La Casa Del Habano Has Been Selling Genuine Cuban Cigars in Puerto Vallarta for 25 Years
La Casa Del Habano is a Cuban Cigar Oasis in The Heart of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
La Casa Del Habano is a Quiet Cigar Lounge Serving Fine Alcohol, Coffee and Genuine Cuban Cigars in Centro Puerto Vallarta
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Hello fellow travelers, welcome to 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 too and that’s 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 The Le Bistro Jazz Café, riverside on The Isla Cuale, and the 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. Or riverside at Le Bistro, it’s so romantic, it’s so, Puerto Vallarta my friends.
This week we are going to learn about Cuban Cigars from a very interesting guy. His name is Gerald Cohen, and Gerry has a, what he calls a Cigar Oasis in Centro Puerto Vallarta on Calle Aldama just a block up from the Malecon called La Casa Del Habano. It’s a very cool spot for aficionados of fine Cuban cigars and other fine things in life, which Gerry will explain. We have a couple of Vallarta rock and rollers, Puerto Vallarta news and more so let’s see what’s happening this week in Puerto Vallarta, the 19th of May, 2025.
Restaurant Week Puerto Vallarta 2025
May is a very busy month in Puerto Vallarta. In fact, Restaurant Week 2025 just kicked off on the 15th of May, a couple of days ago. And if you are in town, Restaurant week, which is really Restaurant Month, gives the visitor a chance to sample a favorite restaurant’s.
From AZ Noticias…
More than 50 restaurants invite tourists and locals to taste, experience, and experience Restaurant Week 2025.
By Osvaldo Granados
The region’s culinary scene is getting ready for a new edition of Restaurant Week, one of the most anticipated culinary festivals of the year, which in 2025 brings together the largest number of participating restaurants since the pandemic.
From May 15 to June 10, establishments in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will offer special three-course menus—appetizer, main course, and dessert—with three options per category, at fixed prices of 495, 575, and 690 pesos per person, excluding drinks and tips. This initiative allows diners to enjoy high-quality culinary offerings at affordable prices, while boosting the restaurant industry.
“This is the largest number of participating restaurants since the pandemic began. We are very happy to celebrate another edition of our culinary festival. The goal is to bring the best of Vallarta’s gastronomy to residents and visitors at affordable prices; that’s its spirit,” said Jorge Chávez, executive director of Restaurant Week.
The diversity of options—from signature cuisine to traditional dishes with contemporary touches—makes Restaurant Week an ideal platform for both established chefs and emerging talents looking to expand their visibility.
The event not only seeks to attract tourists and locals, but also to promote regional culinary culture in an inclusive and dynamic format. To learn about the menus of participating restaurants, please visit the official website: restaurantweekpv.com/participants.
And that’s how restaurant week works. It’s about 3 and a half weeks long. That’s all.
I have a link to that article from AZ Noticias, in the show notes and a link to the restaurant week website, on my website, in the show notes at www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.
Restaurant Week Puerto Vallarta 2025
Nacho Daddy Puerto Vallarta is For Sale
Speaking about restaurants in paradise, Nacho Daddy is for sale. Not the building, but the business with a lease. Sean and Tammy are looking to retire. It’s listed with Tropicasa Realty for $599,000 US and the description is as follows. ..
Business Only For sale! Excellent opportunity to acquire turnkey profitable bar/restaurant and large theatre/entertainment space in a very central and desirable Romantic Zone location. Nacho Daddy Tex Mex Sports Bar is a very well-established community staple that boasts a large loyal following of locals and tourists. Second floor is a well-equipped entertainment theatre that seats 100 plus people. Hours can be extended as well as theatre marketing for live shows, bands, special events for even more potential income. Excellent staff and food and beverage program. One of the most attractive components of this long-standing business is the low lease rate and attractive terms. Excellent opportunity to take over and expand one of Vallarta’s most iconic establishments.
