Restaurants

For good cheap eats, Cocina Orizaba (Av. 7 btwn Calles 24 and 26, tel. 983/834-2069, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, US$3.50–10) serves up a variety of options—the Mexican dishes are some of the best in town. The daily comida corrida (lunch special) includes an entrée, main dish, and drink.

El Carboncito (central plaza, Av. 5 near Calle 20, 7–11 p.m. daily, US$2.50–6) is a popular puesto (food stand) that serves up grilled favorites like hot dogs, hamburgers, and tacos. Meals are prepared to order and can be taken to go—just let the cook know.

A palapa-roofed building right off the central plaza, Gaia (Av. 3 near Calle 18, tel. 983/834-2963, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Tues.–Sun., US$3–6) is an inviting holistic center with a small café. Vegetarian food rules the menu, and all dishes are made with the freshest of ingredients. Tables are set up to enjoy the breeze and a view of the lagoon; come early to snag a spot—there only are a handful of seats.

The lagoon-front Club de Vela Bacalar (Av. Costera at Calle 20, tel. 983/834-2478, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, US$8–17) serves seafood and regional food in its open-air restaurant. The prices are somewhat inflated, but the view and the variety are welcome.

Groceries

Dunosusa (Calle 22 btwn Avs. 3 and 5, 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun.) is a well-stocked supermarket facing the central plaza.