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In the culinary landscape of Puerto Vallarta, the Versalles neighborhood has established itself as an epicenter of fresh and authentic proposals. At calle Vienna 200, a concept merges the warmth of an American home with vibrant Mexican culture: El Rey Bar & Grill PV.
This project is the fruit of the dream of Reanna and Lawrence Goodwin, a couple originally from Oklahoma City who decided to transform their love for Mexico into a lifestyle.
Reanna, with a 25-year career as a chef specializing in pastry, and Lawrence, a divorce attorney with a passion for agave culture, have managed to create a space where culinary technique and genuine hospitality meet.
The Goodwins’ story in Puerto Vallarta began long before the restaurant opened. Lawrence had been visiting the city since the late 1990s, and Reanna fell in love with the destination in 2011. However, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that accelerated their retirement plans. Realizing that remote work was a viable option, and following their youngest daughter’s high school graduation, the family moved permanently to the Jalisco coast.
Their first business venture was The Office, a bar born in 2022 out of a personal need: the desire to find a spot in Versalles with air conditioning to enjoy a midday drink. The success of this small neighborhood bar where human connections happen everyday prompted them to take the next step. When the current location became available a year later, they decided to materialize their true passion: smokehouse cuisine.
The name of the establishment, El Rey (The King), is a double tribute. On one hand, it honors a very special family pet, a pig named Elvis; on the other, it pays homage to the unmistakable “King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley.
A Gastronomic Proposal: Smoke, Tradition, and Comfort
The concept of El Rey Bar & Grill PV is based on the way the Goodwins hosted friends at home. “We wanted to open a restaurant that felt like the way we welcome friends into our home to watch sports,” Reanna says. That essence of gathering translates into a menu centered on authentic barbecue.
The undisputed stars of the kitchen are:
- Smoked Brisket: Slow-cooked until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Smoked Ribs: A favorite among locals and expats for its balance of smoke and seasoning.
- Chicken Wings: The house’s signature product, prepared with a technique that sets them apart from any other spot in the area.
- Chili with Corn and Butter: A comforting dish that evokes the flavors of the American South.
Agaves and Viticulture: A Bar with Identity
The bar at El Rey is not just a complement; it is a destination in itself. Lawrence Goodwin has poured his passion for tequila and the town of Tequila into an exceptional curation. The house cocktails are designed under a clear premise: the prominence of agave. From mezcals and raicillas to their famous Margarita del Rey, which includes a distinctive cherry touch, the mixology seeks to both educate and delight the guest.
For wine lovers, Wednesdays are transformed into the Wine Club. Managed by sommelier Roberto, this space offers tastings of three selected labels. Additionally, once a month, the restaurant raises the stakes with wine-pairing dinners. The next date is February 25, 2026, featuring a menu that includes Mediterranean salad, smoked four-cheese lasagna, and a chocolate truffle for dessert, all harmonized with Pinot Grigio.
A Space for Everyone
Although it defines itself as a sports bar with a capacity for over 60 people, El Rey breaks away from genre stereotypes. It is an inclusive space that embraces the entire community, including the LGBTIQ+ collective.
“We want everyone to feel comfortable here. If you like sports, we have the screens; if you prefer wine culture, we have the club; and if you’re looking for something quiet, our patio offers a private and intimate experience,” Reanna affirms.
As proof of this commitment, this coming Tuesday, February 17, 2026, El Rey will exceptionally open its doors to host the Gay+ Mixer, organized by Out & About Magazine. The event will feature special promotions such as $100 MXN margaritas and vodka lemonades, $50 MXN beers, and complimentary snacks including their famous smoked wings and cornbread bites.
- Location: Vienna 200, Colonia Versalles, Puerto Vallarta.
- Hours: Wednesday to Monday. (Weekdays 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM).
- Entertainment: Live music on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- Facebook: El Rey Bar & Grill PV
- Phone/ Whatsapp: +52 322 115 2881
El Rey Bar & Grill PV is not just a place to eat; it is a piece of the Goodwins’ history shared with Puerto Vallarta, where the smoke from the grill and human warmth create an atmosphere that is hard to replicate.
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
