Cheap Eats

[DjDiverDan]

Just back from Cozumel. Lobster and bacon sandwich at Le Chef!

I really can’t figure this out. A lot of people absolutely rave about the Le Chef lobster sandwich, while others (like me) think that it’s OK, not bad, but nothing to rave about. If I want lobster, I much prefer the lobster roll at Lobster Shack, or splurge for a whole lobster at Casa Mission (which definitely does not belong in the Cheap Eats list!). In my personal opinion, the Le Chef lobster and bacon sandwich is overwhelmed by the flavor of bacon, and the heavy mayo dressing and dark chewy bread pretty much disguises any lobster flavor remaining. It’s the lobster sandwich equivalent of scotch and Coca Cola, the scotch drink for people who hate the taste of scotch. To each his own, I guess.

 

[WetInPortland]

In my opinion, best fresh fish on the island is at Pescaderia San Carlos, not open for dinner (closes about 4:30 or 5:00, if I recall correctly), but a great place for a late lunch. Grilled fillet with garlic sauce is one of my favorites, and the Sopa Mariscos is definitely worth a try. Back around 35 (35 bis, if I remember right), take a cab.

50 Avenida Sur Bis between Salas and Calle 3 Sur. https://goo.gl/maps/1BvZJm4wVh52. 1/2 block from DIF park. I haven't been yet but I've heard good things.

 

[JamesBon92007]

We just ate at La Candela on Calle 6 N y Avenida 5. The chicken fajitas were excellent (a tiny bit too salty, but very good) and there was way too much to eat for $150 pesos. Limonada con soda was 25 pesos. They have some items on their menu for 100 pesos, and some for less (tacos, quesedillas, sopa). The service was as good as it gets. The atmosphere is just right and I felt like I was in Mexico even though it's only a couple of blocks from the tourist areas. It's especially nice because it's only two blocks from where we are staying. We may return tomorrow morning for their desayuno especial.

 

[WOODMAN]

Okay. my 2 cents worth. We are now here at Casa Mexicana, and my lady wanted some garlic fish. We first tried St. Chucks fish shack (Pescaderia San Carlos), but they close at 6PM, and we just missed them. Next day we tried a place that will remain unnamed, and she got garlic fish which was way too heavy on the garlic (fried garlic heaped up on top of the rather small filet) and soaked with lemon. It obliterated any flavor from the fish. We then went to El Moro, and garlic fish here was way better, but still lacking somehow. Then yesterday we finally made it to St. Chucks, and wow, what a difference! Two nice sized filets with just the right garlic and butter. And I think it was 150 pesos, if my memory serves me right. They have a nice covered patio area for tables behind the rather unassuming storefront, and it was a really nice place for a relaxing lunch. We will probably try this again, although now she wants hamburgers again. We originally got surprisingly good hamburgers back at a place on 30th, just south of Quintana Roo (85 pesos for two big burgers with everything, a tub of fries, and a big glass of Aqua Fresca, I got pina and she got melon. The beef was kind of thin, but oh so good!) I think the place was Tito Memo's? Lots of locals both at the tables and lined up for take out, always a good sign. But today she wants to try Burguer House, which we have heard so much about. We will see. La Candela sounds interesting also.

 

[CajunDiva]

Sounds like you're having fun!

FWIW, one of the best burgers I've ever had was at Rock 'n Java across from Mega. Thick and tasty! The desserts and coffee are pretty incredible too

 

[JamesBon92007]

But today she wants to try Burguer House, which we have heard so much about. We will see. La Candela sounds interesting also.

A few days ago we tried the Al Pie del Carbon right across from La Candela and I ordered a T-bone steak. They were out of T-bones so I got a burger. The burger was the thickest piece of meat, by far, that I'd ever had on a hamburger. It came with french fries, lettuce, tomato, and onion. It was huge, but not all that tasty. BTW, La Candela is only open for breakfast and lunch (8:00 am to 5:00 pm). Al Pie del Carbon is open until at least 8:00 pm but at this point I can't recommend it. Aside from lunch at Scuba Club, the only other burgers I've had in Q. Roo were at Johnny Rockets at the airport (pretty good).

There is a taco stand right next to La Candela that I'm going to have to try. I got the short version of the menu shouted to me while walking on the other side of the street My response was "tal vez manana." Well, today is manana. My honey seems to want to go back to La Candela, so we'll see who wins.

 

[JamesBon92007]

She won. Big surprise. Breakfast was around $60 pesos each and a large cup of coffee was $25. I had scrambled eggs with ham, frijoles, and some kind of totopos con salsa that was very tasty. She had the same with fried eggs. Neither was exactly on the menu, but was what we asked for and came with ample, very fresh corn tortillas, salsa chipotle, and jalepeno salsa. It was served by our waiter Saul who is simply the best.

 

[DjDiverDan]

Okay. my 2 cents worth. We are now here at Casa Mexicana, and my lady wanted some garlic fish. We first tried St. Chucks fish shack (Pescaderia San Carlos), but they close at 6PM, and we just missed them. Next day we tried a place that will remain unnamed, and she got garlic fish which was way too heavy on the garlic (fried garlic heaped up on top of the rather small filet) and soaked with lemon. It obliterated any flavor from the fish. We then went to El Moro, and garlic fish here was way better, but still lacking somehow. Then yesterday we finally made it to St. Chucks, and wow, what a difference! Two nice sized filets with just the right garlic and butter. And I think it was 150 pesos, if my memory serves me right. They have a nice covered patio area for tables behind the rather unassuming storefront, and it was a really nice place for a relaxing lunch. We will probably try this again, although now she wants hamburgers again. We originally got surprisingly good hamburgers back at a place on 30th, just south of Quintana Roo (85 pesos for two big burgers with everything, a tub of fries, and a big glass of Aqua Fresca, I got pina and she got melon. The beef was kind of thin, but oh so good!) I think the place was Tito Memo's? Lots of locals both at the tables and lined up for take out, always a good sign. But today she wants to try Burguer House, which we have heard so much about. We will see. La Candela sounds interesting also.

The Fish Filet in Garlic Sauce from Pescaderia San Carlos - one of my favorites. If you go back, be sure to try the Sopa Mariscos, and hit the broth with about a half-spoonful (a full spoon, if you like heat) of the hot sauce on the table - really brightens up the whole dish!

 

[WOODMAN]

Well, Burguer House didn't work out, as it wasn't where we were told it would be. Out of business or moved? Whatever- we went back to Tio Memo's and did just fine. All good things must come to an end. Going back home tomorrow, but we will be back (of course).

 

[JamesBon92007]

According to a resident who lives near Burger House it was still there last night. I think we were on Ave 30 when she told us about it, near the street that Chedraui is on.