($$$) During the day, Bandido's takes advantage of its location directly across from the Artisan's Market to offer a sampling of traditional Mexican food and refreshing beers and cocktails to passersby. At night, they ramp it up with live music by some of the best local and imported bands featuring popular Mexican music, standard Cuban salsa favorites, and the occasional jazz tune. The waiters can double as dance partners and, many nights, you'll find locals celebrating special occasions here and welcoming you to join la fiesta.

just the facts, ma'am: open from 11 am - 2 am, 7 days a week during high season (closed on Sundays during green season). With close proximity to where most cruise ship passengers disembark, there can be quite a lunch time crowd on cruise ship days. Live music often doesn't start until 11:30 so plan to meet up for cocktails somewhere else if you don't want to pay "live music" prices beforehand. Credit cards are accepted with a 400 peso minimum.

don't miss: the bartenders make a brisk mojito, a mean margarita, and can serve up just about any cocktail you order with their broad bar selection.

meet me @: Bandido's is easy to find at the edge of Zihua Centro on Cinco de Mayo, next to the Catholic Church and across from the Artisan Market (not to be confused with the central Mercado).

filed under: @zihua- @zihua- bars- casual dining- live music- nightlife- restaurants by Isahrai (Oct 06)

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($$) If you hear "the song of the mermaid" you must be up really late! El Canto de la Sirena is Zihua's live music after hours club where the action often doesn't start until most other clubs have closed. Owner Jose Luis Cobo starts his set of storytelling songs around 10 pm and other musicians wander in on their nights of or after their other gigs have ended. El Canto is one of those places who's nightly ambience depends greatly on both the patrons and the musical acts that happen to stop by. Some nights the hours slowly drift by but when the right mix of people show up, there is a powerful mix of dancing, singing, and drinking until dawn. Half the fun of going to El Canto de la Sirena is not knowing who will be there, what will happen, or if the sun will be up before you head home the next morning.

don't miss: the spontaneity of El Canto de la Sirena. The club may be the closest thing Zihua has to an "underground music club" - except that it is on the second floor!

meet me @: El Canto de la Sirena is on Heroico Colegio Militar in Colonia Industrial, next to the main bus station. Look for the magazine stand on the corner and it is across the street on the second floor.

filed under: bars- live music- nightlife by Isahrai (Oct 06)

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($$$) Because Zihuatanejo is a fishing village, there are numerous seafood restaurants to choose from, but Jarocho is unique in that it is Vera Cruzana seafood. The beautiful architecture with exposed wood and Segusino furniture provides a lovely setting for this casual dining experience. (All furniture and artwork is for sale at Segusino, also owned by Jaime Eskauriatza.) The menu includes a wide variety of seafood, steaks, and, on Sundays, paella.

just the facts, ma'am: Jarocho is open daily except Mondays for lunch and dinner 2 to 11 pm. Choose between indoor and outdoor seating. Large groups welcome.

don't miss: the seafood conchas (on the shell) is a rich appetizer and a great way to start the meal. The fish filet with lemon and capers is delicious.

meet me @: Jarocho is located at H. Galeana, #15, on the corner of Nicolas Bravo, just down from Cinema Paraiso.

filed under: @zihua- authentic fare- bars- casual dining- restaurants by Bev (Nov 06)

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($$) La Playa Bar is a popular meeting place for young locals who want an unpretentious, laid back spot to begin or end their night on the town. There are a few couches in the back in addition to plenty of bar stools up front. There are typically surf videos playing on the television and the regulars command the main bar until after many other Zihua spots close.

just the facts, ma'am: La Playa is open from dusk until at least 2 am and can be particularly lively during holidays and major sporting events.

don't miss: the vodka martini served in a chilled glass will transport you to a New York hipster lounge. Really, it's that good.

meet me @: Nicholas Bravo #39 in Zihua Centro.

filed under: bars- nightlife by Isahrai (Oct 06)

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($$) Conveniently located in Zihuatanejo Centro, Paccolo's Restaurant provides a full menu of Italian-influenced food. A variety of different salads, pasta dishes and pizzas are available, as well as grilled steaks, chicken and ribs. There is live music every night during high season and on most weekends during green season.

just the facts, ma'am: open daily for lunch and dinner. Live music can make conversations difficult -- but dancing easy! -- so plan accordingly.

don't miss: the shrimp-stuffed avocado is a delicious starter and the pepper steak is tender and melts in the mouth. Save room so you can finish off the meal with a flambé dessert.

meet me @: Paccolo’s is located on Nicolas Bravo #22 in the Zihuatanejo Centro.

filed under: @zihua- bars- casual dining- live music- restaurants by Bev (Aug 07)

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