BajaNomad

Need Ensenada/ Valle Guadalupe suggestions

Curt63 - 9-16-2013 at 01:36 PM

Hola Nomads,

My wife and I are heading down in a couple weeks to celebrate my 50th birthday. We have 4 days in Ensenada/San Quintin.

I was hoping to get your suggestions for some good times:

Specifically:

An excellent winery in Valle Guadalupe with a great restaurant and superior lodging (view?)

Excellent hotel in Ensenada central

Ensenada restaurant with live music (Mariachi, Romantico)

Great seafood restaurants

A good Pangero/ Lanchero out of Ensenada harbor

Things to do around Ensenada

Any other suggestions you may have.

Thanks, Curt

DENNIS - 9-16-2013 at 01:51 PM

Happy birthday , old man.................Let me try just a few of your questions:
Quote:

An excellent winery in Valle Guadalupe with a great restaurant and superior lodging (view?)


It's said that LAJA is a superior restaurant
Quote:

Excellent hotel in Ensenada central

Not quite ground-zero, but Hotel Coral and Las Rosas are up to what you're looking for.
Quote:

A good Pangero/ Lanchero out of Ensenada harbor


Punta Banda:

http://www.vonnysfleet.com.mx/


Best I can do on short notice.




.



[Edited on 9-16-2013 by DENNIS]

dasubergeek - 9-16-2013 at 01:56 PM

La Villa del Valle for the wine and hotel and its farm-to-table restaurant, Corazón de Tierra.

Hotel Coral y Marina for your stay in Ensenada—not central city but most of the places in Central City are two-star at best.

Can't help on the romántica music.

Muelle Tres (for casual) or Manzanilla for seafood restaurant—unless you want a street stand, in which case La Guerrerense, Mariscos El Güero and Mariscos El Pizón.

DENNIS - 9-16-2013 at 02:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dasubergeek

Can't help on the romántica music.




I was gonna mention the jukebox in Anthony's, but forgot. :lol:

EnsenadaDr - 9-16-2013 at 02:10 PM

Hopefully you aren't going on the last week of September, it's the annual bicycle ride from Rosarito to Ensenada and the hotels will be jam packed and so will the streets and restaurants. Next week is the Ensenada Seafood fest, going to busy as well.
Quote:
Originally posted by Curt63
Hola Nomads,

My wife and I are heading down in a couple weeks to celebrate my 50th birthday. We have 4 days in Ensenada/San Quintin.

I was hoping to get your suggestions for some good times:

Specifically:

An excellent winery in Valle Guadalupe with a great restaurant and superior lodging (view?)

Excellent hotel in Ensenada central

Ensenada restaurant with live music (Mariachi, Romantico)

Great seafood restaurants

A good Pangero/ Lanchero out of Ensenada harbor

Things to do around Ensenada

Any other suggestions you may have.

Thanks, Curt

bajaguy - 9-16-2013 at 02:11 PM

Wine country Hotel/B&B/restaurant/winery try Villa del Valle

http://www.lavilladelvalle.com/

Downtown hotel........try El Cid http://www.hotelelcid.com.mx/

If you want oceanfront try:

Las Rosas
http://lasrosas.com/

Hotel Punta Moro
http://www.hotelpuntamorro.com/

Hotel Coral
http://www.hotelcoral.com/

Seafood restaurant......hands down, Muelle Tres:
http://www.muelletres.com/

Fishing:

Vonny is not in Ensenada harbor, but in JaJolla, Punta Banda. Don't know anyone in the harbor, but walk around the Malecon and you will find several, or ask David at Muelle Tres.

Things to do around Ensenada...........Come on out to the Baja Country Club and I'll buy you a Pacifico

Also may want to visit Estero Beach Resort just for grins

Go by and visit Dennis :lol:

[Edited on 9-16-2013 by bajaguy]

EnsenadaDr - 9-16-2013 at 02:15 PM

Ensenada Sportfishing Charters that leaves out of Hotel Coral. Join their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/oceanadventures1?fref=ts
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Wine country Hotel/B&B/restaurant/winery try Villa del Valle

http://www.lavilladelvalle.com/

Downtown hotel........try El Cid http://www.hotelelcid.com.mx/

If you want oceanfront try:

Las Rosas
http://lasrosas.com/

Hotel Punta Moro
http://www.hotelpuntamorro.com/

Hotel Coral
http://www.hotelcoral.com/

Seafood restaurant......hands down, Muelle Tres:
http://www.muelletres.com/

Fishing:

Vonny is not in Ensenada harbor, but in JaJolla, Punta Banda. Don't know anyone in the harbor, but walk around the Malecon and you will find several, or ask David at Muelle Tres.