And I have a link to the listing for the Iconic Nacho Daddy, in the show notes.
https://www.tropicasa.com/property/nacho-daddy-1/33430
Jean’s Burgers and Salchidogo Gourmet Hotdogs are a Match Made in Heaven in Zona Romantica
Speaking of famous Vallarta restaurants for sale, Jean’s Burgers, up in Plaza Marina, you may know Jean’s. I interviewed Hal Hilton a couple of years back at his hamburger stand, Jean’s, named after his mom. They made a great burger, shakes, fries. Well they were just sold to the folks who run Salchidogo. A gourmet hotdog restaurant on Basilio Badillo near Act 2 in the Zona Romantica. So now it’s hotdogs and hamburgers at Salchidogo. I interviewed Hal and his wife Enita a couple of days ago, and you will be hearing from them and the folks at Salchidogo in a week or two.
Continuing with the theme of May in Puerto Vallarta, The Fiestas de Mayo, the festivals of May, are now upon us
Fiestas de Mayo 2025 in Puerto Vallarta May 16th to June 1st
From the Banderas News…
Puerto Vallarta Set to Shine with Fiestas de Mayo 2025
Puerto Vallarta is buzzing with anticipation as the fourth annual Fiestas de Mayo festival prepares to unfold from Friday, May 16th, to Sunday, June 1st, 2025. The Explanada Vallarta, conveniently situated near the International Convention Center, will once again serve as the lively backdrop for this cherished community event.
The Puerto Vallarta May Festival 2025 promises a delightful blend of culture, delicious food, and engaging entertainment, creating an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Attendees can dive into the thrill of mechanical rides, discover unique treasures at the artisan craft fair, participate in exciting sporting competitions, and savor the authentic flavors of regional cuisine, including mouthwatering birria and hearty pozole, at the gastronomic showcase.
Adding to the festive spirit, the celebration will feature captivating art displays, traditional ceremonies honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe, and the highly anticipated coronation of the Festival Queen, a significant moment of community pride. Families will find a wealth of activities to enjoy, from engaging children’s performances to captivating concerts and spirited sports matches, ensuring there’s something for every age group.
A major highlight of the festival is the impressive lineup of talented artists gracing the stage of the Teatro del Pueblo. This central venue will come alive with unforgettable live music performances spanning various genres, promising enjoyable shows for all. This year’s festival boasts a spectacular array of Regional Mexican music stars, including the highly anticipated ‘Juntos’ featuring Jorge Medina and Josi Cuen, the iconic Mariachi Vargas, the sensational Grupo Firme, and many more beloved artists.
Beyond the musical performances, attendees can look forward to exhilarating Lucha Libre (Mexican wrestling) and Muay Thai demonstrations, a thrilling Jaripeo (Mexican rodeo), the entertaining Enanitos Toreros (Little Bullfighters), a magical Disney show, classic carnival rides, and a wide selection of food, beverage, and souvenir stands.
For those eager to explore the full schedule of events and live music, the official program is available on the Festival Fiestas de Mayo Puerto Vallarta Facebook page.
With its harmonious blend of cherished traditions, captivating live music, and enjoyable entertainment, the Fiestas de Mayo Puerto Vallarta 2025 offers an exceptional experience that should not be missed. Mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and prepare to immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere of this remarkable festival.
Kinda sounds like a north of the border County Fair, doesn’t it? You know, the ones that feature some old one hit wonder geezer band that fellow geezers will pay to see and even bring the kids and grandkids.
Naw, I’m sure they wouldn’t do that in Mexico, would they? And How would I even know, right?
The truth is, and I don’t know if it’s the same for you. But I’ve actually sworn off going to see the rock and roll heroes from my youth. O-L-D is not a good look. I mean, your teen idols don’t look like they did when they wouldn’t allow you to bring in cameras to concerts. Remember those times?
