When I first moved to Mazatlan, it seemed like it was almost impossible to find good breakfast! Sure we had the staples – Looney Bean, Rico’s and Surf’s Up…. but after a night out and wanting a good hearty breakfast, especially with any type of view was difficult.
Fast forward 4 years and now we are lucky to have added Galeron and several others that are pushing to the top spots. These are my personal favorites, I try to shy away from the typical bland ex-pat haunts – so some of these you may have never heard of!
10 Best Breakfasts in Mazatlan (2024 Update)
Mazatlan is quickly becoming a haven for Mexican / American fusion in terms of breakfast. Awesome breakfast burritos and bagels are now popping up all over. Here are my faves!
No more intro needed…. Here’s our top breakfast in Mazatlan….
#1 Looney Bean (Olas Altas)
Sunrise in Mazatlán calls for one thing: Looney Bean Olas Altas! Our choice for best breakfast in Mazatlan cures hunger (or hangovers) with generous platters, burritos, and sandwiches, all while offering an unbeatable oceanfront setting.
Grab their legendary “Combo Looney”: a symphony of machaca, chilaquiles, eggs, and refried beans on one delicious plate. But the magic doesn’t stop there. Wide menu including anything from fluffy omelets to flavorful breakfast burritos, they have something for every craving.
And let’s not forget the freshly roasted coffee, the perfect fuel for your Mazatlán adventures. Looney Bean Olas Altas promises an unforgettable breakfast experience that sets the tone for a perfect day in paradise.
Recommended Dish: Combo Looney (breakfast)
#2 Loco Locos
Nestled on the Sabalo Country beachfront, Loco Locos isn’t just a restaurant, it’s an experience. A local favorite among long-time expats, it’s run by Javier and Jaime, who pour their hearts into creating a homey atmosphere with an unbeatable ocean view.
Whether you’re starting your day with the best hashbrowns in Mazatlan or ending it with a breathtaking sunset and perfectly cooked fresh seafood, Loco Locos delivers. It’s the kind of place where the food feels like a warm hug, and the memories linger long after the last bite. So, for a taste of Mazatlán magic and genuine hospitality, don’t miss Loco Locos!
Recommended Dish: Shrimp Platter
#3 Atol
Chef Daniel, an artist with global experience, creates stunning dishes that tell stories with every bite also cooks up a pretty mean breakfast! Their tasting menu has them high on our list of places to check out for dinner (#2 Overall Best Restaurant in Mazatlan) – but their breakfast menu is equally created.
Order pretty much anything here for breakfast but I am a sucker for some good machaca so I stick with the combinacion sinaloense (Machaca, Beans, Eggs Sunny Side Up) or grab some of the best cochinita pibil this side of the Yucatan. You can’t go wrong either way! The food itself could easily land them the top spot on the list – but if I am leaving the house early I just prefer a bit more of a view.
Recommended Dish: Combo Sinaloense
#4 Birrieria Osuna
Craving some birria? Birrieria Osuna, is our pick for the best birria in Mazatlan! This weekend-only gem (open Friday-Sunday) is worth the wait, serving up lip-smacking quesabirria tacos and our personal favorite, the mouthwatering pizza birria.
Dine in or channel your inner beach bum and have it delivered straight to your table in the sand. Their birria boasts rich, succulent slow-cooked meat, perfect for any weekend morning and the start to your day!
It’s a Mazatlán must-try! Just remember, the weekend rush is real, so be prepared to share the love (and the wait) with fellow birria aficionados. But trust us, one bite and you’ll understand why Birrieria Osuna reigns supreme!
Recommended Dish: Pizza Birria
#5 Patio de Chilaquiles
This is by far my go-to for early morning chilaquiles in Mazatlan! While only visiting their restaurant twice – you can find them on Didi Food or Uber Eats and get it delivered in less than a half hour.
If you’re looking to get out of the house for a minute – the service is great and the plate is even bigger in store. As previously mentioned I am a sucker for machaca and have tried other toppings here but always come back to my staple – the machaca with salsa suiza.
