Follow Sandra Berry, Carol Billups, Bradley Fraser, George Landrum, Anna Urbanik, and Sabrina Lear on a tasting tour through Los Cabos’ fabulous Mexican restaurants – Los Cabos Magazine – Issue #11
Baja Cantina Beach Grill
There are two ways to enjoy this relaxing and refined beach restaurant: on the sand in white Grosfilex loungers with teak side tables and white shade umbrellas, or up a level in the open-air dining area with its wide planked wooden floors, comfortable seating and sailcloth shading. Sister of Baja Cantina Dockside at the Cabo San Lucas marina, here the theme is mesquite grilled meats and seafood specialties. We began with a 2003 Toasted Head Chardonnay, with aromas of spiced ripe pear and nectarine, and touches of tropical fruits and vanilla.
The crab cakes appetizer—two medallions with loose garden greens and a mango-chipotle sauce—loved the wine. The tuna tartar with a spicy caviar mousse and chives should be tried. We went with the mesquite-grilled lobster tails with garden vegetables and rice, and the Huachinango “Sarandeado,” an herb-marinated whole local red snapper grilled over mesquite. Both entrées were wonderful pings on the radar of taste. The menu also features rack of lamb, New York steak, and shrimp prepared in countless ways. One last thought, the view of Cabo San Lucas Bay and Land’s End is as good as dessert. Entrées from $14 to $40 U.S.; open Monday to Saturday from 7 p.m. to 12 p.m. with seating for 130. On Médano Beach in front of Cabo Villas Resort, dinner reservations suggested, call (624) 143-9773.—B.F.
The Brigantine
On the beach at the Playa Grande Resort, The Brigantine re-opened in Fall 2006 with a completely new menu by Chef Christopher Chong of La Fonda and Sea Queen fame. The chef has chosen to honor traditional Mexican ingredients with contemporary flair, which could be characterized as Mexican Nouveau. The restaurant offers seafood as well as meat dishes served with an elegant finesse suitable for the upscale decor and spectacular location. Exotic ingredients blend with traditional seafood and steaks to achieve a small yet eclectic menu. Starters include such novelties as crocodile tamales and their signature Mexican Flag Salad: spinach, tomato, and avocado with a cilantro dressing. The signature dish, in a nod to México’s abundant seafood, is shrimp grilled with dates, cream cheese, bacon, and carrot in a Chardonnay sauce. The dish is beautifully presented with rice in chayote squash and baby potatoes. The mango mousse with damiana, Baja’s native herbal aphrodisiac, will top off your meal. Entrées are $26 to $38 U.S. Valet parking is available, as is transportation from the lobby to the beach. Open from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., with seating for 50. A non-smoking restaurant, The Brigantine is air-conditioned with music nightly from 7:30 p.m. and full bar. Access Playa Grande via Avenida Solmar, off Boulevard Marina, just passed Galeon Restaurant in CSL. Reservations are strongly recommended, call (624) 145-7575, ext. 3305.—C.B.
Cabo Wabo Cantina
So you’ve reached “Land’s End”––now it’s time to experience the Cabo Wabo Cantina, a legendary hangout since 1990. Owned by the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar, it celebrates creative Mexican fare and glowing cocktails to the sound of loud classic rock. Sit in the dining room, take in the vibe from the humming Plaza de Los Mariachis, and let Chef Dustin Meeker get you started with generous servings of pan seared scallops or thyme-flavored stuffed button mushrooms. Continue with succulent jumbo coconut shrimp, a lobster burrito, or beef medallions with chipotle butter—all tasty and creatively presented. To wash it all down, take your best shot at one of the tempting house cocktails made with Cabo Wabo’s own tequila. Everybody’s favorite is the famous Cabo Waborita, but the Red Rocker and Cabo Wabojito are equally fabulous, and equally likely to get you “Waboed,” as the celebrity owner would say. Remodeling will soon triple the size of this star powered establishment; you’ll dine watching the stage and the bar, where you’ll realize that there’s no better mix than rock, tequila, and Cabo San Lucas. On V. Guerrero off L. Cárdenas, with a second entrance through Plaza de Los Mariachis. Dinner entrées from $17 to $24 U.S.; the restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; the club until 2 a.m. For reservations, call (624) 143-1188. – A.U.
