La Granja

La Granja restaurant is right outside the entrance to the Mayan Palace Hotel, and has wonderful wildlife entertainment, especially for kids. The inside, under the large palapa roof, is really an aviary with many different tropical birds in cages. Outdoors the restaurant has provided several other animals to watch and enjoy, like monkeys, raccoons, rabbits and even a lion. There is also a playground where the kids can let off steam, equipped with swings, a trampoline and a jungle gym. Out back, a small lake is the venue for boat races and other water games. The food at La Granja is not expensive, and it is typical of the Mexican coast, with lots of seafood choices and traditional Mexican bean, meat and chicken dishes. Visitors have rated the food hearty and delicious. English is not spoken, and credit cards are not accepted. Come as casual as you like.