Walked in here randomly and was not disappointed. 40 Peso’s per taco. Although a bit small, they were tasty. Chips and Guacamole were amazing (not free. Found out when the bill came). Would eat here again.
Overview
If you're craving a delightful dining experience in Puerto Vallarta, Los Molcajetes should be on your list. Located in the heart of the Zona Romántica, at Basilio Badillo 250, this vibrant restaurant offers a perfect blend of authentic Mexican flavors with a unique twist. Whether you're a local or a visitor, stepping into Los Molcajetes feels like an invitation to indulge in some of the most flavorful and satisfying dishes the region has to offer.
The ambiance at Los Molcajetes perfectly matches the lively spirit of the neighborhood. The restaurant’s warm decor and welcoming atmosphere are complemented by its friendly service, making it a great spot for casual meals or a special night out. It's a place where you'll feel right at home, surrounded by the rustic charm of wooden tables, bright accents, and an open kitchen where the magic happens.
One of the restaurant's signature features is its use of the molcajete, a traditional Mexican stone mortar and pestle. This centuries-old cooking method is used to prepare a variety of dishes that are both visually stunning and packed with intense flavors. From sizzling fajitas to rich stews, each dish is carefully prepared to highlight the best of Mexican cuisine. The sizzling molcajetes come to your table steaming, filling the air with delicious aromas that are hard to resist.
For appetizers, the guacamole served with freshly made tortilla chips is a must-try. The creamy texture, combined with the perfect level of spice, makes it the perfect start to your meal. Another great option is the queso fundido, a melty cheese dish that pairs wonderfully with the tangy salsa and soft tortillas. These are just a few examples of the flavorful offerings you'll find at Los Molcajetes.
As you move onto the main courses, the molcajete itself takes center stage. The most popular choices are the carne asada and the shrimp molcajete, both served in their signature stone bowls. The carne asada is cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, while the shrimp is succulent, perfectly seasoned, and complemented by a mix of fresh vegetables and spicy salsas. It’s not just about the food here; it’s about the experience. The molcajetes are served hot and sizzling, allowing you to savor the flavors as they come to life on your plate.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, Los Molcajetes also offers a range of fresh seafood options, such as their ceviche and fish tacos. The ceviche is incredibly refreshing, with a balance of zesty citrus and delicate seafood that’s perfect for a warm evening in Puerto Vallarta. The fish tacos, on the other hand, are a local favorite, featuring flaky, well-seasoned fish topped with fresh slaw and a tangy sauce.
What truly sets Los Molcajetes apart is its commitment to authenticity. The flavors are rooted in traditional Mexican cooking, and the ingredients are locally sourced, ensuring that every bite is as fresh as it is flavorful. The attention to detail in both the food and service reflects the expertise of the chefs who take pride in creating dishes that resonate with both locals and tourists alike.
The drink menu at Los Molcajetes is also worth mentioning. They offer a wide variety of tequila and mezcal options, perfect for pairing with your meal or sipping on its own. For those looking for something refreshing, their margaritas, served ice-cold with a salted rim, are a popular choice. The extensive drink list also includes craft beers, fruity cocktails, and fresh juices, making it easy to find the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
The location of Los Molcajetes adds to its charm. Situated in the lively Zona Romántica, it’s surrounded by other great attractions, including the beach, local shops, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you're planning a casual lunch or a celebratory dinner, this spot offers the perfect setting to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors with a side of Puerto Vallarta’s irresistible energy.
Los Molcajetes stands out for its unwavering dedication to high-quality, flavorful food served with a personal touch. From the fiery molcajetes to the refreshing ceviche, each dish tells a story of Mexican tradition, and the service ensures that your experience is as enjoyable as the meal itself. If you’re ever in Puerto Vallarta and find yourself wandering the streets of Zona Romántica, make sure to drop by Basilio Badillo 250 and treat yourself to the unforgettable flavors at Los Molcajetes.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1116 reviews
Being away from PV for six years sure brought a lot of change. This once abandoned corner spot across from Fredy’s Tucán is now a full-fledged eatery, Los Molcajetes, their third location in the chain. ATMOSPHERE: The open air space is quite large for the area, with covered sidewalk, indoor and patio seating. A small coffee & dessert counter sat off to the corner, with a “salad” bar in the middle of the patio that offered raw onions, fresh limes, beans, pico de gallo, sliced cucumbers and 5 different types of salsa for the taking. MENU: Traditional Mexican fare with an emphasis on molcajetes. FOOD: Mixed Burrito The server recommended this over getting just al pastor, which added sausage, steak, chicken and lettuce. The burrito was sizable, with a nice sear to the flour tortilla and tasty ingredients that didn’t require any additional sauces. Small ramekins of refried beans and guacamole accompanied. I tried some of the beans from the salad bar which were firm and very good. The spouse enjoyed their tacos and “volcanes” which were tostadas with toppings. DESSERT: Not available as the little stand closed up shop early. SERVICE: We were greeted and seated immediately at 10pm on a Monday as the place was slow. The food took a while to come out even with the thin crowds. At first impression, the male server seemed cold but his personality soon warmed and he ended up being friendly and attentive. TIP: Cash only. Open late (11p). OVERALL: Great addition to the area with substantial menu selections.
If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Puerto Vallarta, Los Molcajetes is a must-visit! This place takes authentic Mexican flavors to a whole new level, and their Molcajetes are nothing short of legendary. A true feast for two, the Molcajetes arrive at your table sizzling hot, served in a volcanic stone bowl filled to the brim with succulent meats, juicy chicken, flavorful sausage, tender nopal (cactus), and an indulgent amount of melted cheese—all kissed with a touch of mezcal for that extra depth of flavor. The combination is rich, smoky, and utterly delicious, perfect for scooping up with fresh tortillas. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with friendly service that makes you feel right at home. Whether you're a local or just visiting, Los Mol Molcajetes delivers a true taste of Mexico in every bite. Highly recommend!
Honestly if you like Pancho’s down the road, you should definitely try this place. It has delicious authentic tacos with a lovely ambiance and without long lineups, so you don’t feel like you need to rush your meal. If you walk by this place on the street, it just looks like another taco restaurant, but when you head into the back you enter into a beautiful terrace surrounded by gardens and paintings. Great service too, as our server (Rudy) was super friendly, helpful, and attentive. We ordered all three pork tacos, the top sirloin, several volcanoes, and the guacamole. All the food was delicious, but the volcanoes and the guacamole were super amazing, so definitely try a volcano taco (we loved the Pastor and the Adobada)! FYI they also have a cute coffee bar at the back!