Don Emiliano
Internationally acclaimed, and rightfully so, Chef Margarita Carrillo de Salinas is known for her deft interpretations of pre-Hispanic and Colonial Mexican cuisine. Now in its third season, her Don Emiliano restaurant continues to delight and amaze. Begin with the fabulous queso corazon (fresh regional grilled cheese) with tomatillo and chipotle sauce, move on, if you choose, to the black bean sopa morena, and feast on the chile relleno San José, a shrimp stuffed ancho chile with a divine goat cheese and cilantro sauce. New flavors this season include a grilled catch of the day with sundried three-chile sauce, and, from her Día de Los Muertos menu, manchamanteles, pork chops in a fruit-based mole sauce. Apart from her own exquisite recipes, the chef graciously shares those of her talented friends: keeping Chef Gerardo Vázquez-Lugo’s Filete Nicolasa, a dry chile crusted beef tenderloin with hibiscus flower sauce and tequila caramelized apples, and adding Chef Abdil Cervantes’ empanadas coloradas of soft shell crab. If this is your first visit, consider the six course tasting menu paired with an outstanding collection of Baja California and Mexican vintages, assembled by Angel Salinas, for $85 U.S. Don Emiliano is not to be missed (nor is the luscious Tabasco peppercorn ice cream or the tres leches cake). Entrées from $16 to $36 U.S., with seating for 150 and groups to 220 in a sophisticated garden setting. At Boulevard Mijares #27, downtown San José del Cabo, and open daily from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Reservations suggested, call (624) 142-0266.—S.L.
Hacienda del Cuervo
Hacienda del Cuervo’s patio is imbued with charm and romance. Here, Old México cuisine slants toward the contemporary with exciting flavors and eye-pleasing presentations. You might start with the Lajas de Atún Encostradas de Ajonjolí (seared tuna with sesame), followed with the house special, Parrillada de Mariscos, a platter of grilled shrimp, lobster, fish, and scallops. Fish dishes are offered in a variety of ways: wrapped in banana leaf with chayote slaw (a squash-like fruit), or in tamarind-habañero sauce (a sweet and sour fruit with hot chile). Or, try the arrachera skirt steak and chicken molcajete (volcanic lava bowl), and a Caesar salad with chipotle chile prepared for two with flair tableside. Save room for the Crepas de Cajeta al Brandy, flaming caramel crepes with brandy sauce a la mode. Open for traditional and Mexican-style breakfast from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m., with lunch served until 2 p.m. and dinner until 11 p.m. Dinner entrées are $15 to $35 U.S. Seating for 40 in the air-conditioned Cantina La Bohemia, and 60 outside, or groups from 50 to 100. A cozy bar is on the upper level for whatever you desire, and an enticing menu of after-dinner drinks. In Plaza Naútica on Boulevard Marina in downtown CSL. Reservations suggested, call (624) 105-1615 or 105-1621. —S.B.
Iguana Restaurant
Many of México’s greatest riches are in its culture and its food. And if learning about them is on your Cabo vacation to-do list, look no further. Iguana’s in to get you started, as Chef Abraham Arrona Tamez launches his all-nouvelle Carte menu. Taking the Mexican bill of fare “beyond enchiladas and quesadillas,” he’s showing that “the cuisine is the legacy, the legend, the myth, and the art of the Mexican culture.” A chef-recommended sneak preview of old-world specialties include Quau, which deciphers into coconut-breaded king prawns, flecked with creamy mango sauce, atop a fleshy, browned pineapple slice, as well as Malinche, a pineapple head filled with a surprising salsa (think ginger, chili, carrot, and honey), crowned with crispy-brown chicken fingers. Other not test-driven yet highly recommended novelties include tuna tartar and seafood-filled, tequila-drizzled coconut. Portions are made to satisfy a hearty appetite, and the open-air, marina-view dining room with a local trio performing at your table is guaranteed to delight your senses. And if you’re hard-to-please, extras like top-notch service, full bar and reasonable prices should humor you. Entrées from $11 U.S. to $35 U.S. for seafood entrées and from $5 U.S. to $16 U.S. for Mexican specialties. Iguana is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. with seating for 200. On Lázaro Cárdenas and Ignacio Zaragoza, across from Plaza Bonita, downtown; for reservations, please call (624) 143-8061.—A.U.
