Pinocho’s Bar Puerto in Vallarta Is a Favorite Among Canadians and Americans Visiting Town
Owner Jorge Avalos Has a Long History Working Famous Bars in Puerto Vallarta
Pinocho’s Bar is a Friendly Corner Bar in the Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta
Listen to The Podcast
Subscribe in Apple Podcasts
Subscribe On Android Devices
Send Barry an Email
Hello fellow travelers, welcome this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel show. I am your host Barry Kessler and I am just so happy to be introducing you to my favorite vacation destination, and maybe even yours, Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
That music you were just listening to is performed by Alberto Perez, the owner of the La Palapa Group of Restaurants. Those are La Palapa, Puerto Vallarta’s Oldest Restaurant
on the famous Los Muertos Beach, and The El Dorado Restaurant and Beach Club right next door so you can enjoy that fantastic view of the Los Muertos Pier all lit up at night in beautiful colors, or during the day in its grand splendor for breakfast, lunch or dinner, seated with your toes in the sand right at the water’s edge. It’s so romantic, it’s so, Puerto Vallarta my friends.
This week we are going drinking. You are going to meet Jorge Enrique Rodriguez Avalos, you can call him George, at Pinocho’s Bar. Jorge and his brother Felix run a friendly place on Lazaro Cardenas and Naranjo, in the Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta, but before we get to Jorge, let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta, the 6nd of June, 2021.
Contact Information for Pinocho’s Bar, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Address: 499 Lazaro Cardenas, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
- Phone: +52 322 222 8571
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PinochosBAR
Vallarta Get’s First Rainfall of The 2021- 2022 Season
Finally and not soon enough, Vallarta had her first rainstorm of the year on Thursday. Early by a week or two but much needed rain for the town the dry hillsides and the aquafers.
Puerto Vallarta Turns 103 Years Old
Puerto Vallarta celebrated her 103rd birthday as a municipality on the 31st of May. If you were in town there was a small fireworks show for those lucky enough to have been notified of the event. Last year it was skipped altogether because of the pandemic and this year it was anemic and cobbled together but it was better than nothing. So happy 103 Puerto Vallarta, you don’t look a day over 40.
Lots of Rooftop Restaurant Choices in Puerto Vallarta
When I was in town about two weeks ago I was talking with Ray and Cheri at the meet and greet and Ray was explaining he was going to lots of rooftop places, and I thought that was a great idea so I checked out the new restaurant they told me about called the Seahorse Restaurant where the Bistro Teresa used to be, on the rooftop on the corner where Starbucks is on the Plaza de Armas. The Chef and new owner is Raul, and he is Mexican and was trained in the Bay Area in Northern California with the Il Fornaio chain of restaurants. Great guy and beautiful restaurant. You will be meeting Raul in a few
weeks. Make sure to go up and have a drink and see his restaurant. There’s an elevator so no stairs at all. It’s beautiful. Catch a sunset from there!
Playa Los Arcos New Restaurant Mar y Vino
I also checked out the renovations at the Hotel Playa Los Arcos and they have done a beautiful job. They built a restaurant on top of their original restaurant, called Mar y Vino which translates to ocean and wine, and you access it by stairs or an elevator and there is
a long bar and a shallow pool, about 6 inches deep. That’s right, 6 inches deep which is tiled in blue and white mosaic tiles. The tables are set up in the pool, and you take off your shows, and roll up your pants if you are wearing long pants, and you wade over to
your table and chair and have a seat where you will enjoy a perfect view over Playa Los Muertos and the Los Muertos Pier. There are also tables set up around the pool if you want to keep your shoes on, and lots of wicker and cool privacy enclosures around the tables. Kinda bird cage effect. I took pictures of the place and of the new and improved restaurant, the original one below in the shownotes. But a real lovely spot for a drink or a meal. Not cheap. But worth a stop and a bevy or two for the ambiance.
Kelly’s Pour Favor Under New Management
Kelly’s Pour Favor is now under new management and the new owner, a Canadian lady from Saskatchewan who I will be interviewing next time down. She is opening the upper level at Kelly’s because there are new smoking regulations in town. No smoking on the sidewalks at the tables set up by the restaurants. A new smoking ordinance has just taken effect and it’s effecting many local bars and restaurants where patrons have taken their cigarettes outside, only to be told you can’t smoke at the tables on the sidewalks.
June 6th is Mexico’s Election Day
Today is election day in Mexico….and if you think our elections are crazy, it’s hard to keep alive these days if you are a candidate for office in Mexico. So far to date 91 candidates for office have been murdered countrywide along with many killed and wounded in the crossfire…from Vallarta Reporter…
https://puertovallartareporter.com/2021/06/05/mexicos-electoral-process-closes-with-167-murders/
So…yeah…politics can be a dangerous pastime in Mexico. The pay must be really good…right?
