I frequent Latitude and have been puzzled why there are not more people going there. It's a great looking place, spacious inside, with a large palapa covered ocean view deck outside. Long bar and lots of tables. Lots of large screen TVs and all the sporting events. The mexican food is as good as you will find it here so are the burgers. Cold beer, super Margs and decent wine. The waitresses are all super. Had a long visit with Mike last night about what needs to happen to get the business up. Help us out and take this little survey:
Do you know where Latitude is located?
Have you ever visited Latitude?
If so , was it a good experience and why?
If not good what happened?
I visit Penasco about ____ times a year.
I would probably visit Latitude more if ______________________________________
I have known Mike for many years, I like the Lat31, just wish it was near a beach. Been there about 5 times over the last 10 years, Much better than average food and cold beer. Mike is a good guy just wish the location was better. We would usually take my kids to the Playa Bonita, Manny's or JJ's so they could run around on the beach while we had a beer and a snack. I've to Margarita Ville about 5 times over the years while they were open, mainly for the cheap drink specials and a wild crowd. But they had the same problem, the location. For a place to make money, it needs good repeating crowds and a beach location. IMHO. (But Manny's doesn't fit this for some reason) People are fickle and just go to the NEW place now until they find a new place. I would visit the Lat31 if they had more specials, same goes for other places. RP does need some more competition among the bars for them to stand out. There are so many doing the status quo and complaining about the lack of business. Off my soap box.
I know where it is at but have never visited it I go to RP about 12 times a year. I don't find it appealing from the outside building does not look inviting. They never advertise and I have no idea what type of food or specials they have.
Roberto-I have often thought the same thing. Their Cheeseburger in Paradise is one of the best. The huevos rancheros for breakfast is very good. Never had a bad meal there. The place is always very clean. Bryan's is not on the beach but packs the house. Is it the specials?
Know where it is but have never visited; have no idea what their menu or pricing is or when they're open (a sign by the road would help with that). We would probably try it out if we knew they had reasonable kids specials or some type of happy hour specials. Could Mike post a PDF of his menu here?
I frequent Latitude and have been puzzled why there are not more people going there. It's a great looking place, spacious inside, with a large palapa covered ocean view deck outside. Long bar and lots of tables. Lots of large screen TVs and all the sporting events. The mexican food is as good as you will find it here so are the burgers. Cold beer, super Margs and decent wine. The waitresses are all super. Had a long visit with Mike last night about what needs to happen to get the business up. Help us out and take this little survey:
Do you know where Latitude is located? Yes
Have you ever visited Latitude? Yes
If so , was it a good experience and why? Always great. Mike is an awesome host.
If not good what happened?
I visit Penasco about __25__ times a year.
I would probably visit Latitude more if I didn't have to drive in from Cholla. When we go to the boat at Safe we try to get in there. When I go down by myself and there is a fight on its also a great place to go.
Heard of it many times. I know exactly where it is. Unless you've been there before there's nothing that draws your attention there. They need "something". Are their margaritas fabulous? Do they have a great happy hour? Is the food better than the norm?
Maybe do a Man versus Food type plate....a few of the Superchimis...( only time I ate there it was a good one)
or do a zzTop plate....finish it and it is free! Then get the TV show guy down for the challenge
I went with my wife. Found the food to be expensive and watched other people walk out after looking at the prices. Food was good but a little on the expensive side. I also think that the walk up the stairs or ramp will turn some people off.
Service was good, beer was cold and cheap. They need some good lunch specials to bring people in.
We live here and there are other places to go for a reasonably priced quick bite.
We come to Rocky Point 4-6 times a year for 3-8 weeks at a time. We have eaten at Latitude and love it! The food is great and the service is really friendly. We go whenever we are in town.
I had Thanksgiving dinner there with a local family and we all loved the Turkey with all the trimmings. A very good red wine as well. The price was fine.
Need stronger drinks, cheaper prices, Mike needs not to be so Grumpy and Bar waiters need to be more personal.
Wow are you sure we are talking about the same place. Sounds like Capones you are talking about. Mike is always friendly and very outgoing and he has all waitresses ??
Something about the look of the place always turned me off, not sure why. But after reading about how many people seem to enjoy it, I'm going to stop by for breakfast and give it a try. I go to Max's and La Cita too much and need to branch out a little more.
That's what I thought, Roberto. He must have Latitude mixed up with somewhere else. Mike has always been super nice and so have the waitresses. Mike also helps with charity work. He and his establishment are tops with me!
