Puerto Peñasco Restaurants: Where to Eat in Rocky Point
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The best food in Puerto Peñasco is seafood, especially the local shrimp. Rocky Point's restaurants cluster in three areas: Cholla Bay on the northwest side, the Sandy Beach resort strip, and downtown around the Malecón in the Old Port. Here is how to eat well in each, plus how to buy seafood and cook it at your rental.
Eat in Cholla Bay
JJ's Cantina
JJ's is the best-known restaurant and bar in Cholla Bay, and it sits right across the street from Cholla Bay Vista. It began decades ago as a fishing club, became JJ's Cantina in 1984, and has since been renovated by new owners while keeping its famous "No Sniveling" spirit. Come for fish tacos, cold drinks, and sunsets over the bay. Watch the tide while you eat: at very low tides the beach out front stretches half a mile or more, and at very high tides the water comes almost to the patio.
Eat on Sandy Beach
Wrecked at the Reef
A pirate-themed beach bar and restaurant on Sandy Beach, near the road to Cholla Bay, where you can sit under palapas with your toes in the sand. It is a short drive from the house.
The Sandy Beach resorts also have restaurants open to visitors, which are convenient on a beach day.
Eat Downtown and on the Malecón
The Malecón, Rocky Point's waterfront promenade in the Old Port, is lined with seafood restaurants, shrimp stands, and places to watch the sunset over the harbor. It is the best area for casual seafood, street tacos, and walking between spots. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to get a good table on the water.
Buy Seafood and Cook at the House
Some of the best meals in Rocky Point happen at the rental. The fish market area at the Malecón sells fresh shrimp, fish, scallops, and more.
- Go in the morning for the best selection.
- Shrimp are sold by size. Larger shrimp cost more per kilo.
- Ask vendors to clean and devein your shrimp; many will for a small charge.
- Bring a cooler for the drive back to the house.
Cholla Bay Vista has a fully equipped kitchen, so a big shrimp dinner for the whole group is easy. See the house.
Pay, Tip, and Order Like a Regular
- Pesos or dollars? Many restaurants accept dollars, often at their own exchange rate. Paying in pesos or by card can cost less.
- Cards: widely accepted at sit-down restaurants; smaller stands are often cash only.
- Tipping: 10 to 15 percent is standard at sit-down restaurants. Check whether service is already included.
- Useful phrases: "La cuenta, por favor" (the check, please). "¿Aceptan tarjeta?" (Do you take cards?)
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is Rocky Point known for?
Rocky Point is famous for shrimp, especially fresh shrimp sold at the Malecón fish market. Fish tacos, ceviche, seafood cocktails, and grilled fish are also local favorites.
What restaurants are in Cholla Bay?
JJ's Cantina is the best-known restaurant in Cholla Bay, open since 1984 and popular for fish tacos, drinks, and sunsets over the bay. Wrecked at the Reef is nearby on Sandy Beach.
Do Rocky Point restaurants take U.S. dollars?
Many do, but often at their own exchange rate. Paying in pesos or by card usually gets you a better price. Ask before you order.
How much should I tip at restaurants in Rocky Point?
A tip of 10 to 15 percent is standard at sit-down restaurants in Mexico. Check your bill first, since some restaurants add a service charge.