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In the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s ever-evolving Versalles neighborhood, something special is sizzling—literally and figuratively. El Rey Barbecue Lounge de Versalles isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a multi-sensory experience built on community, culture, comfort, and of course, incredible food.
From the moment you arrive, El Rey reveals its thoughtful layout and relaxed yet stylish charm. The venue features three distinct spaces, each designed to invite you in and make you feel at home. The front patio, shaded and breezy, is ideal for people-watching or enjoying an afternoon cocktail. Step inside, and you’re welcomed into the main lounge—a lively indoor area with cozy seating, a stunning bar, and vibrant, eclectic décor that captures the fun, laid-back spirit of the city. Wander further and you’ll discover the garden, a hidden gem tucked behind the building. This tranquil, tropical space is adorned with a colorful mural, oversized lounge sofas, and plenty of dining tables for a quiet meal under the stars.
But why call it a “multi-level melting pot”? The answer lies not only in the restaurant’s physical layout but also in its food, people, and philosophy.
Let’s start with the food. El Rey proudly serves Oklahoma-style barbecue, a lesser-known but equally delicious regional barbecue that combines elements from Texas, Kansas City, and Memphis traditions. It’s defined by a tomato-based sauce that’s milder and less vinegary than some of its cousins—something smoother, sweeter, and more welcoming, much like Puerto Vallarta itself. At El Rey, the sauce is the star: approachable, balanced, and crafted to complement each of the smoked meats without overpowering them.
This approach to barbecue makes El Rey a culinary ambassador of sorts, bringing a taste of Oklahoma to Mexico while integrating into the rich and diverse food scene of Puerto Vallarta. And what a scene it is. Puerto Vallarta has long been considered one of Mexico’s most welcoming cities, and it draws residents and visitors from across the Americas and beyond. That international spirit is deeply woven into the city’s food culture, where traditional Mexican fare shares the spotlight with global cuisines, from Thai to Italian to—you guessed it—American barbecue.
The neighborhood of Versalles, once a quiet residential area, is quickly becoming one of the city’s hottest dining destinations. And El Rey is helping lead that charge. With its warm hospitality, inclusive menu, and engaging atmosphere, the restaurant reflects the melting pot that is Puerto Vallarta—a place where cultures blend seamlessly, and people come together over shared meals and meaningful connections.
The heartbeat behind El Rey is the husband-and-wife team of Reanna and Lawrence Goodwin, originally from Oklahoma City. While Lawrence still travels back and forth for his law practice, the couple has firmly planted their roots in Puerto Vallarta. Their passion for food and drink inspired them to open two establishments in the area: first, The Office PV, a beloved local bar known for its intimate, “everyone-knows-your-name” atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails, and more recently, El Rey Barbecue Lounge de Versalles.
At El Rey, Reanna runs the kitchen while Lawrence oversees the smoking of the meats. Their collaboration is the heart and soul of the restaurant. Every dish and drink is born out of their shared vision, combining culinary technique with creativity and love for community.
Reanna’s culinary journey began humbly, working as a server in an Italian restaurant. Her curiosity and passion for cooking quickly led her into the kitchen, where she learned under the mentorship of the restaurant’s owners, Betsy and Gail. With their support, she joined a chef’s apprentice program and discovered her calling. Over the years, she expanded her skills into pastry, catered weddings and events, and even ran her own pastry operation while living in Seattle. El Rey is the culmination of those years of hard work and inspiration—a dream realized.
“We love this neighborhood and are so excited to have opened our businesses here,” Reanna says. “The community is so welcoming and supportive. It’s exciting to see all the changes happening in Versalles—it’s really become a destination in PV for food and drinks. Everyone here is rooting for each other to succeed.”
And succeed they have. El Rey’s menu features a thoughtful selection of smoked meats and barbecue-inspired comfort foods. Highlights include the smoked sausage plate, served with a trio of house-made sauces, tender pulled pork tacos and sliders, a crowd-pleasing charcuterie board, and a classic wedge salad with creamy blue cheese.
On a recent visit, the wings left a lasting impression—plump, juicy, and expertly seasoned, they may just be the best in the city. The burnt-end pork belly bites, served with a rich maple-bourbon barbecue sauce, were pure indulgence. The chili, hearty and flavor-packed, evoked comforting childhood memories, especially when paired with Reanna’s signature cornbread—moist, slightly sweet, and utterly satisfying.
No barbecue feast is complete without cocktails, and El Rey doesn’t disappoint. The Crown Jewel, made with raicilla, and the El Rey Margarita are just a couple of the expertly mixed drinks crafted by talented bartenders Sergio and Josh, who bring both flair and friendliness to the bar.
For dessert, Reanna brings her pastry background to life with homemade cheesecake (topped with your choice of raspberry or turtle sauce) and chewy chocolate chip cookies, made from her dad’s beloved recipe—an homage to family and flavor.
El Rey is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community gathering spot. Weekly events feature DJs, live performers, and screenings of major sports events. Looking to learn more about agave spirits? Lawrence and Reanna host private tastings for groups of 2–12. Need a venue for a wedding or celebration? El Rey has you covered. They’ve even partnered with a local yacht company, offering custom food-and-drink experiences out on the water.
And the Goodwins aren’t done yet. El Rey recently opened its front patio in the mornings (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) with grab-and-go breakfast items like tortas, burritos, and breakfast sandwiches—giving Versalles residents a delicious way to start their day. In the evenings (Monday to Friday 4 – 9:30 p.m.) you can find a selection of juicy burgers, corn dogs, loaded fries and much more.
At its core, El Rey Barbecue Lounge de Versalles is about more than barbecue. It’s about bringing people together. It’s about creating spaces that are warm, inclusive, and full of life. It’s about celebrating flavor, honoring tradition, and building something new in a city that thrives on creativity and connection.
Whether you’re a local, an expat, or simply passing through, El Rey welcomes you. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere—and leave as part of the family.
El Rey Barbecue Lounge de Versalles
Viena 200, Versalles, 48310 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., México
Monday – Friday, 2:00 – 10:00 pm
Saturday – Sunday, Closed
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