Recommended Dish: Machaca with Salsa Suiza Chilaquiles
#6 Panama
Panama is one of those restaurants either you love or you hate… But you can’t deny the food itself here is pretty solid. They have several locations throughout Mazatlan – but for the best view head to Zona Dorada to their restaurant inside the Palms Resort for a beachfront breakfast.
With a huge menu and multiple locations it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking this is just another Denny’s (for those of us from up north) but once you get here you realize it’s much more of a locally owned -successful chain and the food itself is worthy of a visit…. just be prepared for a line when you get there.
Recommended Dish: Chilaquiles Verde
#7 Diego’s Beach Grill
Home to Brenster’s Tuesday Beach Bash on Tuesday afternoon’s from 2-6pm in November – May… Diego’s is known for it’s party with a view. But you’d be mistaken if you skipped the breakfast crowd here. Where expats fill the tables on Tuesday’s – many locals flock here in the morning during the week for one of the best breakfast’s in town.
Combine that with a great oceanview patio – it makes it easy to come here, grab your breakfast and then step out to the beach… a great start to any day in Mazatlan!
Pro Tip – Always ask for Miguel for top notch service!
Recommended Dish: Chorizo Combo
#8 El Montalayo Restaurant
One of the few places to get authentic Barbacoa de Borrego in Mazatlan – it’s simply the best barbacoa you can get in town! Offering tacos, tortas, quesadillas – they have whatever style you’d like covered. The salsas are all on-point for an early morning carnivore fest and you will never leave hungry.
Watch out for the orange salsa – it definitely has a kick you aren’t expecting! This is a must – go – to if you are craving barbacoa after a night out. The meat is tender and full of flavor and the tortillas are made in house.
Recommended Dish: Barbacoa
#9 Surf’s Up Beach Cafe
Located wayyyy out to the north end of town… don’t let the last 1/2 mile of dirt road scare you!
Surf’s Up Cafe isn’t your typical hotel breakfast spread. This lively, modern spot sits right on the beach, offering stunning north Mazatlán views and a delicious menu that goes beyond basic eggs and toast.
Start your day with their famous chilaquiles, widely considered the best in town. They even have fluffy, homemade muffins and cinnamon rolls… perfect for takeaway.
Surf’s Up offers a tranquil stretch of coastline with stunning north Mazatlán views. Add live music, friendly staff, and an active social media presence, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable Mazatlán experience.
Recommended Dish: Chiliquiles Torta
#10 Macaws
Macaws is a local gem known to most expats that frequent Centro and another can’t miss if you are looking for a great breakfast. They serve a traditional breakfast menu with solid omelets and breakfast burritos – but also the only place in town to get sausage gravy & biscuits.
The same goes for dinner and the burgers here are also great – but they are the only spot in town for real southern style fried chicken. A solid choice for a morning or evening that does a great job standing out with a few signature dishes.
Recommended Dish: Sausage Gravy & Biscuits
Wrap Up
After diving headfirst into Mazatlan’s breakfast scene, my stomach and taste buds are begging for a siesta! But before I doze off under a palm tree, let’s recap this journey…
For the coffee connoisseurs, Looney Bean is are your go-to spot, while Panama serves up classic brunch favorites alongside their incredible cakes. Craving something more local? El Patio de Chilaquiles and Birria Osuna won’t disappoint, offering up authentic flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
For a beachfront breakfast with a view, Surf’s Up Cafe and Loco Loco are unbeatable. And don’t forget the hidden gems like Maria de Jalisco, serving up family recipes passed down for generations.
Remember, Mazatlan’s breakfast scene is as diverse as its culture, so whether you’re a budget-minded backpacker or a luxury-seeking traveler, there’s a breakfast spot waiting to make your mornings memorable. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a plate of chilaquiles and a hammock calling my name! Buen provecho!
P.S. Remember, this is just a taste of what Mazatlán offers. Check out our “50 Best Restaurants in Mazatlán” to discover even more culinary delights!
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