1. THIRSTY COUGAR SEASIDE BOOZERY & KITCHEN
The Thirsty Cougar Seaside Boozery & Kitchen is among our favorite go-to’s on the island for many reasons. It is a fun laid-back atmosphere on a busy oceanfront corner. The view from the street corner is unlike any other. It offers people watching, endless ocean activity viewing, along with great music playing in the background. To sum it up, it's just a really cool vibe.
Live local music on the corner is common here. Great bands will usually set up around 8PM. Along with the live music, it is a hotspot for the island's best street performers.
It is an easy 12 minute oceanfront walk, or a short bike ride from Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil.
2. MINGO'S PLACE
This is our NEW favorite! The food, service & atmosphere are outstanding, and the prices are a pleasant surprise! Unbelievable steaks, hamburgers, tuna, cocktails, etc, etc. There is no signage on the building, a 'Speakeasy' sorta feel, and upon entering you are immediately greeted by Mingo himself or a family member. The quaint establishment was built around their home and best of all...it is a short 2 block walk from Casa Graciela! You absolutely do not want to miss this one!
3. PORTOSAL
We like to call Portosal our go-to “downstairs oceanfront restaurant”. We love sitting at the bar or at a table on the water’s edge enjoying premium cocktails & dinner watching some of the most amazing sunsets the island has to offer. Dinner comes with their incredible fresh baked bread! They have a great pizza selection as well. Service has always been excellent. They will even cook your fresh catch! Basically downstairs from Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil.
4. HEMMINGWAY RESTAURANT
Hemingway's offers some of the best oceanfront sunsets on the island with the way the sun sets over the tide pools which come up to the edge of the restaurant. We have captured some of our best sunset photos from this special location. They offer comfortable seating options and excellent guacamole served in a parmesan shell! There is great swimming & snorkeling right along the shoreline. They are a 28 minute oceanfront walk, bike or taxi from Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil.
5. ROCK-N-JAVA COZUMEL BAR & GRILL
The Rock 'n Java Restaurant has an extensive breakfast menu as well as amazing salads and sandwiches. Their lattes and homemade breads and muffins are pretty delicious as well. This is our go-to breakfast spot. It's a super convenient short 2 minute oceanfront walk from Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil.
6. GUIDO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Guidos Italian Restaurant arguably has the best pizza, anywhere! Classic, seasonal Italian cuisine with a laid-back vibe, nice garden atmosphere and good wine selection. They serve homemade sangria. An easy 20 minute oceanfront walk, bike or taxi from Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil.
7. COZUMEL DREAMING SUSHI
If you are looking for fresh sushi, look no further than Cozumel Dreaming. Personal friends of ours own this quaint local restaurant. An a la carte menu is available along with an AYCE option for 420 Pesos. They are conveniently located near the town square. Cozumel Dreaming is a 20 minute walk or short bike ride from Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil. Please note that this establishment is cash only.
8. ALBERTO'S BEACH RESTAURANT
Alberto's Beach Restaurant's claim to fame: best lobster tail. Guess what? It is the best lobster tail we’ve had on the island! They claim to have their own boats that bring in the fresh lobster daily, and this is quite believable. Alberto's also has beach volleyball, corn hole, ping pong tables, a stripper pole, and live music on specific nights. This oceanfront gem is definitely worth a visit. From Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil, it is a 51 minute bike ride south along the bike path, or you can taxi.
9. BUCCANOS BEACH CLUB
Buccanos Beach Club is an upper class oceanfront beach club with great food & atmosphere during the day; more formal ambience at night with an excellent menu. Their Sunday brunches are amazing, reservations recommended. It is a 20 minute bike ride North, or taxi from Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil.
10. THE MONEY BAR BEACH CLUB
The “World Famous” Money Bar Beach Club offers daily happy hour specials, live music Thursdays-Sundays, amazing sunsets, and a chill oceanfront vibe. Enjoy an extensive and family-friendly American and Mexican menu. An 18 minute bike ride south, or taxi from Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil.
11. SUNSET RESTAURANT/BAR
Sunset Restaurant/Bar boasts great happy hours twice a day, amazing sunsets, and live music most afternoons and evenings. Although we have only tried their pizza and nachos, they were great. We love to take an evening oceanfront bike ride for their happy hour and live music. Beach massages are available. Water activities are offered right from the beach club. They are a 28 minute oceanfront walk south, bike or taxi from Casa Graciela Cozumel at El Cantil.