I mean today, the music still sounds great, if you can just close your eyes, but it’s hard to close your eyes for an entire two hour concert, and it just looks creepy to be watching long haired paunchy grandpa wailing away on the lead guitar and singing songs that used to come out of a thinner, spryer, younger long haired hippie freak. Like on the album cover. Remember those?
Okay Barry, enough of the when I was a young whippersnapper crap. Back to the Fiestas de Mayo… it’s a very good opportunity to rub shoulders con la gente…with the peeps because I’m guessing if you are a gringo, you may be the only one there. But what fun! Get out there and practice that Espanol .
By the way my lovely wife Debbie has 660 consecutive days studying Espanol using Duolingo. Better every day!
I have a link to that article from the Banderas News, about the Fiestas in the show notes as well as links to the Festivals de Mayo Facebook page, in the show notes.
- Festival Fiestas de Mayo Puerto Vallarta Facebook page.
- secure your tickets For Festival Fiestas de Mayo
Gay Pride in Puerto Vallarta 2025 May 17th – the 25th
It’s Pride Month in Puerto Vallarta. As my dear friend Marcia Blondon from the Vallarta Mirror says, “If it’s May, it’s gay in Puerto Vallarta.” Pride flags are flying everywhere, even a big one at city hall, as a matter of fact.
There’s lots of planned events. Some of them I can’t mention on this PG rated podcast, but I have a link to Jerry Jones’s article from Out and About PV where he lists a whole bunch of them.
I’ll pull some of the highlights…
This Monday, today, May 19th
It’s a Pride Pet Parade.
Bring your pet to be part of the most adorable parade of the year. At 6 p.m. the parade will depart from Tile Park, Lázaro Cárdenas Park to end up at the Malecón arches.
Thursday May 22nd
The Pride Parade.
The Lineup for the parade begins in front of the Sports Stadium and the Sheraton Hotel
A diverse, colorful, and futuristic parade that will leave you breathless! With a theme that imagines the future of equality and diversity. Come with your best looks, be inspired by our motto “The Future Has No Gender,” and get ready for a next-level experience.
And following the Pride Parade you gotta have a block party, right?
Vallarta Pride Block Party
At 8 O’clock, or whenever the parade concludes…The biggest street party in Vallarta. Artists from around the world and live music will make this party legendary. Vallarta Pride presents the JNS and a futuristic super-production featuring top local artists under the theme “The Future Has No Gender.”
I’m assuming at Lazaro Cardenas Park. But I’m guessing there will be parties going on all over the Zona Romantica, Olas Altas, Parque Lazaro Cardenas… It Will be a wild, wild night.
Then the following day, Friday the 23rd of May at 5 PM it’s the Drag Races
On Calle Pulpito, in front of the Tryst Hotel Drag queens and kings compete in a rally full of surprises, creativity, and lots of fun and adrenaline in heels.
Sunday May 25th at 8 in the morning we have the Rainbow Run
Meet at the Arches on the Malecon and run, walk, or jog in this inclusive race for all gender identities. An event filled with positive energy, fun, and solidarity.
And finally, also Sunday May 25th it’s an event called Furturamar
Being held in the Art District (Leona Vicario #230, Centro, 48300 Puerto Vallarta, Jal.)
This special auction will feature pieces by local, national, and international artists that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Your purchase is a step toward supporting causes for our LGBTIQ+ communities.
And that wraps up my shortened Gay Pride activity list that I cherrypicked for you. I have that list and the entire list from Jerry’s article from Out and About PV, in the show notes as well. Happy Pride Month, Vallarta.
High Season is Winding Down in Puerto Vallarta
In fact, La Huerta has closed up for renovations and to take some time off.
Captain Don’s is still having bands, at least for now.
Some Vallarta Bands Head to Canada to Play during the Summer Months. One of those bands is the Gecko Band, and so I caught up with the leader of the band, Victor Vera after their last performance of the season at Captain Don’s, to ask him how that works….let’s talk to him right now.
