What an interesting story this is becoming. It started with the rapid growth in our small town. Dave Pletz and Hugh Gaffney shared with our readers their thoughts, and Floydilou Kerr shared with us her vision for Bucerias, formed over the past 15 years. Then she mentioned the Upper East Side. Never heard that part of Bucerias east of #200 referred to as the Upper East Side. Has a nice feel to it doesn’t it? This leads us into the next chapter about Bucerias.

The Upper East Side

For some years we have wandered around the “Upper” East Side. When we return home, to our house in Bucerias, our memory cards are full. We see culture and tradition. Some gated communities, some tiendas, aromas of food cooked and served on the side of the street, chickens, horses, goats. Always different, but always the same. Schools are expanding, medical offices, community parks are growing, kids with soccer balls and basketballs. The area is vibrant!

Who better to have opinions about the east side than two longtime residents and business owners. We sat down with Ezekiel Sanchez of Culi’s and Tacos and Beer, and his cousin Fernando Aguirre owner of Buclas Brewery. They both grew up locally. Culi’s is in the former home of Ezekiel and Ulysses’ grandparents. Nothing short term about their ventures.

We talked about the rapid growth in Bucerias and the effect the growth had on the east side. Ezekiel’s first comment, and I quote, “It was bound to happen. That’s why we are here. For when it’s happening we are ready”. We took a closer look at 5 De Mayo St. and its intersection with Guadelupe Victoria. Standing in the intersection one can see Glorieta de Enrique, a fine seafood restaurant, Buce Burguer, Buclas Brewery, Culi’s, and Tacos and Beer. Ezekiel calls it “restaurant row.”

“If you’ve been coming to this area, you’ve seen the development happening over the last ten years.”

Fernando makes an excellent point, “The farther you are from the ocean, you have to work harder to be on top of your competition to offer a good experience. We don’t have the beach or the view, so we need to find ways to become attractive with innovative ideas.” Having been to restaurant row a number of times, it is completely about a good experience. Good drinks, good food, good service, good value. When asked for our opinion about restaurant row, our answer is invariably “there is nothing on the menu we wouldn’t order.

During our discussion, we touched on Bucerias being central to travellers. “Anyone going back to Guadalajara, Mexico City they stop here. It’s a very privileged area you stay in whether you experience Punta Mita, Vallarta or Sayulita or San Pancho. It’s a very privileged location in my opinion”, said Fernando.

We also discussed; “tourist corridor zoning” and property taxes; public housing and future transportation, like a hop-on hop-off bus. Interesting stuff.

We were happy to learn how these business men feel about the changes. “It’s good to see this happening. We’re happy with what is happening now. There’s going to be more options. You can come for a drink and a snack here (Tacos and Beers), or the brewery, (Buclas), or Culi’s bar for drink or go to Buce Burguer…I think it makes us stronger.”

The concept of the Upper East Side continues to evolve. It is drawing people. It requires effort to get there. It is not a walk on the beach, with “let’s have dinner here tonight”. It is getting organized, driving or calling a taxi to get there. The public transportation is north-south along the #200 corridor. Someday we will see east-west transit, so getting from the ocean to places like restaurant row will be much easier.

We thank Ezekiel and Fernando for their time and enthusiasm for Bucerias. They have invested themselves in this place many of us call home. Great to see!

Kelly and I have enjoyed looking at the growth in Bucerias. Another Thank You to Dave Pletz, Hugh Gaffney, Floydilou Kerr, Ezekiel Sanchez, and Fernando Aguirre for taking the time to help us better understand what we are seeing. Please find links to each article below.

The Times, They Are A Changin’ – Dennis Wilson – https://buceriaslifeintheslowlane.com/the-times-they-are-a-changin/

David Pletz on The Boom – David Pletz – https://buceriaslifeintheslowlane.com/david-pletz-on-the-boom/

Thoughts on the Impact of the 2nd Largest Theme Park in the Americas – Hugh Gaffney– https://buceriaslifeintheslowlane.com/thoughts-on-the-impact-of-the-2nd-largest-theme-park-in-the-americas/

From a Small Mexican Fishing Village to a Thriving World-Class Destination: The Bucerias Transformation – Floydilou Kerr – https://buceriaslifeintheslowlane.com/from-a-smll-mexican-fishing-village-to-a-thriving-world-class-destination-the-bucerias-transformation/