Steph C.
Yelp
Don Pato seems to be the established bar in Sayulita's main town square, and my friends and I went a couple times during a three-night trip. It was a happening spot, but not really my favorite, in part because it made my face bleed (more on that in a sec). YamBak next door was world's better.
The advantage here is that Don Pato is huge, with a few spacious levels, the first spilling onto, and the second and third overlooking the square. I enjoyed that view, as well as the general liveliness of the bar. There were a lot of people hanging out, mingling and drinking and dancing. There was live music at times, including a band that played a jazzy cover of the Pink Panther theme song.
The drinks were pretty standard--shots and bottled beers and such--and I think I only had one here (our first visit was just a scope-out, our second a deep night outing after several hours next door and in the square). While I waited to order, the bartender dropped a bottle of beer and it shattered dramatically. One little shard made it to my cheek, where it slashed my face a couple inches from my left eye. It was a very shallow cut that didn't even hurt, and that healed quickly (the scratch was barely noticeable even the next day), but it did bleed for a while. Not a big deal, but I was surprised when the bar charged me for my one beer. It was like $2 or whatever, not worth arguing, but like, come on, if there's ever a time to comp someone a cheap drink, it's probably when she's bleeding before your eyes.
Anyway, I still had a good time, and my beer (I forget what it was, but I hadn't had it before) was refreshing and tasty, totally worth a couple bucks. I don't know that Don Pato is a great drinking destination, but it's worth checking out if you're already out in Sayulita. Flying glass aside, it couldn't hurt.