I have a link to that article in the shownotes…
Double Decker Hop On Hop Off Fun Bus in Puerto Vallarta
I had a great time this time down on the double decker bus. The Fun Bus. The On Off Fun Bus. It was about 11 at night and I was stumbling down the Malecon when I spotted the bus. I had walked past it a couple of times thinking it might be fun to check it out and I had nothing to do..I walked up to the guy and asked how much and what exactly was involved. He looked me up and down and asked me kinda sheepishly if I spoke Spanish and I said yes.
He looked relieved and proceeded to explain to me in Spanish the ride takes about an hour and 20 minutes. It takes you from there on the Malecon across from the Amphitheater, to Olas Altas, then north to the Port, Puerto Magico where the cruise ships dock, then back. The ride costs 150 pesos which is like $7.50 US.
There were mostly young people on the bus, but there was a fair share of older individuals like myself on the bus. We all were on the roof. There was a guy dressed like a clown who was wired up with a microphone. He was very funny and it was his job to get the crowd happy and going. He brought out a bottle of tequila which he poured into little cups that his assistant passed out to everyone. I looked around and noticed some of the drinkers looks a little young but what do I know.
Anyway, there was Mexican Latin music, sing alongs, dancing, ducking under wires and low hanging tree limbs. It was a great time and money well spent. It was a great way to cool off too with the breeze up on the open air top deck. I have pictures and I’ll try to post a video in the shownotes.
It was fun! The Hop on Hop Off double decker bus.
Grand Opening of Texas Original Wings Y Mucha Mas
I had a tequila tasting session with listener and contributor extraordinaire Marty at his place at the Plaza Mar. Really great selection Marty. These are the benefits of doing a podcast folks. Meeting you and drinking with you. Big benefits.
Anyway, I got this email from Marty a couple of days after I got back. He and his wife Jeanine stayed a lot longer than I did…lucky dogs..
Marty writes…
I spoke to the new owner/manager (don’t know exactly) of the new restaurant where El Tortito’s was located. They did a nice job remodeling and opened last week. His name, John, is from Texas (go figure) and it sounds like he (and perhaps a few others) have other restaurants in Texas. They have a small menu, but he did say they are considering a few other things. They had to get opened. I told him how much we liked the ‘bucket-o-peel-and-eat-shrimp’ from Torito’s and he said, “Hey, we buy shrimp for other things, we may consider it.”
Suggest you might contact him on your next visit.
They made some nice cosmetic changes, including getting rid of the ‘cash cage’ that really brought paying a bill down to a crawl. Also, new tables, chairs and lighting. He said the upstairs was also changed but we didn’t go see it.
Regards, Marty
Well Marty, thanks again for another great email. I did get a chance to meet the new owner of the restaurant that is where El Torito’s was and now it’s Texas Original Wings Y Mucha Mas. Yes the guy you met is the owner, John, and I had an opportunity to get a quick interview from him during their soft grand opening. JR and I were invited to attend. Yes, drinking was involved. We sat upstairs and it was very nice. Let’s meet John really quickly..
Listen to The Podcast
Anyway, John is a really nice guy and while I was there I had an opportunity to interview Eddie From American Learning Tree. Oh you are going to love Eddie so stay tuned for him.
Anyway Marty, they did a great job on the inside of the place. Maybe they will bring back the bucket of shrimp. My twin brother Gary would love it if they did. And thank you for the email and the tequila tasting and the hospitality buddy.
Thank You For Your Emails
Okay. I have a bunch of emails I still need to answer and if you haven’t heard from me, please be patient. My wife has been working me like a dog since I got home from my last 10 day trip. We are so busy selling houses in California we can’t believe it really. I’m not complaining but she is resting while I work so sorry for the spotty episode scheduling. I’m going to do better. Be patient. I gotta make some extra dough to pay for my next trip and what do you know I just made my reservation for my 5th trip down coming up the very first week of September. I’m firming up the Airbnb location so I’ll give you a rundown of the totals but Delta Airlines out of LAX to Vallarta is costing me $280 round trip, non-stop, plus $35 for a checked Bag, which I always bring down full, and bring back empty.
So, the countdown and the excitement begins now that I have my departure date set. Just 90 days from today. Kinda sounds like a long time doesn’t it?
Okay, in the meantime…let’s get to the interview shall we?
Pinocho’s Bar Puerto Vallarta, Mexico “Where There are No Bad Days”
Contact Information for Pinocho’s Bar, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
- Address: 499 Lazaro Cardenas, Colonia Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta
- Phone: +52 322 222 8571
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PinochosBAR
As you know I depend on you to tell me what you want to hear and who you want to hear from in Puerto Vallarta. I get the best suggestions from you and I thank you for each and every one.
