Mazatlan - El Ajibe

El Ajibe is located on Constititucion in Centro Historico. It is housed in a 150 year old cistern, one of three that supplied water to the city in the 1800s.

The owner has decorated this massive vaulted building with all kinds of collectibles as can be seen.

Reservations are a must!

We took some photos during a walk by during the day.

We made our reservations via e-mail and received a confirmation from Jose. When we arrived Jose greeted us by name. There are only eight tables that seat from 4 to 6 people. Four were occupied by tourists and another filled up beside us.


As you enter you go down some stairs and this is on your right.

Looking towards the front from our table.

John started with the tortilla soup which was delicious. I didn't have an appetizer. One of my pet peeves is when a server wants to bring my main course while John is still eating his starter. Then when John still isn't finished the server brings both our main courses. Service could be definitely improved.

 We both had trouble choosing a main course. Shrimp figured heavily but dipped in a plum, peanut and peach sauce and wrapped in bacon?

I chose the ox tail stew which was tasty and quite large. The potatoes were delicious.

John was disappointed in his fajitas saying they had an odd taste like pickles. They weren't served on a hot dish.

Large golden letters on the wall spell out Que Onda - What's happening?

Complimentary appetizer of olives.

They have a good wine list which Jose carefully decanted.

To sum up we didn't love our meal or the service but did think it would be fair to give it another try. We did think Jose was a charming host.

I received a thank you note the next day from Jose. He also responds to every review on Trip Advisor.