Things to do around Ensenada...........Come on out to the Baja Country Club and I'll buy you a Pacifico

Also may want to visit Estero Beach Resort just for grins

Go by and visit Dennis :lol:

[Edited on 9-16-2013 by bajaguy]

Bajahowodd - 9-16-2013 at 04:03 PM

My two cents. We've stayed innumerable times in Ensenada over the past three decades. If you are looking for a destination spot, even though it's far away from central, Estero Beach is wonderful, including a good restaurant.

If central is your goal, I'd recommend the Rey Sol, just a block from El Cid, but with more convenient parking.

Our personal fave has become The San Nicolas Hotel, several blocks away from central. In the past few years, the owner Nico Saad, an Olympic swimmer, has undertaken major renovations. It is quiet and has secured, guarded parking. There is a full blown Caliente Casino within the building. It has a very good restaurant. And Nico just this year re-imagined what I believe to be the absolute largest pool in the region. And a very good steak joint is just a block away.

And finally, I concur that Muelle Tres should be given major consideration.

bajaguy - 9-16-2013 at 04:36 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd

"...... And a very good steak joint is just a block away.





Bronco's...???? You gotta be kidding me. Bronco's is a Sizzler in a different shirt.

If you want steak in Ensenada, there is only one place...... Sano's

EnsenadaDr - 9-16-2013 at 04:45 PM

You know I walked into that place once, because it looked like a steak house. I asked them about a good cut of steak, and they pointed to the buffet where there was some type of carne asada marinating in tomato and onion sauce; they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Anyone have a good steak there?
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd

"...... And a very good steak joint is just a block away.





Bronco's...???? You gotta be kidding me. Bronco's is a Sizzler in a different shirt.

If you want steak in Ensenada, there is only one place...... Sano's

willardguy - 9-16-2013 at 05:07 PM

its a cool looking place but yeah, no bueno!

DENNIS - 9-16-2013 at 05:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
its a cool looking place but yeah, no bueno!


Which place is no good....Bronco's or Sano's?

EnsenadaDr - 9-16-2013 at 05:24 PM

Come on Dennis, stop playing possum.
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
its a cool looking place but yeah, no bueno!


Which place is no good....Bronco's or Sano's?

Santiago - 9-16-2013 at 05:47 PM

Try Hotel Hacienda Guadalupe, get a room on the second floor. Each room has a balcony that over looks the valley. Laja for dinner. Sano's for sure one night. http://www.haciendaguadalupehotel.com/

MMc - 9-16-2013 at 06:40 PM

For the valley Corazon de Tierra has food as good as anything I have ever had. We dine as some of the finest places on the west coast regularly.

http://baja.com/blog/tastes-baja-update-culinary-trends/

The last taco stand going north in El Sauzal has great fish and shrimp tacos. Have them for brunch often.

Ophelia's in El Sauzal is nice not over the top but good food and good service. The restaurant at San Miguel is also quite good. I had a place in San Miguel and we will coast by ether one of these places.

In town El Rey Sol just a Ensenada classic.

Fishing Dorado 2 good boat open for anything. We use it for both fishing and surfing. Ask around the doc early, or late in the afternoon.
Vonnie will put you on fish.

Hotel, We like San Nicolas, It has sentimental value to us.

bajaguy - 9-16-2013 at 06:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by willardguy
its a cool looking place but yeah, no bueno!





Yeah, Bronco's looks good from the outside, but I'll pass, thanks........It's Sano's for steaks!!!

bajaguy - 9-16-2013 at 07:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Santiago
Try Hotel Hacienda Guadalupe, get a room on the second floor. Each room has a balcony that over looks the valley. Laja for dinner. Sano's for sure one night. http://www.haciendaguadalupehotel.com/





Been to Laja several times. Food is good, but acoustics suck. If you find laja, go past their driveway about a half mile. On your right is Finca Altozano

http://www.bajaexplorers.com/index.php/features/ensenada/185...

woody with a view - 9-16-2013 at 07:32 PM

look up "it's4reels" on the net. Louie runs a great boat and is the manager of a nice place downtown that will cook your fish up for you.

DENNIS - 9-16-2013 at 07:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Come on Dennis, stop playing possum


Who serves possum? Sano's ....or Bronco's?
Is it good? I've never eaten Marsupial. Do they have Kangaroo?

Isn't it spelled "Opossum?"

woody with a view - 9-16-2013 at 07:44 PM

opossum is the singular of possum!

EnsenadaDr - 9-16-2013 at 08:04 PM

Dennis unless you go you'll never know, and I don't think I will see you walking into Bronco's or Sano's anytime soon, you just love your homemade fish tacos too much!!:fire:
Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Come on Dennis, stop playing possum


Who serves possum? Sano's ....or Bronco's?
Is it good? I've never eaten Marsupial. Do they have Kangaroo?

Isn't it spelled "Opossum?"

OK OK

Bajahowodd - 9-17-2013 at 03:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd

"...... And a very good steak joint is just a block away.