Justo al Gusto
There are spots known for the best people watching in Cabo San Lucas. Justo al Gusto Restaurant is one of them. Open to ocean breezes and topped by a lofty palapa roof, Markus Jungo, a Swiss-trained master chef, warmly greeted us and once inside, our waiter recommended a house margarita, saying they were the best in Cabo. He just might be right. The extensive menu is Mexican with European highlights. We started with the half cold lobster medallions in a light basil mayonnaise and fancy mixed greens with mango dressing, and the tostada with beef salpicón, shredded beef in a spicy vinaigrette with onion, basil, capers, serrano chile, tomato, and a touch of tamarind vinegar. Excellent appetizers led to savory entrées. We sampled free-range chicken with three sauces, called moles: poblano, a slightly spicy complex dark sauce, made with chocolate; green pipian made with pumpkin seeds and nuts, and the spicier red Oaxacan mole. Judging by the other tables, the many presentations of seafood and surf and turf flaming skewers were a big hit. For dessert, we lingered over traditional flan with flaming coffees, listening to romantic ballads. Entrées from $16 to $37 U.S. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. with seating for 75 and 10 at the bar. On the marina at docks M-O, dinner reservations suggested, call (624) 105-0707.—B.F.
La Casa del Dorado
The destination for great home-cooked Mexican dishes and seafood, La Casa del Dorado is located off the beaten path in a quiet fountain-cooled courtyard. All meals are prepared from traditional recipes with the freshest ingredients. Dinners include an appetizer and the soup of the day. The Special El Dorado is the catch of the day in a cheese shrimp sauce with strips of poblano pepper with breaded shrimp. Fish with basil, as the name implies, is today’s catch prepared with olive oil, garlic, basil and tomato. For the heartiest appetites, share the Charola Emperador for two or more: grilled lobster, breaded shrimp, shrimp Menier, cilantro fish, carne asada, chile relleno, cheese enchilada and chicken mole for $23 U.S. per person. Traditional Mexican fare includes the Maya: pork loin served in pepper sauce, with breaded shrimp; The Norteña: stuffed pepper, enchilada, and arrachera steak; or Chicken Green Heart, boneless chicken breast stuffed with spinach. Casa del Dorado offers Mexican and American breakfasts including beef canoa: sliced beef, potatoes and cheese in ranchero sauce with sunny-side-up eggs, and the omelet Altamar, a shrimp and cheese omelet topped with ranchero sauce. Entrées from $10 to $28 U.S. With a full bar, and seating for 80 on the covered terrace, 60 inside, and groups up to 150 in the garden palapa. Kids have their own menu and play area. At N. Mendoza and Obregón in CSL; open Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., call (624) 143-2017.—C.B.
La Panga Antigua
Jacobo Turquie walks a fine line. His fresh seafood-based menu echoes Mexican influences, his New York training, and an incredibly edible imagination. Set in a heritage building in historic downtown San José del Cabo, the enchanting open courtyard has romantic written all over it. We chose a 2004 Piedra del Sol Chardonnay from Baja California’s Valle de Guadalupe, perfect for sipping with the assorted appetizers for two of salads, a seafood medley and tuna timbale. Fresh fish and seafood dominate the entrées but a little voice inside was chattering rack of lamb in annatto seed rub with pineapple chutney and fresh mint and the voice was so right. My companion ordered the stellar catch of the day, sea bass drizzled with basil oil over mashed potatoes and spinach. Both entrées kept our expectations in the rarified air of what fine dining should be. For dessert, we shared the chocolate tamal (melted chocolate baked in a corn husk) and chased it with two steaming cappuccinos. You must experience La Panga, if only to be reminded of just how fantastic dining out can be. Entrées from $16 to $37 U.S. At Zaragoza 20, downtown. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. with seating for 160, including an air-conditioned salon for 24 and a private patio for large groups. For reservations, call (624) 142-4041.—B.F.
