When Jorge and his brother Carlos opened El Barracuda nearly 4 years ago, they were looking to create an easy-going space for locals and visitors to enjoy one of the best beaches in Vallarta. In Playa Camarones, they found the perfect place.
For Jorge, Playa Camarones (shrimp beach) is the site of countless relaxing days and nights with friends. “I used to hang out in this building,” he explains in an interview with PV Pulse. “Then, it was just a small house with a patio – it was a playground for me and my friends.” Fifteen years later, the location would become one of Vallarta’s most popular beach restaurants, built on a sensibility that knows the value of a beautiful setting, unpretentious food and drinks with friends.
“We don’t offer gourmet food,” Jorge says, as he looks around at our neighbouring tables. Sure enough, the place is full of content customers chowing down on tacos and ceviches in the afternoon sun. “We offer tasty items, munchies food. “
But El Barracuda is no lunch counter. Service is an essential part of the restaurant’s appeal. “As a local what you look for is service. You want to go and feel that they want you.”
The space is neither upscale nor utilitarian. An open kitchen allows customers to see how their dish is being prepared – and make requests. Music plays loudly enough to add a jangly, summer feel to the space, and a bartender staffs the stocked bar. In the mornings, the restaurant opens by rolling up the walls that face the ocean.
Playa Camarones has the distinction of being a certified ‘Clean Beach’, one of few in Vallarta. "Several years ago the municipality put in a [certification] project where there needs to be 24 hour [life guards], police. You can’t have bonfires, or camp. There can’t be garbage on the beach."
Jorge gestures to the waning sun making a slow descent over a litter-free vista.
“As a local, and a business owner, I want to tell everyone about that.” Jorge stresses. “It means if your kid is playing in the sand they won’t pick up glass or garbage. The dog owners have to clean up after their dog. There are even turtle releases here.”
The view is definitely a winner. “It’s the best located beach downtown,” Jorge confirms, catching my gaze. “It’s the cleanest, the safest, and with the best view because you can see the whole Malecon and downtown, the Marietas, Los Arcos…”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
So what’s next for El Barracuda? “Well, we just opened the place next door three weeks ago,” Jorge answers, referring to adjacent bar space Solar Playero. “It’s a new concept –a beach club. It will have showers, a dressing room, and live music. There will be a TV to show sports.”
In El Barracuda/Solar Playero, guests can swim, eat, drink, socialize, and catch the game in a friendly, casual atmosphere. The best part? No matter which venue you choose, you’re at the same premier beach.
|
|
|
|
