Coffee, Wine & Spirits
Cafe Wadi
Cafe Wadi is not the easiest place to find for those new to town. It is located a few blocks up the street, behind the Sandborn's nearest the Zocalo. (Walk up Juan Escudero to 5 de mayo and take a right). It is near Acapulco's busy market called "El Parazal," otherwise known as "Tepito."
This unassuming corner store with its small staff working hard behind the counter in an un-air-conditioned space, is real Acapulco. Though you can get a cup, while you are there, most come in quest of a bag of Guerrero's finest coffee. They have over a dozen blends.
While Cafe Wadi is not a "must-see" for a tourist to Acapulco, it is a must for any Acapulco resident who can tell the difference between Nestle's instant and a gourmet roast.
La Europea
La Europea is a liquor store and gourmet food store in Costa Azul, right across the street from El Cabrito restaurant and the Hard Rock Café. A second location is on the Diamante side of Acapulco, across from the Pierre Marqués golf course. Unlike similar stores in Canada and the United States, where the prices are always a lot higher than elsewhere, the prices at La Europea are surprisingly economical. Some items are rare or simply unavailable elsewhere in town. Examples are bleu cheese dressing, cranberry juice, English marmalade, authentic Italian pasta, patés, and sesame bread. Need an unusual herb or spice? If it can be found at all in Acapulco, look for it first at La Europea. The full-service deli has cheeses and meats from all over the world, at prices and quality that compare favorably on both counts to the nearest thing available in the super markets. La Europea also offers Acapulco's largest selection of European, Californian and Mexican wines. All the high-end whiskeys, liqueurs and tequilas are represented as well, without excessive mark-ups. Beers and popular brands of whiskey, rum, vodka and tequila are on sale, often for a little less than the prices in the local supermarkets. The service is friendly and attentive. Customers are made to feel very welcome and at ease. Costera Alemán 2908 (Costa Azul), 39850 Acapulco, Gro., México, +52 744 484-8043. Boulevard de las Naciones 37 (Granjas de Marques), 39890 Acapulco, Gro., México, +52 744 466-3697. http://www.laeuropea.com.mx/ Daily, 10 am to 7 pm, Fridays and Saturdays until 9 pm, Sundays until 4 pm.)
La Divina
La Divina is a chain of over 100 discount liquor stores throughout Mexico, with 12 locations in the Acapulco area. Prices are generally equal to or lower than those found in the supermarkets for the same brands. In addition, La Divina carries a much wider variety of types and brands of alcoholic beverages than the super markets. Imported wines are on sale at very reasonable prices and in many different varieties, some of them hard to find elsewhere. At La Divina a customer can also pick up a few bar tools, glasses and other gifts, as well as ice and mixers. Most stores offer 2 for 1 sales on selected liquors and wines, especially during holiday seasons. Costera Alemán 2908 (Costa Azul), 39850 Acapulco, Gro., México, +52 744 484-8043. (also 11 other locations in Acapulco. To see them all, link to http://www.ladivina.com.mx/)