I like Mike, but he is kinda dour. His bar staff hasn't been very attentive or personable when I've been in there. It can be hot inside. The TVs aren't as good as others in town. The blinds are askew, sort of suggesting overall malaise. And when they're closed, the nice view of the port is gone.
i root for the place, but I usually choose others with friendlier staff, better TVs for sports, and happier owners like Capone's and Boo.
Do you know where Latitude is located? Yes
Have you ever visited Latitude? Yes, once.
If so , was it a good experience and why? OK
If not good what happened? I had wings & the cheeseburger which were good. My wife had the combinacion Mexicana and the chile rellano and the chile was spoiled/had weird smell/taste. We commented to waitress and it was replaced but no apologies or any reduction/offers were made to make up for it. It was late January, so it was offseason, and we are not huge complainers, so I'm willing to assume it was just bad luck that can happen to anyone. I would go back again to give a 2nd chance.
I visit Penasco about 10 times a year.
I would probably visit Latitude more if 1) give something for free that is a draw, like homemade chips & salsa, 2) reduce the menu size to keep the best/most popular dishes (and maybe new ones) to guarantee that ingredients are always fresh. A large menu means ingredients need to be frozen, won't be as fresh and risk spoiling 3) drink and appetizer specials would be great
Mornin everyone, Mike Lat31 here. Thanks for your comments and suggestions. It's hard to reply to each comment so lets put it this way. We have a happy hour every week day, an open sign on the street Various specials ie, Monday a 10 piece order of wings and vegetables $5.00 and $2.00 bottled national beer.We are looking into a hotdog special also for Monday. Also, on Wed. we have a meatloaf dinner for $ 7.50 and$2.00 beers and mixed drinks for $2.50. We just celebrated our 15th year open at the same location. I,m not much on using the computer and so but feel free to stop in and let me here your suggestions . Theres one thing i always say, IF i won't eat it or drink it , i wouldn't serve or expect you to pay for it. PS if you wan't happy hour prices when it's not happy hour, all you have to do is ask. After 15 years you're not gonna break me. Look forward to seeing you.
Mike
I frequent Latitude and have been puzzled why there are not more people going there. It's a great looking place, spacious inside, with a large palapa covered ocean view deck outside. Long bar and lots of tables. Lots of large screen TVs and all the sporting events. The mexican food is as good as you will find it here so are the burgers. Cold beer, super Margs and decent wine. The waitresses are all super. Had a long visit with Mike last night about what needs to happen to get the business up. Help us out and take this little survey:
Do you know where Latitude is located?
Have you ever visited Latitude?
If so , was it a good experience and why?
If not good what happened?
I visit Penasco about ____ times a year.
I would probably visit Latitude more if ______________________________________
Mornin everyone, Mike Lat31 here. Thanks for your comments and suggestions. It's hard to reply to each comment so lets put it this way. We have a happy hour every week day, an open sign on the street Various specials ie, Monday a 10 piece order of wings and vegetables $5.00 and $2.00 bottled national beer.We are looking into a hotdog special also for Monday. Also, on Wed. we have a meatloaf dinner for $ 7.50 and$2.00 beers and mixed drinks for $2.50. We just celebrated our 15th year open at the same location. I,m not much on using the computer and so but feel free to stop in and let me here your suggestions . Theres one thing i always say, IF i won't eat it or drink it , i wouldn't serve or expect you to pay for it. PS if you wan't happy hour prices when it's not happy hour, all you have to do is ask. After 15 years you're not gonna break me. Look forward to seeing you.
Mike
Mark & Kathy here,it was great seeing you this last weekend. We think the Marg there are the best. You're the first place we hit , when we get there..
Do you know where Latitude is located? yes
Have you ever visited Latitude? no
If so , was it a good experience and why?
If not good what happened?
we visit Penasco about __one__ times a year - (last few years have only been once/year, we'll be coming down more in the future)
I would probably visit Latitude more if :_We came down more often
on a side note - we would get off the PDO beach more often if we had a vehicle to drive around - we drive our motorhome down and park it at PDO, so other than hopping a ride with our friends (thanks Bill, Chuck, Joe, +others), or borrowing Ladyjeepers jeep for a store run, we stay on the PDO Mirador beach.
we need to get out more often :)
I have been to Lat31 once a few years ago for my birthday. My wife, kid and my self didn't think it was any thing special. The service was fine but the food wasn't great or even good. I will be back in P.P. In 2 weeks. I will give it another try. I have been wrong in the past.
