Things to do in Isla
We are ending our 8 days on Isla (7/5/26). Here are my reviews on the places we visited.
Rusticco’s - This is a small place with air conditioning which is super nice in July. Had Baja fish tacos that were excellent. The Mrs. had a Caesar salad which was also good. The owner/host was a little too eager to make sure everything was okay, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.
Jax - This is a sports bar in the Playa Norte area. It was a good place to watch the World Cup. The charcuterie board was THE best we’ve had not only on the island, but back in the States too!
Soggy Peso - Spent a couple of afternoons at this old favorite. Totally laid back with great margaritas. Friday’s food special was Crispy Beef Tacos - oh yeah. By the way, watch out when you wash your hands outside the bathrooms. 😎
Hotel Izla - this is an excellent hotel on the Punta Sur area of the island. We stayed in a VRBO right next door and decided to spend the day at their pool for 900 pesos each with a credit of 900 pesos against food and drink. We ate and drank all day (their guacamole was fabulous) and left without owing more money!
Coffee Bus - Again down on the Punta Sur area, this a cute little jungle coffee joint (think The Joint but for coffee). Coffee was good in ceramic cups.
North Garden - if you have one day for breakfast, go to North Garden. My daughter (26) looks forward to their banana smoothies. I go for the Salmon Benedict - oh yeah.
Women’s Bead Cooperative - This is a little bitty spot where local women sell their beaded creations (necklaces, ear rings, bracelets). It’s the real deal so don’t expect to speak English and don’t expect to pay with a card (pesos or dollars). 80% of the price paid goes to the women who made the creation and I believe it. The lady who checked us out entered the sale in a written ledger.
The Joint - You have to go here - I’ve read the other comments about the place becoming too touristy but - meh - whatever. It’s the coolest bar in the jungle you’ll ever be in. Their specialty is a frozen mojito (I’m no fan) but the other drinks are good and the taquitos will curl your toes.
Nilu Coffee (“The Good Coffee place”). This is another shoebox size of place with excellent coffee and home-backed pastries (the apple strudel was a repeater). The owner / cashier guy has a little Soup Nazi in him, but he loosens up pretty quick. This is in the Playa Norte area.
I hope you enjoy Isla. It’s a special place but not for everyone. It’s a favorite place for lots of us and honestly, we won’t miss you if you don’t like it. 😎.