Lakeside restaurants are expecting big crowds for the long weekend’s festivities, so reserve early to save yourself a table at your favorite eatery.
El Barco opens its rooftop bar Saturday, September 14, from 2:30 p.m., to enjoy the hot-air balloon festival. There will be drinks, food and live music. Reserve at 376-766-0452.
Bobby’s La Terraza Gourmet puts on a Mexican Fiesta Saturday September 14, 6:30 p.m. with music by Sol y Luna and Don Juan teaching how to dance Cumbias. A three-course meal includes guacamole, chiles en nogada, three special enchildadas and a Mexican flag-colored dessert for 295 pesos. Reserve at 376-108-2309.
El Ancla in La Canacinta will offer some Mexican specialties beyond its regular menu, including chicken in mole or salsa poblano. There will be a happy hour all day Sunday, September 15. Reserve at 331-552-8014.
El Fogon de Charlotte, on the Libramiento, is serving two Mexican specialties: chiles en nogada and chamorro horneado (baked pork shank). Reserve at 376-766-0764.
La Bodega de Ajijic has two days of celebrations. A Noche Mexicana Saturday, September 14, 7 p.m., includes a Mexican buffet for 260 pesos or a cover of 100 pesos to enjoy the music of Ricardo and Blanca. Sunday, September 15, a Mexican Tardeada begins 5 p.m. with chiles en nogada for 220 pesos or a 50-peso cover to enjoy a romantic trio.
La Cieba Restaurant in west Ajijic offers a Mexican buffet Saturday, September 14, 5 p.m., including a margarita, glass of house wine or beer for 250 pesos. Reserve at 331-252-6134.
La Nueva Posada serves up various Mexican homemade specialties, including chicken breast roll filled with vegetables and a balsamic sauce, shrimp a la diabla, arrechera tacos with all the fixings, chicken enchiladas in mole poblano, among others. Open until 6 p.m. Reserve at 376-766-1444.
Manix Restaurant puts on a three-course meal September 15 and 16, from noon to closing, with shrimp cocktail, chiles en nogada (or choice of three other options) and dessert for 290 pesos. Sunday enjoy mariachis and Ricardo and Blanca from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday Abby Rivera performs 7 to 9 p.m. Reserve at 376-766-0061.
Scallion Ajijic Bistro in Plaza Bugambilias is serving a Mexican buffet of 15 of the chef’s mother’s recipes, Sunday, September 15, 4 to 8 p.m. 280 pesos includes live music beginning 5:30 p.m. and a fireworks display in the evening. Reserve at 376-766-2301.
Teocintle Maiz, Constitucion 52 in Ajijic, serves excellent Mexican haute cuisine every day and would be a perfect fit for an Independence meal. Reserve at 331-547-8968.