Homestyle Hotcakes at La Esquina Mexicana

We suspected that searching in the opposite direction of the beach would lead us to more wallet-friendly restaurant options, which ended up being the case—and we didn't have to go very far. Two blocks west of our accommodation at the Selina on Calle 2 Norte is 15 Avienda Norte, which offered a multiplicity of restaurants at our preferred price point. These restaurants are typically homey, family-run affairs with friendly staff and simple decor—an atmosphere Sev and I quite enjoy.

This morning we stopped by La Esquina Mexicana. After weeks of mostly egg-based breakfasts, I really wanted some pancakes. The 40 peso ($2) advertised price drew me in immediately, and it did not disappoint. The simple meal consisted of three pancakes with some bananas. The pancakes were pretty good, and I thought the placement of the bananas was a sweet touch. I was a bit disappointed that the butter did not seem like real butter, but rather margarine or another vegetable-oil based butter substitute. Likewise, the maple syrup was not actual maple syrup but rather some kind of maple-flavored sugary substance. For this I would remove half a snack from an otherwise perfectly good meal.

We also each got a mango licuado and a coffee. The mango drink was excellent and we both finished ours in about 30 seconds. I don't have the most developed palate for coffee, but thought this black coffee was fine and served the purpose of helping me wake up. Overall, I thought it was a great combo and really enjoyed all three parts of the meal.

The establishment is cash-only and I felt a bit embarrassed as the very nice ladies running the place had to go through their tip jar to break my 500 peso note for the 125 peso bill, but they were extremely kind the whole time. Would definitely go back to this place. Added bonus: La Esquina Mexicana is right next to Tortas del Carmen, which is a great place to pick up a frappe or iced coffee for the road.