ENTERTAINMENT

If you're looking for discos and late night dancing the Gold Zone has many venues to keep you up until dawn. You'll have no problem finding information about these. If you're looking for some local culture you will have to dig a little deeper, and perhaps have a little luck.

 THE TAMBORA
Mazatlan's Tambora music, or 'Banda' music,  is the sound of Sinaloa. You'll hear it blaring out over the streets all over Mazatlan. It has become popular throughout Mexico.


A Banda at a street party in El Centro, Mazatlan

The Tambora Sinaloense, was born in the nineteenth century with the arrival of German immigrants to the port of Mazatlan, from Bavaria. The music is loud and brassy with most groups consisting of 10 or more musicians.
Banda music can often be heard in restaurants at night but you might have to be lucky to come across it. Sometimes locals can tell you where they might be playing, so ask around. Banda is not to be missed if you want to sample the local culture.

CONCERTS, THE ARTS
The Plaza Machado and the Angela Peralta Theatre, along with other venues, present cultural events through the year. For details go to El Instituto Municipal de Cultura, Turismo y Artes de Mazatlán.

NOTE: Credit cards are not accepted by many small businesses including restaurants.

 

 

Restaurants and Dining In Mazatlan


CLICK For RESTAURANT and BAR listing

Eat In a restaurant, or on the street…there's great dining spots all over Mazatlan

Mazatlan's Plaza Machado is lined with cafés, one of the most popular spots to dine
in the city center.

Mazatlan has hundreds of restaurants and street food stalls, it's unusual to find a bad one. While there are many fine dining places a quick seafood cocktail or some Huevos Rancheros for breakfast at one of the many food stalls isn't to be missed. If you just want a quick simple lunch these street cafes serve up fresh seafood, tacos or set lunches for a few dollars. Try the lunch spots at the Central Market.

 


Food stands are everywhere,
fast and inexpensive.

Mazatlan Specialties
Each region of Mexico has it's specialty, from the rich Moles of Ouxaca to the earthy Achiote flavors in Yucatan food, there's a great variation. Travelers will often find the menus in Mexico have little to do with the ones they're used to in Mexican restaurants back home. This is not the place to look for the familiar, Buritos might be hard to find... it's time to try something the locals eat. See Restaurants

 


Sopa de Mariscos, seafood
is king in Mazatlán.

SEAFOOD: Mazatlan's seafood restaurants serve a variety of shrimp and fish that might be familiar to most travelers but don't stop there. There are many other dishes worth trying. Delicious Seafood soups, 'Sopa de Mariscos,' similar to many Mediterranean soups with a mixture of shrimp, clams, octopus, fish and anything else the fishermen bring in that day. There are also seafood cocktails with a similar mix of seafood, fresh clams, marlin tacos, ceviche and lots more to explore on the Mazatlan seafood menu.


Beach Eats... Good seafood and cold beer is served year round at
Playa Norte just north of El Centro

RESTAURANTS IN EL CENTRO
There are many restaurants serving everything from pizza and sushi to spare ribs but if you want to try what the locals eat here are a few suggestions. Note that seafood is popular as a lunchtime meal and seafood restaurants are often crowded. Grilled meats are popular in the evenings. Good coffee is hard to find but we have a couple listed here.


NOTE: Credit cards are not taken in most small businesses including restaurants.
Many smaller restaurants do not serve alcohol, some don't mind if you bring your own.
CLICK For Restaurant and Bar listing


HOME - About Mazatlan - Mazatlan History - Plazuela Machado - Olas Altas
The Malicón - Fishermen - The Market - Food & Entertainment - Accommodation
Activities & Tours - Getting Here - Living in Mazatlán - Travel Tips
Site Map