Leo’s Place

“Leo’s Place” is one of THE goto restaurants in Bucerias for good, hearty-portioned, home-style meals that will not damage the budget. They are located about 1/2 block up a side street (Galeana) from the main tourist drag (Lazaro Cardenas); across from and just up the street from Abarrote Maripaz (the local have-everything grocery store).

This is an “owner-run” restaurant with the dedicated and hardworking couple, Christina and Leo, putting in incredible hours each and every day except for Sundays.

Christina and Leo

They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week; 9 AM through 2:30 PM then 5:30 PM until closing at 10:00 PM. They carry soft drinks. However, if you wish to have beer, liquor, or wine; they’ll point you over to Maripaz or you can just plan ahead and BYOB. They do not charge a corkage fee.

This is their first year of operation; they opened in September 2016. However, many Bucerias-veterans will remember Christina and Leo as the couple who ran Restaurante La Luna until the owner closed operations in 2016. Leo’s Place has several tables in a small dining room, a half-dozen tables on the sidewalk and street, and is decorated in a “Mexican Fiesta” meets burger-shack style. But don’t let the fast-food joint looks deceive you; they are a sit-down restaurant (although they happily do take-out). Their menu consists of hearty breakfasts, Norte Americano staples, and many of the Mexican favourites. However, it’s their daily special that you should always ask about. It changes every day (seafood dishes being on Tuesdays and Fridays) and what it is will depend on customer requests, availability of ingredients, and what strikes Christina’s fancy. The daily special will be written on a small sign near the door and posted on their FaceBook page.

Yesterday evening, Eron and I each had the “Beer Battered Fish Bites” special for dinner. The special came with a coleslaw-salad, Mexican rice, refried beans, and tortillas. There was a decent-sized serving of fish; the pieces were well-cooked and covered in a nice, crispy beer batter. The house Chipotle Sauce complimented the fish very well. The only constructive criticism I have would be to switch-up the side dishes every once in a while. We have had a number of different daily specials (all very tasty), yet the sides were always the same; not a problem with one-off diners but can get repetitive for the “regulars”. The two specials and a Pepsi (only ’cause they don’t serve Coca Cola ;-)) came to 325 Pesos; under $21 Cdn for two dinners. So, if you are in Bucerias and you are looking for good, solid eats that will not break the bank; Christina and Leo’s can definitely help you out at Leo’s Place.

Leo’s Place: Calle Galeana 14A, Bucerias 63732, Mexico

523221434634

https://www.facebook.com/Leos-Place-Bucerias-1647749412204453/