Versalles After Dark Food Tour with Vallarta Eats

If you’re looking to experience Puerto Vallarta beyond the usual tourist spots, the Versalles After Dark Food Tour offers a delicious glimpse into one of the city’s most exciting up-and-coming neighborhoods. Designed for food lovers and curious travelers alike, this 3.5-hour walk takes you through the lively streets of Versalles—an area that’s rapidly becoming the city’s culinary heartbeat.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it balances traditional eatery charm with trendier spots, demonstrating how old and new coexist happily in Versalles. Second, the small-group setup ensures an intimate, personalized experience that’s perfect for those who prefer meaningful conversations and insider tips over large, rushed tours.

The one potential consideration? The tour is not suitable for vegetarians or those with strict plant-based diets, so if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you might want to explore their other options like the Tacos after Dark tour. Still, for those open to Mexican street food, this tour offers a genuinely authentic taste of the neighborhood.

This experience is ideal for foodies, cultural explorers, and anyone wanting to see a different side of Puerto Vallarta, especially with a taste for local flavors and vibrant street life.

Key Points

• Small-group intimacy enhances the experience and allows for personalized attention.
• A mix of old and new eateries showcases the neighborhood’s culinary evolution.
• Authentic Mexican dishes like pozole, tacos al pastor, quesadillas, and sopes give a true taste of local flavors.
• Affordable price at $59 offers good value considering the variety and quality of food.
• Tour is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, so plan accordingly.
• Includes drinks and snacks along with professional photos to remember the evening.
• The tour is around 3.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity.
• The limited group size (max 10) ensures a friendly and engaging atmosphere.

A Deeper Look at the Versalles After Dark Food Tour

We loved the concept of exploring a neighborhood that’s quickly gaining fame among locals and visitors alike. Versalles isn’t typically on the standard tourist radar, but it’s where many Puerto Vallarta residents go to eat and unwind, making it a perfect spot for an authentic food tour.

Starting at La Matona Tacos & Grill, the tour kicks off in a lively, casual setting that immediately immerses you in the neighborhood’s relaxed vibe. The guide, Charlie “Freddie,” gets high marks from past guests for being informative and engaging, helping you understand not just what you’re eating but the history behind these eateries. As one reviewer put it, “Charlie was an interesting tour guide! My husband and I enjoyed all the food, drink, and conversation.”

The Food Stops and What to Expect

The tour visits a mix of decades-old establishments and newer, trendy spots. Expect to try authentic Mexican favorites like pozole, a hearty, flavorful soup that exemplifies traditional Mexican comfort food, and tacos al pastor, a street staple with juicy pork, pineapple, and perfectly seasoned tortillas. Past guests rave about how delicious everything was, with one reviewer stating, “The food was delicious,” signaling the high quality and authentic flavors on offer.

Other highlights include quesadillas, crispy on the outside, oozing cheese inside, and sopes, thick corn tortillas topped with a variety of tasty ingredients. The tour also features frozen pies and snacks, giving a sweet contrast to the savory dishes.

Atmosphere and Neighborhood Vibe

What makes Versalles special is how decades-old eateries have managed to stay relevant, maintaining traditional Mexican street food while new trendy spots attract a younger crowd. The neighborhood’s charm lies in its casual, lively ambiance, with cobblestone streets and colorful storefronts creating a picture-perfect setting. As a visitor, you’ll get a sense of why locals love to eat and hang out here.

Drinks and Extras

Included in the tour are bottled water and traditional Mexican aqua fresca in a variety of flavors—refreshing and perfect to cool down after walking the cobblestone streets. Plus, a frozen dessert provides a cool, sweet finish. Tour photos are also included, so you can relive the experience later.

The Group and Pace

With a maximum of 10 people, the tour is intimate and engaging. Guests frequently mention how much they appreciated the personalized attention and the chance to ask questions. The pace is moderate, making it suitable for most travelers, though good sturdy shoes are recommended—no flip-flops or heels, since the streets are cobblestone and uneven.

Analyzing the Value and Experience

At $59 per person, the tour offers good value considering the variety of authentic dishes, drinks, and the insider knowledge shared by the guide. Unlike a typical sit-down restaurant, this tour gives you a sampling of multiple spots, which means you taste a broader spectrum of local flavors.

Past reviews highlight that most guests find the food quality to be very good, with some reviewers noting the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge make the experience even more enjoyable. For example, one reviewer said, “The whole tour was fantastic,” underscoring that it’s not just about the food but also about the storytelling and neighborhood vibe.

That said, one reviewer mentioned that in comparison to other local tours, the quality of the food might not match the premium standards of their gourmet options, but most agree that it’s more than enough for a satisfying and fun evening.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy authentic street food, are curious about local neighborhoods, and prefer a small-group setting. It’s especially good for those who appreciate cultural context along with their culinary adventures. Since it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans, plant-based eaters might want to explore other options, like the Tacos after Dark tour.

Practical Details

The meeting point is La Matona Tacos & Grill at Hamburg 90, Versalles, and the tour starts promptly at 6:00 pm. It ends back at the same location, making it easy to plan for dinner afterward or continue exploring the neighborhood.

The tour is designed for most travelers, but those with mobility issues or who walk slowly might find the cobblestone streets challenging. Most of the experience relies on walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Reservations are confirmed immediately, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start, offering flexibility in case your plans change.

Final Thoughts

The Versalles After Dark Food Tour with Vallarta Eats offers a delightful evening for those eager to taste authentic Mexican street fare while exploring a neighborhood brimming with local character. It’s a great value for the price, providing a mix of history, culture, and cuisine that will leave you craving more.

The small-group format and knowledgeable guide make for an engaging experience, perfect for travelers who enjoy food, storytelling, and discovering hidden gems. While the food quality generally receives high praise, vegetarians should note that options are limited, so plan accordingly.

If you’re after a fun, tasty, and authentic Puerto Vallarta experience that goes beyond tourist traps, this tour is a solid choice. Perfect for curious food lovers, cultural explorers, and anyone wanting to see a different side of the city, Versalles promises an evening full of flavor and local charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, this tour is not suitable for vegetarians or those on a plant-based diet. If you need vegetarian options, the tour might not meet your needs, but they offer other tours like Tacos after Dark that cater to those dietary preferences.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a variety of dinner dishes, bottled water, Mexican aqua fresca, snacks like frozen pies, and tour photos. Alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, or food to take home are not included.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity without being overly long.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at La Matona Tacos & Grill at Hamburg 90, Versalles, and finishes back at the same spot, simplifying your plans afterward.

Is this tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
Most likely not, as the streets are cobblestone and uneven, and the tour requires walking. It’s best suited for guests in good mobility.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential—no flip-flops or heels—as the streets are cobblestoned and can be uneven.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made later will not be refunded.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring a cozy, friendly atmosphere.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s length, walking pace, and focus on adult culinary experiences suggest it’s best suited for older children and adults. Always check with the provider if you’re planning to bring young kids.

What makes Versalles a good neighborhood for a food tour?
Versalles features a blend of traditional eateries that have been around for decades and trendier spots attracting a diverse crowd. Its lively streets, colorful storefronts, and authentic food make it a perfect backdrop for exploring Puerto Vallarta’s culinary scene.

Exploring Puerto Vallarta through its vibrant neighborhoods and flavorful street food is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of local culture. The Versalles After Dark Food Tour offers a fun, flavorful, and authentic evening—well worth the modest investment for anyone eager to taste real Mexico.