When I was down in January I got an email from Jeff, and this is what it said…
Message Body:
Hi Barry, I know that you are busy in PV right now but if you have a bit of time could you go check on the guys (and gals) over at Pinochos Bar to see how they are doing ? Jorge and Felix are so awesome, and it is a hangout for us Canadians when we are down there. We met them when they used to work at the Circle Bar on the Malecon. Maybe they will give you an interview, not sure, but they are super bunch . The bar is at corner of Naranjo and Lazaro Cardenas. Stay safe and looking forward to the podcasts when you get back ! I just watched your vid on hike to Las Animas beach, awesome job and really enjoy your podcasts since we usually head down there now for 3 weeks but not this year I am sad to say.
Cheers, Jeff & Kim
(Kamloops BC Canada)
PV ROCKS !!
So, I went over to Pinocho’s and asked for Jorge and Felix, and they posed for a picture for me to send to Jeff and Kim and while I was there of course, asked if maybe they had time to talk to me for an episode.
Jorge said yes, come back and we will do it. So, I later that night I sent the pic to Jeff and Kim of Jorge and Felix and I got this back…It was pretty cute…
Oh man you just gave me chills and I think I just cried a bit, maybe because I am not there to join you guys but really it is a bit emotional this is happening. My Kimmy and I are pumped to hear this interview, please put in a plug for us Canadians !! I attached a couple pix so they don’t get us confused with some other drunken amigos of the north. We left them that Canadian sign (see pic) in 2019 to help decorate the new digs but did not get to see Jorge last visit Feb 2020 just before Covid, I think you will see it when you go to bano. Let them know we miss them and will make it down as soon as we can, probably a year from now, that sucks now that I just said that ! Hey don’t lose your camera bag on this one … 🙂 Que te diviertas!
Jeff & Kimmy
Ha….Thanks for the reminder…No…I kept my bag on my shoulder this trip down amigo.
So, I stopped by a few days later and sat down with Jorge, while his brother Felix and the rest of his crew helped the dozen or so customers.
Now I want you to listen to where Jorge has worked, you will be amazed. You will also be amazed at the selection of spirits including raicilla when you visit Pinoco’s Bar at Lazaro Cardenas 499, on the corner of Lazaro Cardenas and Naranjo in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood of Puerto Vallarta, let’s meet Jorge Enrique Rodriguez Avalos, you can call him George, Pinocho’s Bar, Where There Are No Bad Days…That’s their motto…in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico….
Listen to The Podcast
Thank you Jorge.
I have pictures and a map in the shownotes.
Jorge and crew do a terrific job and…Jorge is opening a branch of Pinocho’s in El Tuito.
He has a beautiful open air space that he is working on, and hopes to open in October. More reasons to take a day trip up to El Tuito the next time you are in Vallarta. We will take you there when they open for sure.
Okay, that should do it for this week,
Next week, stay tuned for more on the ground reports from Puerto Vallarta Mexico, with travel tips, great restaurant and excursion ideas and more. Until then, remember, this is an interactive show where I depend on your questions and suggestions about all things Puerto Vallarta. If you think of something I should be talking about, please reach out to me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending us your message.
And remember, if you are considering booking any type of tour while you are in Puerto Vallarta, you must go to Vallartainfo.com, JR’s website and reserve your tour through him, right from his website. Remember the value for value proposition. His experience
and on the ground knowledge of everything Puerto Vallarta in exchange for your making a purchase of a tour that you would do anyway, you’re just doing it through him as a way of saying thank you. It costs no more than if you were to use someone else so do it. Really. And when you do take one of these tours, email me about your experiences. Maybe you can come on-board and share with others what you liked or didn’t like about the tour. Again, contact me by clicking on the Contact us tab and sending off a message. Don’t forget his maps, his DIY tours and his revitalized Happy Hour Board. I have links to all of those in the show notes.
And once again, if you like this podcast, please take the time and subscribe and give me a good review on iTunes if you would. That way we can get the word out to more and more people about the magic of this place. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Remember I made it easy for you to do just that with each episode I create. But if you haven’t been to my website, you really need to have a look there. I have the links to the places we talk about, interesting pictures and the more all right there in my blog-posts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven’t already all-right? All right.
Thank you so much to Jorge for talking with me. Make sure you get on over to Pinocho’s Bar, “where there are no bad days”, the next time you are in paradise. You will have a great time I promise. And thank you Jeff and Kim from Kamloops. I can’t wait to hoist a cold one with you both the next time you return to Vallarta, I’ll buy.
And thanks to all of you for listening all the way through this episode of the Puerto Vallarta Travel Show. This is Barry Kessler signing off with a wish for you all to slow down, be kind and live the Vallarta lifestyle. Nos Vemos amigos!
