Enramadas de Playa Azul

Enramadas de Playa Azul refers to the line of palm-roofed enramadas along the Malecón Emiliano Zapata at Playa Azul, the closest beach resort to the industrial port city of Lázaro Cárdenas. Each of the enramadas serves broadly the same seafood repertoire, from shrimp cocktails to whole fried fish, with tables set directly on the sand rather than any one restaurant standing out sharply from its neighbours. Cóctel de camarón is the most ordered starter, huachinango frito, whole fried red snapper, is the typical main, and tacos de marlin ahumado, made with smoked marlin, are a specialty more particular to this stretch of coast than to Michoacán's inland restaurants. Because the enramadas run along the same beachfront strip with similar menus and prices, choosing between them often comes down to which happens to have a free table rather than a strong distinguishing factor. There is no notable wine or cocktail programme; cold beer and simple drinks accompany the seafood. Prices run 140-350 MXN per person. Tables are on the open sand with no reservation system, and the malecón is busiest on weekends when visitors from Lázaro Cárdenas and inland Michoacán come to the coast.