Los García Restaurante
Los Garcia is Haute Mexican cuisine at its finest. Dishes from generations of the Garcia family are so beautifully presented, you will think you are eating art. Diners are served a pomegranate-infused tequila gratis to introduce the exotic premium tequilas in the adjacent tequila boutique, many available for tasting in the restaurant. Starters like fish tartar, tostadas of shrimp, beef, and chicken, and not-your-traditional guacamole will lead you right into the entrée. Try the red snapper Veracruz-style, or the N.Y. in Cabo steak. The seafood stuffed poblano chile is divine; or try the mixed grill molcajete (a volcanic rock mortar) for two with chicken, beef fajitas, pork ribs, chorizo, and cheese. End by indulging in a bit of sin with the Bomba de Chocolate (chocolate bomb). A lunch menu of fresh salads is a welcome change as are the unusual breakfasts, such as eggs ahogados (poached eggs drowned in a spicy Mexican sauce). Lunch entrées are $8 to $21 U.S. with dinner entrées $19 to $30 U.S. At Plaza Puerto Paraíso, facing the marina, with free covered parking. The air-conditioned indoor dining area seats 46 with terrace seating for 40. Los García is an excellent option for groups up to 120. Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; reservations are suggested, call (624) 143-4601.—S.B.
Puerta Vieja
Ask any local where to go for some of the best views––and food––in Cabo San Lucas, and they will inevitably point up toward elegant Puerta Vieja. Welcoming diners through an extraordinary 150-year old Indian door, this two-level restaurant combines warm hacienda-style decor with Haute Mexican cuisine and spectacular ocean and Land’s End views. Arrive early for a panoramic sunset over town and across the bay. To the sounds of romantic Spanish ballads, start with a fabulous pear salad with gorgonzola, proscuitto, and caramelized walnuts. This being Cabo San Lucas, the menu is loaded with local fresh fish and seafood, at prices that are as pleasant as an early Christmas present. Combos are available with Sonora Angus beef, like the Puerta Vieja Specialty, three lamb chops, three jumbo shrimps and a lobster tail for $28 U.S. Try the chef-recommended, off-the-menu tequila shrimp, set atop a smoked pineapple slice with a creamy, mushroom-laden tequila sauce. You’ll also find Mexican specialties like Tampiqueña (marinated beef fillet) and traditional enchiladas. With delicious entrées priced from $14 U.S. to $29 U.S., indoor capacity for 150, two intimate VIP rooms, and an open-air bar upstairs, Puerta Vieja has it all. Daily from noon to 11 p.m. At Km 6.3 in the Corridor, near Plaza del Rey. For reservations, call (624) 104-3252.—A.U.
7 Seas at Cabo Surf Hotel
One of the few places in San José del Cabo for seaside dining, this casually elegant palapa-covered restaurant is perched sixty feet from the water, filling your senses with the rhythms of the sea. Over margaritas, we tried the shrimp-stuffed large wontons with a chipotle chile bean sauce and tuna tartar with avocado, capers, and wonton chips, now on my “must order again” list. Entrées swing from tradition Mexican with a twist, to meats and seafood. The Shrimp Tamarindo with green beans and couscous is served with an interesting sweet and sour tamarind mango sauce. The delicious chile relleno with fish, fresh panela cheese, roasted corn kernels, rice and tomato sauce was specially created for chile relleno lovers who prefer a lighter version. Dessert that night was fresh key lime pie and chocolate profiteroles stuffed with vanilla ice cream, along with premium tequilas and Spanish coffee. If you’re looking for a seaside setting with good service, atmosphere and creative cuisine, this is the one to try. Check the boutique hotel, a great place for intimate weddings and surf fans, with the famous Old Man’s break offshore. Dinner entrées are $14 to $40 U.S. At Km. 28, Acapulquito Beach, with seating for 80. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, call (624) 142-2666.—B.F.
