I agree with everything that Skidaddle reported except for the two women "living on SS" — I believe they've been challenged on that point.

However, that notwithstanding, yes, there are many great cheap eats in SMA, assuming that you're careful about quality of food preparation, and that particular forum does list good options.

We found ourselves generally spending $75 - $100 US for a "nice" meal out with drinks and wine for two. Drink at home and you'll find yourself spending far less... we deduced that the pricing was pretty comparable to where we live in PA.

p2

I think the food at nicer restaurants with atmosphere in SMA is far less expensive than in Houston.

Arlouper,

The safest thing to do is if you're interested in a particular restaurant for a special comida or night out, go there and check out their menu — most menus are posted at the restaurant entrance and the staff are more than willing to answer any questions. We found most to be gracious and more than happy to offer a look around. Generally speaking, you'll find that you may spend nearly as much on wine and drinks as in the states... especially at places that have full bar staffs.

Also depends on your appetite: many restaurants serve portions that are way too large for one person. For instance, Romano's portions are huge, as are Casa Payo's, and at Bugambilia, we often shared their wonderful chiles en nogada which come in two's. It's common in Mexico to share, so don't feel strange asking for this!

Not sure I've seen this rec on here, but for good inexpensive mexican comida with one of the best views in town, try La Posadita on Cuna de Allende (upstairs on terrace) — their wait staff are excellent and at night you can listen to the pianist across the street at La Capilla, where you'll pay a heckuva lot more for the same breathtaking view!

Second the recommendation on La Posidita. We visited in January and it was the only restaurant we ate at twice. Make sure you dine on the rooftop for great views of the city and sunset.

You willa ctually find very few restaurants in San Miguel at the top end mentioned above. I have nver spent $100 US for two, although I know there are a few places that could happen. Most nice restaurant meals will tend to run about $20 per person (or less) not counting wine. The decent place I eat in--like Rincon de Don Tomas, Ten Ten Pie, Buen Cafe, I seldomj spend more than $12-14 for a nice meal. I also eat at places like the "No Name" restaurant on salida a Celaya (next to the TelMex office) where a full comida with a fruit drink is $40 pesos (less than $4 US). Last week two friends and I had a taco dinner at Don Felix in Independencia and the bill for three was under $130 pesos.

One of the nicest new "gourmet" restaurants in town is "The Restaurant" on Sollano. A very talented and creative young chef. If you drink a lot of wine, you could spend $50-60 or so per person, but you can also eat there for less.

Other good bets: CasaBlanca, Tio Lucas, La Brasserie (which is Cafe de la Parroquia by day), Romanos.

If you're looking for the least expensive places in town, do check out Carol and Norma's site, the Cheap Eats page.

I second the Casablanca recommendation, especially now that they've added some great dishes to their menu. Another great and moderately-priced place is D'Vino in the Fabrica Aurora. My husband and I shared an appetizer, entree (the special: salad, chicken crepes, and a glass of wine), dessert and two more glasses of wine. The total was $250 pesos. The ambiance is quietly elegant and the service first-rate.

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