Question For Ensenada People

Hello Nomads,

I will be spending more time in Ensenada soon and I'm curious to hear what some of you who live there recommend for cool restaurants, movie theaters, sports fields to watch games, records stores, hipster hangouts (I'm kind of kidding), surf shops, music equipment stores, etc.......

Of course I'm googling.

Of course I've driven thru there hundreds of times and stayed downtown and by the marina, and Estero Beach, and I know all about the Baja 1000 and La Bufadora.

I'm looking for places the locals hang out that are interesting. Yes, I'm a guero and do guero things, but I want to see more Ensenada and of more of what's happening off the beaten tourist path.

Thanks in advance for any comments you may have.

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric

Well, I don't live there, and this is not really "off the beaten path" but when driving south with passengers, we always stop at what I call my secret Ensenada parking lot. Just when you enter downtown Ensenada at the first light the entance to the parking lot is to the right. Secure cheap parking, usually never full, and then it is a short stroll to the north end of the malecon where the Black seafood market is located. The Black is kind of gross, flies buzzing all over everything and guys with fans shooing them away so they can come right back, like they never heard of glass encosures for a fish market. I think I got some endengered sea bass there once ha ha. I had the guy filet it, then he charged me extra from what he said it would be. On the way to the malecon you walk past a half dozen hole in the wall restaurants, with guys outside trying to get you to come in. They all seem about the same, but good relatively cheap seafood. Many people from the cruise ships eat there. I wonder if anyone has a favorite place to eat in that immediate area that stands out from the rest.

you are correct the lot entrance is at the lighthouse, then you're just steps away from Muelle tres....it's very good

Quote: Originally posted by BoenBaja

This is well known, but El Trailero in El Sausal has a great variety of local cuisine.

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake

Probably well on the beaten path, but I enjoyed wandering around the Riviera del Pacifico one afternoon in 2022. I had the place mostly to myself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A452xinLf14

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric

Well, I don't live there, and this is not really "off the beaten path" but when driving south with passengers, we always stop at what I call my secret Ensenada parking lot. Just when you enter downtown Ensenada at the first light the entance to the parking lot is to the right. Secure cheap parking, usually never full, and then it is a short stroll to the north end of the malecon where the Black seafood market is located. The Black is kind of gross, flies buzzing all over everything and guys with fans shooing them away so they can come right back, like they never heard of glass encosures for a fish market. I think I got some endengered sea bass there once ha ha. I had the guy filet it, then he charged me extra from what he said it would be. On the way to the malecon you walk past a half dozen hole in the wall restaurants, with guys outside trying to get you to come in. They all seem about the same, but good relatively cheap seafood. Many people from the cruise ships eat there. I wonder if anyone has a favorite place to eat in that immediate area that stands out from the rest.

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric

And just to get the devil number ofpost count, the area just east of the bars and hotels has some "bodegas" that are kind of fun to shop. Mexico has tarifs on aisian goods, so you see spoons from Brazil, etc. that you would not find in shops NOB.

Quote: Originally posted by latitude32

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric   Well, I don't live there, and this is not really "off the beaten path" but when driving south with passengers, we always stop at what I call my secret Ensenada parking lot. Just when you enter downtown Ensenada at the first light the entance to the parking lot is to the right. Secure cheap parking, usually never full, and then it is a short stroll to the north end of the malecon where the Black seafood market is located. The Black is kind of gross, flies buzzing all over everything and guys with fans shooing them away so they can come right back, like they never heard of glass encosures for a fish market. I think I got some endengered sea bass there once ha ha. I had the guy filet it, then he charged me extra from what he said it would be. On the way to the malecon you walk past a half dozen hole in the wall restaurants, with guys outside trying to get you to come in. They all seem about the same, but good relatively cheap seafood. Many people from the cruise ships eat there. I wonder if anyone has a favorite place to eat in that immediate area that stands out from the rest. you are correct the lot entrance is at the lighthouse, then you're just steps away from Muelle tres....it's very good

Quote: Originally posted by wilderone

I haven't been in many years, but I would hope it's still there ... coming into the main drag, on your left, there is a fast food place - Burger King or something like that. At that corner turn left and look on the left side of the street about maybe 5 ? blocks down for the small Ahumada shop - smoked fish. It's open early and not much left by noon, but it's so nice to have along on a camping trip. With a cold pinot grigio. And a sunset view. I sure miss Baja.

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca

For an alternative, PAMPAS Brazilian restaurant is all you can eat meat. This style restaurant is known for their salads but this was not my experience at this place - but the meat and the dessert are really good! El Yaqui is a really good taco stand- but I bet you know that one. and the best filet mignon steak with mushroom sauce is at LAS BUGAMBILIAS retaurant at the El Cortez hotel. Tell us and show us when you go for those of us so far away!