San Felipe Restaurant Reviews: Rice and Beans Restaurant

You can’t eat Mexican food without rice and beans, and you can’t visit San Felipe without visiting the famous Rice and Beans restaurant. So much more than their name conveys, this restaurant has an extensive menu ranging from fresh seafood to Mexican favorites like quesadillas and enchiladas at very affordable prices.

How To Find Rice and Beans

Rice and Beans is located on the Northern end of the Malecon (or boardwalk) overlooking the gorgeous Sea of Cortez. Strolling the Malecon is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening in San Felipe.  There are countless markets, retail stores and restaurants along the boardwalk that visitors must stop by.  Many travelers who are staying in a San Felipe beach condo find Rice and Beans easy to find, casual, affordable and it quickly becomes the go-to spot for a good hearty lunch or dinner.  As you walk the Malecon, you will know you’ve arrived at Rice and Beans when the clear, blue San Felipe sky is interrupted by one single, taller-than-usual palm tree. There are hundreds of palm trees lining the sidewalks of San Felipe, but as you walk north, keep an eye out for this signature palm tree and you’ll know Rice and Beans is close by. The outside of Rice and Beans is as red and green as the Mexican flag, and large, old-school Coca-Cola advertisements adorn the entrance above the front door. The Mexican flag waves proudly out front, and there is plenty of parking on the street directly in front of the restaurant.  As you enter, you’ll notice the outdoor, covered patio with bright red chairs and long tables. If it isn’t an excruciatingly hot day, sit outside on the patio for one of the best people-watching spots on the Malecon. This busy boardwalk is a popular place for various vendors, live music, and street performers.  Depending on the time of year, sitting on the patio of Rice and Beans could put you front and center for watching festivals and competitions take place right before your eyes.

Fun and Family Friendly Atmosphere

The busiest time of year on the Malecon is at the end of February when the entire town gets together for the Baja 250. This high intensity motor race around San Felipe draws thousands of people to Mexico annually.  Rice and Beans, a race themed restaurant, is actively involved in the Baja 250 and has been for the last 15 years. The owners of the restaurant are huge Baja 250 supporters, and when the race is in town, Rice and Beans is standing room only. The flat screen TVs show past Baja 250 races, and the walls of the restaurant are lined with action shots of previous Baja 250 events.  It’s a sports bar for race fans, and that’s not something you see every day! The dining room is a great place to sit when the San Felipe sun is beating down during the day. Like many restaurants in the area, there is a room with air conditioning for travelers seeking a cool escape.  A sign informing vendors not to solicit their goods to customers inside Rice and Beans is a welcomed sight. It’s not uncommon for vendors to come up to your table and try to sell you a trinket or two, but not at Rice and Beans. You can enjoy your meal in peace and shop for trinkets in your own time. 

Amazing Breakfast Options

Breakfast at Rice and Beans is muy bueno, with a large selection of delicious breakfast choices such as omelets, pancakes, eggs and bacon. If you are starting your day at Rice and Beans, order a cup of fresh orange juice or tasty coffee when you sit down and go over the menu.  The French toast is a great choice, it is soft and sweet and is great with a side of sausage or hash browns.

Killer Margaritas!

If you weren’t sure what drink to order for lunch, you won’t have any questions once you pass the huge banner draped outside the entrance of Rice and Beans that reads “Killer Margaritas!”  Rice and Beans does a lot right, and their margaritas are top of the line! Served in large, ice cold glasses with salt or sugar lining the rim, these tasty Mexican favorites go perfect with a large order of beef nachos. Many happy customers leave Rice and Beans raving about the steamed clams. If you’re a fan of these salty treats, you can get a whole platter of them (with lemon and butter on the side) for 50 pesos, which is less than $5! The Taurant Tacos come in threes, with a large scoop of rice, a generous scoop of beans and two orange slices for a garnish. The Mexican Sampler is a great way to get a little taste of everything for a great price.

The Service

Repeat customers to Rice and Beans comment that sometimes service can be a little slow, especially when there is a major event happening in town.  The servers are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the owners of the restaurant are very popular locally and are on site all the time. Their dedication and commitment to fresh food and friendly service is evident in the great food they consistently put out.

And then there's the view...

You can’t talk about Rice and Beans without talking about the beautiful view. Whether you come early in the morning or for an evening cocktail, the beautiful ocean views can’t be beat. The location of Rice and Beans on the Malecon is a bit further north than the other restaurants on the boardwalk, but it is worth the few extra steps to this one of a kind racing themed restaurant on the water. Enjoy the view with an ice cold glass of a Tegate, a Mexican beer that Americans have learned is higher in alcohol content that the Tegate back home, so be careful when you order a cerveza or two of Tegate!  If you’ve never had it before, it is in the same family as Corona.

 Nothing says Mexican food like rice and beans, which is why this unique restaurant is as classic and a must-try for anyone visiting San Felipe. 

• Address: Costero, Segunda Sección, San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico, 21850
• Telephone: +52-686-577-1770
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rice-And-Beans-San-Felipe-Mexico/258372904208894