Do you know where Latitude is located? Absolutely. How can you miss it?
Have you ever visited Latitude? Been there twice but not for a number of years
If so , was it a good experience and why? Great experience. Went because I figured it was the place where I had the best chance of seeing the particular game I was interested in.
If not good what happened?
I visit Penasco about _2-3___ times a year.
I would probably visit Latitude more if _they did something exceptionally well. Back in the day, it was one of the few places to catch games but now I can pretty much see the game I want anywhere (thank you Slingbox). Biggest problem is that I love to cook and absolutely love the ingredients I can get here so we don't eat out very often. For example, I am currently here for 4 days and we will probably only eat out twice: Tacos el Pablano for their tacos al pastor which are the best I've had anywhere and Pollo Lucas which makes an awesome grilled chicken. Other than that I will be do the cooking for us. The seafood and beef I can get here are unbelievable. Lastly, I found Mike to be a great guy. He actually turned me on to Sea Products, a find for which I cannot thank him enough.
Actually, that's a really good question. Always used to go to Cedasa, but found out the last time I was here in May that Cedasa no longer operates that store. It's still a butcher shop, still sells Cedasa product, and will still cut whatever you want to order but the variety isn't what they used to have and the prices weren't as good.
I plan on going back tomorrow to check them out again. problem with most butchers here is that every cut is sliced very thin which is traditional in Mexico. If you want a beautiful 2" thick T-bone, you won't find it precut. Or so I thought ..
Today I went to Bodega Aurrera and Sam's Club. At the bodega, everything was thin-sliced but I bought some beautiful thick NY strips at Sam's Club for about $4.80 per lb (132pesos per kilo).
I'd be interested if anyone else knows of a good butcher in town too.
Actually, that's a really good question. Always used to go to Cedasa, but found out the last time I was here in May that Cedasa no longer operates that store. It's still a butcher shop, still sells Cedasa product, and will still cut whatever you want to order but the variety isn't what they used to have and the prices weren't as good.
I plan on going back tomorrow to check them out again. problem with most butchers here is that every cut is sliced very thin which is traditional in Mexico. If you want a beautiful 2" thick T-bone, you won't find it precut. Or so I thought ..
Today I went to Bodega Aurrera and Sam's Club. At the bodega, everything was thin-sliced but I bought some beautiful thick NY strips at Sam's Club for about $4.80 per lb (132pesos per kilo).
I'd be interested if anyone else knows of a good butcher in town too.
I have bought nice thick steaks at Sams and pork too. They were cut correctly, across the grain of the meat. Cutting is not a big issue with thin steaks but cutting too much with the grain can ruin a fat steak.
OK. So I went home without first writing about my visit to the butcher shop. The place is no longer Cedasa, it's called Carneceria Sonorese. Its on Ocampo near Sinoloa. When I went there, they had the usual low grade cuts but they also had a beautiful T-bone primal for about $6.50/lb (180pesos per kilo) and a really nice looking bone-in ribeye primal for about $5.80/lb. (160 pesos per kilo). I had them cut me a couple of 2" thick T-bones and they were awesome. The shop also has the expected grilling vegetables (onions, peppers, etc.) available as well as fresh tortillas. The place was very clean and you could feel the chill when they opened the coolers. I'll definitely go back next trip down.
I know where Lat31 is and often drive by it. The majority of people who go to RP these days are well informed and have done their research. For me personally there is no way I am going to RP and paying Scottsdale prices. When you check out the Lat31 menu the prices are too steep. A cheese omelette for $7.50? Not happening. A 3 egg cheese omelette with potatoes and English Muffin at Good Egg in Phoenix is $6.50. Lucky's cantina is doing free breakfasts with a drink and the breakfast is superb.
The other thing is you absolutely MUST put the beer prices on the website (2 of the pop up menus on the website do not work) and the happy hour deals. Happy hour or not, a beer on the malecon, with amazing views is $2.00 (Banana Iguana) or $2.50 (everywhere else). The Pointe is fantastic - $2.50 beers, chips and salsa brought straight out and great views. I think people know that RP is not the steal it once was however there is nobody I know that is going to eat or drink out unless they feel like they are getting a deal. If Lat 31 is any higher than the surrounding bars people will not go in end of story. Don't care how nice the owners and bar staff are.
