One can easily get hungry just thinking of going to Rocky Point Mexico. “Eat, drink, and be merry.” This zest for life is mentioned in The Holy Bible. However, it is also the mindset and page 1 of the playbook for enjoying visits to Puerto Peñasco. So, having said that, what’s on the menu here is a look at places to eat while you stay at the Sun. Each of these Sonoran Sun nearby restaurants we will mention are along beautiful Sandy Beach within a 5-minute drive.
Restaurant at Sonoran Sun Resort
Emiliano’s: Technically speaking, this is not one of the Sonoran Sun Resort nearby restaurants. Yet, that is strictly because Emiliano’s is in fact the restaurant/bar on site. You will find Emiliano’s restaurant on the ground level of the main zocalo area of the resort between the two condominium towers. This establishment is the same owner of the Sonoran Sun swim-up pool bar which serves food and cocktails during the afternoons and early evening hours. Emiliano’s is not the “go to’ restaurant for most of the Sonoran Sun condo owners I know. However, you can of course make your own decision.
Restaurants Near the Sonoran Sun – to the west
This section of places to eat features those on the way to Cholla Bay. While you cannot physically see them from your balcony, you can see the abandoned cruise dock to your right. Nonetheless, this gives you the distance of the Sonoran Sun Resort nearby restaurants going west. All are well within walking distance on Sandy Beach if you are up for getting the most out of your visit.
Diego’s Tiki Bar: This option may be shorter to walk than drive. That’s because Diego’s Tiki Bar is located on the beach in front of Esmeralda next to the Sonoran Sun Resort. It offers a spectacular view of the Sea of Cortez. The tiki bar provides protection from the sun and heat being covered by a roof and having plenty of ceiling fans to support any sea breeze.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes an array of seafood dishes, healthy choices, and appetizers. Meantime, the bar has cold beer, a variety of cocktails with tequila, rum, and more. They have added live music to an already good atmosphere.
One closing point about Diego’s Tiki Bar is about cost. This is a venue with tourist pricing. One way or another, you pay for the beautiful view and truly beachfront location.
St. Nick’s Irish Pub: This is also located next door at the Esmeralda. However, St. Nick’s Irish Pub is on the street in front of the resort, not on the beach side. Don’t worry. It is not all corned beef and cabbage here. This is a pub which touts its cold beer and pizza. Live music on weekends.
Beyond Esmeralda Resort
Wrecked at the Reef: The biggest restaurant bar on Sandy Beach is Wrecked at the Reef. Yes, it serves food all day long. However, this is really a popular place with tourists because of its beachfront vibe, not its menu. It offers both an indoor and outdoor setting with seating, bars, and stages for live music inside and out. Wrecked at the Reef provides you with opportunities to have a cold drink in hand with your feet in the sand. You can enjoy views of the sea, sunsets, and even stars at night.
Mare Blu: This is a fine dining experience which shares parking facilities with Wrecked at the Reef. And like their neighbor, the Mare Blu Ristorante also offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Think of enjoying great food along with great views. The menu specializes in some delicious Italian and seafood dishes. Reservations are recommended. Mare Blu is open for dinner daily from 4:00 to 10:30 p.m.
Restaurants Near the Sonoran Sun – to the east
You will find more Sonoran Sun nearby restaurants in this direction. These are the ones you will pass after you go through the roundabout and drive up the hill toward the Sonoran Sun. Let’s get cooking with this side because you might be getting hungry.
Garufa: This is a fine dining establishment you will pass on your way to the Sonoran Sun Resort. The Garufa Steakhouse is an Argentinian restaurant. Obviously, the steaks are good. However, the menu also includes tasty seafood dishes and options for vegetarians as well. It is an upscale ambience with a lengthy wine list and popular cocktail options such as blueberry mojitos. The Garufa Steakhouse opens daily at 2:00 p.m.
Banditos: Owned by musician Roger Clyne and named after one of his popular songs. This cantina features lots of live music and his Mexican Moonshine tequila. Meanwhile, the menu includes tasty tacos, burritos, burgers, and appetizers.
Chango’s: The challenge for Chango’s is being close neighbors with Garufa and Bandito’s. This restaurant/bar features more seafood, plus cold beers and televisions for watching sports. Chango’s has a pool in the summer and live music on the weekends.
Jalapeno & Tequila: Truth be told here. This is the only one of the Sonoran Sun nearby restaurants I know nothing about. Yet, I pass this place all the time because it is just a football field east of the three restaurants mentioned above. However, I not been inside. I do know it was a salad place and a pharmacy in previous tries at this location.
Inside Other Resorts
Swim: Don’t be fooled by Swim being the restaurant/bar at the Bella Sirena Resort pool. The menu provides Mexican and American choices. Some say the food is too good for a pool setting. The Swim Poolside Lounge and Grill has a beautiful layout and friendly staff. However, keep in mind this is not a true beachfront location when you can relax and watch the waves come and go. If you are heading to Swim, you will have to get permission from the security team. Just let them know you are going to the restaurant. The kitchen is open from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. every day but Wednesdays.
Ramon’s: This is a traditional fine dining restaurant with a menu of seafood and steaks, Mexican and international dishes. Ramon’s is located on the ground floor inside the Sonoran Sea Resort. It also caters to those with vegan and gluten-free diets. You will have to go through the security here.
Sonoran Grill: This is a small restaurant/bar which is popular with many Americans who are residents or regulars in Puerto Peñasco. The Sonoran Grill is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday starting at 3:00 p.m. You will find the Sonoran Grill menu with choices from Surf and Turf to Prime Rib and tasty burgers, too. It is located inside the Sonoran Spa Resort right next door to Ramon’s.
Colin’s Cantina: Meantime, this final spot is just a little further east than the others listed above. Colin’s Cantina is located inside the Princesa. It is a friendly little bar and restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You will find a menu with both Mexican and American dishes at Colin’s Cantina. In addition, there is also some outdoor seating and in the morning hours it is in the shade.
Getting there
However spontaneous I am, perhaps a part of me is also a creature of habit. I say this because personally, I like to walk to the Sonoran Sun nearby restaurants to the west. Meantime, I always drive to the ones to the east. Nonetheless, this concludes my guidance. For what it’s worth. Enjoy!