La Choza

La Choza is a big open-sided palapa on the corner of 10a Avenida Sur and Adolfo Rosado Salas, several blocks inland from the waterfront. It is one of the island's longest-running family Mexican restaurants and it stays busy with locals as well as visitors, which is generally a good sign.

What To Order

Traditional Mexican home cooking done properly: chiles en nogada in season, mole, cochinita, and a well-known spicy shrimp dish. Breakfast is a real meal here, not an afterthought, and the guacamole made at the table is a standard order.

Good To Know

Open every day from 8:00am to 10:00pm, which is one of the widest windows downtown. That 8:00am opening makes it a practical stop before a morning two-tank, and the 10:00pm close covers you after a night dive. It is a casual room with ceiling fans under the palapa rather than heavy air conditioning. Phone is +52 987 872 0958.

Getting There

10a Avenida Sur 216 at Adolfo Rosado Salas, about four blocks inland from Avenida Rafael E. Melgar in the southern half of Centro. It is walkable from the malecon and close to the dive shops on the south side of downtown.