They need a home run menu item on a couple of nights a week. Local beers $2 all day. There is still money being made on a $2 beer esp as people get peckish after a couple. I live in Las conchas and I can tell you most nights Bryans is deserted. On Friday you cannot get a parking spot because of the meat special. Having said this I want all establishments to be successful and will go in next time I am in RP.
It's a shame that the 4-5 big bars/restaurants from 10-20 years ago and new tourista bars are charging $2.75-3 for a beer.
And food prices not much different or more than in the USA.
While the newer places and some of the older places in town use reasonable prices to keep customers loyal.
But you also have to consider the overhead of having a large building to factor in.
But many of these places cater to the Touristas, which most of are and charge accordingly.
Going further into Mexico and staying away from the big tourist places and you will find the prices are even lower.
Recent taco stand example, and not picking on JJ's in Cholla (I love that place, been a loyal customer forever) Carne Asada Tacos $2.00ea that are OK, not much of a selection of sides for it. Service without a smile.
Now 100 feet away is Mr. Fish Taco (not open all the time) Carne Asada tacos cost $1.50 with 2 flour tortillas and lot's of meat, plenty
of sides to choose from, a big step up in taste/quality, and service with a smile. One of the ladies that runs it ran JJ's outside food stand for years.
Then there are the tacos stands in town Tacos Poblano and Tacos Brisas, the tacos cost $1.25ish and another big step up in taste and quality.
And seems like there is always service with a smile.
Off my soap box.
It's a shame that the 4-5 big bars/restaurants from 10-20 years ago and new tourista bars are charging $2.75-3 for a beer.
And food prices not much different or more than in the USA.
While the newer places and some of the older places in town use reasonable prices to keep customers loyal.
But you also have to consider the overhead of having a large building to factor in.
But many of these places cater to the Touristas, which most of are and charge accordingly.
Going further into Mexico and staying away from the big tourist places and you will find the prices are even lower.
Recent taco stand example, and not picking on JJ's in Cholla (I love that place, been a loyal customer forever) Carne Asada Tacos $2.00ea that are OK, not much of a selection of sides for it. Service without a smile.
Now 100 feet away is Mr. Fish Taco (not open all the time) Carne Asada tacos cost $1.50 with 2 flour tortillas and lot's of meat, plenty
of sides to choose from, a big step up in taste/quality, and service with a smile. One of the ladies that runs it ran JJ's outside food stand for years.
Then there are the tacos stands in town Tacos Poblano and Tacos Brisas, the tacos cost $1.25ish and another big step up in taste and quality.
And seems like there is always service with a smile.
Off my soap box.
Brokenwave...if you every are at the Ace in Caborca the taco stands across the tracks are all great.They get the construction trades so the food is being cranked out and fresh
Jerry,
Thanks, another place to try. Always found if the locals eat there it is usually very good. I will try it on my next trip south to Lobos/Desemboque.
We go about 12-14 times per year and always hit latitudes. We go for breakfast a lot and usually a dinner. I find their prices reasonable and mike is great! My husband loves doing tequila shots there!
It's a shame that the 4-5 big bars/restaurants from 10-20 years ago and new tourista bars are charging $2.75-3 for a beer.
And food prices not much different or more than in the USA.
While the newer places and some of the older places in town use reasonable prices to keep customers loyal.
But you also have to consider the overhead of having a large building to factor in.
But many of these places cater to the Touristas, which most of are and charge accordingly.
Going further into Mexico and staying away from the big tourist places and you will find the prices are even lower.
Recent taco stand example, and not picking on JJ's in Cholla (I love that place, been a loyal customer forever) Carne Asada Tacos $2.00ea that are OK, not much of a selection of sides for it. Service without a smile.
Now 100 feet away is Mr. Fish Taco (not open all the time) Carne Asada tacos cost $1.50 with 2 flour tortillas and lot's of meat, plenty
of sides to choose from, a big step up in taste/quality, and service with a smile. One of the ladies that runs it ran JJ's outside food stand for years.
Then there are the tacos stands in town Tacos Poblano and Tacos Brisas, the tacos cost $1.25ish and another big step up in taste and quality.
And seems like there is always service with a smile.
Off my soap box.
I just LOVE Mr. Fish tacos. We get the Shrimp cocktails and take them back to JJ's to eat. Yum,yum!!
Had breakfast at Latitude Sunday for the first time in a while. We had a large group, 16 or so, and both the service and food was great. Mike gave us a discount and was a great host.
