Colorful, welcoming, easy to find, and a nice value. Machete Legendary Taco Grill, or simply Machete, has been one of my favorite restaurants in San Miguel, Cozumel for years. Maybe it’s because I passed there nearly every day rolling to the oceanfront, or because we could literally see it as soon as we stepped out our front door when we stayed in Cozumel in 2019-2020, but I love this place. Even when we’ve visited more recently, and our Airbnb was further away, it was worth the walk. Sitting at one of the sidewalk tables, watching tourists and vendors walk by, with a cool drink and warm tacos was one of my favorite ways to spend an early evening.
My favorites were the beef steak taco trio and the flan. Oh, that flan, my favorite on the island! My family enjoyed the Galina Loca Alambres, a mix of chicken, chorizo, peppers, and cheese, served with warm soft tortillas to fill; and the fruity cocktail “Machete Special”, a mango colada with grenadine and amaretto. We have tried almost everything on the menu and brought numerous visitors here over the years, and no one has been disappointed. They do have an English version of their menu, so if you feel more comfortable with that, just ask. Tip: Order the fresh guacamole as soon as you arrive, so you can have time to look over the menu.
Wonderfully accessible dining for any sort of wheelchair. They will quickly remove a tableside chair if you want to remain with your wheels, but I generally transferred to one of the plastic seats. The restrooms, however, are not wheelchair friendly. I will always remember the waitstaff waving, saying hello, and pausing to have a short conversation with me as I was passing by. In 2020, when I rolled past in my costume for Carnaval, they called all the staff out to greet me and had me pose with them for photos. I must say, it felt like I belonged. Thank you Machete.
