The neighborhood "South of the River" in Puerto Vallarta (also called the Old Town or Zona Romantica) offers many inexpensive restaurants, bars, and cafes.  But, if you like, you can feed yourself well without setting foot into one.  Starting with the supermercado, Rizo's (corner Constitucion & Aquiles Serdan) buy everything you need for a great picnic meal.  Choose locally crafted whole grain bread or the white rolls you buy single from the bin... add tomatoes, cheese, avacado, maybe sliced ham from the deli counter.  Pick up some chips, boxed fruit juice or a cold beer, and you're good to go.  Another true bargain option is the roasted pollo (chicken) you will find at many locations around town... you'll get the chicken hacked into pieces, a couple roasted potatoes, tortillas, and red sauce.  Delicious!  AgroGourmet at B. Badillo 222 is a health food store with a deli case... homemade gourmet pizza by the slice, cold roasted vegetable salad, whole grained rolls, cold drinks make an excellent choice.  Don't miss the fresh squeezed juice (carrot, orange, grapefruit) available from street stands and shops.  Last but not least the deservedly popular sidewalk taco stands make for a cheap but filling snack, lunch, or dinner.  And for dessert try Dolphys or Bings ice cream, featuring tropical flavors such as pineapple, coconut, or blackberry for the perfect end to your day.

Jumaica, at Aldama162, in el Centro, is a great little juice bar.  The smoothies are to die for, and they make a very good margarita too.  They have a very nice selection and the ingredients are very fresh.  Prices are very resonable.