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Thank you very much Victor. I have all the contact information for the Gecko Band as well as Victor’s Real Estate business, in the show notes.
Next let’s hear from another Mexican Rock and roller, Daniel Celis who I also caught up with after his performance at Captain Don’s with his band Monaco. Daniel and his band are staying in Vallarta during the summer, let’s hear from Daniel
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Thank you very much Daniel. What a cool band to have for a wedding or a special event. Great musicians in that band of guys, Monaco, with Daniel Celis. Look for him as Rocketman.
We Returned to Vallarta Through the Residents Line
The last time we talked my wife and I were heading back to California to perform some realtor duties for a client, do our taxes, and to ranch sit for a childhood friend of mine, Dr. John, up in Humboldt California. All the above was accomplished including our proper exit from, and re-entry into Mexico as residents.
Upon exiting Mexico, or more specifically, Puerto Vallarta by air, the first thing we were told to do was to go directly to the INM
booth in the departure lobby where the ticketing and baggage check in takes place. There we presented our Residents Card along with our passports. The lady in the booth stamped our passports and wrote RT in the stamp. Then we went to get our boarding passes and drop off luggage where we also handed the ticketing agent our residency card and passport. The ticket agent then wrote RT on our boarding passes, which I found very interesting. He also then reminded us that we had to visit the INM booth which he pointed to, which we appreciated, and told him we already did. So that was nice for the reminder, just in case, right? Now I don’t know if all the ticketing agents are as sharp as this one was, but it is important to stop at that booth, before you go upstairs to go through security and to your gate to wait for your flight. Another thing I noticed was that the boarding agent also noted the RT on a paper she had at the gate. So they track you if you are a resident.
And of course, we got to go in the resident line upon returning to Vallarta which is a real thrill, and we were the only ones on that flight, that got that privilege. It was pretty cool and we were very happy.
It was cold and rainy in California, but when we got back to Vallarta, the weather had changed from cool to hot. It’s pretty warm in paradise. And we like it that way. We’ll see how long we can resist turning on one of our 3 split air conditioners in the apartment. So far we ain’t touched it yet.
There was just a little sprinkle a night ago, but rain is still a month away. The Rio Cuale is down to a trickle and when it hits town it’s just running on one side of the Cuale Island. So we’ll see if she completely dries up or not before our first rain, historically arriving the middle of June. We’ll see. So far, there’s been no major water shortages reported. No Protests from angry, thirsty colonias, yet. Pray for rain, if you do that sort of thing, the hills around town are looking like they could use a drink.
What Are The Current Vaping Rules and Laws in Mexico
Seeing as we are going to be talking about Cuban Cigars with our next guest, I thought I’d check in on the new Vaping laws in Mexico.
I thought I’d share with you a very extensive article I found on the subject from Vaping NN online.
Mexico’s Vaping Laws and Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide
https://vapingnn.com/mexicos-vaping-laws-and-regulations-a-comprehensive-guide/
Where it says….
As of 2024, Mexico’s vaping laws are among the most restrictive in the world. The importation, sale, and advertising of vaping products are prohibited under federal law. This ban extends to all vaping products, whether they contain nicotine or not, and applies to both physical and online sales. The law also includes a ban on smoking in public spaces, which encompasses vaping, reinforcing Mexico’s strict stance on tobacco and its alternatives.
The restrictions have led to a reduction in the availability of legal vaping products, pushing consumers towards the black market, which has become a significant concern for both public health and law enforcement.
Now this is an extensive article but when you ask about penalties, here’s what they say…
Are there any penalties for vaping in public places in Mexico?
Yes, vaping in public places can result in fines and other penalties, as it is treated similarly to smoking under Mexican law.
And so far, at least in this town, the anti-smoking laws are not being enforced.
So, here’s what I can tell you about vaping in Puerto Vallarta.
