Have you ever eaten chicken feet? How about barbecue chicken necks? What? I did not think. So while you’re in Cuautla you’ll have your chance. Do not miss it! Now this is what you have to do:
Hotel Colon
Address: Main Square
Phone: 352 – 2186
The main place to people watch right on the Zócalo. Meals are local fare and modestly priced. The daily specials are written on a permanent menu posted right out front on the sidewalk with full prices. The wallless dining area is just an extension of the Zócalo sidewalk, so you could spend hours here just drinking “Jamaica” and winking at passersby. And there will be plenty. It is an excellent “first stop” on your tour of Cuautla. While you’re at it, pick up a copy of “THE NEWS,” Mexico’s leading English-language newspaper, or, in Spanish, “El Sol de Cuautla,” both for sale just steps away at the newsstand in front of the restaurant.
the gallant square
Address: at the corner of Los Bravos and Estrada Bollas
In this shopping plaza and gallery, there are a number of small, inexpensive restaurants offering everything from pizza to fried chicken and roast turkey. There are juice bars, ice cream parlors, and a couple of discos for the little ones (called “coca-colos” in Spanish). If you’re not sure what you want to eat, or it’s late, just stop by and wander around until you find something you like. (EAT, that is!)
In Los Bravos, the street that leads north from the Zócalo to Plaza Galeana, there are also several shops and a couple of pretty good restaurants to tempt your palate.
Chicken Rotisserie
Address: Calle 2 de Mayo and Zemano
(half a block up the street from Hotel España and one block from Hotel Colon)
If you’ve never eaten chicken feet or roasted chicken necks, here’s the place to correct that flaw. Served piping hot straight from the grill, full of flavor and CHEAP at 10 pesos a dozen, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. It will be a great story to tell your grandchildren! “Did I ever tell you about the time I ate chicken feet in Cuautla? Zapata’s rebel forces had their headquarters just down the road you see, and…”
Juices and Cakes Alameda
Address: Galeano corner Ferraro
A vegetarian restaurant that serves such delicious specialties as “Omelet Huitlacoche” and dishes of Chilaquiles, nopales (cactus) and a variety of “tortas” for 7 to 26 pesos. The portions are large and tasty even for non-vegetarians like me. A selection of juices in combinations with medicinal properties is also offered. The juice combinations and their specific benefits are written on plaques hanging on the walls of the restaurant.
The oasis
Address: Galeano between Ramírez and Ferrano
This restaurant is open late for partygoers and the late-night crowd and serves tempting meals at reasonable prices. There is internet service on a bank of six computers in the back of the restaurant. Rates are 10 pesos per hour or 6 pesos for 30 minutes. Try their freshly whipped hot chocolate on a cool night in Cuautla for an invigorating pick-me-up.
Be sure to check out my other articles in the two ongoing series: Teaching English in Mexico and Traveling in Mexico. If you want more information, have questions or comments, you can send an email to the author; see address below.
