Coffee, Bakery, Breakfast, Juice

BEST BREAKFAST

PANCHO’S

They say the key to a restaurant’s success starts with location, location, location, and if that’s true, then Pancho’s has it made. From its perch on the sand literally a few feet from the softly breaking waves in front of Deer Island, dining rooms on two levels look out over a postcard-perfect scenario. The popularity of this Zona Dorada favorite extends though every meal, morning to night, but you-all chose breakfast as the winner. Maybe because it’s an easy stop after a relaxing/energetic walk or jog on the long stretch of beach right out front. Or perhaps it’s the big friendly menu, full of familiar and Mexican-style dishes, fresh-squeezed juices and “paquetes” for the hearty eater. It could be the attentive service-with-a-smile, or the house special, fruit-infused tequila - oops, that’s for later in the day! Whatever the case, you owe it to yourself to check it out some morning soon. -TD

BEST COFFEE

RICO’S

Personally, I like to start my day – every day – with a rich, steamy-hot cup of coffee. There’s just something decadent about it. When I moved here, I was leery of what I would find. Oh happy day when I was directed to Rico’s in the Golden Zone, where they roast their own beans, make consistently fantastic espresso drinks and offer a full menu of baked goods, bagels and actual breakfasts! One can surf the net, people-watch, study or read, in comfy sitting areas inside or outside on the patio. Ahh, but the coffee, the coffee…I guess I’m a little addicted. And I guess I’m a coffee-snob, too. Whatever. I like my coffee, and I like my coffee strong. Hence, to Rico’s, either the original café in the GZ or now, in the marina near the Pemex, at the Seafarer Restaurant and also in El Cid.

BEST JUICE

PURA VIDA

There will come a point when you just can’t drink another beer (yes, it’s true) and that’s when you’ll be glad you know about Pura Vida. With almost 75 kinds of juice blends, smoothies and lemonades, this health food restaurant has the answer to all your hydration needs. Stick with the tried-and-true fruit or veggie standbys (orange, carrot, grapefruit, pineapple) or be adventurous and try something new, like the Supernatural (carrot, beet, apple, celery, spinach, parsley), a Dinamita (mango, orange, prunes and wheat germ) or a Spirupina (pineapple, celery, spinach, spirulina). Two locations, in Centro next to the Plaza Machado and in the Golden Zone, are open night and day to satisfy all your healthy cravings, and they deliver, too. -TD

BEST BAKERY

PANAMA

We all love bakeries; they’re special places that make us feel special. (I even like to walk past them just because they smell so great.) Here in Mazatlán - and actually throughout Mexico - Panama Pasteleria takes the cake (pun intended) in the Best Bakery category. Just a glance in the window reveals shelves full of the prettiest, best decorated and tastiest cakes to be found, as well as a host of other pastries, pies and cookies. A visit here is easily one of the most pleasant ways to break one’s diet. My favorite treat is the Carrot Cake, a moist, rich taste sensation, each slice adorned with its own perky carrot done in orange and green frosting, sort of like the cherry-on-the-sundae deal. Got a special occasion? Panama will create by hand your photo or design onto the top of any size cake for a small extra charge. Multiple locations are scattered all over town, and there’s usually a line out the door. -ML