($$$) During the day, Bandido's takes advantage of its location directly across from the Artisan's Market to offer a sampling of traditional Mexican food and refreshing beers and cocktails to passersby. At night, they ramp it up with live music by some of the best local and imported bands featuring popular Mexican music, standard Cuban salsa favorites, and the occasional jazz tune. The waiters can double as dance partners and, many nights, you'll find locals celebrating special occasions here and welcoming you to join la fiesta.

don't miss: the bartenders make a brisk mojito, a mean margarita, and can serve up just about any cocktail you order with their broad bar selection.

just the facts, ma'am: open from 11am - 2am, 7 days a week during high season (closed on Sundays during green season). With close proximity to where most cruise ship passengers disembark, there can be quite a lunch time crowd on cruise ship days. Live music often doesn't start until 11:30 so plan to meet up for cocktails somewhere else if you don't want to pay "live music" prices beforehand. Credit cards are accepted with a 400 peso minimum.

meet me @: Bandido's is easy to find at the edge of Zihua Centro on Cinco de Mayo, next to the Catholic Church and across from the Artisan Market (not to be confused with the central Mercado).

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($$) If you hear "the song of the mermaids" you must be up really late! El Canto de la Sirena is Zihua's live music after hours club where the action often doesn't start until most other clubs have closed. Owner Jose Luis Cobo starts his set of storytelling songs around 10 pm and other musicians wander in on their nights of or after their other gigs have ended. El Canto is one of those places who's nightly ambience depends greatly on both the patrons and the musical acts that happen to stop by. Some nights the hours slowly drift by but when the right mix of people show up, there is a powerful mix of dancing, singing, and drinking until dawn. Half the fun of going to El Canto de la Sirena is not knowing who will be there, what will happen, or if the sun will be up before you head home the next morning.

don't miss: the spontaneity of El Canto de la Sirena. The club may be the closest thing Zihua has to an "underground music club" - except that it is on the second floor!

meet me @: El Canto de la Sirena is on Heroico Colegio Militar in Colonia Industrial, next to the main bus station. Look for the magazine stand on the corner and it is across the street on the second floor.

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($$$) Because Zihuatanejo is a fishing village, there are numerous seafood restaurants to choose from, but Jarocho is unique in that it is Vera Cruzana seafood. The beautiful architecture with exposed wood and Segusino furniture provides a lovely setting for this casual dining experience. (All furniture and artwork is for sale at Segusino, listed in our shopping section.) The menu includes a wide variety of seafood, steaks and paella on Sundays.

don't miss: the seafood conchas (on the shell) is a rich appetizer and a great way to start the meal. The fish filet with lemon and capers is delicious.

just the facts, ma'am: Jarocho is open daily except Mondays for lunch and dinner 2 to 11 pm. Choose between indoor and outdoor seating. Large groups welcome.

meet me @: Jarocho is located at H. Galeana, #15, on the corner of Nicolas Bravo, just down from Cinema Paraiso (where the former favorite Gondwana used to be).

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($$$) La Malinche in Ixtapa is a lovely, relaxing setting for a nice meal. They serve a variety of traditional Mexican food for prices that are moderate for Ixtapa standards.

don't miss: a trio of salsas is served with tortilla chips while you wait for your meal. The tomato salsa is fabulous, and the others are delish as well. The tortilla soup is served with the customary condiments of avocado, crumbly cheese, chilis and sour cream, and is a tasty light meal or appetizer.

just the facts, ma'am: La Malinche is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from 8 am until midnight. Happy hour (two for one beers and margaritas) is from noon until 5 pm.

meet me @: La Malinche is located in the Ixtapa Plaza, Anador Punta Potosi # 17, behind Señor Frog’s.

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($$) La Playa Bar is a popular meeting place for young locals who want an unpretentious, laid back spot to begin or end their night on the town. There are a few couches in the back in addition to plenty of bar stools up front. There are typically surf videos playing on the television and the regulars command the main bar until after many other Zihua spots close.

don't miss: the vodka martini served in a chilled glass will transport you to a New York hipster lounge. Really, they're that good.

just the facts, ma'am: La Playa is open from dusk until 2am and can be particularly lively during holidays and major sporting events.

meet me @: Nicholas Bravo #39 in Zihua Centro.

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($$) Conveniently located in Zihuatanejo Centro, Paccolo's Restaurant provides a full menu of Italian-influenced food. A variety of different salads, pasta dishes and pizzas are available, as well as grilled steaks, chicken and ribs. There is live music every night during high season and on Saturdays and Sundays during green season.

don't miss: the shrimp-stuffed avocado is a delicious starter and the pepper steak is always tender and melts in the mouth. Save room so you can finish off the meal with a flambé dessert.

just the facts, ma'am: open daily for lunch and dinner. Live music can make conversations difficult at times so plan accordingly.

meet me @: Paccolo’s is located on Nicolas Bravo #22 in the Centro district of Zihuatanejo.

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