Joe Jack's Fish Shack — Restaurant in Jalisco

Joe Jacks is one of our favorite restaurants in PV. We return annually for the excellent food and fun vibe.

BEVERAGE: Mojito - $5.75 The best mojito in town lives here. Flavorful and strong, they also do a killer happy hour on these bad boys with a 2 for 1 special everyday from 12-5pm. Highly recommended!

FOOD: Five Pepper Steak - $14.00 Thick-cut and topped with caramelized onions and peppers, it wasn't spicy at all but savory and juicy. Temperature was a perfect medium rare with a delicious pool of bloody juice. A good helping of sliced potatoes came to the side.

Fried Brussels Sprouts - ₽150/$8.00 Their version was traditional, a little spicy but very tasty.

Meatballs Al Forno - ₽250/$13.25 The good-sized meatballs were really moist, subtlety flavored, and sat on a thin bed of mashed potatoes, topped with zucchini threads and tomatoes. Very good.

Traditional Caesar - ₽110/$6.00 My spouse and I wanted to share this and they split it for us without asking. The romaine were fresh and the dressing perfectly creamy.

Seafood Chowder - ₽130/$7.00 The tomato base was mild, and was loaded with tender bits of fish, shrimp, octopus, and potatoes. I just wish it had a stronger tomato flavor, more spice, or even done in a cream sauce instead.

Octopus A La Plancha - ₽260/$14.00 Damn, this was good! The legs were firm yet tender, with a delicate sear to the suction cups. It sat in a tomatoey brown sauce which was absolutely divine and silky smooth. Half of a peeled spud, crispy green beans, and chorizo slices accompanied the dish. Highly recommended.

Mexican BBQ Chicken - ₽185/$10.00 My spouse's dish. The chicken had a nice sear on the outside, was juicy inside, and seasoned well overall. No nasty BBQ sauce here! I usually stay away from boring chicken dishes when eating out, but from the bite I had, I'd totally order this next time.

Whole Pacific Red Snapper - ₽420/$22.00 Our table shared this dish and devoured about 90% of it on top of our own meals. The fish was grilled perfectly with deeply-seasoned firm meat. There were a few bones to deal with but it wasn't a chore. Highly recommended.

SERVICE: Waiter was terrific as were the bartenders on my subsequent visit.

TIP: Definitely try to make reservations especially for dinner.

OVERALL: The crowds are there...

I have visited this restaurant many times over the years and I recently made a visit to Puerto Vallarta during off season (which is a quiet yet lovely time to go). During my five night stay I visited Joe Jack’s not once - but twice. If you’re into testing tequilas and mezcal they have a decent assortment and the bartender was very helpful in selecting choices to my tastes. I sat upstairs one night and downstairs the next night at the bar. TRY the passion fruit margerita on the rocks (I asked for no simple syrup as it would already be sweet with the passion fruit - so I would recommend that). The drink has a full fresh passion fruit in it! Passion fruit seeds are included so prepare for a crunch ;) (I like them). I also ordered an item on the specials list which was an appetizer. It reminded me of an Italian / Mexican fusion take of ceviche. It consisted of fresh sea bass fish that would have been cooked with the marinated fresh lime citrus. It was also marinated in tons of olive oil (which I’m obsessed with so this made me so happy). Pairing it with seared asparagus, radish, blanched peas and fava beans (also obsessed with), roasted pine nuts, pumpkin seeds and sesame. It was delicious, and light - yet packed full of flavours - and yes you could still taste the fish - it was not overpowering. For dessert I tried my good friend Don Julio but I was steered into the añejo 1942 variety which I was so excited to try and it did not disappoint (get your wallet ready). As I sipped the tequila the bartender offered to pair it with fresh orange slices with a dusting of cinnamon on top which was a great pairing touch all around. Atmosphere is cozy and smart casual but the service was a bit elevated which was nice to the overall experience. Both times during the visit you can tell the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. If you are going solo - aim for a seat at the bar - if you are going with friends or family try to get a table near the end of the patio upstairs so you can have a bit of a view. Will definitely be back. Oh and on my previous visit I have tried the Spanish style octopus and it was...

If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta and looking for a restaurant that consistently ranks as one of the best in town, Joe Jack’s Fish Shack in Zona Romántica should be on your list. This spot has been celebrated time and time again, so we had to see if it lived up to the hype. Spoiler alert! It absolutely does!

From the moment you step in, the energy is warm and welcoming. The service is impeccable. Everyone works together seamlessly, making sure guests have a top-notch experience. The restaurant offers seating on two levels, so you can choose between a cozy, casual vibe downstairs or a breezy, open-air experience upstairs.

For those looking for something a bit more exclusive, Joe Jack’s also features the Agave Room, a beautifully designed space for private tastings and classes. While we didn’t try this experience on this visit, the staff gave us a tour, and let’s just say, it’s a perfect spot for group celebrations and those looking to create special memories.

Tge food is good! We ordered the beer-battered fish and shrimp combo, and wow. Every bite was crispy, golden perfection, with seafood that was fresh, flavorful, and expertly fried. The tarter sauce stole the show though. It was so good that we wanted to take a jar home! Lol! Even the fries were on point, rounding out a truly satisfying meal.

For dessert, we tried the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Cake. While it wasn’t our absolute favorite (we prefer a bit more sweetness), it was rich and full of bold flavors perfect for those who enjoy a more sophisticated, slightly less sweet treat.

Overall, Joe Jack’s Fish Shack delivers on atmosphere, service, and food, making it a must visit in Puerto Vallarta. This spot has something special to offer. Add it to your PV itinerary—you won’t regret it!

📍 Joe Jack’s Fish Shack – Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta 💡 Pro Tip: Don’t skip the tartar sauce—it’s a game-changer!

— Global Sistas...