March is a fun time to explore and try something new. Maybe, it’s all those pandemic months (years) of eating at home, cooking (or trying to) that excites me about exploring new and delicious places. But lately I’ve discovered so many magical awesome gems, it’s hard to eat at home. Plus, I have that pandemic syndrome, “I can’t stand cooking anymore” better known as “Can someone else cook?”. Here are a few of my new favorite local places to eat. If you are a foodie and haven’t visited these local places, what are you waiting for?
I have a few repeat favorites, and selfishly while I would love to keep them a secret, and all to myself, I must share the following wonderful places to eat and a little of their back story.
Jesse’s Carreta – Outdoor dining but enclosed. Clean, friendly, and fresh food. Jesse is from a small-town in the state of Guerrero. He brushed up and learned his English from, “The Simpson’s” and other American TV. He’s been here ten years, and he started out with just a Facebook page, and a little Jesse’s Cerreta across from the church. Now, his restaurant is a wonderful welcoming destination. You can find it on Google Maps and on Facebook – he’s located on Lopez Collado No. 101. He is serving up delicious Mexican plates, and food to go. The happy atmosphere and the service are hard to beat, and the food with Jesse’s smile is awesome. Jesse’s heart along with his son, friends and animals are mirrored in the flavors and exceptional care of the food and presentation. Great Piña Colada’s & fresh Margarita’s!
El Meson – Yes, I love the food here so much, I reserved a table for Thanksgiving. Check out their Facebook page for directions and hours – they are located on Calle Fco. I. Madero, Jose Lopez Portillo. My favorite is ordering two or three proteins (fish, shrimp, skirt steak, ribeye, or chicken) and sharing. Dulce and Hector have had their restaurant for four years, and in 2017 they started renting another location, but with the pandemic, they moved it back to their home. The casual outdoor seating is a perfect place to gather in small groups and share a mixed grill of seafood or meat, with garnishes and sides beautifully arranged. Her family will greet you with a warm smile and good service. This is outside, and the cell for the restaurant is 638-110-6167 or you can message her on Facebook for reservations. This is simply delicious and worth a visit.
Los Pavorreales Restaurante – This is an incredibly special destination for breakfast or lunch. The ranch, named after the Peacock (Golden Turkey) is a family place. But, don’t let the name fool you, they have more than magical peacocks, they have horses, burros, bulls, chickens, pigs, bunnies, and even javelina. February brought in new baby goats and baby pigs. It’s like an outdoor zoo with great Birria! Only open on Saturday and Sunday from 8-5, it is worth a visit. “The tastiest Quesabirrias in the county.” Check out their Facebook page or head out to beautiful Islas Del Mar and turn right on the dirt road at the big sign right before the railroad tracks.
Regina Cocina Mexicana – Right up from Old Port across from La Roca, is a restaurant with a magical atmosphere serving delicious authentic Mexicana food. The inside is so charming. Plus, there are outside tables to take in the sun and sounds of Old Port and a secret back patio for groups. Open from 7:30AM-10PM every day, they serve delicious food in a beautiful environment. Regina’s specialties are molcajete, chili rellenos, mole poblano and if you’re in the mood for a fresh cocktail, margaritas of the moment. Their margaritas are made from scratch with fresh squeezed juices offering strawberry, mango, lime and more. Regina originally from Sinaloa, has been a longtime resident of Puerto Peñasco and Reginas’s has been opened since 2003. Regina loves the beaches and the friendly people of Puerto Peñasco. Stop on by, you won’t regret it.
Mi Hacienda – Monday to Sunday from 7:00AM to 3:00PM, and they just opened on January 29, 2022 and are located on Ave. Plutarco Elias Calles y Calle 21 No. 50. I had a great breakfast there and good service. Serving local Mexican foods, they are open for breakfast and lunch. Check them out on Facebook for directions, they also offer a large outside space for group events.
There are an overwhelming number of great local eats in town, and this is just a small sampling, but if you are looking for something local and good, try one of these to start.
We have a treasure chest of fresh seafood, meat and vegetables, and with that comes great cooks ready to share their food. I recently had a friend in town who stated, “I never knew Rocky Point was such a foodie place”. Go explore and try a new venue off the beaten path.
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”- J.R.R. Tolkien