Edith’s Restaurant
Passionately committed to serving authentic Baja Californian regional cuisine, dining at Edith Jiménez’s restaurant overlooking Cabo San Lucas Bay is an enchanting event. Mouth-watering aromas entice passersby into an alfresco setting of lanterns aglow and clay chimneys ablaze, warming the cool night air. Colonial touches, grand palapas, and the rustic Californiano chiname construction-style lend a relaxed elegance to the lovely setting. Cabo San Lucas-born Chef Jesús Guadalupe Castro’s recipes are graced with Edith Jiménez’s signature touch, using organic produce from local farms, along with the finest meats, fish and seafood. There is an impressive cellar of Baja Californian and Mexican wines for pairing with each course. Edith’s sizzling Miraflores mesquite grill imbibes each plate with irresistible flavor. If you have dined here before, you may have a favorite, if not, put the menu away and let the staff introduce you to the delights of our regional fare. Begin with the outstanding tortilla soup, or Ensalada César, prepared as it was originally intended by Tijuana’s César Cardini. Which superb seafood, fresh fish, meat, or free range chicken entrée or combination you order will be up to you, but leave room to linger over the banana flambé and a special coffee. Entrées from $16 to $130 U.S. for the Lover’s Special for two with wine and dessert. On Paseo del Pescador, one block up from Médano Beach, with seating for 150, and groups up to 180. Daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with valet parking. Reservations recommended, call (624) 143-7580 or 0801.—S.L.
El Comal
Away from the street racket and safeguarded within a blooming, lush backyard in the historic center of San José del Cabo, lies a jewel of truly Mexican cuisine, El Comal. This spot takes full advantage of Los Cabos’ year-round alfresco opportunities, with its large, candlelit patio, under a canopy of colorful bougainvilleas and scented fruit trees. The scene alone is enough to attract the ever-growing bevy of visitors as well as locals, and Chef José Ramon Amador keeps them coming back. Try the sopes de cochinita pibil (soft corn dough filled with shredded pork loin that has been marinated in achiote sauce and oven-roasted). For an entrée, choose between the chef-recommended marinated flank steak with poblano peppers, and an unusual tortilla-crusted sea bass fillet with grilled tomatoes. To tack on to your painstakingly-crafted Mexican experience, El Comal’s décor will astound you with details like hand-woven tablecloths, owner-designed margarita glasses and plates, as well as lamps and candles in all shapes and sizes. Plan to arrive at dusk, for when night falls this spot is transformed into a celestial-like space of floating lights, setting the scene for an unforgettable romantic rendezvous. Entrées $12 to $32 U.S. Open Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with seating for 80. At Blvd. Mijares #1357, downtown SJD. For reservations, call (624) 142-5508.—A.U.
El Coral
A very nice surprise awaits those who want to experience authentic Mexican food, superb seafood, and delicious steaks. Established in 1975, El Coral was the first restaurant in Cabo San Lucas and is still going strong. Enter the open-air palapa and outside sounds fade. Cool breezes greet patrons, as does the aroma of mesquite-grilled fish and top-quality steaks. Choose a “Mucho Grande Margarita,” accompanied with Choriqueso (melted cheese with Mexican sausage). The fresh shrimp ceviche is outstanding as a starter, and the lobster combo or BBQ ribs are popular with tourists. Real Mexican food? The combo has it all, and Tampiqueña is the ultimate with tender beef. Tacos come three to an order, but if you want four, ask for it at no extra cost. The very Mexican ambiance and rustic decor add to the comfortable and casual atmosphere. End your fabulous meal with a crispy banana burrito a la mode and Mexican coffee. Prices range from $6 U.S. for tacos to $40 U.S. for the seafood sampler for two. Open for breakfast at 8 a.m. (except Sundays), with the same menu for lunch and dinner until 10 p.m. All-you-can-drink tequila shots are offered with dinner after 6 p.m. El Coral seats 80 and groups up to 30, with a pool table in the bar. On Blvd Marina at Hidalgo, across from Tesoro Los Cabos, in downtown CSL. Call (624) 143-0150.—S.B.