One, they will take it away from you when you arrive, so don’t bother to bring yours. But once you get to Vallarta, you can pretty much find Vape shops everywhere. And I’ve not heard of anyone getting popped by the cops. Nobody. So that’s what I know, and that’s what I’ll tell you. And with that, let’s get to our guest, Gerry Cohen and La Casa del Habano.
La Casa del Habano Cuban Cigars in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
I was introduced to Gerry by a friend of the show Stan Gabruk from, okay, hold your hands over the virgin ears in the room, Master Bater’s Sports Fishing in Marina Vallarta. Stan has introduced me to a number of very interesting guests I’ve had to pleasure to feature on the podcast over the years, and Gerry has a lot of things to say and to share about his passion of smoking and distributing Cuban Cigars.
His shop is very cozy inside. It’s comfortable like a living room with leather couches and overstuffed chairs. It has a bar and It has a huge humidor full of fine Cuban smokables. It is as Jerry describes it, a “cigar oasis”. And Gerry has devoted clients who have found this little haven in paradise where you won’t be frowned upon for sparking up a fattie, as long as it’s a Cuban cigar that is.
When I first met and sat down with Gerry, I’ve got to tell you this story. We started talking while I was setting up the recording equipment, and we found a spot where I thought we would be comfortable and would be fairly quiet in this lovely living room
setting. And almost every other word that came out of Gerry’s mouth was an F bomb. Seriously. So I said to him, you know Gerry, my podcast is rated G. And I’ll talk to you, but you know, if you drop an f bomb, I’m going to have to take it out. All of them. So, he
proceeds to tell me, and this other gentleman who we sat down next to when we set up for the interview. We asked if it was all right to do the interview and he was all in. The guy was just enjoying a cigar. So, Gerry tells us about how he was talking to a
customer once, swearing like a sailor, throwing around F bombs and such. Having a great time, and when he asked him what he does, he replies, I’m a priest. And Gerry explains that he so embarrassed.
And I kid you not, the man who we were sitting next to says hey, that’s very interesting, guess what, I’m a priest.
So, I swear to God, that happened, and I don’t know if that’s why it happened, but Gerry was a perfect gentleman. Not a single, f bomb was dropped during the entire interview. So, Gerry. Thank you for that, my friend. Or maybe I should be thanking that
cigar smoking priest. At any rate, let’s go right now to Calle Aldama 170 in El Centro de Vallarta, One and a half blocks up from the Malecon and meet Gerry Cohen Owner of La Casa Del Habano, A Cigar Oasis, In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
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Thank you, Gerry. You are a really interesting guy and his place, it’s a really unique spot in paradise, a real oasis, in Puerto Vallarta. I Have pictures and links and even a map that will take you to the front door of La Casa Del Habano in the show notes.
Open Monday to Saturday, 12:00 to 9:00 pm
Closed Sunday
- Address: Aldama Street No.170, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Mexico
Phone: 322-223-2758 - Website: https://www.lacasadelhabanopv.com.mx/
- Shop For Cuban Cigars: https://www.lacasadelhabanopv.com.mx/habanos-cuban-cigar-shop
Ok, 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 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 follow share with a lover of Puerto Vallarta or give me a good review wherever or however you happen to be listening. 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 blogposts and show-notes for each episode of the show so check them out for sure if you haven’t already all-right? All right.
Thanks to Victor Vera from the Gecko Band for talking with us. Have a great tour of the great white north.
And thanks to Daniel Celis of the band Monaco and of Rocket Man fame. Remember his band is in Vallarta for the summer. If you need a special occasion band, they are the band for you.
And thanks so much to Gerry Cohen from La Casa Del Habano. The Cigar Oasis in the heart of Centro Vallarta. Have a seat in a big leather chair with your favorite Cuban cigar, a cup of Gerry’s gourmet coffee or one of his exquisite bourbons. Stop by and see what goes on in a Cuban Cigar speakeasy. That’s what I call it. I have pictures and links and a map to take you to the front door of La Casa del Habano at my website, www.puertovallartatravelshow.com.
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.
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