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Puerto Vallarta › Puerto Vallarta › El Barracuda
El BarracudaA-Worth Trying
Paraguay 1290, 5 de Diciembre, 48350 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
· Seafood restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (4074 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Beachfront Mexican seafood with great sunsets and generally delicious dishes; expect cash-only quirks, occasional inconsistency, and busy waits.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
El Barracuda delivers solid A-grade performance anchored by exceptional beachfront setting with sunset views and strong service attentiveness. Fresh seafood quality impresses most diners, though inconsistent execution—occasional chewy octopus and bland sides—prevents higher grades. The casual, lively atmosphere suits sunset dining and repeat visits, making it competitive with the area's better neighborhood seafood destinations.
Restaurant Summary
Set on the sand with waves as your soundtrack, El Barracuda feels easygoing and lively. Diners rave about sunset views, friendly servers, and fresh seafood. One guest put it simply: "We watched the sun melt into the bay with ceviche and margaritas—perfect." Do note recurring cash-only quirks and that waits are common at prime time. The cooking leans coastal Mexican with modern touches—think bright ceviches and sizzling molcajetes, Baja-style tacos, and occasional riffs like surf and turf tacos. Most plates land well, though a few mention chewy octopus or bland fries on off nights. It suits travelers who value fresh, straightforward seafood over fancy plating. Families fit right in thanks to beach seating and accessible dishes. Kids have gone for bean or fish tacos, fries, and guacamole; desserts like the house flan help too. If you have very picky eaters, consider sticking to tacos and simple grilled items rather than the more assertive ceviches.
At a Glance
- Beachfront tables with stellar sunsets
- Fresh ceviche and popular shrimp tacos
- Cash-only policy often not communicated upfront
- Occasional inconsistency (octopus doneness, fries)
- Expect waits at sunset; go early
What Sets It Apart
- direct_beach_seating
- sunset_views
- housemade_flan
- broad_seafood_menu
What People Love
- Watching the sunset from a seat in the sand
- Bright, zesty ceviches and aguachile
- Warm, attentive servers
- Reasonable prices for a prime beachfront spot
Points of Concern
- Cash-only policy creates payment friction; some were not warned before ordering
- Inconsistent execution on octopus, steak and fries reported by a minority
- Vendors and lively ambience may distract those seeking quiet
- Review patterns are mostly authentic; still, vacation euphoria can boost enthusiasm
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$500-$750 MXN per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Peruvian Ceviche, follow with Baja Shrimp Tacos or Whole Red Snapper, and finish with Flan de la Jefa; budget ~$600-750 MXN per person before drinks.
Perfect For
- Sunset seafood with toes-in-sand vibes
- Casual date night on the beach
- Groups looking for shareable plates
- Vacation meal close to central hotels
Location Insights
Area: Lively beachfront strip with sunset views; mix of locals and visitors, casual and social vibe.
Safety: Generally busy, well-trafficked beach area; typical tourist-zone vigilance advised.
Nearby: On the sand near Malecón corridor; adjacent beach bar; hotels and markets within walking distance.
5 de Diciembre5 de Diciembre is a traditional neighborhood just north of the city center, known for its local markets, authentic eateries, and a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the bustling tourist zones. The dining scene here features casual, family-run restaurants and seafood spots popular with both residents and visitors looking for genuine Mexican flavors.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday13:00–22:00
Tuesday13:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–23:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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