There are a lot of good hamburgers to be had in Sayulita, and it goes without saying that there are great cocktails being poured, every night, all over town. But for the combination of a knock your-socks-off hamburguesa and a knock-you-on-your-ass cocktail under the same restaurant roof, you can’t beat Monchi’s. Located towards the inland end of the rowdiest block in Sayulita—that would be Calle Marlin, south side of the plaza—Monchi’s is owned and operated by Kristin Hanson, from Philadelphia, PA, where clearly she learned to pour a mighty fine, mighty potent cocktail.
For those in search of a great new way to get a buzz on, stop into Monchi’s (the name is a loose Mexicanization of munchies) and ask Kristin to make you a mango habanera margarita. Or better yet, try the house favorite, the pineapple and ginger margarita. These are wonderfully tasty and original drinks, two of many unique cocktails on offer here. And be aware that Kristin’s cocktails are built to pack a punch.
As for the burgers, well, they pack a different kind of punch. A generously-sized patty of high quality beef, your fundamental bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion, and then, to top off those burger basics, Kristin has come up with some truly stellar flavor combinations. My personal fave is el diablito, with jalapeno, grilled onions, manchego cheese, and chipotle mayo, but others swear by the Kristina, with grilled mushrooms and onions and blue cheese. There are ten of these inventive burger combos, plus salads, great fries and other sides, and a whole lot of tequila going on.
The thing you need to know about Monchi’s, aside from the great food and drink, is that it is a fairly rowdy spot on a very rowdy block. If you want a tranquil dinner, or you are bringing kids, come early. Later it can get pretty wild, loads of fun for 24-hour party people, maybe at times a little too intense for the rest of us.
High season Happy Hour 2 x 1 from 5-7 pm and again from 9-11 pm. You’ll find Monchi’s at 12 Calle Marlin, south side of the Plaza, tel. 322-192-6932.
