Jack's Cafe in Panajachel

Brandon Dane

Along Calle Arboles in Panajachel sits Jack's Cafe, a low to mid-range priced cafe and bar. It takes its name from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

Out front are two statues of pirates, one of which is Johnny Depp's character, "Jack Sparrow."

Breakfast and Lunch with the Captain

This family-owned establishment serves some of the best food I have had in either San Pedro or Panajachel. Open from 8 AM to 1 AM, Jack's offers a variety of breakfasts. These include Continental (Q22), pancakes (Q20), omelets packed with spicy sausage, cheese and ham (Q24), and cereal (Q15).

I usually hit Jack's around lunch for my favorite, the ham and cheese sandwich (Q30). It is served on fresh French bread with mayonnaise, mustard, avocado and pickles. I never really appreciated fresh bread until I got to Guatemala.

And Jack's is the freshest I've had. Other light fare I like (usually because I am drinking beer a Brahva costs Q11) consists of nachos with cheese (Q22), chicken fingers (Q25), Buffalo wings (Q30), and other snacks.

Mexican Food and More

Dinners range from Q24 to Q33 and include quesadillas made with Cheddar and Monterrey cheeses, chicken or beef burritos, steak quesadillas, and chicken or beef fajitas.

Drinks run the gamut from sodas, lemonade and orange juice (Q8 each), to the bottomless cup of coffee (Q6), espresso (Q10), and fruit shakes with water (Q10), or milk (Q12). A glass of red or white wine is Q15.

Owners Axel and Astrid Oolong have created a quaint atmosphere on one of the busiest streets in Panajachel.

Their cool, dark venue seats around 30 people, and music resounds throughout everything from American rock to salsa. In addition to live music, Jack's shows NFL and NCAA football games, and soccer.

All around, Jack's Cafe is my favorite place to eat in Pana because the service is quick, the owners are friendly and the food is delicious.