Best local place to eat in cozumel

Hi, my husband and I will be in cozumel in december. We really want some authentic mexican food and the local experience. Where should we eat to get REAL mexican food?? we don't really want the touristy type place that is americanized, but more of a local place with great food/prices- maybe even one where they actually speak spanish?? I know this is far fetched seeing as how the island is very commercialised- but where is my best bet?? also- where can I eat maybe for dinner with a mirachi band?? -spelling?? thanks!!

Hi...we were in Cozumel last November on the Independence of the Seas (RCL)..we ate at a place called (someone's) Back Yard...forgive me that I can not remember the name but the Margarittis we soooo good and the food really the best.We just order appetizers and it was enough for a full meal..but the drinks were sooo good.....They also had a Mexician band in the courtyard.It's on the main street and has a nice gift shop too.We also did the bus tour of the island...also there is also Senior Frog's on the docks...again the margarittis were goood...maybe thats why my memory is so poor....have a great time....

That would be Pancho's Backyard.

http://www.panchosbackyard.com/

(there's a coupon for free margs pp).

Although Panchos is connected to a big store (which is awesome by the way), so might not be as authentic.

We love La Choza. Walkable from downtown. Absolutely awesome dips that come with the chips as appetizer. Margs aren't so shabby either. :D

Now you are talking my kind of language. My main reason for cruising is the food, especially the food in port. We had a fine meal at Casa Denis. I've seen nothing but rave reviews on La Choza and if you want a complete list try Christy's list. I think that it is on www.cozumelinsider.c *****. If not look at www.cozumelmycozumel.com. Both sites are a must read for Coz.

We ate at several resturants downtown during a recent stay in Cozumel - my vote is definitely La Choza. My husband and I both had the fajitas - amazing! Oh and the sauce that they serve with the chips is very unique and tasty.

Get off of the tourist strip. Head in a couple of blocks. You will find where the locals eat and party. Most cruise tourist are afraid to get out of eye sight of the boats.

Are any of these locals Mexican restaurants air conditioned?

I have to agree La Choza is great.I really didn't like the sauce,it tasted kinda like a mayo base.:eek:WE just ordered more Pico with our chips,yummy.Most of the restaurants are not air conditioned,as a matter of fact I really can't think of any.

Kimberley

Ugh...it would be a nice retreat from the heat.

Casa de Denis, Plaza Leza, La Choza all have good native fare. All are in San Miguel along or near the downtown square. For open air tacos, try Otates on Calle 15. Over on the "wild side" try mezcalitos or Playa Bonita for good seafood and conch ceviche. Or Coconuts for a wonderful view but more Americanized types of Mexican food.

If you want to venture back into the neighborhoods, there's Pescaderia Santa Carlos. Used to be only open for lunch. It's over off Ave 50 between AR Salas and Calle 3. And then for authentic Yucatan stuff, if it's still there, El Turix in front of the church on Calle 17 between Ave 20 and 25 has pork roasted in banana leaves tamales with ground pumpkin seeds and a not to be missed coconut pie.

Michoacans icecream is a great stop too. Near the downtown square.

gocozumel.com has a nice pdf map of the streets and several of these places.

Yucatan stuff, if it's still there, El Turix in front of the church on Calle 17 between Ave 20 and 25 has pork roasted in banana leaves.

I believe that this is called Cochinita Pibil. I've got to have it in December. Got to.:o

Hi, my husband and I will be in cozumel in december. We really want some authentic mexican food and the local experience. Where should we eat to get REAL mexican food?? we don't really want the touristy type place that is americanized, but more of a local place with great food/prices- maybe even one where they actually speak spanish?? I know this is far fetched seeing as how the island is very commercialised- but where is my best bet??

A little place called Caletita's is between town and the International pier right before the lighthouse. Right on the water the food is great and the prices are cheap.

also- where can I eat maybe for dinner with a mirachi band?? -spelling?? thanks!!

Sorry, No bands at this place just local flavor.

I believe that this is called Cochinita Pibil. I've got to have it in December. Got to.:o

You are right, that's what it is called. And Casa Dennis has a good version too!! making me hungry and I just had breakfast:D

Caletitas looks good. Never eaten there but love these type of small local places.

First I second the Otates for tacos and stuff so very good and not expensive. La choza is great also as mentioned another good restaurant for tacos is el pique its on 30th ave in front of the San Francisco supermarket.

Considering the heat, are places around 30th reasonably walkable from the downtown shopping area?

Considering the heat, are places around 30th reasonably walkable from the downtown shopping area?

I'd think so. 30th is only 5 blocks back from the water front and the blocks aren't that long.

From Christi's Restaurant List I like Camilos if you are looking for local seafood.

El Morro "in the population".......definitely not touristy.

I was thinking of going to La Palapita any reviews of this?

Take a cab out to Coconuts! Looks over the cliffs on the other side of the island. The fajitas are fabulous and don't even get me started on the shrimp fajitas. :D

Any of you ever been to El Mercado?

Las Palmeras is great. There are mexicans strolling around playing guitars & singing. We loved it. Went there in 2003 & again in 2007