Barra Vieja is a small community of about 400 to 600 people on the south side of Acapulco about 40 minutes by car in traffic. You just follow the signs out of Acapulco called Tres Vidas to get there. Once you pass Tres Vidas Golf course it is about 10 minutes from there. There are about 36 restaurants of different sizes and shapes. You should drive up and down a few times to choose the restaurant that fit your needs. Once you get directly into Barra the Restaurants are next to the beach road and not the highway so drive in and drive up and down, but drive carefully not to drive into the sand.

They all cook about the same food so you should look for one that looks good to you. There are some very large restaurants and expensive ones with credit cards , two or three, and then there are the small family owned restaurants. There is a small hotel with about 15 rooms which you can stay at and they have a beautiful garden and phone service. No signs so just ask where is the hotel. Hotel Catrinida near Blanca Iris Restaurant Phone is -444-6005 and 06. 

There are a number of public phones but you need a phone card. Remember to buy your phone card before you come out so you can contact your family. Not all cellular phones work out here so have your phone card too. This community’s business is mostly people from Mexico City who are looking to get away from the high prices in Acapulco.

It has in my opinion the most natural food and restaurants in Acapulco because they are completely outside and on the beach. They cook the food in open fires which make the taste extremely fresh and natural. You can drive your car right up to the beach and park under the shade. You cannot get that in Acapulco.

You can fish on the beach or rent a boat and fish or take a guided tour of the Tres Palos Lagoon. It is a bird’s watchers heaven if you are a bird watcher? Also, you can ride a horse to the river mouth and see more birds and they walk right up to you. They have life guards on the beach, but remember this is open ocean here so be careful when you swim in the ocean do not do it alone. All the restaurants have swimming pools so you can swim in the pool to cool down.

Here is an ad for a restaurant here. (" I prefer not to name a restaurant because I am just trying to help the community here and not any particular business.") The fish have a exquisite flavor and size, you can choose the size of the fish, shrimps with garlic, {"all types of sea food, just ask to see what they have that day I think that is the best plan,") natural or to the pleasure [sopes], [quesadillas], octopus, do you love lobster, cook in their shell or in a soup style. It doesn’t hurt to ask how they are going to cook it or cut the fish or what in, or go look at the stove. They like to put a lot of salt on the fish so if you do not like salt tell them. You may have their shellfish and fillets too. I think it helps to know a lot about sea food too I personally do not so I have to take what I get.

"My advice is to ask to see the food before they cook it so you get the correct amount, but I am sure they know more about it then you will so take their advice if they give it." But they like to over cook food too so if you like rare food you must express that to them. Also, they usually have one person in the restaurant that knows some English.

Barra Vieja is truly Mexican and does not have the city atmosphere which you get in Acapulco. I believe it is a must place to visit and one should spend at least one day here or more. Here is a typical menu for you to look at.

HUNCHINANGO P/PZA

ROBALO P/PZA

CAMARONES AL GUSTO(12) 70.00

CAM. ALMOJO O ADOBADO (12) 70.00

CAM ENCALDO O COCKTEL (12) 60.00

CAM. EMPANIZADOS (12) 70.00

CAM. AL"SOL Y MAR" (12) 70.00

QUEZADILLAS DE QUESO (4) 20.00

QUEZADILLAS DE CAZON (4) 20.00

SOPES (6) 20.00

CERVEZAS 10.00

CORONA 12.00

MODELO 12.00

NEGRA MODELO 12.00

REFRESOCO 7.00

LIMONADA 25.00

MICHELADA 20.00

COCOS NATURALES 8.00

COSOS PREPARADOS 25.00

PILETE (EMPANIZADO, RELLENO) 60.00

PULPO (ENAMORADO, ADOBA DO, ALMOJO) 70.00

They make their own tortillas and sauce so it is always fresh [molcajete]. They have one or two pools for children and adults, hammocks and seats on the beach, and service on the beach if you like, but then you have to deal with the sun. It is better to stay in the shaded area. They have pool tables and other toys at some of the larger places.

You can call me at (52) (7) 444-6073 or send me e-mail   ( gwatersusa@yahoo.com ) for help. Or visit my WebSite at http://greghenrywaters.com   If you would like me to pick you up at your hotel I could arrange for transportation for you!

Barra Vieja is a community for lunch or supper they are open from about 11 in the morning till 8 p.m.. For me it is a great part of Acapulco and every tourist should spend some time here. Thanks, Greg Waters