Jazmin’s Restaurant
Tucked behind San José del Cabo’s historic colonial church, Jazmin’s offers traditional Mexican dishes, seafood, and vegetarian specialties. Upon entering, you will find yourself engulfed by the revolutionary spirit, as you lend your ear to the beat of banda and Mariachi music playing in the background. The photo gallery picture-studded walls take you back to Old México. Serving Los Cabos for 13 years, Owner Araceli Villafuerte knows how to please her guests. The fabulous tuna or shrimp stuffed butter-soft avocado can get you started, and the recommended Jazmin’s Special (shrimp-stuffed tender chicken breast in Béchamel sauce) will get you going. Fresh from the net, there’s Meniere Fish, a sea bass fillet bathed in rich onion and cilantro sauce, topped with melted cheese. Meat eaters will appreciate chicken in molcajete (a lava rock mortar), fajitas and BBQ baby back ribs. For seekers of traditional Mexican fare there’s the Viva Pancho Villa menu. A neighborhood folksy atmosphere and reasonable prices, with appetizers from $4 to $10 U.S. and entrées from $9 to $23 U.S., make this spot popular. The air-conditioned dining room seats 50, and up to 100 for special events. When your feast is over, stroll through the streets of the charming historic downtown and make it a part of your experience. Daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Morelos between Zaragoza and Obregón. For reservations, call (624) 142-1760.––A.U.
Los Deseos
Los Deseos (dreams, wishes, or desires), is where your dreams may come true. This eclectic Mexican restaurant with modern Mexican architecture has what it takes to draw the tourist crowd as well as locals. Located in the Golden Zone of the Cabo San Lucas marina, Los Deseos offers the visual beauty of the marina and an appealing array of traditional Mexican dishes to suit every palate. Start with a tequila special called “La Bandera” (the flag) for the Mexican flag’s three colors: tequila for the white, sangrita for the red, and lime for the green. The attractive, up-to-the-ceiling well-stocked bar has the mixings of any drink you desire. Order the three-cheese appetizer prepared tableside in a hot volcanic rock that is entertainment in itself, topped with a dab of any of the three homemade salsas. Consider a traditional nopal (cactus) salad. Entrées from $8 to $22 U.S. with names like Tikin Xic, a local fish cooked in banana leaves, Yucatán-style; Chicken Mole Atocpan; and their “very” Mexican stuffed Anaheim chile. Coconut flan ends a very fine meal. Open daily 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All credit cards accepted. At Marina Fiesta Resort on the Cabo San Lucas marina. Call (624) 145-6020 Ext. 2053.—S.B.
México Mystic
Cabo San Lucas has no shortage of outstanding restaurants, and with the recent opening of México Mystic, the rich get richer. Chef Flaviano Morales ensures the continuity of indigenous flavors and traditions, turning them into the essence of this new spot. There’s an exciting buzz coming from the open, mural-painted cocina, while the aroma of mesquite-grilled surf and turf specialties fills the spacious, double-tiered dining room. Tease your taste buds with a fabulous Passion Caesar Salad prepared tableside, served on a bed of crispy lettuce and topped with yet crispier croutons. Among main courses, lobster and steak are common characteristics, but you’ll also find shrimp, catch of the day and chicken. Even the most discriminating diner will find the shrimp-stuffed chile relleno—with a surprising touch of banana—luxury by the spoonful. The lobster enchiladas, which boast a hand-made tortilla enshrouding succulent lobster, are no slouch, either. After feasting upon bountiful offerings of this truly Mexican establishment, tempt yourself to a piece of cheesecake, which comes fluffy as a cloud and deserving of a standing ovation. In México Mystic, everything is tasteful—from the professional, attentive service to delightfully presented plates.With seating capacity for 100 and prices ranging from $5 U.S. to $16 U.S. for appetizers, and from $15 U.S. to $38 U.S. for entrées, it will certainly become one of Los Cabos favorite dining spots. Open daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Paseo del Pescador, near the entrance to Meliá San Lucas; for reservations call (624) 143-2374.—A.U.
Mi Casa
Whenever visitors ask where to go for Mexican food, one of the first places that comes to my mind is “Mi Casa,” across from Plaza Maria Wilkes. This is not Tex-Mex cooking; this is the real deal, since 1993. The demand for their food and excellent hospitality has been so great that they have expanded to three times the original size, with room for groups up to 400. Mi Casa is outdoor dining on terraced patios with great lighting and plenty of that Old México feeling—colorful murals, tables and chairs, and strolling musicians I ordered the Chiles en Nogada: poblano chiles stuffed with a spicy meat mixture and topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. My wife tried the pork Carnitas de Michoacan. Both dishes were recommended house specials and they were delicious. Another specialty is Tamales Bandera, three types of tamales with three different colored sauces. Chicken in dark mole sauce, fish, seafood, and typical Mexican dishes round out the menu, try the beef in chipotle sauce or the seafood chile relleno, both very tasty with just the right amount of spice. Lunch is from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday; dinner is served daily from 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. Entrées range from $18 to $45 U.S., with special menus for groups of 100 or more. On Ave. Cabo San Lucas, downtown CSL; reservations are strongly suggested, call (624) 143-1933.—G.L.
