling Puerto Vallarta’s spectacular gastronomy is, rest assured, there are plenty of options in town, many of which are described in the Dining Section of this publication. Hangouts are more elusive. Rather than relying exclusively on outstanding food or drink, hangouts blossom largely thanks to the vibes imbued by those who frequent them. Some local hangouts have come and gone from one year to the next, while others have developed legendary reputations, popping up occasionally in the travel guidebooks as such. Difficult to break down into bite-sized categories and virtually impossible to include in a single reading, some of the places that have caught our attention or have been strongly recommended to us by those who frequent them are listed on the following pages.

Different Shifts

When it comes to hangouts, Vallarta comes to life at the crack of dawn every single day, on opposite sides of the bay. The scent of freshly made cinnamon rolls and outstanding coffee draws many to Dee’s Coffee Company on Rodolfo Gomez St. in Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Regulars there include many expats who live here year round, not to mention folks who swing by for a quick cup of coffee before heading to work. Meanwhile, in Sayulita (see our article here) fresh coffee and other delights are available at Choco Banana on the main plaza, where you’ll find surfers and locals getting ready to start their day. The Coffee Cup in Marina Vallarta is also bustling with activity early in the day, offering coffee, pastries and box lunches to those about to set off on a fishing daytrip.

Other eateries, such as Cafe San Angel on Olas Altas St., seem to attract more people in the afternoon and early evening. Boca Deli draws a crowd in El Anclote, as does Benitto’s in Marina Vallarta for both lunch and dinner. As the day progresses, there is a shift in priorities, so to speak, and as happy hour nears, many locals flock to a handful of martini bars, such as Apache’s and Garbo in E. Zapata.

Different Days

For some reason, Thursdays are gender biased, with many local venues, such as La Leche and Ztai, offering 2×1 and other perks for lady visitors. The aforementioned Benitto’s features live music on Thursdays. So-called “Street Tacos” in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and El Anclote also become a gathering spot for many people who show up on certain nights of the week to enjoy simple food, along with their friends and their own bottles of wine.

Different Strokes

Some hangouts cater to specific crowds. Are you a cruiser or otherwise interested in nautical activities? Try Ana Banana’s in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. A dog owner? Try Los Muertos beach early in the mornings for canine camaraderie. A jogger? Hit the Malecon for an early morning workout. Into live music? Nacho Daddy is one of the many places in town that features live acts and attracts expats. And while not a hangout per se, there is no better way to acquaint oneself with Puerto Vallarta’s visual art scene than attending any of the weekly art walks that take place in a handful of neighborhoods around town, but primarily in El Centro art galleries, on Wednesday evenings.

Different Folks

Then there’s the age factor. Fortunately, Puerto Vallarta has something for everyone, from the younger crowd congregating at nightclubs such as Mandala or Stereo to the young at heart, many of whom combine their need for social interaction with their need to nurture their soul through the many charities in town. For a jolly evening, simply ask anyone about bingo night, and chances are there is a charity bingo event going on somewhere in the bay on an ongoing basis. And for a more hands-on approach, many local charities offer internship and volunteer programs, ideal for those who choose to spend more time in town and are looking for ways to integrate into the local comings and goings or simply keep busy (see Hanging Out for a Cause).

One of Puerto Vallarta’s greatest allures is the way you can integrate into it for a day, a week, a month or a lifetime and stay within your comfort zone. (Or perhaps by allowing yourself to take small steps beyond it with the caring help of a local!) Without a doubt, however, the more you venture beyond your comfort zone and experience your time here from the perspective of those of us who live in Puerto Vallarta year round, the more you will enrich your travel experience.

Hanging Out for a Cause

An ideal way to get to know Puerto Vallarta from the point of view of someone who lives here year round is to get involved in any of the local charities that offer internship or volunteer programs. Vallartenses are known for their generous nature, and several organizations with scopes ranging from animal rights to children’s education and much more are well established here. The following is just a selection of organizations that offer an opportunity to put your time and talents to good use while making new friends and getting to know some of the locals.

Destination PEACE Mexico
www.destinationpeacemexico.com
gro.o1733843311cixem1733843311ecaep1733843311@enir1733843311ehtak1733843311

entreamigos
www.entreamigos.org.mx
xm.gr1733843311o.sog1733843311imaer1733843311tne@o1733843311fni1733843311

PEACE Mexico
www.peacemexico.org
gro.o1733843311cixem1733843311ecaep1733843311@eloc1733843311in1733843311

Pet Heaven
www.petheavenmx.org
moc.l1733843311iamg@1733843311atral1733843311lavei1733843311luj1733843311

Punta de Mita Foundation
www.puntademitafoundation.org
gro.n1733843311oitad1733843311nuofa1733843311timed1733843311atnup1733843311@amol1733843311ap1733843311

SPCA de PV
www.spcapv.com
moc.l1733843311iamg@1733843311vpacp1733843311s1733843311

Vallarta Botanical Gardens
www.vallartabotanicalgardensac.com
moc.o1733843311ohay@1733843311xemvp1733843311nibob1733843311