La Terraza
If you’ve never been to a “botanero” in Mexico, it’s worth making the trek.
In years past, the authentic cantina/botanero did not open its doors to women or children and some even declined entry to policemen and men in a military uniform. The modern day botanero welcomes all. The theme: buy a drink, get a botana (appetizer).
At the recently opened La Terraza, a cubeta (a bucket of ten, 210 ml Coronitas) for 200 pesos yields a delicious cerviche plate. Subsequent orders may be followed with aguachile, shrimp broth, golden potato tacos, sliced cucumber with Tajin or hot dog bites in a sweet and spicy sauce. If the snacks are not enough to satisfy your hunger, you can also order burgers, fries, chicken wings and more from the a la carte menu.
On our visit, a live band, Norteño en Vivo, filled the room with their ranchero music. It seemed incredibly loud at first, but after acclimatizing, it was impossible not to join in the fun. Dancing, singing, or just clapping to the beat, this makes for a very entertaining afternoon indeed.
La Terraza is located in Jaluco on Highway 200 between Barra and Melaque. It’s a short hop by bus from either town, across the road from Fredi’s Mariscos, beside the Plaza de Toros. Opens daily at 1 p.m. Live music on Saturdays and Sundays. La Terraza can accommodate groups of up to 50. You can call 315-114-7052 to reserve. Bring the whole family!
Live entertainment
Here are the entertainment listings available at press time. Please contact the establishment directly to book a reservation and/or confirm performances.
BARRA DE NAVIDAD
Backstage Bar and Bluewave Cafe, Av. Miguel López de Legazpi 200B. The Tuesday Cabaret has finished for the season but there’s much more to come at Backstage. See Facebook for more info.
Besame Mucho, Calle Jalisco 13B, 315-100-9362. Live music 7 p.m. nightly: Mon., Allan from Manzanillo; Tues., Marc Pettigrew (6:30 p.m.); Wed., closed; Thurs., Salvador, Fri. & Sat., Mauro; Sun., Tata Joe.
Cabo Blanco Hotel, Av. Armada and Av. Puerto de la Navidad. Jam by the Pool, Thursday, 1 p.m. All musicians welcome.
El Manglito’s Restaurant, Av. Veracruz 17, 315-355-8128. Live music: Fri., 7 p.m.
Marlena’s Restaurant, Jalisco 48, 315-100-7355. Live music: Mon., 7 p.m. Chido Rivera, Thurs. Mike & Simone.
Sr. Froy’s La Casa Mia Restaurant, Calle Filipinas 66, 315-109-4740. Mon. & Wed., 6:30 p.m. Salvador; Tues., Doug Pettigrew; Thurs. & Sat., Allan from Manzanillo; Fri. TBA.
MELAQUE/SAN PATRICIO/VILLA OBREGON
Albatros Restaurant, Av. Cabañas 36, 315-355-5753. Live music, 7 p.m. Wed, H&R Rock; Fri., Chido Rivera; Sat., Pineapple Express; Sun., open mic with Chido Rivera.
Alebrije Restaurant, Benito Juarez 43, 331-169-9975. Guitarist, Mon., 6 p.m.; Pianist, Sat.. 6 p.m.
Antiguo Bar Social (Jack and Ava’s), Calle Alvaro Obregón 5, 315-355-5393. Mario Montalvo, Mon., 8 p.m.; Live music, Tues., Wed., Thurs. & Fri, 8 p.m.
Bistro Escondido, Las Palmitas 2, Melaque (near the earthquake hotel) 315-355-6579. Live music Thurs., 6:30 p.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.
Esmeralda’s Restaurant, Av. Gomez Farias, 461, 315-104-5647. Open mic, Sat., 2 p.m. with Jack Connor.
Esquina Paraíso Bar (Styx), Calle Alvaro Obregón No. 13, 314-162-4412. Call to confirm live music presentations.
La Oficina, Revolution 41, 315-355-5982. Live music Thurs., 8 p.m., special guests; Sat. Welcome back Lalo!
La Salamandra, Calle Abel Salgado 382, 315-355-5530. Live music Thurs., Fri. & Sat., 7 p.m. and Sun., 7:30 p.m.; Mario Montalvo Trio.
Tito’s Place Restaurant Bar, Calle Las Palmas 27, 315-109-9787. Live music: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 2 p.m.; Wed., 2 p.m. open mic; Sun., 4 p.m. Jorge,
Vainilla Pimienta Restaurant, Calle Cabañas 4, 315-110-3550. Live music: Fri. & Sat 7 p.m.
Viva Maria 1910 Restaurant, Calle Palmas 7, 315-107-1973. Live music: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.; Wed., 2 p.m. open mic,; Sun., 2 p.m., H&R Rock.