Bar Océano Restaurante — Restaurant in Jalisco

Prepare to Pay the Gringo Tax: I've been to this place for dinner about 10 times solo and with Mexian friends with no problems. The food is pretty basic and plain, with a slightly higher price than most places but it's understandable because it's in a tourist district with a FANTASTIC view. Their 50 peso margarita special is great. HOWEVER, when I went for breakfast with a blonde woman, the manager refused to give us drinking water. They brought us bottled water to the table and cracked it open, even though I always drink the garafon or tap (water in PV is safe.)

In addition, the coffee was so watery that it looked almost clear, like tea. We asked if they did refills and they said, "Si," and then charged us for them. When I disputed, they became avoidant, dismissive. I was trying to communicate in Spanish since it wasn't the waiter's faut; it was the female manager giving us dagger eyes. This is what locals call "The Gringo/The Gringa" tax. Again, I was happy to pay a little more for the experience, but specifically being forced to pay for waters and coffees to specifically raise the price of the bill is obnoxious.

To make matters worse, they allow vendors upstairs. We specifically were hiding from the vendors because we were tired and wanted coffee. I love the Mayan dancers, but it was wildly uncomfortable to have them in such a small place, with those acoustics - not just loud, but a little dangerous. I never experienced that in all of my visits, so it's hard for me to not be suspicious that the female manager is hooking up her friends or getting kickbacks - but that part is purely speculation. I'm really suspicious of her because people are usually so friendly here. I'm sure she deals with a lot of "Karens" which is ironic, because this review is the most Karen thing I've ever written. Self-fulfilling prophecy, I suppose.

Go next door to the Irish place instead; they never pull this stuff, have the option of live music on stage or you can sit on the quiet side if you prefer. They do not allow vendors upstairs, unlike this place. OR, go up the Malecon instead to Blue Ocean Azul. If you sit on the second floor, there are no vendors and you can enjoy closer ocean view, get a great cappuccino and similar breakfast for less without the dagger eyes and trickery. They will provide you with complimentary garafon water if you ask - just remember...

This place is beyond magical, by far my favorite restaurant and overall venue on the Malecon. First off, delicious margaritas (with 100% pure agave tequila) for only 15 pesos ($US 0.70), best deal in Puerto Vallarta! Then incredible seafood dishes (also traditional Mexican, including great steaks, and pastas), my grilled salmon today probably the best in my entire (not short) life around the world! Then there's a fantastic salsa band "Pacifico Tropical" playing Fri-Sat-Sun nights, no cover, Mexicans dancing up a storm strutting their salsa moves, so fun to watch even if not a salsa dancer (I'm not). The jaw-dropping view anytime -- but especially at sunset -- is to die for! Even the tortilla chips are amazing, super light with some awesome oil used for making them right there. Super friendly and attentive service too. Just GO and experience this place and be...

Stopped here as we wanted a rooftop open air place to grab a drink and appetizer after walking the melecon.

The atmosphere was good, and we were able to get a table on the ocean which was nice.

We had michiladas and some guacamole. The drinks were decent, but the guacamole was definitely not fresh.

The service was not great. The guy out front (I called him the hype man) was super attentive and checked in with us more than our actual server(s). We were unsure who our actual server was, as they both offered us drinks, then food, and didn’t seem to communicate who was helping us. When it came time for the bill, we waited for several minutes after our food & drinks were gone before we had to go ask them for our check.

Prices were high, which was to be expected considering the melecon...