Asadero Los Jardines Review in the Dining Out Guide
Dear Gringa Gourmet,
I’m a parent who likes to dine out as a family with our young children. Can you suggest a restaurant that is kid-friendly, with down-to-earth prices? A Proud Mother of Three
Dear Proud,
Have you tried Los Jardines? It might just be what you’re looking for. The service is quick, which is important with fidgety, hungry children. However, kids need not sit patiently awaiting their dinner, since the restaurant offers a large playground adjacent to the dining area so mom and dad can observe the young ones at play, while enjoying a libation and conversation with one another or friends.
Deciding what to eat is simple, since the restaurant basically offers only four complete dinners: one featuring shrimp prepared three different ways; another mixing fish, octopus and shrimp; a third combining fish, shrimp and barbecued ribs ($110 pesos for either of these options); and the last—a mixed grill, which includes pork, chicken, chorizo, ribs and beef ($80 pesos)—for true carnivores. Salad, rice, shrimp broth, garlic bread and a tostada with a tasty smoked marlin spread are included with fish entrees. The portions are generous, and at these prices, taking the whole family out to dinner is financially feasible. Should the kids prefer only a snack or lighter fare, cheese fondue with or without chorizo, hamburgers, guacamole, tacos and quesadillas are available on the bar menu, which also offers house wine, cocktails in two different sizes (the larger of which is $10 pesos more than the smaller), hard liquor by the shot or bottle, and a bucket of six ice cold beers (“un cubetazo”) for $100 pesos.
With seating for 400 in this spacious open-air facility, Los Jardines can easily accommodate groups or individuals in search of low prices and an unpretentious place to have a bite to eat. Locals generally prefer Saturdays and Sundays, which feature live Ranchera music from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. True to its name, Los Jardines (The Gardens) is surrounded by a lovely huge vivero (nursery) overflowing with an impressive assortment of vibrant live plants, flowers, trees and pots, available for viewing and purchase. The opportunity for a leisurely stroll through the grounds, which includes a spectacular Ahuehuete tree near the entrance, is a good pre or post dinner activity. However, one need not budge in order to enjoy the flora, as the dining area is well stocked with lush hanging ferns. Though the ambiance is typical of low-cost, high-volume dining venues complete with white plastic tables, Corona chairs and pillar mounted television sets, Los Jardines is bright and clean.
For a glimpse of historical Vallarta check out the restaurant’s collection of black and white photos on the wall as you leave, being sure to note the one of our beloved Malecon, pure, simple and devoid of congestion. Ah, the price of progress!
