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    Karen's Place

    4.2 (169 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open • 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Karen's Place Photos

    KAREN'S PLACE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Karen's Place

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    Reviews With Photos

    Catch of the day and quinoa salad
    Rachel H.

    Karen's is a nice local option for beach dining and seafood or surf and turf, eaten beachside in the cobblestone town of Bucerias. We had the fish of the day (2 pieces of mahi mahi) with a side of quinoa salad and a three ways order which is essentially a fillet of fresh caught fish, whatever is the daily special, a single coconut prawn (wish they offered a bit more here) and a small steak with mushroom sauce alongside mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. They offer a complimentary bread basket with olive oil and balsamic vinegar left table-side. (We did note the olive oil was pretty unremarkable, almost tasted like cooking oil, but it may be to local tastes or a harder to get item.) The service is friendly and laid back, but also professional. Karen's has a full bar with drinks and a happy hour (3-5 pm) --a section of the bar faces directly onto the ocean. The setting of the restaurant is a highlight: it's right on the beach, with a partially covered patio --waves literally crashing down as you eat.

    It was a creamy shrimp inside of an avocado. Nice plump shrimp. My friend ordered it. Very flavorful.
    Michelle M.

    It was a treat to get to eat at Karen's. The food was excellent. The food at our resort (Iberostar) was subpar all week. I ordered the chicken verde enchiladas. The chicken inside my enchilada wasn't dry and overcooked. At first I was disappointed when I saw that it was in a red sauce inside the enchiladas. I had asked for green enchiladas so I expected the green sauce to be on the inside as well. I don't care for the red sauce so I never order red enchiladas. But...when I took a bite I immediately shut my mouth and just enjoyed the flavors that were dancing on my tongue. There were no complaints here. My strawberry margaritas were delish and refreshing as well. Our waitress was very nice but she was spread too thin trying to cover all the tables that were outside. It took her quite a bit of time to bring condiments and other items we asked for so we could eat. I asked one of the guys a couple of times who walked by opening umbrellas and collecting drinks. He was a really nice young guy who seemed to be in the right spot at the right time. Get ready to be bombarded by cute children trying to sell you trinkets and as cute as they are don't be fooled. They drive a hard bargain and will barter you into the sand. Oh! And, don't be surprised if a random dog walks past your table. The outside tables are on the sand and there are ropes that set up a boarder so dogs and anything else can just wander on in. Luckily the dog was laid back and not interested in socializing or oddly enough, food. He left as quickly as he came. If you are in Bucerías, Mexico or passing through to get to Puerto Vallarta or Playa Mita, or Punta Mita definitely go to Karen's. Even if you're not passing through make it a place to venture out and eat. We purposely caught an Uber to go eat there and do a little shopping. Oh and Uber's are cheaper in Mexico than the taxi. The taxi charges double. Enjoy!!

    Paul S.

    Must stop and try this place, right on the beach, margaritas are good and the fish tacos are a must try. Staff was great and will definitely comeback. It's all outdoors but very nice

    The view
    Sarah T.

    Our friends live locally and this is one if their go- to restaurants. Can't get a better beach view! We all had fish and it was perfectly cooked. They serve what is fresh which is usually dorado. I had the fish with parmesean. It was two nice sized chunks of moist fish served with sautéed spinach and a sweet potato flan. All were tasty. The fish of the day had nice roasted side veggies. Nearby tables ordered fish tacos ( they are huge though in the appetizer section) and lots of fries Lots of English spoken if you need it. During high season make a reservation.

    Views are amazing!
    Christine N.

    Incredible food served on the beach in Bucerias, and five star attentive service to match. Highly recommend!

    Guacamole and chips

    We didn't make our reservations on the first night arriving at the Flamingos Villa Del Palmar, due to airplane delays out of Phoenix. However, we made the 10 minute Uber ride to Karen's for a wonderful meal 3 nights later. Starting out with guacamole and chips, which were perfectly seasoned and delicious. My wife had the fish tacos, which she was happy to share one with me, as long as I gave her two of my coconut shrimp. Both the tacos and the coconut shrimp were some of the best we've ever had. The restaurant is located right on the beach, and you can sit on the beach, or inside, with a good view of the ocean. Service was attentive and friendly. We will be back!!

    Beachfront tables.
    Terral A.

    Very nice place right on the beach. Great for breakfast and dinner. We will be back. Just know that they only take cash.

    Pina colada on the beach
    Mickey H.

    Karens location is great. Right on the beach and you can actually sit in the sand. The Pina Colada i started with was great but my wifes apple martini was not. The food took quite a while to show up and when it did I wasnt impressed. The ribs were supposed to come with smashed potatoes and showed up with boring steak fries instead. The ribs themselves were soft but mushy in texture. My wife ordered the cheeseburger and it was just OK. No seasoning to note and pretty plain. Hate to say bad things about the place but we probably wont go again.

    Shrimp scampi. O my.
    Heather H.

    Well ... I gotta say having a dog shit and then puke feet from my table left a pretty nasty taste in my mouth. Probably won't be back.

    Jennifer L.

    Great fish tacos and delicious margaritas for happy hour every day!! Yum We got two rounds of margaritas each (cucumber, very refreshing) The fish tacos were out of this world!!

    Beet salad

    Food was excellent , atmosphere was great , we were celebrating a birthday and they brought us a comp flan

    Audrey L.

    We were two couples who ventured out to Bucerias for an amazing dinner on the beach at Karen's. The taxi cab drove through the streets that seemed very seedy, but once you get to this place, and you go in and take a table overlooking the beach and ocean, you are transported into another world. You cannot get more relaxed. We are avid restauranteurs and anything you've read before, disregard. This is the best in casual dining. The drink menu offers martinis, cocktails and wine by the glass and bottle. Two of us had the fresh catch of the day which was grilled mahi-mahi. It came with vegetables and quinoa prior to that we had a bowl of ceviche. Our friends had the ribs which fell off the bone. We ordered a banana split and cranberry dapple crumble Yum to everything including the service. Perfect place to watch a perfect sunset and see the horses ride by on the sand. Also the prices are very fair. You will love this!

    Food cocktail and scenary

    Highly recommend for any time of day. Great atmosphere,food.drinks and wait staff. Best on the beach.

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    2 years ago

    Highly recommended and didn't disappoint. Ambiance is great and food were all on point. Definitely go back.

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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Location was good but menu not much different then every other place, ceviche, chips, burgers, etc

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    2 years ago

    Great food, service, and ambience!! Right on the beach with a beautiful view of the Banderas Bay!!

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    8 years ago

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    Page 2 of 5

    Karen's Place Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Karen's Place

    “Our entree was a filet, sea bass and another coconut shrimp accompanied by delish mashed potatoes and asparagus.”

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    Karen's Place - mexican - Updated September 2026

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