If so , was it a good experience and why? It was fine. I didn't have anything to eat, though I would be happy to try it again sometime. Our group is very much about the "authentic" experience, and my first impression was that Latitude was a little more for gringos who are looking for something a little more comfortable and little less Mexican. On the whole, it was clean, reasonably priced, and the internet worked well.
If not good what happened? I was really only there to use the internet, but I bought three beers. I felt like I got a little bit of a dirty look when I asked for the check. Maybe I imagined it.
I visit Penasco about 3 times a year.
I would probably visit Latitude more if they had a dog friendly area and drink specials. But, I think it is fine the way it is and I do plan to visit again.
In the last month, we have been to Latitude 3 times. Food was ok, more gringo than we like but still good. Mike is a real nice guy and is very helpful so I don't know why this place doesn't take off. Maybe it is because there is no loud music?
We ordered guacamole appetizer and it came with no chips, we asked for chips and they charged us extra for the chips. Our dinner food was average, exchange rate was poor. Not impressed haven't gone back.
Cedasa has a butcher shop catty-corner from the big TELMEX tower in town. Can't recall the streets at the moment, but there are big ficus trees in front of it and you can easily drive right by. I bought an entire Tenderloin recently, had it cut into 12 2" filets and it cost $44. They were DELICIOUS.
When Mike owned Las Palmas on calle Trece I was a frequent visitor. I'm sure his food and drinks are just as good as always but the stairs are too much for me and seeing as I don't drink anymore, it's not worth the pain. I think the look is great, like the bridge of a ship, but maybe because he built on top of the original graveyard has something to do with his bad luck here. Thats what my wife thinks, she has relatives who were buried there.
Finally had the chance to give this place a try. Somebody that appeared to be the owner welcomed us as we came in. I had a chorizo and egg plate which came w/ plenty of tortillas, beans, potatoes for about $6.50. Food and service was pretty good, will definitely go back.
in the 22 years going to RP I have been twice to Lat 31, once with friends and family many years ago and we had the same experience as some of the new people in here the place was nice, clean, more american than mexican however it was hot which made it uncomfortable to eat and the food was OK, I rather eat in mexican places myself (when in Mexico do like the mexicans), the second time I was there was to meet someone and we only had drinks and was during a time when the weather was nice and with windows open the place felt very nice! I drive by all the time I am in RP but nothing from it call me attention, maybe a nice size sign in the huge yellow wall in the street showing the daily specials & prices and Happy Hour times (big I mean BIG letters) might help call the attention of all the incoming drivers to the Old Port!! IMHO
The huge almost empty yellow wall does call my attention almost every time!!!!!
Morning all, Mike from the Latitude 31 here again. I think it was last year i posted. We are doing a $5.00 bfast for chorizo & eggs, mexican eggs and chilaquiles. The specials are served with beans, potatoes and toast or tortillas and fruit.This is a mon- fri deal. We have a 2 dollar Tuesday Special with 2 dollar beers and well drinks all day. Also there is 2 dollars off our 1/2 pound cheeseburger in paradise or our 1/3 regular burger served with french fries or cole slaw. I try to run the air when needed but it cools down real fast if its not on.
We will be doing the 2 dollar tuesday all thru July with other specials for August.
Stop by and enjoy.
Thanks Mike
We are headed down to RP for our first visit. Where is latitudes located? We are staying in Mirador. Thanks!
If you're coming from the Mirador head towards the fish market (malecon). It will be on your left side just after a weird 3 way intersection right before you get into the fish market area. Big, bright, 2 story building. Can't miss it.
We go to RP 3-6x year, but we haven't been to Lat31 for a couple of years. It's no reflection on Mike, and even though the pricing is USD, the food and drink are good, but not exceptional in value or flavor. We like the good food stands(Mexican seafood and beef), local places like Yoli's Senaceria (behind Coppel) where you NEED to speak Spanish, restaurants on the beach like Mare Blue, Pool Bar at Las Palomas, etc.
Only issues I've ever had at Lat31, were the interior comfort level in the building and the climb up. I know that power is very expensive, so if the AC isn't on, I understand, but I don't want to stay eat, and drink when it's so hot. Max's doesn't always have the AC on either, but if we go late enough, and there's a great special (chateaubriand), the patio at Max's is nice. It's really difficult for me to climb up or down even 4 stairs, and when I look at Mike's stairs, it looks like Everest to me.
Having said all that, we think the world of Mike and Kathy, the Restaurant, and the girls behind the bar. I'll make it a point to make a couple of nights of it because it's been too long, and good, hard climb is OK once in a while.
