When you step into Vallarta Tropical, the latest venture from the minds behind La Contenta LES, you’re not just walking into a restaurant—you’re entering a dream brought to life.
With its thatched ceilings, vibrant ceramic tiles, and intimate Tiki bar, the Lower East Side space radiates the laid-back charm of Puerto Vallarta, blended with the playful exuberance of a 1950s Mexican Tiki bar.
But what sets Vallarta Tropical apart is more than its impeccable style or the mouthwatering menu—it’s the heart and soul behind it. Owners Alex Valencia, Rigoberto Cervantes, and Rafael Cervantes have poured their passion and purpose into this endeavor, using Vallarta Tropical to inspire fellow immigrants. Their motto? If we can do it, you can do it. It’s a powerful message wrapped in layers of exceptional food, dazzling cocktails, and a community-driven spirit.
The dream team
Alex Valencia, the creative mastermind behind the bar, has earned a reputation as one of New York’s most talented cocktail artists.
From his early days crafting inventive drink menus at Yerba Buena to helming the acclaimed bar program at Flatiron Room, Alex’s journey has been marked by bold creativity and an ever-refined palate. At Vallarta Tropical, his mixology brilliance shines in every handcrafted cocktail, each one a love letter to ancestral Mexican ingredients and traditions.
Rigoberto “Rigo” Cervantes brings leadership and flair to the front and back of the house. With roots in Guadalajara — the birthplace of tequila — Rigo infuses his work with authenticity and passion. Meanwhile, Rafael “Rafa” Cervantes lends warmth and heart to the operation, ensuring every guest feels like family. Together, this trio creates a space that feels less like a restaurant and more like a home away from home.
A culinary celebration
Vallarta Tropical’s menu celebrates coastal Mexican cuisine, led by Executive Chef Manuel Quintero, a self-taught culinary virtuoso. Highlights include the Aguachile de Mango, where shrimp meets the tangy sweetness of mango and citrus, and the Chile Relleno de Seafood, a poblano pepper stuffed to perfection with shrimp, crab, octopus, and Oaxaca cheese. Each dish reflects the vibrant flavors of Puerto Vallarta, elevated by artful presentation.
The creativity doesn’t stop with the food. The cocktails are a revelation, blending ancestral techniques with modern mixology. Sip on the Tiki Tepache, made with house-fermented pineapple skin and Jalisco rum, or the playful Bartender Breakfast, a cheeky nod to morning indulgence featuring Mexican whiskey and a garnish of Froot Loops. These drinks are as much about storytelling as they are about flavor, served in custom-made ceramic mugs from Mexico that are as Instagrammable as they are delightful.
A vision of community
At its core, Vallarta Tropical is a celebration of the immigrant journey. Alex, Rigo, and Rafa are living proof that with determination and love, dreams can be realized. Their mission extends beyond food and drink—they aim to inspire and show others that building something lasting is within reach.
So, come for the Branzino a la Talla, stay for the Pulque Tropical, and leave with a story to tell. Vallarta Tropical is more than a meal; it’s a movement—a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, creativity, and community.
Whether you’re craving bold flavors, innovative cocktails, or just a little slice of paradise in the heart of New York City, Vallarta Tropical has it all. Bring your appetite, bring your friends, and let the warmth of Puerto Vallarta wash over you.
Vallarta Tropical
Location: 106 Norfolk St., Lower East Side
Website: vallartanyc.com
Instagram: @vallartanyc
Hours: 5 – 10 p.m., daily