Bronco's...???? You gotta be kidding me. Bronco's is a Sizzler in a different shirt.

If you want steak in Ensenada, there is only one place...... Sano's


Never eaten at Broncos. Had a friend recommend it. I only mentioned it because it was within a short walk of the Hotel San Nicolas.

On a different note, years ago, we enjoyed dinner at Las Cazuelas, which also appeared popular at dinner time. In recent years, it has been a ghost town at dinner. Anyone that can enlighten me as to what happened? Thanks.

La Villa del Valle

tripledigitken - 9-17-2013 at 04:12 PM

At the very least, go to this property and visit their winery, hotel, and have an extraordinary lunch.




hotel lobby









view of pool from the hotel




restaurant overlooking their vegetable garden


EnsenadaDr - 9-17-2013 at 04:18 PM

Very simple...they had filled up on Tutti's donuts next door. No, I think it was the higher prices and the food is so so. Plus Mr. Pampas all you can eat steak is nearby. BTW, I found reviews on Bronco's Steakhouse on Trip Advisor you might find interesting. Just as I remember, FLANK steak in some type of sauce.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g150770-d173112...
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd

"...... And a very good steak joint is just a block away.





Bronco's...???? You gotta be kidding me. Bronco's is a Sizzler in a different shirt.

If you want steak in Ensenada, there is only one place...... Sano's


Never eaten at Broncos. Had a friend recommend it. I only mentioned it because it was within a short walk of the Hotel San Nicolas.

On a different note, years ago, we enjoyed dinner at Las Cazuelas, which also appeared popular at dinner time. In recent years, it has been a ghost town at dinner. Anyone that can enlighten me as to what happened? Thanks.


[Edited on 9-17-2013 by EnsenadaDr]

[Edited on 9-17-2013 by EnsenadaDr]

bajaguy - 9-17-2013 at 04:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Mr. Pampas all you can eat steak is nearby.
[Edited on 9-17-2013 by EnsenadaDr]





Pampas is OK if you don't have high blood pressure. Be careful of sodium content of the meats. An OK salad and fruit bar also.

Again, if you want steak, it's Sanos

Las Cazuelas

bajaguy - 9-17-2013 at 05:03 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
On a different note, years ago, we enjoyed dinner at Las Cazuelas, which also appeared popular at dinner time. In recent years, it has been a ghost town at dinner. Anyone that can enlighten me as to what happened? Thanks.





Las Cazuelas has three places in town. One is a buffet on the Costero just south of Anthony's, same side of the street. Can't give you a report, never had a meal there.

Another is on Sanguines, just east of the Navy base, next to Donas Tutti.... The place is clean and have had fairly good breakfasts in the past. Never had lunch or dinner there.

Third location is also on Sanguines, across from the other Las Cazuelas. This location is known as Las Cazuelas Kiki, think owned by a son. It's former location was behind the GM dealership. Nice place, clean, good inexpensive breakfasts and lunches, closed for dinner.

[Edited on 9-18-2013 by bajaguy]

EnsenadaDr - 9-17-2013 at 05:03 PM

Quote:
Can't disagree with you there. Sano's is class and first rate steak all the way, even by American standards.[]Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Mr. Pampas all you can eat steak is nearby.
[Edited on 9-17-2013 by EnsenadaDr]





Pampas is OK if you don't have high blood pressure. Be careful of sodium content of the meats. An OK salad and fruit bar also.

Again, if you want steak, it's Sanos

Curt63 - 9-17-2013 at 07:55 PM

Wow! Thanks for all the great information.

Martyman - 9-18-2013 at 03:33 PM

Monte Fiori was our favorite winery.

Bajahowodd - 9-19-2013 at 04:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
On a different note, years ago, we enjoyed dinner at Las Cazuelas, which also appeared popular at dinner time. In recent years, it has been a ghost town at dinner. Anyone that can enlighten me as to what happened? Thanks.


The original location is on the South side of Sanguines next to the donut shop.

My understanding is that while they may have opened the place near Anthony's, they have no interest in it and have not for years.

As for the Kikis place, I have no idea, but the name Las Cazuelas is not something one can copyright. There's a family operated restaurant in Guerrero Negro that has no connections to the one on Sanguines.

The original has been around for decades and has been a fave for the Baja race folks.




Las Cazuelas has three places in town. One is a buffet on the Costero just south of Anthony's, same side of the street. Can't give you a report, never had a meal there.

Another is on Sanguines, just east of the Navy base, next to Donas Tutti.... The place is clean and have had fairly good breakfasts in the past. Never had lunch or dinner there.

Third location is also on Sanguines, across from the other Las Cazuelas. This location is known as Las Cazuelas Kiki, think owned by a son. It's former location was behind the GM dealership. Nice place, clean, good inexpensive breakfasts and lunches, closed for dinner.

[Edited on 9-18-2013 by bajaguy]