Miguel Locos
New to the Cabo San Lucas dining and nightlife scene, with an excellent town square location, Miguel Locos Grill and Cantina serves up good mesquite grilled steaks, seafood and Mexican specialties. An instant hit with locals, the long, air-conditioned dining room is a mix of the casual and the sophisticated, where contemporary art shares space with a 12-seat bar featuring large flat screen televisions. Chef Omar Visaiz produces tasty fare that is simple yet well executed. To the sounds of live jazz, we start with spicy chicken wings and fabulous chimichangas, deep fried flour tortillas filled with meat, cheese and salsa. The coconut shrimp with a tangy mango salsa, and the ribs in owner Miguel’s BBQ sauce prove to be equally delicious. There’s also a traditional Mexican Combo including a chile relleno, enchiladas and tacos. A considerable part of Miguel Locos’ menu is taken up with their liquid offerings, from the 24 creative cocktails, like the popular Medias de Seda (Silk Stockings) with gin, cream and grenadine, to a good selection of wine, tequila and cerveza (beer). With seating capacity for 80, Miguel Locos opens from noon to midnight Tuesday to Sunday, and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays. Affordable lunches, and a menu for kids, entrées are from $14 to $26 U.S. On M. Hidalgo at Km. 0, across from Plaza Amelia Wilkes. For reservations call, (624) 142-7077.––A.U.
Pancho’s Restaurant & Tequila Bar
Pancho’s, a Cabo San Lucas landmark for 16 years, has speedy service and a wide variety of traditional Mexican dishes—and more than 500 different brands of tequila! The atmosphere is festive, with the Pancho’s Trio strolling among the brightly covered tables. We were told that Pancho’s is famous for its tortilla soup, so I ordered a bowl and my wife, Mary, chose the Caesar salad. The tasty soup was filled with shredded chicken and small tortilla strips, cheese, and avocado chunks with a flavorful broth; the ample Caesar crisp with just a touch of anchovy. The menu tempts with food from all over México. I tried Pancho’s Famous Combination, a chile relleno, chicken enchilada, quesadilla, and arrachera (marinated skirt steak) with rice and beans. Mary had Maria’s Special, mesquite-grilled chicken and pork ribs with rice, beans, and steamed veggies. We both agreed that the food was good and there was plenty of it. For tequila fans, there’s a tequila tasting menu; and they will cook your catch for $10 U.S. Entrées are $12 to $60 U.S. for the seafood combo for two. Pancho’s seats 150 and groups up to 60 with advance notice. Kid-friendly, with a special children’s menu, Pancho’s is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. On Hidalgo at Zapata, one block up from Boulevard Marina. Reservations are recommended, call (624) 143-2891.—G.L.
Terranova Restaurant
The charming Terranova Restaurant, serving traditional Mexican cuisine since 1987, is just a few blocks from the historic town square in San José del Cabo. A pleasant terrace and a very relaxed atmosphere set the scene for our meal. The lunch and dinner menu sports some of the most traditional Mexican specialties. Good starters are the classic Aztec soup loaded with a thatch of tortilla strips, Oaxaca cheese and avocado, as well as the fresh Caprese salad. For the main course try the reasonably priced enchiladas, or mole poblano (chicken in a dark rich sauce). Another highlight––the hearty Mexican Plate––includes a chile relleno, quesadillas, guacamole, a deep-fried taco, rice and beans. Fish, seafood and steaks are also prepared Mexican-style. Don’t leave without dessert because the cheesecake is not to be missed. Dinner entrées from $11 to $24 U.S. Terranova Restaurant has a full bar and seating capacity for 72, including two air-conditioned dining rooms. The breakfast menu is especially popular, featuring eggs prepared in fourteen different ways, and omelettes with shrimp, Mexican sausage or chicharrón (pork cracklings). Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Degollado between Zaragoza and Doblado. For reservations, call (624) 142-0534.—A.U.
