Subject: Gay Puerto Vallarta Date: Wed, 21 Sep 1994 14:08:11 -0700 From: "Kraig R. Meyer" Date: Tue, 03 Mar 92 My own notes, as well as notes from 2-3 other people on the net. There are three bars there that you might enjoy, depending on variables, especially tourism at the time you visit: PACO,PACO: this is just south of the Rio Cuale. The exact street address is, I believe, crn. Pino Suarez and calle Fransico Madero. It has two levels and is a "quieter" sort of place. LOS BALCONES: in the downtown area. Address: calle Juarez 182. The owner has been trying to add a restaurant and so it now has a second name as well. (restaurant unsucessful). It also has two levels. This is a popular place later in the evening. PIANO BAR: in the middle of downtown accross from the "malecon". Address: Morelos 490. No name outside to identify it. This is the oldest bar now somewhat out of favor, but in season, gets going after midnight. Beach section recommended: right outside the Restaurant El Dorado (now connected to the Condos El Dorado) on the beach Playa de los Muertos. The villa I stayed in (with 9 other guys, and one woman) was called casa del pulpito. It apparently has quite a reputation with the locals; its name evoked smiles and chuckles from taxi drivers and patrons at los balcones alike. It's actually quite close to El Dorado: if you're sitting there, looking up the beach to the left, it is right above the large outcropping of rocks (el pulpito) that is 1/4 mile up the beach. The cruisy local boys like to sit up on the rocks and try to entice the guys out of the villa...we had one guy who sat up there for 5 hours one afternoon. From the 1991-2 winter issue of P.V. Lifestyles--a colorful 50-page magazine put out by the real estate people in the hopes of getting tourists to buy some overpriced condos: SPORTS ACTIVITIES: CHICO'S DIVE SHOP Although Vallarta is not well known for snorkeling and diving, the bay offers some incredible dives, with very clear waters, and Chico's Dive Shop knows where to find the great locations! They not only can supply you with the equipment for snorkling and scuba diving, but also certified lessons and instructions. Located within the Vidafel Hotel (which hotel I do NOT recommend) as well as having a main store downtown on the Malecon." The Malecon is the main boardwalk downtown. (Great cruising). The local number of Chico's Dive Shop is 2-18-95. Dialling direct from the States would be (011-52-322) 2-18-95. -------- Anyhow, it's fun talking with the people sitting under the "palapas". If you're interested in another scene (other than in front on the beach restaurant "El Dorado") go can go just a bit down the beach (south) to the "blue chairs" as we call it... Frankly sometimes the beach is not as clean as one would like it to be. I'm referring to the water itself. Sometimes it's great and other times it can be a bit polluted. Restaurants--favorites. Popular dinner time is 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., even later. Ambience, nice food; for evenings: LE BISTRO: a large jazz cafe restaurant. Location is great on the island on Rio Cuale in the center of town next to the Rold bridge. Indoor-outdoor, with imaginative, glamorous lighting and decoration. Well run by Roberto & Humberto, two ex-lovers. It's a classy act. Medium prices, with entrees between $8-13. Pleasant bar. Nice atmosphere. SANTOS: a small restaurant south of town near the playa Los Muertos. You can sit at one of the tables outside. Santos, the owner is gay and very attentive. Pleasant. ARCHIE'S WOK: right next door to Santos. Archie is from Singapore; his wife is American. Their sweet-sour fish is great. Lots of stir-fried things, oriental style--attentive to all diet requests. They have a garden out back. Same price-range as Santos ($8-12) ADOBE CAFE: a small new restaurant on the P.V. scene run by two gays. New Mexico decor. Most attentive guys attend your table. Some tasty unusual dishes. Address: Basilio Badillo #300, corner of Constitucion. PIZZO JOE'S: across the road from Adobe Cafe. Popular Italian place. If you re with a small group and want a mad, noisy fun time, the very popular place with all tourists is CARLOS O' BRIAN'S on the Malecon, the wide walkway alongside the ocean, downtown. Long lines generally. Food is surprisingly good. Touristy evening fun: any of the restaurants opposite the Malecon. Las Palomas is well-known. Breakfasts: On the beach! For downtown, I recommend Cafe Franzi: it is very pleasant. Lunch: EL DORADO's on the beach is the best. I mentioned earlier that in front of their restaurant is where you might find quite a few gays (as well as non-gays who feel most comfortable with the gays around). Serice is either in the restaurant or on the beach. For an exotic atmosphere for an evening cocktail: BOGARD's. Its decor is Arabian and expensive--a "Thousand-and-One-Night" creation. Live Viennese music with violin and piano. It is part of the KRYSTAL Hotel's property, north of town on the road to the airport. Note: no restaurant in P.V. has "memorable" food. At best, you'll get good food and lots of "atmosphere"...